Botanical Plant-Based Fare

Fabulous menu. Delicious food and drink. Reasonable prices. Great atmosphere except it was a little loud for me. Friendly staff too.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ordered pick-up on food. We ordered:
Umami potatoes
Miso mac and cheese
Fried crab cakes
Crab mac and cheese
BBQ sliders

The food is delicious. We split these items between 3 adults and 1 toddler. None of us are vegans.

One said he would order the BBQ sliders even with meat options available because it's good independently, not because it's the only thing he can eat. (I personally did not care for them, but I don't normally eat BBQ. They were not bad. They weren't for ME.)

I LOVE crab cakes. These ones I would devour again and again. The umami potatoes are a perfect food group.

Both mac and cheeses were really good. Preferentially to the crab one over the miso. Would eat both again.

Toddler ate brother's french fries he brought home from Grammy's instead of the mac and cheese, so we do not have the kid opinion to give.

Will eat again when visiting Charlottesville.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Pretty good food, but really needs a changing table!

We found this place while searching on. Happy Cow for vegan options in Charlottesville. This place popped up in two different locations (they have one in another city also with reduced hours). I was really excited to try this because the menu is ALL VEGAN and mostly Gluten Free.

There were so many choices that I didn't know where to start, honestly. So we ended up splitting a few different dishes to try and taste the diversity they had to offer.

I got a Chai Latte and my husband got a Matcha Latte to drink. Both were absolutely delicious.

For food, we decided to try the following:

Rainbow Terra Salad
Umami Potatoes
Chickpea Tuna Boats
Okono Cakes (we really wanted the Crab Cakes, which were on the summer specials list, but they have wheat protein in them, so not GF... unfortunately)

All of these were fantastic! I love that they used purple cabbage and carrots for the Okono Cakes, which seem similar to Latke's, but not nutrient dense.

In all honesty, I wanted to go back for dinner to try some of the other options, but we weren't in the same area anymore.

Overall, the food and service was great. Lance was very knowledge and friendly and also gave us some great insight about other cool things to do in the area that the locals like. Much appreciated!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Rainbow Terra Salad

We found this place while searching on. Happy Cow for vegan options in Charlottesville. This place popped up in two different locations (they have one in another city also with reduced hours). I was really excited to try this because the menu is ALL VEGAN and mostly Gluten Free. There were so many choices that I didn't know where to start, honestly. So we ended up splitting a few different dishes to try and taste the diversity they had to offer. I got a Chai Latte and my husband got a Matcha Latte to drink. Both were absolutely delicious. For food, we decided to try the following: Rainbow Terra Salad Umami Potatoes Chickpea Tuna Boats Okono Cakes (we really wanted the Crab Cakes, which were on the summer specials list, but they have wheat protein in them, so not GF... unfortunately) All of these were fantastic! I love that they used purple cabbage and carrots for the Okono Cakes, which seem similar to Latke's, but not nutrient dense. In all honesty, I wanted to go back for dinner to try some of the other options, but we weren't in the same area anymore. Overall, the food and service was great. Lance was very knowledge and friendly and also gave us some great insight about other cool things to do in the area that the locals like. Much appreciated! Updated from previous review on 2025-07-11

Found this cool place on the downtown mall I passed too many times without taking notice.
The staff is friendly and the food ( I had a salad bowl ) was delicious and a good portion.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Outstanding. Top notch, seamless, quality. Just the best. Thanks a bunch.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

You will be so glad you came here! The Botanical team knocks it out of the park both in their restaurant and with catering. Some of our dine-in favorites are the Gochu Street Corn, Rainbow Terra Salad, and Okono Cakes, but we have yet to order something that we didn't thoroughly enjoy. Their service is quick and the restaurant has a fresh and friendly atmosphere. Botanical recently catered our wedding celebration and it was not only EXTRA delicious, but the Botanical team went above and beyond with flexibility and kindness. Our catering favorites were the Sticky Cauliflower, Gochu Street Corn Cups, Umami Potatoes, Rainbow Terra Salad, and Beyond Sliders. Everything was a hit both for us and everyone at our party. Be sure to add Almond Layer Bars to your catering order, and DOUBLE the amount you think you'll need---I kid you not, our entire display of them was gone in 15 minutes. Botanical. Is. The. Best.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was good , but I’m giving this place one star solely because of the unacceptable customer service. I ordered food to go, which obviously means I would need a bag and utensils — that’s standard at any decent establishment. Instead, I was met with attitude. The staff member asked if I wanted a bag and utensils like it was an inconvenience, then proceeded to slam the cabinet and toss the utensils in the bag with clear irritation. When I thanked her, she just walked off without a word.

This isn’t just bad service — it’s a lack of basic professionalism and respect. I almost returned the food on the spot. I’m beyond tired of spending my hard-earned money at places that treat paying customers like a burden. I’ll be using my platform to make sure others know exactly what kind of service to expect here. Do better.

Food: 3

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl, Gochu Street Corn

So good!! My wife and I got the street corn, sticky cauliflower, Mac n cheese, and crispy chickn sandwich! Thennnnn the chocolate almond butter bars and they are a must!!! So dang good, and the people are sweet, and the atmosphere is cute and calm while the street outside is fun and energetic to walk afterwards :) we will absolutely be back!

Very quaint and casual, ordering is done via smartphone, food came up quick and complete... Everything we had was delicious and left us feeling very satisfied

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

All the food is so wholesome and tasty. One of the best restaurants on the downtown mall. You can pick anything on the menu that you're in the mood for and it's good. Special, seasonal menus are like the icing on the cake.

This place is located within an outdoor, walkable mall. The indoor seating area was amazing. For breakfast, they only have a handful of menu items available, plus some items in the display case like fruit and cookies. I had the Breakfast Sandwich and liked it. Wife had Sesame Avocado Toast, and she enjoyed it. We went back for dinner and was amazed at all the things available. I had the Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl and some lentil soup. Both were so good I'm still thinking about them.

Extremely delicious food! Was in the town for the weekend and stopped in for brunch because I saw this restaurant was exclusively plant-based. I got the gluten-free savory waffles (under the brunch menu waffles 2 ways) which could quite easily be the tastiest breakfast I’ve ever had. Was able to eat outdoors and enjoy the weather too ☀️ Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back and try some more!

We enjoyed the beautiful day dining outside on the Downtown Mall. The breakfast burrito and avocado toast were perfect for sharing. Meat loving hubby enjoyed his fruit laden vegan French toast. What a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day!