Vegan
Italian
Organic
Raw
Salad bar
Juice bar
Beer/Wine
Delivery
Take-out
Catering
Fusion
Vegan restaurant in support and respect for the planet and the living beings that populate it. Serves both cooked and as raw plant-based cuisine as well as offering desserts like chocolate mousse and raw mini cakes. Est. 2015 previously at Via San Rocco 16 and moved here in 2016. Open Tue-Sun 12:30-15:00, 19:30-22:00. Closed Mon.
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- Outdoor seating
- Reservations required
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 14 Aug 2022 by j.causley11
Update business info -
Added by Alessandro on 20 Jul 2015
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242 Reviews
First Review by Vegan_Saxman
Tulipanna
Points +434
Speciale - Edit
Sono rimasta estasiata da questo ristorante e dal piatto che ho mangiato, veramente squisito! Avrei voluto provare tutto il menù! Non vedo l’ora di tornare a Bologna e da Botanica Lab, ti rimane nel cuore
Read more❣️
Guest
LeviSekardi
Points +20
Amazing vegan food - Edit
A little expensive, but absolutely worth it. I especially liked the filet
Read moreGuest
Roparzh
Points +4673
A refuge from the inferno outside - Edit
Bologna, heatwave capital of the universe, sun pounding the cobblestone streets like a mad drummer on a relentless bender.
Read moreAt 1 PM, I stumbled into "Botanica Lab," a vegan hideaway, a refuge from the relentless inferno. The name, a promise of cool shade in a world turned to white-hot madness. It is an unassuming sanctum of greenery tucked away in one of many alleys of Bologna. The fresh air inside hummed with the low murmur of hushed conversations and the faint aroma of Italian spices. The walls, decorated with memories from the past, seemed to breathe, drawing in the night’s chaotic energy and exhaling calm.
Inside, the dim light is a balm to my sun-scorched eyes.
I collapsed into a corner booth, the wooden chair cool against my skin, and scanned the QR code menu.
“Gnocchetti estivi”, it read, the words leaped off the page like a lifeline. I ordered, the anticipation a sweet agony. The waiter nods, a silent understanding passing between us.
The staff here, invisible sentinels of service, seem to understand the need for space, for quiet in a world gone mad with heat. They moved with a practiced grace, an unspoken language of care and precision.
The dish arrived, a vision of verdant perfection. Plump wholesome gnocchi, soft pillows of potato, swathed in a rich and captivating, emerald pesto with the addition of crushed pistachos.
I savored each bite, the coolness of the pesto a sharp contrast to the fiery world beyond these walls. The gnocchi are a revelation - tender yet firm, the perfect vehicle for the vibrant green sauce. Each forkful is a journey, a reminder that beauty can still be found in the midst of chaos.
As I finished my meal, a glass of chilled Passito arrived. I took a sip, the crisp, fruity notes cutting through the richness of the pesto, a final flourish in this symphony of flavor. I leaned back, a contented sigh escaping my lips, and glanced around the room. Others were lost in their own culinary reveries, the heat outside nothing more than a distant memory.
“Botanica Lab" is more than a restaurant - it is a haven, a place where the boundaries between sustenance and sanctuary blur. Here, in the heart of Bologna, I have found refuge, not just from the heat, but from the madness of the world.
And in that moment, with the taste of pesto still lingering on my tongue, I am at peace.
Updated from previous review on 2024-07-28
Guest
charlottehurling
Points +330
Tasty and great value - Edit
I tried to walk in on a Thursday night but they were fully booked so I booked for Friday lunch time. It seems to be quieter at lunch than at dinner. I had the “Not Fried” vegetables to start and Gnocchi for main. The menu is small but I didn’t mind as I wanted to mainly try vegan pasta which they had plenty of. Both my courses were delicious and really healthy portions. I probably didn’t need a starter. And for €21 all in I think it was a great meal!
Read morePros: Price , Taste, Location
Cons: Small menu
Guest
habitat20
Points +30
4 course tasting menu falls a bit short - Edit
Presentation of the dishes is really great. Tastes however remain quite basic and very filling. Ricota. Gnochi. Eggplant. Not very sophisticated, which the presentation actually suggests. Could not finish all dishes.
Read moreCheesecake also quite basic with cashewnut. Tastes okay thanks to the mango.
I had an excellent spicy white beer.
Overall, was expecting more from the best vegan in town (not fast food) in such a culinary town.
Pros: Terrasse, Presentation of the dishes, The white beer
Cons: Too heavy, Tastes remain somehow basic
Guest
JerryFisher
Points +381
Average vegan restaurant - Edit
We were expecting more for top restaurant in Bologna
Read morePros: Culinaric, Big portions, Nice terrace
Cons: Taste was not perfect, Avocado was not fresh
Guest
shoetwo
Points +370
Amazing - Edit
I was so happy to get a reservation here when I was in Bologna (they are needed). The food was absolutely delicious. The restaurant is lovely, the staff is friendly. I love finding vegan gems when travelling. If I was in town longer, I would have gone back. If you can, save room for dessert.
Read moreGuest
noshortcuts
Points +151
Felt like we ate a proper meal with veg - Edit
Very good tasty pici and lovely subtle ravioli with sage and lemon zest.
Read moreVery good “not fried” vegetables.
Mango sauce wasn’t quite zingy enough for me on the cheesecake and a sprinkle of salt on ravioli and veg would have topped off the food.
Lovely service and good value. Well presented food.
Pros: Well cooked and presented food, Service, Good value
Cons: A little More seasoning
Guest
EvaK
Points +192
Will come back! - Edit
The main courses, pici and ravioli, were a bit bland, but the desserts, tiramisu and cheesecake, were outstanding! I will definitely return to try more dishes when in Bologna.
Read morePros: desserts, fresh pasta
Cons: portion size
Guest
Olzoone
Points +1048
Amazing - Edit
So...it was an absolute delight to visit Botanica lab. We hadn't made a reservation but were there when they opened and got the last table (a tip is to actually make a reservation :)). The staff was very nice and attentive. We ordered and got our food quick and it was so amazing. I actually think it's the best pasta I've ever had!! :-)
Read moreMy company had the burger and I sneaked-peaked to the other guests plats, and everything looked great. I give them my warmest recommendations!
Tvo meals two glasses of wine and water=40€.
Guest
usbeizbsianwhss
Points +80
High quality food - Edit
Probably the best vegan restaurant of the city. They served food very fast. The dishes are original and the atmosphere is nice.
Read moreGuest
rp1989
Points +72
Vegano a Bologna da provare - Edit
Locale molto bello, personale gentilissimo e piatti uno più buono dell’altro.
Read moreGuest
PogonPop
Points +74
One of the best dish ever - Edit
Artichoke was amazing as well as nut-creme brulle. Staff was very nice.
Read morePros: Delicious, Nicely served, Great staff
Cons: 10% tip is not included so be aware
Guest
OsvaldoP.
Points +57
- Edit
Locale stupendo, arredato benissimo, proprio dietro a piazza maggiore. Staff preparato e molto cordiale, buddha bowl ottima, pici al farro molto buoni, filetto WOW. Ottimi dolci!
Read morePros: Stupenda location! (E poi è Bologna
Guest
reisaacs
Points +29
lovely restaurant - Edit
Delicious food and very creative - we ended up eating here twice while we were in Bologna! Worth booking in advance.
Read moreGuest
Aldona💫
Points +1172
Delicious and creative, don‘t miss this one! - Edit
Lots of options, nice atmosphere and it tends to be quite packed, so be sure to book in advance.
Read moreVery good flavored water and organic coffee too.
Updated from previous review on 2024-05-09
Guest
julelikesfood
Points +643
Good restaurant - Edit
We didn’t have a reservation but they managed to squeeze us in if we only took about an hour. I love the variety and creativity of the dishes (and drinks as well!). Portions are definitely big enough, I didn’t even fully finish mine. Would definitely recommend for anyone visiting Bologna.
Read moreGuest
blaura
Points +513
Fabulous - Edit
Amazing food and nice atmosphere. We tried the four course set menu and everything was absolutely delicious. Fair prices. When I’m back in Bologna, I’ll definitely return.
Read moreGuest
·X·
Points +25197
Botanica Lab ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Edit
Amazing food. You really can’t miss this place while in Bologna. The Redefine Meat dish was prepared so well and creatively. The baby gnocchi and the ravioli were full of flavor. And the little red tomato wrap appetizer was top notch. Everything was a winner here. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read moreGuest
muncster
Points +531
Tasty lunch made me book a tasting menu dinner - Edit
Welcoming, lively plant based restaurants a few steps away from Piazza Maggiore. Plenty of choice, all vegan. All the tables inside and out were taken…..definitely worth booking ahead.
Read morePros: Welcoming, Busy place , Great choice of freshly prepared plant based meals
Guest
margheritafae
Points +60
Piacevole cena a due passi dal centro di Bologna - Edit
Un’ottima esperienza culinaria dove la ricerca incontra il mondo vegetale, abbiamo provato gli gnocchetti lilla con crema di anacardi e la tagliata redefine meat, a cui va un punto di merito per come è stata trattata. Nel locale si respira un’aria accogliente, inoltre il servizio si è dimostrato attento e gentile. Consiglio la prenotazione.
Read moreGuest
ChiaraPiccinni
Points +625
Cordialità e buon cibo - Edit
Personale molto gentile, cibo buono con diverse opzioni, alcune delle quali cambiano di giorno in giorno.
Read morePros: Cordialità , Qualità del cibo, Varietà
Guest
MattiaFrattini
Points +18
Ottimo - Edit
Ottima varietà e qualità, consiglitissimo
Read moreGuest
PurpleCurrant
Points +3898
Botanica Lab ❤️ - Edit
Amazing food in a beautiful restaurant. They offer some North American dishes, but I recommend going Italian with the gnocchi and similar options. They are so worth it! Great service, too.
Read moreGuest
CharonMoon
Points +1118
Great food! - Edit
I loved everything I tried! The server was very nice and the food was excellent. The chocolate Pistachio cheese cake was amazing! I highly suggest making a reservation, as there are not many tables and the restaurant was full when I was there.
Read morePros: Great food, Nice Staff
Guest
ingridq
Points +17
Very nice vegan food - Edit
A mix of Italian and western food. Delicious.
Read moreGuest
LeenL
Points +2410
Nice restaurant - Edit
Tasty dishes. Nice atmosphere and friendly service.
Read moreGuest
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