Reviews The Botanist

Zomato
Veeral Patel
+4
I decided to get lunch from The Botanist at Lyall Bay for my first visit. They are highly popular by foodies/locals in Welly and serve modern vegan/vegetarian 🌱 friendly dishes, drinks, cocktails, etc.

Jalepino Poppers $13 🌶
I found the starter to be okay. The ranch sauce and the ricotta cheese had a nice, cooling taste to it. However the poppers were a tad too oily and the jalepino could have been more spicy for my taste.

Chickpea Bolinhos $12 🧆
Me and the old man liked the chickpea bolihos. It was easy to cut into and eat without too much grease or oil. The bolinhos had good flavours from the spices + chickpeas. Great job, complimented nicely with the baby spinach salad 🥗 and flavourful sundried tomato 🍅 mousse.

“Chicken” Tikka Burger $22 🍔🍟
I was happy with the presentation of the burger, which made it easy to cut into without too much mess. The patty was tasty, had a good crunch to it and it was quite filling. My only quirk was that there was a bit too much mustard sauce, which overpowered any taste coming from the yoghurt chutney.

Final Words
Overall, I enjoyed my first experience. There were some minor quirks that were not to my taste, but I will definitely come back to try the ”Fish” n Chip + the full dessert line after the lockdown ends.
5 months ago
Zomato
Zara Mortimer
+5
Our go to brunch spot in welly! Great food and always fast service.
10 months ago
Zomato
Hugh Parsons
+5
the vegan big breakfast is great, so are the pancakes. Definitely one of the best places for a vegan brunch. Is more on the expensive side but you get more than enough on your plate to warrant the price
Jun 02, 2019
Zomato
Kat Ford
+4
Delicious food! Had the banana blossom fish and chips which was awesome and very.. fish like.. which is good if you like fish! Also had a couple of cocktails that were good. Unfortunately I felt like our presence was annoying the staff and didn’t manage to get a smile out of the server the entire evening
Mar 13, 2019
Zomato
Happy
+5
New to wellington and was looking for a vegetarian place with lods of options desperately when my friend took me to The Botanist and trying their food is worth. Friendy staff, packed with people, good to see laugh on other's face while enjoying your meal. Presentation of the food is lovely. I was admiring every one's order coming out from the kitchen.
Feb 10, 2019
Zomato
Eating My Way Around
+5
Big vegan ups to my new neighbourhood fave! Just wish I'd tried it earlier! Delish food in a lovely relaxed place. Great kids options too, mine scoffed his pancakes. Can't wait to try everything I can!
Nov 06, 2018
Zomato
Lizzie
+5
Had the most delicious brunch here! The food was amazing! Not usually a sweet brekkie person but the pancakes were sooo good and also got a side of hot chips which were so fresh and crunchy! The cafe itself is super pretty too! Only downfall was that the waitress was quite rude and inattentive which was disappointing but the food made up for it!
Oct 19, 2018
Zomato
William SMITH
+5
I always thought vegetarian food was the reserve of sad hippies who chomped on boiled cabbage and mung beans. We actually popped into The Botanist quite by change not knowing its vegetarian emphasis (guess the name should have been a give away but in fairness it was dark out).

Well long story short the food was excellent and has changed my perspective on vegetarians. The entree was bread with nicely grilled cheese and asparagus, I love the latter so that was always going to be a winner plus a burger which I approached sceptically but was in fact delicious. Cheesecake for desert with non dairy ice cream.I had no idea it could be so good but it was! 

Service was laid back but for the most part I was pretty happy. I'm kind of a relaxed person myself so the pacing and the easy vibe of the place suited me. 

I'd say definitely will be back again and can recommend but give yourself some time and keep an open mind!
Sep 29, 2018
Zomato
Maddie Jones
+5
Popped in here for a beer after spending the afternoon at the beach across the road, and what a gem! They had a great selection of local craft beers and wines, and although we didn't have one the cocktails sounded amazing. We ended up staying there for dinner as the menu looked good, and we saw some other tables food coming out, we shared the tasty tacos, a housemade springroll with some amazing fresh and pickled veggies, some jalapeno poppers and fondue. It was actually all vegan we discovered afterwards, and it has changed my perception on vegan food! Wow, so much flavour!! The service was really friendly and helpful, with the waitress suggesting good beer and wine matches with our food. Our first time here and will definitely not be the last!
Sep 18, 2018
Zomato
Mary Jane Thomas
+5
I’ve been here a few times and and always enjoyed the consistently delicious food and great beer, and the chocolate Kahlua dessert is to die for! Loved the decor, and the staff are really friendly. Good coffee spot too, especially on a nice day in the courtyard. #yum
Sep 14, 2018
Zomato
Em
+5
So great to have another vegetarian restaurant! Interesting menu, lots of variety. Great flavours. The spring roll is a favourite, as are the jalapeño poppers and kumara chips. Will be back again soon.
Sep 14, 2018
Zomato
Celiac Teen
+5
Love this place and come all the time! Amazing gluten free/veggie & vegan options. Definitely recommend these pictured, especially the ‘hash’ and the tacos. If looking for gluten free pancakes this is the place for you 💞
Jul 14, 2018
4
William Ericsson Eulatth Vidal
+4
It is a hidden gem, nestled just in front of the beach, offering breath-taking views of the ocean. Whether you're a local looking for a peaceful spot or a traveller seeking a tranquil retreat, its location is a definite winner. The menu is a paradise for vegetarians, and the options are both innovative and satisfying. While the food and drinks are of high quality, this place leans slightly towards the expensive side. However, it's still affordable. Though not the most budget-friendly place, it's worth the splurge for a special occasion or a treat-yourself day. The portion sizes are moderate. While you won't be overwhelmed with massive servings, the portions strike a good balance. The environment is its real highlight. Whether you choose to dine inside or on the outdoor patio, the ambiance is guaranteed to elevate your dining experience – its interior is charmingly decorated. The staff is welcoming and friendly. While the service is generally efficient, during peak hours, there might be a slight delay in getting your order. Overall, it is a fantastic spot for vegetarians and beach lovers alike. The picturesque view, interesting menu, and pleasant staff contribute to a memorable dining experience. If you're willing to splurge a bit for a tranquil seaside retreat, this place is the perfect destination.
5
Josh
+5
The food was outstanding! Vegetarian and filling breakfast platter (the Lyall I think). The place was esthetically pleasing with plenty of room and right on the beach. Servers were very curt with no personality, time, or welcoming attitude whatsoever which was disappointing but I went there for food, not conversation, so I won’t hold it against the establishment.
5
Kirstie Hamilton
+5
Amazing place for vegetarian food! They have a huge menu range, good coffee and extremely yummy food! Fantastic place to grab coffee, cake, cocktails or food!
5
Ashleigh Carlyle
+5
Never thought I’d be reviewing a vegetarian restaurant but I’m more than happy to review T H E TASTIEST vegetarian meal I’ve ever had. Dining here for the first time was wonderful. The setting and atmosphere is charming and sweet. The staff were friendly and attentive but not too attentive. IYKYK. I ordered the Syrian meatballs which were next level tasty! And the Lebanese coleslaw - chefs kiss. We also had the breads and dips and I can hand on heart say the house made dips were to die for and I almost wanted to finger lick the Ramekin they were that good. Highly recommend and look forward to coming back in the future.
5
Cherie King
+5
Great coffee... aromas of molasses. Big Lyall came with eggs, spinach, black beans, tomatoes, vege sausage, hash brown, and jalapeñoe poppers. Buckwheat pancakes with coffee make syrup, bananas, cream. Yum
5
Davide Baj
+5
We were a party of six plus a dog and we had a feast. Their vegetarian dishes are very well presented and absolutely delicious 😋. Excellent vibe, music and and location. Highly recommend!
5
Kaha Wahine
+5
Their burger competition entry is AWESOME. the crunchy duck wonton on top was really tasty. The bum was like a Chinese bao. So interesting and tasty! My out of town guest loved it too
5
Glyn Alcock
+5
I had the pancakes and they were perfect. Took the fussy MIL and she loved the place. Dog friendly indoor and outdoor which was great for us after a walk along the beach.
5
Jane Chapman
+5
My husband and I had an early dinner before a flight. Delicious as usual. Service was great, and quite fast, which suited us. My husband had the Dirty Cheeseburger, and I was just craving a plateful of Bang Bang Cauliflower. My absolute favourite. We aren't vegetarian, but we love this place! So different, and tastes so good!
5
Light Begets Light
+5
A gorgeous place. Only regret, not coming here when I was plant based. Great staff, great food and atmosphere. Loved the decor. Very relaxing, refreshing and trendy.
5
Shay Zhang
+5
Cute cafe with an excellent menu of interesting, varied vegan & vegetarian plates. We came on a quiet Tuesday morning. The light and plant filled interior is a lovely spot to eat your way through their generously sized brunches. Great prices too given the portion, ingredient variety and quality and flavour. Look forward to being back.
5
William Dragicevic
+5
This is one of our favourite restaurants of all time. Everytime we go, whether it's brunch or dinner the food is to die for! There's always something new to try and we always want to go back no matter what. Amazing entrées , mains, cocktails, drinks, desserts and even cookies for on the way home 🤤 The only downside to this place is deciding what to order 😅 recommended to everyone! You will not be disappointed!
5
Olivia Victorius
+5
Full vegan restaurant that doesn’t taste like vegan! I could go vegan forever if anyone could serve their menu everyday. Very creative combination yet, perfect taste. Even mocktails are really tasty. Good service, very friendly and highly recommended
5
Andrew K
+5
Me and my Mrs had a great time here. It was cold and windy outside and one of the staff noticed we were feeling cold and they let us in and gave us some great food. What more can you ask for! 10/10
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