The food was outstanding! We had a reservation for 7:30pm for 4 adults. We started with cocktails and a few appetizers. Delicious. The meals came out perfectly timed. They had an extensive wine list. Great selections. The service was excellent. The ambiance was romantic and chic. I can't wait to go back! read more

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Botanic is such a hidden gem. My friend who is a long time customer took me here. The service is fantastic, and I loved every gin drink I ordered. They have the classics to unique drinks - anything you want. The food was also amazing. The duck confit was cooked perfectly - very juicy and keeping its crispy skin. I felt like it needed something to cut the heaviness of the dish, but otherwise perfect. We also got the chocolate souffle for dessert and it was gone in an instant. read more

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Made a reservation here and i'm so glad that i did!! This is a fabulous restaurant and gin bar with a romantic atmosphere and fabulous service and food. i ordered the steak frites and a side salad instead of the fries. The steak was cooked perfectly and the sauce was so tasty. My daughter got the fries and they were crispy and salty. So good!!!! read more

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We visited for restaurant week and my main course was terrible. The braised beef was dry, overcooked and tough. Mocktail Sober Sicily was tasty. My partnered ordered the chicken and enjoyed his meal. read more

Fabulous! Delicious "salad" cocktail! Awesome oysters from local Swell Fantastic smoke trout pate & Duck liver pate! Main dinner was mini nicoise. Blue fin tuna! Unbelievable! Charred perfectly! My husband had the green salad with extra Bailey blue cheese, to die for!!!! So creamy and tangy! This is not our first time here, this is first time where everything we tasted was 1,000%. Service was very good too. Informative and nice!!!! Lovely evening! Thank you! read more

Great little place where the service is first rate, the cocktails are inventive and the ambiance is very Portsmouth. Lovely restored building with a not too fancy but fancy enough vibe. There were four of us and we each raved about our entrees. The dessert list sort of underwhelmed but appetizers and entrees shined. Not cheap, but not insanely ridiculous either. We will go back again. Make your reservations way ahead of time, it is not a large dining room by any stretch of the imagination. read more

What a fun surprise! We stopped by for a quick gin cocktail and ended up staying for the evening. Every one of the staff was helpful and enthusiastic. We were able to try several very different gins. We learned a lot and gained some new favorites. The cocktails were creative and spot on. We started with two appetizers and ended up with all but one of the rest of the menu. We split the mushroom ragout entree. Each dish, though small, was expertly created - each component cooked perfectly. I love a dish that has unique ingredients and combinations and they all had this. The grilled peaches with lavender butter cookie for dessert was the icing on the cake! read more

The food was outstanding. I got the duck confit which was cooked to perfection. My boyfriend got the steak frites and he loved it as well! The drinks were lovely as well, with a superb wine list for those who don't favor spirits. Our server was very attentive and polite! This restaurant was cozy, unique, and delicious! I recommend. read more

Delicious food, really enjoyed the steak frites and the duck confit, drinks were delightful. The ambiance is attractive, and service is good. Will certainly be back. read more

Botanica never disappoints. The atmosphere is intimate- romantic if you want it to be but also totally appropriate for a friendly dinner on a special occasion (I brought my friend here for her birthday and have also celebrated my anniversary here). The menu, while perhaps limited compared to other restaurants, is clearly carefully curated. I try to be adventurous, but you really cannot go wrong with the steak frites. The drinks are also delicious. It's a gin bar, but I don't like gin, so I can't really speak to its capacity in that area, but I'm sure it's great. The service is fabulous- very attentive. Clearly, I'm a fan. The only reason why it's 4 and not 5 for me personally, is because of the limited menu. I would love for there to be an occasional menu change (maybe a new dessert or appetizer once in awhile) to try something new at the quality of Botanica's other offerings. read more

Great service, best martini ever, great meal. Nice setting. We will be back. Thanks Botanica.

Everything about Botanica is excellent. The space is stunning, the gin selection impressive and the staff knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. Highly recommend for truly special cocktail experience. Don't shy away from gin and the memorable craft to their cocktail program. A must stop when you're in Portsmouth! read more

We were craving French food after watching so much of the Olympics so I searched for French food on Yelp and was recommended this little gem, and I am so glad because we never would have heard of it otherwise! It's a cozy little place with limited seating so reservations are a must. The service was excellent and the food was unbelievable. I had the steak frites and my husband had the duck. Both were superb and we hadn't even finished before we were planning our next visit. The cocktails were fantastic as well, and the soufflé at the end is a must. That's the only thing I thought to take a photo of, but the entire meal was picture perfect. We can't wait to return! read more

Botanica - Soufflé - French Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Botanica is one of Portsmouth's best dining experiences. This is a super small restaurant, with a few nice tables outside during the warmer weather. The food swings French here and while there are many Gin based cocktails, there are cocktails and wine for everybody. Service is prompt, friendly and efficient. You should absolutely have a reservation here, since the dining room is so small. The bar gets busy as well. The menu offers some small bites ( the fries are delicious), appetizers as well as standard size dishes. I recommend ordering the chocolate souffle when you place your order, as it takes 25 minutes to prepare. Chef Brendan is talented and turns out so many great dishes, but if Coq Au Vin or Duck Confit are on the menu, I just can't resist. Located in Portsmouth's west end, the bonus is plenty of parking in their parking lot. If you haven't been here, just do it! read more

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This was a wonderful food experience. Everything was prepared perfectly and had amazing flavor. My favorite was probably the Agnolotti. The flavors were light but perfectly matched. The steak frites were very good. I'm not a huge fan of that cut of meat but they prepared it so well I thoroughly enjoyed it. My husband had the cod and I tried a bite. The fish was tender and not overly fishy. They broth it was served in bad incredible flavor. The chocolate soufflé was very good but probably my least favorite part of the meal. I've just had some amazing soufflés in the past. This was above average but didn't blow me away. We will definitely be back and can't wait to try their other meals! read more

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One of the best restaurants in town, and a well-kept secret because it's not downtown. Very small space, so make reservations. Creative cocktails, great bartenders, and a small but outstanding menu. I prefer a small menu like this where the chefs have perfected the dishes rather than a large menu with mixed-bag results. It doesn't get better than this. If you want the chocolate soufflé for dessert, order early because it takes 30 minutes. read more

Love the quaint ambiance and food was excellent. Service was attentive and kept us to our 2 hour minimum at the table.

AMAZING! Service was incredible... they were as warm and cozy as the ambience. Food was fantastic and cocktails were delicious! Hubby and I sat at a cozy table and celebrated his retirement. Will definitely recommend! Thanks for an awesome time! read more

Botanica - a glass of orange peel on a table - French Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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I wanted to try something new as I wasn't feeling burgers or bar food that is common in this area. I decided to come here and basically got lost for about 10 minutes circling the area trying to look for the restaurant. It is located in a private office building with a parking lot with lots of signs warning that it is a private lot and violators would be towed. After parking I didn't know which entrance to use so I entered from their outdoor dining area. I took a seat at the bar and was greeted by the bartender with the menu and asked what I wanted to drink. I ordered a Coke but they had a Maine branded Mexican Cola in a bottle. I didn't really care for it although it did have a deeper flavor than a coke does. The bartender was very busy making all kinds of different drinks. As I looked around the restaurant, I felt quite out of place. It felt like the restaurant's normal clientele were real estate agents, higher end business people, and wealthy people. But I was mainly there for the food. I ordered three items, 3 swell raw oysters (should have ordered more), the pork belly appetizer, and the duck confit for my main Entree. All of the dishes were delicious and once I ordered, the food came out very quickly. The flavors of the dishes were light and subtle but were definitely good. I was still hungry after I ate my dishes and I started thinking that I probably should have ordered the dessert souffle but had to be ordered 25 minutes prior so I just paid my bill and was on my way. Overall, I really liked the food, atmosphere, and the service. I also paid less than I thought I would be paying which is always a good thing. I will definitely be back if I am craving something different in Portsmouth. read more

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while the atmosphere is sort of nice (basic Chinburg put lipstick on a pig) the food falls short of "French cuisine" and is a far cry from the quality expected for the price. if I were the owner, I would hire a new chef. read more

Everything was excellent. Service, food, ambiance. A little off the beaten path, but well worth seeking out.

AMAZING! The food was beyond tasty and incredible. The service was so fast and pristine. I need to go back and try everything on the menu. Absolutely fantastic. Best fries I have ever had! read more

Botanica - Duck Confit with Fries - French Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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An amazing place! Great cocktails, delicious food and cool vibe. It's my wife and my favorite restaurant in Portsmouth.

Definitely plan ahead as this place books up fast. I was able to get an outdoor table on the patio, and although it is nice to have both options I find that the indoor tables are a better option. The only reason I say this is because the patio is right outside of the parking lot and entry door, which can get loud and disruptive. It might be benefical to set up privacy dividers to create a more intimate experience. The menu is limited, but each item is well curated. They provide a variety of uniquely crafted cocktails. The waitstaff are friendly and attentive, but also give you your space. read more

I love trying new restaurants, but I especially love finding new restaurants that do everything right from start to finish. Botanica is one of those new gems. I had heard about Botanica months ago when it first opened, and it peaked my interest as I heard that they specialized in gin cocktails. I tried to go a few times when it opened, but each time it was fully reserved. Fast forward to now, and I'm so glad that I was finally able to experience Botantica. A friend and I ended up going to Botanica later in the evening, and we sat at the bar. The first thing that struck both of us was the friendly staff. Every person that we interacted with was extremely nice and accommodating. The staff is definitely dedicated to making every patron's experience top notch. Although Botantica presents itself as a gin establishment, their cocktail menu has something for everyone. They have a variety of gin cocktail offerings (try the Greyhound or the Aviation2!) but they also have some cocktails with vodka and other spirits. Their food menu is also elevated and presents unique offerings. This was by far the best part of Botanica for me. My friend and I ended up starting with the Blythdale Brie with strawberries and pepper and the Crispy Pork Belly. The brie was surprising and a good portion size, however, the crispy pork belly was out-of-this-world good. The persillade was refreshing and so flavorful. I highly, highly recommend. After these two dishes, my friend and I were itching to try one more dish, so we decided on the duck meatballs, which were also exploding with flavor. Every single dish did NOT disappoint. Botantica definitely became a quick favorite of mine in the Portsmouth food scene. I can't wait to return and try more dishes and cocktails. read more

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The duck confit and steak frites, cab franc and chocolate soufflé all were incredible. Service and atmosphere were wonderful! I'm hoping to return soon. read more

Best meal I've had in NH! Everything we ate was well thought out and delicious. Don't sleep on dessert.

This is a terrific new restaurant and gin bar, with a focus on French food preparation and flavors. It's located in the building behind CVS on Islington St. The chef behind this new restaurant is Brendan Vesey, who is also the chef at Joinery in Newmarket, NH. You may also have eatend his food at Street a few years back. While they have an extensive selection of gins (it's a gin bar after all) and gin cocktails, they have a full bar and a nice wine list as well, so by no means avoid it if you aren't into gin. It's just that if you are into gin and gin cocktails then you have an extra reason to go as they focus on them and have more to offer than other restaurants nearby in gins at least. The menu is a delight- and with the number of great restaurants already in Portsmouth to contend with, they still manage to knock it out of the park with delicious sounding flavors and preparations that make them worth adding to your "go here often" short list. I pretty much wanted to order 90% of the menu. Something to note: they have a series of snacks that are listed on the bottom of the cocktail/drink menu, that aren't on the dinner/food menu. Think of them as smaller bites to go with your drink that are not quite the size of appetizers. You'll miss them though if you only look at the food menu. I had a chilled Nolet Silver gin, up with a twist, and an amazing Duck confit ravioli, which was delicate and melted in my mouth. It was served in a buttery Parmesan broth with sliced heirloom tomatoes. Really lovely. Planning to come back soon and bring some more people next time! read more

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Really nice little restaurant. Fantastic cocktails. Loved the scallop entree and the soufflé. Steak frites a bit tough. Good service. Second time there. I'd go back but wouldn't get the steak. read more

Went there last night for dinner - amazing! I had the duck confit and my husband had the monkfish. It was delicious! Great service and presentation. Had the Empress G and T - beautiful and tasty. Definitely get the chocolate soufflé for dessert - you have to order ahead because of the time it takes to make. My new favorite place in Portsmouth. read more

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First time dining in this upscale West End restaurant. Well made craft cocktails from friendly bartenders and delicious food. I had the halibut. Prepared well. Lively scene. Outside seating available. Make a reservation. read more

Botanica - Halibut. - French Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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Amazing dinner if a bit chilly! The soufflé was to die for! Had gorgeous food, tasty and creative cocktails. Great attention to food prep and presentation. We are out but the inside is a little jewel box read more

Perfection. Great drinks & food. Everything was unique and yummy. Would recommend coming here even if you don't love gin

Had a lovely meal with our dinner friends. Worth the trip from Andover to Portsmouth. Small and intimate so must book early to get the preferred time slot. You will not be dissapointed. read more

Botanica is one of those rare finds where you immediately feel welcome and comfortable. The space is small but well set up and has a cosy feel. The bar takes up a lot of the restaurant but is situated so the majority of seats have their back to the restaurant, making kind of a natural barrier between that space and the other diners. There are two cosy booths next to the bar and then table and chair seating for the rest of the space. The waitstaff are the best, very knowledgeable about the drinks menu as well as the food. Cocktails are VERY creative here and have some ingredients the average drinker may not be familiar with, so it's worth exploring with your server. My favorite type of menu has lots of small plates and bites in addition to some meal sized entrees, and this perfectly describes the menu at Botanica. So many delights to choose from! We sampled the duck meatballs, steak tartare, duck liver pate, and a special that night- smoked salmon deviled eggs. All small plates and perfect for sharing. The winner for me was the cocktail I had made from Gin, beet shrub, Pastis, and possibly magic dust. Highly recommend this restaurant, good for drinks, snacks, or dinner; romantic from a food and drinks perspective but really fun and not at all pretentious. A winner and not yet a year old. read more

Botanica is my new most favorite restaurant on the Seacoast. Everything I've eaten there is simply delicious. Really enjoy splitting various dishes with my dining companions so we can taste multiple dishes.They are all so inventive and tasty. The staff balance being friendly and informative without being intrusive. And then there are all those yummy gin cocktails! Love this place.. as a high maintenance customer the only challenge I find is parking so keep up the great work. read more

I'm pretty sure this is my new favorite restaurant. I had been wanting to try Botanica ever since I heard it was a "gin bar". My boyfriend and I had time to kill before a reservation at another nearby restaurant, and decided to come here for a drink or two while we waited. The ambiance inside is wonderful, and the staff is super friendly. Nick was great (both times!): attentive, without being overbearing at all. I had no idea it was also a French restaurant with a full menu! After we left, we genuinely regretted having a dinner reservation elsewhere, and decided to come back the following weekend for the full experience. The Empress G&T is witchy and fun and I dream about the Agnolotti app. The duck confit was also delicious. We will be back, hopefully very soon! read more

Botanica - Empress G&T - French Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

They did a great job refining their menu. Everything is delicious and going here is a real treat. It's pretty small so plan ahead for a reservation! I absolutely loved the dessert soufflé, it was amazing. read more

Given the wonderful reviews, my husband and I were very disappointed in this restaurant and won't be returning. The duck confit was rather bland and uninspiring. The crab appetizer special was just okay and portions in general were all quite small and unremarkable. Atmosphere is pleasant. read more

Very nice experience. Wine is excellent, entrees are well done but are really small. Oysters are really good, I would recommend this place.