"This was the worst restaurant experience I’ve had in quite some time - both food and service were very underwhelming. We almost immediately got our appetizers, but ended up waiting at least 50 more minutes for our entrees. We had a 5pm reservation and the restaurant was not busy, so we don’t know why the wait was so long. We got two steak entrees (bistecca and beef Wellington) and did not receive steak knives. Our server also never came back, so we didn’t have the opportunity to ask for them. The beef Wellington was fraudulent. There was no duxelles, and instead it had what appeared to be canned mushrooms sitting on top. I am not convinced the steak itself was beef tenderloin; it was not very tender or flavorful. The potato purée that came with it was cold (not exaggerating - literally cold like it had been on the plate for 50 minutes waiting for the “beef wellington”), and the asparagus was overcooked. For the bistecca, the beef was cooked unevenly and the potatoes were burned. In a positive note, the brussel sprouts and croquettes appetizers were really good, and the restaurant itself is beautiful. I’d walked by many times wanting to eat at Botanya, so it was a big letdown."

"I had always passed by Botanya on Cary Street and honestly always saw it packed, but I never had the chance to stop in. I didn’t even realize their concept was an Italian–Spanish fusion until tonight. My sister in law got married this evening, and we had reservations for nine but needed to add three more seats last minute, and they were able to accommodate us without any issues. Our server, Italia, was incredibly sweet and communicative throughout the night. We ordered a few drinks and shared tastes across the table. The spiced sangria had a beautifully authentic flavor with notes of clove, rosemary, and other warm spices. The popcorn Old Fashioned was a surprising favorite, unexpected and delicious. My sister in law ordered the chorizo gnocchi, which was superb. I went with the pumpkin lobster risotto topped with mussels, and as someone who’s very picky about risotto, this one was absolutely on point. It was the perfect way to start the night. Overall, it was an amazing experience. They also offer a beef Wellington, which my chef husband ordered, not expecting it to be as spectacular as it was. Huge win. This dinner was such a beautiful surprise, it was delightful to celebrate an incredibly important night, and we will definitely be back for date nights. I wish I had taken photos of the food, but I think you’ll understand the etiquette of a night this special. Three of the guests ordered the carbonara pasta, which is prepared tableside, and they absolutely loved it. Looking forward to coming back… an honest foodie review 🥰"

"To be quite honest, I don’t understand the reviews regarding the food because the carbonara was the first time I experienced one that wasn’t dry or too egg-like. The prosciutto croquettes were dope and hit the spot. I can agree with the opinion that the dishes are a little more expensive than they should be but I feel that way about many places nowadays. Additionally, the bowls in which the pasta dishes come are a bit deep so it looks like there is less than there actually is. In any case, I think the food is tasty & worth it! The drinks are equally tasty. They didn’t have exactly what I wanted so our waitress, the lovely Sarah, put something together for me that hit the spot. Additionally, the old fashioned with the fire was 👌🏼 Speaking of Sarah, what a sweetheart. She answered our questions, came back to refill drinks, check in on us, etc. Also, when I told her it was my bestie’s birthday, she got us some ice cream and limoncello shots. What a sweet gesture! I would go back just for her kind, chill vibe which matched the aesthetics of the restaurant itself. The greenery and outside area is so cute! Can’t wait to return for some good drinks, service, & food!"

"Sarah was absolutely fantastic! I had a wonderful time at my birthday brunch. The service, atmosphere, and food were exceptional. I will definitely come back.:)"

"We absolutely loved our experience at Botanya!! The service was incredible, our waitress Sarah was lovely and so kind. The happy hour is great, and the pasta was to die for. We got the happy hour cheese bites, the table side carbonara, and the lasagna. The vibe inside the restaurant is also gorgeous. We loved it all and highly recommend!"