Botanica

Name: Botanica
Address: 3139 University Ave, San Diego, CA, United States, 92104-2008
Telephone: (619) 310-6370
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6 (81)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

3139 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104-2008

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 1, 2025

10:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar, Tapas / Small Plates, Creative Japanese
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(619) 310-6370
Website
https://botanicabarsd.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Adrian Villarreal
Private party facilities
We have a lovely front patio, back garden, and dining room available for private events.

Location
3139 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104-2008
Neighborhood
North Park
Cross street
We are at the corner of Herman and University Avenue, right next to CVS.
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Close to the 7 train
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Experiences

Botanica Kaiseki Dinner Experience-5 course meal
$55.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Indulge in a modern multi-course dining adventure inspired by traditional Japanese kaiseki! Enjoy five exquisite courses, including Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice with its sake pairing, flavorful Yakitori skewers, Wild Mushroom Polenta, signature sushi rolls, and a decadent dessert. Join us for an unforgettable fusion of Japanese flavors and Botanica's creative touch, all for $55 per person. Perfect for food lovers seeking a unique culinary journey or a great date night!
Gin flight & one exquisite Botanica bite
$35.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Botanica has a selection of the best gins in town: our bartenders will walk you through 3 different Botanical gins. You will also enjoy one of our signature bites while sipping on these amazing gins!

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 81 people are saying

Botanica reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Botanica offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for date nights or casual get-togethers. Guests rave about the "super friendly staff" and "creative cocktails." While the menu has some mixed reviews, dishes like the "spicy tuna crispy rice" and "Disco fries" shine. It's an "awesome spot" for drinks with a "wonderfully whimsical atmosphere."

81 Reviews

M
Mariya
San Diego4 reviews
3.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
The shrimp yakitori and spicy tuna crispy rice were really delicious. The shrimp musubi had too much of the pickled cabbage, which overpowered the large amount of rice and small piece of shrimp. The polenta and mushroom would be way better without the truffle miso honey, which didn’t taste like truffle, miso, or honey, and was more reminiscent of simple syrup. The menu on the site is not the same as the one in person, but fairly similarly. The cocktails were all great - we tried the humumu, heads will roll, and a name that I don’t remember but the description said a mix between a Hugo spritz and a garden spritz
Is this helpful?
C
Cameron
Denver / Colorado2 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a great experience and the staff is super friendly! Definitely, would go back!
Is this helpful?
D
Dani
San Diego4 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful bonus dad celebration having a date at Botanica! Hostess was really nice, ambience was beautiful and the cool breeze felt like you were in different city! The food and drinks are worth the wait! Fun experience and will definitely go again!
Is this helpful?
C
Cameron
Denver / Colorado2 reviews
1.0
Dined on June 11, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
I tried to call and no one answered. They don’t even have a voicemail box to have them call you back. I needed to adjust my reservation, and I couldn’t get a hold of anyone at the restaurant. Very poor service.
Is this helpful?
E
Enrica VIP
Phoenix / Arizona4 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As a gin lover I’m impressed. Took my friends here before our dinner reservation and we loved it. The tuna bites were fabulous and I will definitely be returning.
Is this helpful?
K
Kaitlin VIP
San Diego4 reviews
3.0
Dined on May 24, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
We were not greeted for 20 minutes after we were sat, everything felt very slow. They also mishandled my food allergies. The server did her best to make up for the kitchen’s mistake which was appreciated. Not sure I will be back however. Super disappointed because my previous visit had been such an outstanding experience.
Is this helpful?
C
Chris
Washington, D.C. Area7 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 24, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Ambience was on point, service could have been a little faster, but it was understandably busy on a Friday night.
Is this helpful?
D
Dave
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on May 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went here for the first time to celebrate my friends birthday and had an amazing time! For non drinkers or moderate drinkers the drinks here are strong but worth the money. The food is delicious would recommend the Disco fries. Go check out the place for yourself!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome spot. Snacks and drinks were great. Staff was friendly.
Is this helpful?
B
Basak VIP
San Diego11 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our 4th time. Great food, service and creative, fun cocktails every time
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Botanica is rated 4.6 stars by 81 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 1, 2025

10:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

Experiences are available.

3139 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104-2008

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
We are at the corner of Herman and University Avenue, right next to CVS.
Neighborhood
North Park
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–12:00 am
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar, Tapas / Small Plates, Creative Japanese
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Close to the 7 train
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Adrian Villarreal
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
https://botanicabarsd.com/
Phone number
(619) 310-6370
Private party facilities
We have a lovely front patio, back garden, and dining room available for private events.

Botanica

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

Botanica Kaiseki Dinner Experience-5 course meal

Gin flight & one exquisite Botanica bite

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Menu

What 81 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is Botanica restaurant rated?

Is Botanica currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information