The Botanist

Ulica Mihovila Pavlinovića 4, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Popular

Cooking: Vegan

Gault&Millau's review 2026

The Botanist in Zadar has established itself as a modern and creative restaurant that elevates plant-based cuisine to a high gastronomic level. Located near the old town, it offers a pleasant, unobtrusive atmosphere in which the emphasis is on taste and the aesthetics of the presentation of the food. Although the menu is entirely plant-based, it is designed to appeal not only to vegans but also to other guests. You will find the imaginative appetizers such as Star-Nosed Mole, a combination of boiled broad beans and potatoes with lemon aromas and Mediterranean herbs, as well as Boops Boops soup, a rich tomato soup with black rice, basil pesto and roasted tomatoes. Among the main courses we appreciated the Flamingo Tongue Snail, baked gnocchi with Brussels sprouts and “meat” balls in pesto sauce, and the Dik-Dik, a plant-based interpretation of filet mignon with confit potatoes and vegetable sauce. The Aye-Aye burger with truffles, vegan cheddar and homemade sauce is also popular. For dessert, you can choose the Frilled-Necked Lizard, a cheesecake in a glass with raspberry purée, or the Tufted Tit Mouse, a light tiramisù with espresso topping. Both are delicious. The wine list is carefully selected, with an emphasis on Croatian labels. The professional personnel further round out the experience. The Botanist combines successfully sustainability, creativity, and the pleasure of food.