Vegan
American
Organic
Raw
Bakery
European
Fusion
Gluten-free
Breakfast
A mostly whole food, plant-based vegan restaurant offering sharing plates, sandwiches, salads, bowls, kids meals, desserts and drinks. Open Tue 9:00am-3:00pm, Wed-Thu 9:00am-8:00pm, Fri-Sat 9:00am-9:00pm, Sun 9:00am-3:00pm. Closed Mon.
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421 E Main St, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, 22902
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Last update on 11 Nov 2023 by lance.botanical
Update business info -
Added by Loxodonta on 18 Mar 2022
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66 Reviews
First Review by Loxodonta
LJVegan
Points +3352
Amazing service and options. - Edit
Loved the service, atmosphere and menu. Going back for brunch over the weekend, can't wait.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-12-26
Guest
Loricita
Points +62
Delighted to find them! - Edit
I had heard of this restaurant from an Exam Room podcast a few years ago. Found them on this app and stopped on my way home last week. I had their signature crunchy cauliflower bowl and a large latte; generous portions, helpful staff and very good food! Highly recommend! Park in the Main Street parking garage (close to them). Will definitely go again when I am in the area; C’ville is not terribly rife with vegan options-this one is a treasure!
Read morelance.botanical
Ahhhh, you did leave a review just like you had said! Hahaha, it was great talking to you in-store, and I'm so so glad you enjoyed it all.😄Thank you for taking the time to write such glowing words and leaving us 5 stars! Hope to see you again soon!
Read moreGuest
sedstrom
Points +208
Fantastic! - Edit
So many choices! I had the chili, cornbread and not on photo a small dessert. Excellent food with great flavor. Quite filling! I hope to be back to this area so I can eat here again.
Read morePros: Great service, So many options to choose from, Outdoor seating
lance.botanical
Thanks so much for the amazing review, and I'm so so glad you enjoyed everything.😄
Read moreGuest
Mirandawing6
Points +125
MUST STOP PLACE - Edit
Delicious place to eat when driving through the area! It’s in a nice part of the city and easy to find. There was more than enough seating and the food was absolutely delicious! I got the breakfast burrito and my hubs the savory waffle and it was 10/10
Read morePros: Price, Taste, Atmosphere
lance.botanical
Thanks so much for this glowing review!
Read moreGuest
ShanahBell
Points +1024
So freaking good! - Edit
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.
Read moreThere 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
Pros: Actual veggies in their dishes, Flavor profiles are spot on, Phenomenal service
Cons: Not everything is GF
lance.botanical
I think i just responded from our google account to you, but thank you again for leaving such a glowing review! and on here too! consistent good reviews are actually so important for small local restaurants to thrive, so we really really appreciate you doing the lil bit of extra work to leave this!!
Read moreHope we get to see you come back eventually! :)
Guest
MatthewVBogusz
Points +774
Charlottesville is lucky to have this restaurant - Edit
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.
Read morelance.botanical
thanks so much!! we really appreciate you leaving us a review -- and so so happy that you enjoyed everything.😄
Read moreGuest
exMeatEater
Points +292
All Vegan Lots of Variety - Edit
This place is located within an outdoor, walkable mall. The indoor seating area was amazing.
Read moreFor 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.
lance.botanical
Hey! you still thinking about us? hahah, jk.
Read morethanks soooo so much for leaving a review - glad you enjoyed it all😄hope to see you again soooooon
Guest
melsveganeats
Points +85
best breakfast I’ve ever had - Edit
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!
Read morePros: gluten-free and exclusively plant-based, outdoor seating available, fast service
lance.botanical
"best breakfast i've ever had" is such a nice title, and the review was even nicer!) thank you so much -- hope you get to have the waffles again soon😄
Read moreGuest
mmartinpeterpan
Points +30
Mother’s Day Brunch - Edit
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!
Read morePros: Variety of food, Portion sizes
lance.botanical
Thanks for leaving us such a glowing review - love that breakfast burrito & i miss that seasonal french toast soooooo much. Hope your mother's day was perfect!
Read moreGuest
SergAMox
Points +700
Great - Edit
Problably the best vegan spot in Charlottesville. Got a solid vanilla latte with the chickpea tuna sandwich, everything delicious.
Read morelance.botanical
Thanks so much, SergAMox! Really appreciate you taking the time to leave review on HappyCow!😄
Read moreGuest
MurrBurr
Points +88
Excellent Food, Atmosphere and Staff - Edit
I was driving through Charlottesville and stopped in for lunch, so first visit. The restaurant is nicely set up and has a cozy vibe. The staff are super friendly and helpful. The food and drink offerings are plentiful, with many grab and go options. We had the hash browns, cauliflower bowl and sweet potato bowl and everything was presented nicely and super delicious and flavorful. Great portion sizes too. We got a few desserts to go and a latte and they were awesome! If I end up this way again I will be sure to stop by. I wish it was closer to home!
Read morePros: Tasty Food, Cozy Atmosphere, Variety of Food/Drinks
lance.botanical
Ahhhhh, thank you so much for this glowing review - it was really so sweet to read! So glad you had the chance to pop in on your travels. I hope the rest of your trip was lovely & filled with other veggie stops!
Read moreGuest
VeganVoice
Points +45
Heavenly - Edit
The butternut squash soup & cauliflower poppers saved my life tonight. Plus almond layered bar for dessert. I cannot believe my good fortune Botanical was open and not far from my job site . (It’s normally a two hour drive for me). This place is actual heaven. The staff are angels and the food is so unearthly good I could cry.
Read moreBackstory: Today I worked nine hours outdoors in weather resembling the Wizard of Oz when the tornado is coming, but also 10° below freezing all day. Bless you Botanical Fare !!!
Pros: All vegan menu , Delicious food , Kind staff
lance.botanical
This is literally so nice omg -- i hope the house that falls on the witch is us and it just happens to be right by your job site so you no longer have to drive 2 hours to be in our vicinity!!
Read moreBut actually -- thank you so so much for taking the time to leave this review about the food, staff & your time in our shop😄
Guest
AngelinaBell
Points +38
Full vegan restaurant - Edit
So nice to have full vegan restaurants. Overall it was just an ok experience for me. I did like the sticky cauliflower, loved the butternut squash soup and the wonton nachos. Desserts were just ok. Service at tables was through a scan code. Everyone seemed very busy. Atmosphere was also just ok but they did have outdoor seating. Weather was cold so we sat inside. I have also been to the location in Crozet. Much nicer environment and service. But I certainly do appreciate an all vegan restaurant. Odd side note, the displayed art work was a turnoff to me. I understand art is subjective but simple 5”X7” collages were priced at over $200.
Read morePros: Good but pricey cocktails , Seasonal menu, All vegan
Cons: Inside environment not a fav, Service seemed lacking
lance.botanical
While we have no control over the pricing of small & local art, we are quite sorry to hear most things were "just ok". If you were looking to speak to team members & dine in, most people come up to the counter to have a conversation & place your orders - we then take care of all the service from there! (Bringing drinks, food, and bussing) The QR codes are mostly for people who want to place their orders quickly without having to speak to anyone. It isn't often we get mediocre feedback, so if you would like to air any more grievances or concerns, I would be happy to relay any more feedback to the owner!! Please feel free to email lance @ botanical fare . com (no spaces)
Read moreWe do however use a fair pricing model for our entire menu & do not price gouge on anything. The cocktails are priced that way, because that's the cost they need to be at industry standard and pay our bills. It is the bare minimum to remain open & profitable, and I hope you can understand.
Guest
vegan.travels
Points +524
will be back😄 - Edit
Have been here a couple times now and had good experiences both times. This last visit I had a sandwich from the fall seasonal menu and the miso Mac and cheese - thoroughly enjoyed both. Plenty of options, all vegan; also has coffee/espresso and some bakery😄
Read morelance.botanical
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this review, perusing the book shelf, & enjoying our seasonal menus😄
Read moreGuest
ViennaVegan
Points +1916
There's a new favorite in town! - Edit
Fantastic food, nice people, nice ambiance. You now order via QR codes at the tables - they bring the food to you on nice plates, cloth napkins, nice flatware.
Read moreI've had lunch, dinner and brunch here. Loved the waffles at brunch. Also the Mac and cheese.
Updated from previous review on 2024-09-03
Pros: Fantastic options, Casual, counter service
lance.botanical
Thanks so much for this review! (and thanks for uploading pics of some great latte art - that was definitely me hahah)
Read moreGuest
AnitaH
Points +613
Amazing food! - Edit
Got a few items to share. Portions are not too big but definitely filling. The ambiance of the place is nice - decor is lovely. I wish there was hot sauce readily available but all in all, a great meal.
Read morelance.botanical
I looooove hearing that our entirely plant-based meals are filling. Thank you so much for coming in & taking the time to leave a review & post pictures.😄
Read moreGuest
Mma13
Points +1782
Love to support a local vegan place! - Edit
The seasonal vegan crab cake really blew me away. SO delicious! The umami potatoes were delicious too. I’ve tried several other menu items that were good and these were amazing!! Portions are rather small for the price but the customer service here is incredible- the nicest people work here!! And the coffee is amazing😄
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-08-20
lance.botanical
Thanks so much for the review!
Read moreGuest
skykat
Points +136
A plant based gem! - Edit
So glad we saw these reviews and stopped here during our travels to pick up our daughter from college. This place is wonderful! Fantastic friendly service combined with a well decorated, inviting atmosphere to enjoy eating in. They offer an appealing menu and we enjoyed everything that we ate. We ended up eating here again on our way back home. My pictures are from our 2nd trip back. We will definitely come here again on our future trips to her college! Highly recommend!
Read morePros: A creative menu of vegan dishes, Friendly service , Lovely decor
Cons: Limited street parking
lance.botanical
Thanks so much for leaving us this review!! We really appreciate it! I know this response is sooooo late, but the parking garage right next to us is actually free for the first hour! That's usually about the amount of time it take for someone to dine with us, and it's only a dollar if you need 30 extra minutes on top of that.😄
Read moreGuest
KarinaLynch
Points +538
Very good! - Edit
We like this place!
Read moreGreat options, very homemade, friendly, and very delicious!
lance.botanical
Thanks so much Karina!
Read moreGuest
ATXveganfam
Points +639
Enjoyable - Edit
It was good! More like counter service than a full service restaurant.
Read morelance.botanical
Thanks!!
Read moreGuest
TheTofuTyrant
Points +2183
Incredible - Edit
This eatery has so many good options—mostly whole plant-based! It’s also a super cozy spot and has a patio. I loved the miso mac & cheese, the sticky cauliflower, the crispy chix sandwich, and the cauliflower soup.
Read morePros: All vegan , Great food, Good coffee
Guest
ChaseLaubach
Points +289
Good food in nice market area - Edit
Tasty Vegan options, easy to find,
Read moreCons: Expensive
Guest
Nofilter79
Points +20
Wowza! - Edit
We live in Virginia Beach and very little vegan options. Probably the best I’ve ever tasted! We had the wonton nachos, sticky cauliflower and vegetable fried rice. Absolutely delicious. Can’t wait to come back!
Read morePros: Food, Location, Ambiance
lance.botanical
Thanks so much! So happy to hear you enjoyed everything & hope to see you again soon💗
Read moreGuest
gib
Points +28
Local favorite - Edit
Relocating to Charlottesville, Botanical has become our family’s favorite local restaurant. They provide a menu that changes each season and balances unique creations with veganized staples. They have a great all-vegan dining facility with coffee bar, to-go options, and diverse selection of drinks. Great place for a snack and watching passerby at the walking mall or a night out for couples. We’ve loved every meal here and the service is outstanding!
Read morelance.botanical
Thanks so much! We're happy to be a lil vegan haven in cville for all who relocate here 😄
Read moreGuest
kaylab21c
Points +187
Great - Edit
The biscuits were bomb & the avocado toast was sooooooo good!
Read morelance.botanical
Thanks so much! And thank you for uploading that gorgeous picture of the breakfast sandwich!😄
Read moreGuest
AliceG
Points +77
Great vegan food, great atmosphere, great city. LOVE! - Edit
Botanical is one of my favorite vegan restaurants. The main dishes are all creative and satisfying. The desserts are delicious and memorable. Highly recommend going if you are in Charlottesville and want a fresh delicious meal.
Read morePros: Fresh ingredients, nice environment, menu changes
Cons: Closes very early so not great for late night meal
lance.botanical
Loved reading this review, thank you much!
Read moreGuest
Slindbla
Points +96
Crab Cakes are the BEST! - Edit
Love this place! We’ve been twice and loved everything we’ve tried. I especially love the wonton nachos and the crab cake sandwich. The chef creates fantastic flavor profiles.
Read morePros: Food is AMAZING!, Ordering at your table is cool. , Staff are very helpful
lance.botanical
Thanks so much for the support! We'll be bringing back the crab cakes eventually.😄[check out our restaurant week menu]
Read moreGuest
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