Even Meat Eaters Can’t Help But Fall in Love With the Menu at This Plant-Based Restaurant in Virginia

Plant-based dining has come a long way over the years. Not too long ago, it seemed as though tofu and beans were the only substitutes you'd find in restaurants. And while these plant-based ingredients are still prevalent in vegetarian and vegan dishes, the creativity has truly exploded. These days, it's almost impossible to discern meat from plant, giving restaurants like Botanical in Charlottesville quite a runway to work with. No matter your meat-eating preferences, we think you'll fall in love with this community-oriented plant-based restaurant in Virginia.

Botanical Fare lives by the philosophy "You are what you eat," bringing only the freshest, tastiest, and most seasonal ingredients to each dish. But good food goes beyond its ingredients; a cherished meal is one to be shared with the community. Browsing the menu, you'll find that everything is 100% vegan, meaning it's all derived from plants.

In addition to being free of meat or dairy, all ingredients at Botanical are peanut-free. This offers diners with dietary restrictions an abundance of delightful dishes to enjoy. Plus, nearly every menu item can be made without gluten if needed (with the exception of a few pastries). The space is accommodating, welcoming, and truly joy-filled.

The first time I visited Botanical Fare, I was impressed by the beautiful, light-filled space right on the Downtown Mall. I glanced at the menu, which is divided into a few sections: shareables, salads, sandwiches, mains, combinations, and one for kids. After taking some time to decide, I selected the Crunchy Cauliflower Bowl, featuring sticky rice, white beans, ginger garlic cauliflower nugs, purple cabbage, mango, tamari ranch, sesame seeds, and aleppo.

Each bite was packed with flavor, but not overly saturated like some veggie dishes tend to be. The result was one of the best lunch bowls I've tried, and I've returned several times since. Other menu highlights include the Okono Cakes made with cabbage and carrot, Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl, and the Miso Mac & Cheese.

When you're ready for something sweet, be sure to check out the dessert display located at the front counter. These almond chocolate bars taste like a homemade Twix!

One recent review of Botanical seems to sum up what makes this restaurant so special: "Botanical is one of my favorite restaurants in Charlottesville! The food is incredible, and the restaurant is lovely. If you are vegan or vegetarian, this is a great place to bring non-veg people; the dishes are so creative that there is something delicious for everyone."

To learn more about this delightful plant-based eatery, be sure to visit the official Botanical Fare website. Need a place to stay while you're exploring all that Charlottesville has to offer? How about this chic loft that's also right on the Downtown Mall?