Botanica + Co at Alila Bangsar: What’s different and what’s good

Botanica + Co and Alila Bangsar have one thing in common: An affection for design and creating a space where people will never want to leave. Hence, it’s no surprise that the restaurant found its second home at the upcoming hotel. Matching with Alila Bangsar’s warm shades of natural wooden brown and decked in a beautiful array of fresh greenery (including statement trees that almost reach the high ceilings), Botanica + Co is a tropical foodies’ retreat in the urban KL city. But care is not only given to the interior.

Staying true to the brand, the menu by Head Chef Sam Neoh is an assortment of hearty, wholesome fare with a mix of western and local influences. And similarly, it’s not just the Instagram-worthy interior but the selection of dishes exclusive only to Botanica + Co at Alila Bangsar that will give you more reason to visit. 

Let’s start off with our ultimate favourite from the tasting session: The Pasembur. A dish inspired by the surrounding Bricksfields community, it’s a generous portion of crispy prawn fritters, quail egg, cucumber, chilli pepper bean curd and the oh-so-good house-made peanut sauce. Indulgent with no regrets. We’d definitely be back for round two. Taking the number two spot is the King Prawn Roll with a house-made brioche and chunks of fresh king prawn flesh, with a Chef’s special aioli of honey and dill, and butter chips on the side. The chips were so addictive, we suggested them to sell it on its own. 

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Pasta lovers might find an interest in the Prawn & Kale Pesto Pasta – but only if you fancy the herby sauce. If you do, it is lovely. The prawns used are also on a less than humble size, which gets extra points from us, and absolutely succulent. Last, but not least, we tried the non-exclusive Seafood Parmigiana served on a crispy baguette. Side note: We’re told this Botanica + Co will soon be selling their house-made bread at The Grocer section of the restaurant (which they have partnered with honestbee and currently stocks chips, granola and more). 

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Six main courses had definitely filled up our stomachs, especially when their portions are great for sharing, but there’s always room for desserts! Their pastry chef sure dishes out works of wonder. The Lemon Meringue is beautiful in form and tangy in flavour while the Chocolate Ganache Tart is a sinful treat for chocolate enthusiasts. And that perfectly ends our review on a sweet note. 

Address: Ground Floor, Alila Bangsar, No. 58, Jalan Ang Seng, Kuala Lumpur  

Opening hours: 12pm – 10pm (closed on Sundays)

Phone number: 011 2600 8188  

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