Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar

This was our second time dining here. The food and the service both times have been wonderful. They have GF options even the potatoes in the delicious Steak Frites are GF. You absolutely need to save room for the chocolate soufflé, GF and amazing!

Delightful restaurant! Excellent food, cocktails, and service. Maybe the best restaurant experience I've had in Portsmouth?

Didn't eat there but sat at the bar and enjoyed a whiskey with a coworker. Staff was friendly and the bartender knew his craft. Was neat to watch him mix up all sorts of cocktails while we were there.

We ate here for restaurant week and were disappointed. The desserts were amazing, but the entrees were average. The mocktails we had were very good. The service was very slow, it took us 2 hours to eat here. For the price, I would not recommend eating here.

Fabulous find! Stopped by for a cocktail & stayed for dinner! Inventive gin cocktails. Delicious meals with beautiful presentations! We had a lamb appetizer that was so succulent. The duck confit - melt in your mouth! Our oysters were just good but we're spoiled . The arctic char was fabulous! For dessert we had the chocolate souffle and the creme caramel - yum! My father wants to bring friends back there! I think it's his new favorite restaurant. Also nice to note that the staff were very helpful with my gluten & dairy allergies. Great place for a date!

This place is an asset to Portsmouth, a town with 20 restaurants providing food for people to live for every one restaurant for people who live to eat.
Great place all around.
Wife and I went for restaurant week and we wish we tried this place sooner.
Highly recommend.

Delicious French-inspired cuisine. The Gin selection is extensive (try the Tamsworth botanical sipping gin) but their wine selection is excellent too.
My husband and I often come in and find seats at the bar, but it’s a risk w/o a reservation.
I enjoy more casual dining and lighter fare when I’m at the bar. We often select fresh oysters, a green salad, soup, fresh bread and a cheese tray. Entrees are substantial and great when I’m very hungry.
On my last visit I enjoyed the agnolotti pasta stuffed with ricotta. They were light pillows of pasta touched by a light sauce — divine! I finished my light meal with the Hazelnut Genoise which was a pleasant palate pleaser. The cake was slightly warmed — both sweet and savory with a plum and caramel sauce. It was the perfect finish!
Finally, the staff are always pleasant and friendly. The restaurant is comfortable and the conversation easily heard with your companions. A great spot for vegetarians and meatatarians alike!

Between the food and the service - I’m not sure which was better. Listen to the staff recommendations and then regardless be sure to order the soufflé.

What a great restaurant!
Our second time there and everything was as great as the first!
Our server, Autumn was attentive and very pleasant.
When we left Brandon made sure we got into the right Uber.
Thank you so much!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We visited during Portsmouth restaurant week and I highly recommend Botanica. The meal was a three course set menu. I had the Gin salmon with beets and red onions, a light and easy starter dish. The duck confit which was amazing, crispy skin with tender meat served with Parisian gnocchi and chocolate souffle (not pictured). The tan Negroni (also not pictured) was the best cocktail of the night.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Duck Confit with Parisian Gnocchi Leeks and Red Wine Sauce, Enna Chocolate Souffle with Vanilla Crème Anglaise

Went as part of restaurant week. We had the pork belly and smoked muscle apps, main duck confit and mushroom risotto, and for dessert chocolate souffle. Cocktails were excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A group of four of us went tonight during restaurant week. We’d never been here before and all left very impressed. We ordered olives for an appetizer - they came warmed and were delicious. Baguette ( from Lil’s - can never go wrong with anything from there). Two people had the pork belly appetizer which they loved. Entrees were fantastic too and we ended the meal with individual choc soufflés ( choc from Enna in Exeter)with vanilla cream. The place is small and intimate with great bar seating too. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Botanica is a gem amongst the many restaurants within the portsmouth area. Upon walk in it feels like a speakeasy, and that intimate space makes each customer feel like they are a part of a niche crowd/experience. The staff are attentive and informative, and not one once did were they presented a question they could not answer. The way they space out courses makes the dining experience feel much smoother, and the portions are perfectly tailored to satisfy without being overwhelming. The food quality itself was incredible. The meals were so light yet had bold flavors that left amazing mouthfeels with each bite. Overall this restaurant is providing a unique and authentic experience that feels luxurious and familiar at the same time. It is a must try for anyone in the local area, and certainly a place to stop in if visiting from out of town!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Great food , good drinks and attentive service. We really enjoyed our visit.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kind waitstaff, delicious food made with high quality ingredients, and a fun environment. This is a hidden gem!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Agnolotti Pasta with Roasted Mushrooms, Duck Confit with Parisian Gnocchi Leeks and Red Wine Sauce