Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Bradley Bunn

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.

Trusty Traveler

Title: A Culinary Gem in Portsmouth: Botanica Delights with French Flair

Nestled in the heart of Portsmouth, NH, Botanica is a delightful French restaurant that effortlessly blends elegance with a relaxed ambiance. From its inviting decor to its diverse menu offerings, Botanica caters to both gin aficionados and non-drinkers alike, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for all.

The mix gin bar is indeed a highlight, offering a tantalizing array of concoctions for gin enthusiasts, while also crafting exquisite mocktails for those abstaining. As a non-drinker, I appreciated the thoughtful attention to detail in providing equally satisfying beverage options.

Now, let's talk about the food. The Steak Frites and Duck Confit were both exceptional choices for entrees, showcasing the chef's mastery of French culinary techniques. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, leaving me craving for more.

But the culinary journey doesn't stop there. Botanica's menu boasts an impressive selection of small plates, appetizers, and desserts, each offering its own unique twist on French cuisine. The rabbit croquettes were a delightful surprise, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The raw oysters, fresh and briny, transported me to the shores of Brittany with each slurp. And the blue cheese with honey was a divine combination of savory and sweet, leaving my taste buds dancing with joy.

In addition to the outstanding food and drink, the service at Botanica was impeccable. The staff exuded warmth and professionalism, ensuring that every aspect of my dining experience was nothing short of perfection.

Overall, Botanica is a culinary gem in Portsmouth, offering a taste of France with a New England twist. Whether you're sipping on a gin cocktail at the bar or indulging in a decadent dessert, Botanica is sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning palate.

Kara Crowell

Great experience! Food and drink were excellent. The venue is very small but very chic. It was raining when we went so we sat indoors. The bar area looked like a great date spot. I went with a party of 4 and we got a handful of appetizers (the half shell oysters were my favorite) and every entree on the menu LOL!! I had 2 of the gin cocktails and liked both! We ended with the Chocolate souffle and it was so fluffy and moist.

Dani Brashear

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!

Karen Roberts

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!

Kathleen Campbell

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!

Priscilla B

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.

Masina Turituri-Work

One of my favorite place to go to, the food is absolutely delicious. The people are very friendly and very welcoming. I really can’t say enough good things about this place. I recommend it to anyone that is looking for good food.