Reviews of Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar (Restaurant)

Virginia Risakotta

A gin and French wine bar in Portsmouth! Something different! So excited! That excitement didn’t last long from my Restaurant Week dining experience a couple days ago. My friend and I walked in and we were not greeted, no smile, no hello nothing. There were no female staff on that day, all men. The bartender was polishing glasses, the restaurant was busy but nothing 4 front of the house staff couldn’t handle. There was no hustle from the staff, no sense of urgency. Being in the industry, we expected something better than having to ASK to get the bar wiped down when seated and being acknowledged 15 minutes later after entering - unacceptable. My friends and I got two bottles of wine. Bartender (brunette, average height, bearded) recommended our wine to be chilled and we declined, he left with the wine and didn’t come back 15 minutes later which was very sketchy. I got restaurant week and my friends got other things. My potato leek soup was excellent, beef entree was generous portion, my dessert was disappointing. They seem to pre-torch my creme brûlée. Instead of it being warm and delightfully crispy, it was rock hard and cold and I almost chipped a tooth from eating it, very disappointed. The most appalling thing about this was the bartender and his mannerisms. Very rude, very pompous, very pushy. He was bickering and lecturing my friends and I. There’s a difference of being passionately educated about food and wine verses unwanted lecturing that comes off haughty. Reprimand your bartender Botanica! Not off to a great launch in my opinion, had high hopes. Will give another chance.

Sarah Wrightsman

This place is such a charming little spot on the West End. The decor and the gin cocktails really draw you in and add to the overall atmosphere. The food is delicious! Especially the vegetable dishes, which are so fresh and creative. There is a mushroom pasta dish on the menu that is impossible not to order. The desserts are very good, but they also have cheeses to choose from if you don't want something sweet. Can't wait to keep coming back and trying more!

Kit

Classic cocktails and creative, beautiful food. Attentive service.

John Fanning

We were a party of four and really enjoyed the experience. Nick the waiter met us immediately as we came in and was extremely attentive and informative throughout the night. The food and atmosphere was great. Thanks Botanica!

Ben Penkacik

Everything about this place was awesome. Service was fast and attentive. The drinks were perfectly executed, the duck meatballs we had were incredible (I could have drank a cup of the gravy on its own), the duck confit was cooked perfectly and the gnocchi bed was perfectly crisped. We ordered both desserts. Usually I'm the creme brûlée fan and my wife is the chocolate fan, but both desserts were probably the best representation I have ever tasted of those dishes and I honestly could have gone either way.

Dave Edwards

Great cocktails and excellent food. Same chef as the Joinery. Wonderful!

Pierre Bouchard

You have to try this place! It's great - superb food, appetizers, entrees excellent. Gins are also interesting and another differentiator. Just try it, you won't be disappointed!

James

Bartender lacked knowledge of their drinks and while the open kitchen may seem nice, one of the cooks could be seen without gloves repeatedly fixing their hair. Gross

Rebecca Blake

Creative cocktails, and among the best meals we've had in Portsmouth. Great for a special night out, or a fun/hip bar scene. Service was attentive without being intrusive. Highly recommend this new addition to the West End.

Stu Gilman

We love the intimacy of a small restaurant, great menu, and we loved our bartender Brittany!

Haley Smith

We had 3 different apps and they were all so good! Drinks were great and so was the bartender, Lawrence! Can't wait to go back!

Lindsay Shumer

GREAT cozy place, menu, and atmosphere.

Kaitlin Douglass

Creative cocktails, great ambiance, and delicious food in an intimate setting