Botanica + Co @ The Vertical, Bangsar South KL: Dining in Greenhouse

Botanica + Co Restaurant and Bar made their way into The Vertical, Bangsar South KL just before mid-year ends, surprises the town with a botanic-inspired interior in the heart of concrete buildings. A brand new eatery under Botanica Family, who also manages Botanica Deli next door.

Designed in line with modern contemporary hype, blended with lush greenery, Botanica + Co successfully creates a greenhouse-like structure that you will hardly not loving it. Spot the two Ficus tree in the middle of the restaurant, which expected to grow into a large canopy as they reach their maximum potential in time to come. Noteworthy effort, as not all restaurants offer “dine amidst real trees, in a glasshouse” experience LOL.

What we love most about  Botanica + Co is their ceiling-to-floor glass windows, allowing ample of natural light to flow through during day time (certainly a plus for photography); while during dinner hours, it transformed into a romantic hang out place with hue yellow lightings, overlooking Bangsar South lit up in night. Dine with comfort in their air-conditioned, mini-garden indoor; or wind down with a glass of wine in their al-fresco dining area.

Bo + Co Fries RM16

Botanica + Co food concept is largely Australian – inspired, melding in flavours and cooking techniques of different Asian countries into Western dishes to please. The restaurant sources only high quality ingredients alongside with freshest local produce, ensuring the best for all diners. This is also the key principle of Head Chef, Chef Sam Neoh, who has been in culinary industry for over 20 years, honing his craft at high profile, well-known restaurants and clubs in cosmopolitan Singapore before. It is definitely a pleasure to have Chef Sam bringing his breadth of experience from Singapore to the dining tables of Malaysia, churning out delicious delicacies from Botanica + Co kitchen.

Pad Thai Salad RM26

Our meal started with Bo+ Co Fries, which came in a super generous portion. Ideal to share with friends while waiting for main course to arrive. USA shoestring fries, topped with grated parmesan cheese. Suggest to add Tartufi Aldonso Fortunati truffle oil. It turns your classic fries into a more “luxuries” version, getting faint hints of earthy, aromatic truffle flavour in your crunchy bites. Next, Pad Thai Salad. It has ingredients of Pad Thai, but on a healthier side as a salad, replacing stir-frying with light toss of fresh prawns, peanuts, tofu, vermicelli, honey tomato and lettuce green in lime dressing.

The Fishermen Pizza RM36

Pizza, pizza, pizza. Do not leave Botanica + Co without trying their pizza  (and cocktail haha). Each pizza is handmade upon order, baked in a specially designed brick pizza oven. Thin crust but not exactly paper thin, scores on crispy, rustic edge with chews remained at the middle. Order from vegetarian friendly pizza of Smokey Scamorza Margherita, Four Cheese, Bianca Funghi, Green Goodness to meat-filled pizza like Greek Lamb, Chicken Tikka, Bo + Co Pisagne, Maui and The Gentlemen.

The Botanica Burger (RM36)

Mains selection in Botanica + Co menu is not exactly extensive, covering from Halibut Fish & Chips, Chicken Parmigiana, Botanica Burger, Spaghetti Carbonara, Seafood Bisque Linguine, Baked Vegetarian Moussaka, Bo + Co Rotisserie Chicken and Coming Soon Asian choice including Duck Rendang, Truffle Yakiniku Don, Lion City Hokkien Mee, Sam’s Crab & Crayfish Laksa. Reasonable in price, hearty in size.

Staffs recommended The Botanica Burger (RM36) and glad that it turns out satisfying. Thick house made all-beef patty, melted cheddar, pickles, mustard mayo sandwiched within two toasted bun, sided with straight-cut fries. The patty is so win! Juicy, flavourful.

Bo + Co Cup RM70

Drinks menu at Botanica + Co promises to be exciting, with a good list of Botanica Cocktails and milkshakes in the spotlight. Go by glass, or by carafes (cocktails filling up in bigger glass bottle) if you visited the place in a group of 3 – 4. Mostly combination of American and Australian imported craft spirits, plenty of fresh herbs and refreshing ingredients.

Botanica Collins RM85

We tried out Bo+Co Cup – 3 types of Mancino vermouth mixed with seasonal fruits (RM70); and Botanica Collins – Tom Collins infused with West Winds Gin and a bunch of sage, thyme and rosemary (RM85). The former is mild, with tangy fruitiness while the later, packed with more “omph” of gin. Both are nice but we enjoy the later more! Imagine 3 of us finished the whole 2 bottles and felt like having more. Really great cocktails, no joke. Other beverage you can opt for including coffee, chocolate, floats, tea, soft drinks, beer, wine, juices and homemade sodas.

Over all review: Superb place, like a cafe like a restaurant like a bar. Casual but thoughtfully designed, each corner is a perfect spot for Instagram photos! Friendly service, welcoming interior, great food with reasonable price. We are looking forward to our second visit to Botanica + Co already, in the morning for brunch this time. Pizza is highly recommended, cocktail is a must, and one glass is not enough. Hehehe.

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Photographer: Summerkid
Write-up: Summergirl

Address:
Botanica + Co Restaurant and Bar (Beside VE Hotel & Residences)
G5 Podium, The Verticals,
Bangsar South City,
No.8 Jalan Kerinchi,
59200 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs (11AM – 10PM)
Fri – Sat (11AM – 12PM)
Closed on Sunday
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BotanicaCo.my/