On a busy section of Lexington Avenue, is a safe haven for vegans and vegan-curious people alike. When you step through the doors you will likely find a line, but don’t let that discourage you. The line is not long, and even if it were, it is worth the wait.
This is a place we could get used to eating at regularly. The staff is extremely friendly and willing to give suggestions and samples. There are about eight standard dishes, which are quite different from each other, and there are seasonal specialties and sometimes even a surprise specialty!
The Tibetan Mama Bowl is a great meal when you are in need of something fresh and warm. It is a coconut peanut butter curry with steamed greens and kimchi. We felt reinvigorated after eating this, ready to get back into the hustle and bustle of midtown. The super seed avocado is a paid supplement on this one, but it is included in the Botanical Salad Bowl.
The vegan chili is another dish which is incredible for when you’d like to have something warm, but unlike the Tibetan Mama Bowl, it has a more stewed and hearty feel.
The blend of spices is just perfect and you really feel nourished from eating this. The sour cream is uncanny and if this weren’t in a vegan restaurant we would have to ask a few times to make sure it was vegan.
The dessert we had was an Omega 3 Brownie. It was light and airy, and not too sweet. Really a perfect touch to finish this delicious, and very nutritious meal.
Everything here is well manicured and thoughtfully presented, from the plates which have the imprint of a prescription pad to the decor which takes you away from the busy streets just outside. Le Botaniste is originally Belgian, but it is hard to place the cuisine as anything but what we would consider universally appetizing.
Address: 833 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065
Closest Subway: Lexington Av-63 Street (F/N/Q/R)
Opening hours:
Daily 11AM–9PM
