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Native Foods Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Vegetarian Restaurants Vegan Restaurants Gluten-Free Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free [Edit]
2937 Bristol StCosta Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 751-2151
Happy Hour Every Friday!
Receive Half Off all Wine, Beer, & Appetizers from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Friday. Start your weekend off right!
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
691 reviews for Native Foods Cafe
Review Highlights
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"The Chicken Run Ranch Burger is ridiculously good." In 50 reviews -
"Sweet potato fries are excellent as well." In 120 reviews -
"Their lavender lemonade is perfect on a warm day." In 51 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
691 reviews in English
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Review from Tuyen T.
Westminster, CA
5/24/2012
If I could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of my life this place would be it! It is NOT close to home and parking is kinda tricky sometimes but it's totally worth it. I've been to the other locations (Tustin and Aliso Viejo) and food + service is consistently good. I pretty much replaced years of weekly visits to AYCE BBQ places with this place, a feat I don't thing any other place can accomplish. Any dish here is surprisingly good and unique so if something sounds interesting go for it! Although the soul bowl, portabella sausage burger, and the Aztec salad are my favorites. Not to mention they have the BEST sweet potato fries and lemonade (lavender).
The staff does a superb job each and every time even though this place is basically self service and KID friendly! There are 5 new McDonalds' opening every day, maybe in time it can be replaced with more places like this. -
Review from Sammy M.
Huntington Beach, CA
5/18/2012
This is my favorite restaurant in the WORLD (and it's safe for me to say that, I travel for a living)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No matter what you order, you don't feel disgustingly bloaded after you're done eating. The customer service is also off the charts. Always swinging by asking if you need a refill or anything else. -
Review from Danny B.
Brea, CA
5/17/2012
My dish was excellent and came out literally 5 minutes after I ordered. It makes you wonder if it was prepared on order or already made before. That being said, the food was superb. I ordered the Portabello mushroom burger and it did not disappoint. Since it was the special of the day, I also had my choice of side (sweet potato fries were also a home run).
Can't complain about the service, people were friendly enough, but you order at the counter and serve yourself water, drinks, etc. So not much to talk about there.
The alcohol selection is very limited, but how many organic alcohol items are out there anyways? I love eating healthily, but when it comes to drinking, organic = piss. The Bison IPA was decent enough though.
Whatever you order in terms of food, you know you're doing your body good because everything is legit organic vegan/vegetarian. So indulge a little. I'll be back for sure. -
Review from Donald S.
5/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My adorable daughter, Whitney, is visiting from Scottsdale this week!
Yay!
I love it when my kids come to visit these days...they take care of me, treat me like the valuable and breakable treasure that I am ("here, let me take those bags for you, Dad...they look heavy!").
Then I take them out for 5 mile "jog" and run them into the ground...I may be old but I'm not dead yet!
Then...because I love them and they love me...we go to lunch...my treat!
With my son Zach, it's always some sort "meat-sweat" inducing fiesta, but with Whitney (my sweet Vegan daughter), it always the very best Vegan place that I can find!
Today (and over several visits that she's made to scenic NPB), it was Native Foods Café.
We braved the worst parking lot in semi-coastal Orange County (trust me...I was lost for days in The District, but The Camp has the worst parking situation around...in fact they call it The Camp, because that is what you will need to do in order to secure a parking spot) and strolled over to Native Foods.
I am a member of the Native Foods Frequent Eater program (I do mean to drop by when Whit's not here...you know, sort of try to live a healthy life...but I never do) and even though I am not really a frequent Native Foods patron, I had still racked up enough points for $10.00 off this visit!
Also, Yay!
That brought the price for lunch down to merely "sort of expensive" levels, today.
But the food is pretty good...Whit loves their Reuben and I always get something different (today, it was the Chef's favorite BBQ "burger" with Asian Slaw and fries) and I recognize that it takes a little more to make Vegan food tasty.
Not necessarily healthy, but really very tasty!
In fact, it was so tasty that I began to speculate as to how they make Vegan chow so doggone "flavory" (much to the chagrin of nearby tables...but that's what they get for eavesdropping).
After careful consideration, I came to the conclusion that (while the menu states no meat or animal products are used in the cooking process), the process may involve the use of significant quantities of "other" chemical products.
And I, for one, would be all in favor of that!
In fact, there are subtle signs of chemical processes everywhere you look!
* All the buildings in The Camp look like they were last used in an abandoned refinery...except for the yurt housing Native Foods (BTW, can anyone tell me what a yurt has to do with "native"...anyone?)
* It's in Costa Mesa...the chemical capital of the West Coast!
* And finally (and most telling, if you're a fan of anagrams), you can rearrange the letters of "Native Foods Café" to spell "DuPont Makes Tasty Grub"...you have to squint a little bit, but you can do it!
So (chemically, at least) I felt right at home, even though I don't have a neck beard or braided armpit hair (both things that I associate with Vegan restaurants).
The food is very well done, the people at Native Foods Café are as nice as can be, the prices are a little high (but reasonable when you consider that this is not mainstream stuff ordered from SYSCO and reheated) and the atmosphere is very "yurtish"...but in the good way.
Drop by and try them out...it ain't meat, but it ain't bad.Listed in: Health Food?
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Review from Christine N.
Fountain Valley, CA
Service:
Fast and friendly. They checked up on us about 2-3 times during the visit.
Parking:
Ample for dinner on a Sunday around 6pm.
Food & Drinks:
Water all around was perfect. No hint of tap water here. The lemonade and watermelon drinks were also pretty tasty.
My order was the Chili 'cheese' fries, where the cheese replacement is a delicious hummus. The fries weren't too bad either. Soft and crispy at the same time, but if you leave it there too long, it'll get too soggy. These were delicious enough for me to re-order. http://www.yelp.com/us...
Dad got the Portabello 'sausage' burger. It was so flavorful that I knew that if I finished the entire burger, I wouldn't feel so bloated and hate myself afterwards. This came with a danty side of edamame.
http://www.yelp.com/us...
Mom detested the idea of not having meat, but we were able to get her to try the 'chicken' strips and she devoured every bit of it without putting up a fight. It is a definite keeper in the re-order list! Loved the dipping sauces they provided, but can't get enough of that organic ketchup by Annie's. Nothing to complain about the sweet potato fries, they're awesome as always and not too greasy as other places. http://www.yelp.com/us...
My brother's pick was the Bangkok Curry Bowl, which he says lacked flavor and he felt really healthy from eating it. He did end up adding some hot sauce or ketchup that they had near by and that helped it somewhat. I tried some and was glad to have choosen what I ordered. http://www.yelp.com/us...
Overall, we will be coming back. Thanks for having a rewards program, Native Foods! -
Review from Ursula G.
5/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Have always been a fan, I have a hard time veering from the ranch chicken burger, or the chicken wrap, but recently I tried their scorpion burger and that was delicious as well.
Everything here is pretty good, and I love that they have fresh watermelon juice, and great outdoor seating. -
Review from Narita S.
Orange County, CA
4/26/2012
I've seen this cafe numerous times when I would go to The Camp, but it only took me how many years to finally give it shot. I even remember seeing their other branch in Aliso Viejo when I lived there a few years ago and yet, I still ignored it. So here I am now, years later...back in good ol' HB, looking for new places to dine in. I chose this place for a very, very much called for dinner-on-me date for my good friend's belated birthday, keeping in mind something casual, yet not TOO casual where we can do heaps of catching up whilst keeping it light and healthy.
I ordered the Nuevo Native Nachos to start our stomachs off. The flavors in this from my first few bites actually surprised me. It was pretty good. Although, it could have used more heat, temperature wise, since it was just barely warm. But then again I was blabbering so much it probably cooled down. Either way this was something we kept munching on before our meal, during our meal, and even after our meal.
My main was the Portobello Mushroom and Sausage burger. TASTY! I split it in half and scarfed down the first half. Amazing how "wheat meat" could taste this good and it SHOULD be healthy, right? I wanted to eat the other half, but my friend wasn't enjoying his order that much, so I decided to do a switcheroo of plates with him.
He got the Soul Bowl. He said the sauce tasted a bit "weird". Only after having my 4th bite did the funkyness of the sauce start catching up to my buds. It was suppose to be BBQ and Ranch, it tasted like Orange Chicken sauce, but more tangy. Which to begin with I don't exactly like or enjoy. The cornbread was crummy. As for the the chicken, I honestly don't remember it. This bowl all in all lacked some funk.
Got a glass of Pinot Noir for him and a bottle of Ginger Ale for myself. You order up at the counter and seat yourself at their cozy little booths. Service was very friendly and they diligently checked up on us throughout our meal.
Can't say I'm a Native here just yet. I still got some exploring to do, that is, when I'm feeling for some fake meat. -
Review from Annette R.
Costa Mesa, CA
4/27/2012
Its OK, nothing to rave about. Ordered the Native Nachos and the Sweet potato fries. The food was warm-cold and the chips were stale. Maybe just ordered the wrong thing, but I will definitely try to come back during the weekend. Its a cluster trying to come here during the weekday.
Nobody can beat the Sweet Potato Fries from Seabird! -
Review from Rob D.
Costa Mesa, CA
Updated - 4/25/2012
Criminy, it gets worse (better)!
How the hell do they make fake chicken wings tastier than real chicken wings? How do they get me to accept odd hummus as cheese? How do they keep me coming back when I am a dedicated carnivore and they have no meat?
F if I know, but I keep returning - I even have a frequent dining card deal...
So, we returned, with admittedly malicious intent. Ordered everything that we thought we'd hate - chili cheese fries, buffalo wings, a burger. BRING IT ON!
The chili cheese fries are tasty little shoestrings, very well seasoned with a superb vegan chili and a visually off-putting dollop of "cheese" on top. It is, of course, Native Cheese - or odd hummus. Terrific tasting stuff, really, just odd.
The buffalo wings were tremendous - great breading, superb buffalo sauce and killer non-greasy, meat textured seitan - these little bastards were filling and much better tasting than many crappy wings I've had at many crappy bars. These were the star of the show.
Native Foods wins again. Next time, the nachos. Those have got to be gross, right? How will they stack up against the carnitas nachos at El Toro Bravo - the Grand Champion Of All Nachos, the Holy Nacho Grail? Poorly, I expect?
We'll see. Until then, I still flippin' love Native Foods!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/18/2012
DAMN IT! THIS PLACE IS #@&%!* GOOD!
And that foils my whole "it can't be good if it's obnoxiously… Read more »
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Review from Yen H.
Santa Ana, CA
4/19/2012 2 Check-ins Here
confession: I'm not vegan, I'm actually not even remotely vegetarian, but when I dine here, I actually second guess my reasons for not switching over... I might be able to do it if I got to eat here everyday.......
By now, I've tried almost everything on the menu, and I love the different flavors and ingredients added in all the items to "spice" things up. For instance, the Enselada Azteca has a touch of cayenne seasoning, and when it hits the chunky pieces of daikon, it gives the salad a crunchy kick. The mango salsa not to mention was sweet and heavenly.
The staff here is also super friendly, and always willing to answer any questions and make recommendations to your selection if you've never been there before, or just need help.
Tip: Watermelon Fresca is sooooo refreshing! Ask for a to-go cup and you'll be sipping it all the way home, or you know, where ever your going next... -
Review from Stacey T.
Pomona, CA
4/6/2012
YUM! Come here to munch on delicious vegan food after your yoga practice at Bikram.
This is the only Native Foods I have ever been to so I cannot compare this location with the others.
When you first come in, grab a menu and check out your options while you wait in line to order. I personally recommend their Sesame Kale Macro Bowl, which is served with brown rice and flavored with ginger sesame sauce! I also beg you not to miss out on their sweet potato fries since they are delicious! -
Review from Geanne I.
Waipahu, HI
4/26/2012
5 star!
Amazing food!
So my friend and I decided to come to this restaurant, and try selections of healthy food here.
We ordered Ensalada Azteca Salad, and Nuevo Native Nachos.
Both of them are definitely an A++!
Ensalada Azteca first impression is super fresh. New sting for my taste bud. Very unique.
Nuevo Native Nachos, NOT YOUR ORDINARY nachos. This nachos consist of healthy food unlike the regular nachos that's greasy. SUPER YUMMY!
all in all 5 AMAZING STARS.
Will definitely Come back here again. Staff are very nice, and welcome guests. -
Review from Rissa M.
Honolulu, HI
4/2/2012
WARNING: Nothing here is animal product. DUH. That's why its called vegan food. I don't get why some people are complaining about their burgers not having meat in it?
Anyways.
Yummy yummy yummy yummy. In orange county there isn't a lot of options for great vegan food, but Native Foods never fails to please my tummy. Get the chicken run ranch burger if you are a rookie vegan eater. Although a soy product, this thing still tastes like chicken! Their sweet potato french fries are bomb, their watermelon flavored water (made from fresh watermelon) is delicious! Their Kale salad is interesting, and to me, was a little intimidating at first but after I took one bit, i knew i was going to like it. A little bitter, but the sweet dressing evens it out. I am not a legitimate vegan, i like things that were once moo-ing, but Native foods makes me wanna become vegan!
This place is a great casual place for lunch/dinner. You order up front, and the cashier gives you a number thereafter you find an open seat yourself, and they bring you your food. Kind of Corner Bakery-ish, but I would say a little more upscale.
Four stars because there aren't many of them around. I wish they would make their way to Hawai'i; i used to frequent this place and now i sometimes have dreams about their food :-( -
Review from Wholewheatwaffle S.
Laguna Niguel, CA
4/18/2012
SOLID!
Service was phenomenal from the moment we walked through the doors. Food was superb (and FYI, I am not vegan but would be if I could eat here everyday!). Drinks were soooo yummy. I loved the Watermelon Fresca best, then...the Lavender Lemonade was extremely good! It is great, the place does not offer sodas.
I will return. -
Review from Dave E.
Carlsbad, CA
3/31/2012
Searched for the best bacon cheeseburger in Orange County...drove from Carlsbad to Native Foods Cafe...parking dreadful and impossible...parked two blocks away after circling the lot six times.
Ordered bacon cheeseburger (almost) only to find that the bacon was not bacon! The burger was not a burger! This is VEEEGGGEEETTTARRRIIIAAANNNN despite their claims to 'meaty' products.
Never again. Read the fine print. Went to Tom's and had a dynamite bacon cheeseburger and wonderful fries! -
Review from John M.
5/4/2012
I've tried to get behind vegan and it's never really done it for me. It seems like the main focus is on how well it approximates the meat it's imitating, and in that respect, the Native Chicken in my Rockin' Moroccan Bowl indeed rocked. I can imagine how well it must work for people who don't enjoy natural if poorly-processed chicken nuggets as much as I do (and yes, I have seen the how they're made demo).
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Review from Natasha F.
Irvine, CA
4/4/2012
Both OC locations are just as good when it comes to quality, service, and environment. If I were employed, this would be a regular visit for me. The last handful of times I have been ordering the Twister Wrap, but will occasionally get the Soul Bowl which are always satisfying, but I think it's time I try new things!
Try the cupcakes. The frosting is tastier than a regular cupcake and worth the occasional splurge.
The only negative I can ever say about this place and other vegan/vegetarian spots are the prices. It's not like we're being served large portions and a huge chunk of the ingredients are vegetables in almost all of the menu items. Lower it please :] -
Review from Chris L.
Costa Mesa, CA
5/10/2012
Native foods is my favorite vegan restaurant. I eat here 4 times a week and i have never had a bad experience. the staff is super friendly and attentive. the vibe of the cafe and business center is awesome!!!
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Review from Michael I.
Colton, CA
4/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
SHORT AND SWEET:
Awesome place for food. Amazing place for vegan food.
SERVICE
There isn't really much service, which I do not mean in a bad way. You go to the counter, order, grab a seat, and they bring the food to you. When ordering they are very accommodating; you can make special requests, as long as its possible they usually will do it. There is a manager that goes around the tables to check and see how everything is, and you can see that he obviously wants feedback, which is nice.
FOOD
The food is very good. Do not go in expecting it to taste like meat. If you're craving a delicious beef burger, it will not satisfy you. Having said that their meat substitutes have a savory taste to them, and just the right amount of meaty texture to them.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Some of my favorites: Scorpion Burger (best when eaten fresh), Chicken Run Ranch Burger w/chipotle sauce (instead of the ranch), Native Chicken Wings, Chicago Dip Au Jus
I wish they would open up a restaurant in the Loma Linda area, which I believe would do well. -
Review from Mehmet A.
Costa Mesa, CA
4/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have lived in Orange County for 3 years and it's such a shame I just discovered this place. I love Native Foods Cafe, Especially this location in Costa Mesa. People are friendly , food is always good and served fast. I eat there almost 3-4 times a week now ;)
if you are unsure about what to eat, ask your host. they will really walk you thru the options. Azteca salad is just amazing. -
Review from Marsha Z.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Parking into the stalls at The Camp, you are treated to phrases of wisdom/words to live by. (You quickly realize it's one of *those* places. If you've been to Cafe Gratitude, you'll know what I'm talking about.) The surrounding businesses ascribe to the green, sustainable model. Based on the structures encompassing the area, an REI looks like it would fit right in, but none exists.
The seating arrangement is that of booths lining the perimeter, with half-circular bar seating in the middle, which made it easier to people-watch the diners across from you. We couldn't help but be amused after noticing how customers fit every stereotype that you'd expect to see in a vegan establishment--the lady with the beaded yogi headband sitting with the long bearded scruffy-looking man, the guy with the notebook, sporting horn-rimmed glasses...
For veggie restaurants that have such variety, I tend to go for the American staples, like burgers and sandwiches over the the ethnic foods (in this case, the Earth Bowls); from experience, the former is a safer bet, tending not to disappoint. Starved, I chose one of the more unhealthy sounding items, the Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger with a side of sweet potato fries. It was not pretty. The burger was a complete mess--my hands reeked of fake bacon hours later--but I loved every single bite of it. I came back again before heading home for the Native Chicken Wings (battered tempeh sticks) and chili cheese fries--appetizers, but more than enough for a single meal. The salads looked scrumptious, but I don't think I'd be able to get enough of the junk side of the menu.
The service was above-average. Though there's no table service, the cashiers are friendly and engaging. Aside from providing delicious organic, plant-based food, the business is also very much into giving back to the community, sponsoring events and are involved with numerous environmental, animal, and local non-profit organizations.
Native Foods is hard to pass up if you're veg*n, but meat-eaters will more than likely have their fill here too.Listed in: Faux Meat Galore, Veggie Burgers, SPF
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Review from Cathy S.
When I was a child and I was bad, I had to sit in the corner for a period of time.
Now that I am a grown up (questionable) and when I am good, I dine at my circular restaurant!
Ordered and started with a Parducci chard $4.95 Napa Smith Organic IPA $3.95.
Hubby ordered the chicken run ranch burger Crispy battered Native Chicken, ranch dressing, romaine, carrots, and onions. $9.95 with sweet potato fries $1.95 http://www.yelp.com/bi.... Ate every bite of his burger. That sayin' a lot!
I opted for the V Day lasagna $9.95 http://www.yelp.com/bi.... Yummm.. Quite tasty with eggplant!
chili cheese fries http://www.yelp.com/bi... Seasoned potato fries smothered in our homemade Native Chili. Topped with Native Cheese and diced red onions. $5.95
Since I am lactose intolerant, I appreciate the cheese here!
Hubby was quite surprised that I had tried this place already. Kind of disappointed actually, since I was able to brag about the fact that I thought the food here was excellent!
He actually enjoyed the chicken run ranch burger and sampled my lasagne and liked that as well!
Food - 4 Stars - Vegan you say? Really? Yummy to me!
Ambiance - 4 Stars - Circular and tubular, dude and dudettes!
Service - 4 Stars - quite friendly and prompt. Order your food at the register and then wait in eager anticipation of your food!Listed in: Comfort food, Local Flavor, Date night
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Review from Floss T.
West Palm Beach, FL
4/10/2012
Our family loved this place. The meatball sandwiches (not real meat of course) are delicious! The service was extremely friendly and having the manager come and talk to us was a nice touch.
I loved the entire atmosphere - from the natural stores surrounding the restaurant to the circular design of the building. -
Review from Bonnie G.
4/20/2012
Went here with the bf for the first time ever last night. I was skeptical, only because I'd never heard of it before. Then I asked my students about it. If I could only get them that excited over learning about relative pronouns in Spanish, well, we'd all be happy! So, I can't give this place 5 stars just yet because I've only tried a few things: the gyro bowl (EXCELLENT!), the lemonade (very good but tart; will remember for a hot day!); the watermelon drink (yum!) and the mushroom soup (was fine but not memorable). But I'll definitely be heading back, even if I have to park a street over. It's all good.
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Review from B F.
Long Beach, CA
5/18/2012
For sure one of the best veggie restaurants around. Great food. The reuben actually tastes like a reuben.
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Review from Nancy C.
2/27/2012
I love the food here! I'm not even a vegetarian. Usually, hearing the word "vegan" in association with a restaurant would turn me off. In fact, I love meat and I'm kind of a carniwhore, but I never feel deprived after a meal at Native Foods. All the salads that I've tried are great and very creative. The ingredients taste so fresh and light. I also like their sandwiches, burgers, and sweet potato fries. As for drinks, the watermelon juice and lavender lemonade are very refreshing. The high quality of food is surprising considering how extremely reasonable the prices are. The portions are big too. I usually have leftovers to take home.
Now that I don't live in SoCal anymore, I miss coming here. It's especially enjoyable on a sunny day. The ambiance is so relaxing. Only caveat is that the parking can suck in the small lot during prime hours. Ever play parking war, hybrid to hybrid? Those Prius drivers got some fire under the hood because they get vi-cious. Vroom vroom! Them new age hippies be gettin' hella cutty! -
Review from Katie R.
Orange, CA
3/23/2012
I LOVE Native Foods.
My fav's: Native Nachos, Buffalo Wings, Chicken Run Ranch Burger, Greek Gyro Bowl, Twister Wrap. -
Review from JacqueLin O.
Long Beach, CA
I think Native foods is pretty good. I am about 50/50 as there are definitely things on the menu that I have liked and there are things on the menu that I have not liked.
Likes:
Meatball sub or any of the burgers or sandwiches are always REALLY good.
The Italian meatball sub is BOMB. Tastes amazing and you don't even miss having "meat" even though they do make fake meatballs, its pretty convincing.
Dislikes:
Bowls or salads
I've had the greek, the taco salad and one more salad that was just okay.
I think these trends are pretty consistent when I go. I didn't love the bowls. I think the fake meat in the bowls does not work as well as the sandwiches. For whatever reason, they just do not do it for me. I know MANY vegetarians who are against "fake meat" as it is.
Always good: The sweet potato fries! Definitely a must have if you go there.
In compared to Veggie Grill, I do think they execute their fake meat a bit better than Native Foods. However, both places are different and have some really good dishes. -
Review from Mike P.
This place is awesome. Healthy food that tastes delicious. I recommend the nachos for sure which can easily be shared between two people. I tried the azteca salad the first time I went there and although it was good and filling, I felt I needed maybe a side with it. I like salad but not that much to eat a huge bowl of it without something else. Don't let that stray you from ordering it though! The lavender lemonade was good too but I was hoping for some wow factor. I guess I got hyped up from reading reviews raving about it. Definitely a refreshing meal though that won't slow you down afterwards but have still leave you content and full.
Overall I am a fan of this place and would recommend trying it. The prices are fair, with the nachos being about 8.60 after tax and the azteca salad about 11 after tax. If this is your first visit, you can get a free drink if you open up a loyalty card. They only ask for your email address. Cool beans man. -
Review from Les S.
It's not bad for a vegan restaurant but it didn't quite have that WOW factor for me. While it doesn't taste like the cheap vegan stuff I had while I was in college (long long time ago), it still has that fake meat taste. The burgers here, even if they mention chicken, sausage, etc., they're not the real thing. They're made with seitan (some sort of wheat), tempeh (soybeans and millet), and other tofu/soybean based products.
I've been here twice and have tried the Greek Gyro bowl, Greek Goddess salad, kale salad, and portobello and sausage burger. The salads had pretty good dressing but the combination of other ingredients just didn't work for me. They just didn't seem incorporated too well. The burger had too much bun and lettuce but not much of the meat (seitan). The texture of seitan is kind of soft so the whole thing felt like a massive bread.
The drink options are lavender lemonade, watermelon fresca, and native iced tea which all have unlimited refills at the drink station. I like mixing all three of them together in 2:1:1 ratio of lemonade: watermelon: iced tea. They also have beer, tea, and coffee.
You can get a free drink by signing up for their rewards card.
This is not a full service restaurant. You order at the counter, they give you a number to place at your table, and they bring the food out to you.
I think I need to detox my taste buds to truly enjoy the food here. All the years of eating meat has spoiled me. -
Review from Stephanie T.
Irvine, CA
4/12/2012
Having been a vegetarian for 3 years, I'm used to foods that use fake meat, so it's not a matter of unfamiliarity, but I wasn't too overall impressed with Native Foods. Sure, having a larger menu with vegan dishes is quite a feat, but my Caribbean Queen Burger was pretty bland except for the mango salsa, which was overpowered by the red bell peppers. It didn't even come with fries, just a few pieces of cold edamame. I tried my friend's meatball sandwich and the sauce was good, but the meatballs were a bit dry. I do, however, love the lavender lemonade. I think the flavoring is better at Veggie Grill (although not vegan, but vegetarian). I might give it a few other tries, but I didn't have a food epiphany. Plus, parking is just awful
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Review from Albert N.
Garden Grove, CA
2/1/2012
I am very happy I came here. After being blessed with the awesomeness in Culver City, I was very happy to see that the quality/taste/friendliness of staff was consistent.
This place is awesome. Plain and simple. I will only recommend some dishes that you may want to try out.
Mediterranean? Gyro Bowl. The gyro meat was pretty close to regular gyro meat and the bowl comes with fluffy quinoa, carrots, kale (not bitter), cauliflower, and hummus/garlic sauce.
American? Oklahoma Burger. I ate this within 5 minutes. It was THAT good!
American burger with a twist? Caribbean Queen Burger. The mango salsa + big chunks of avocado makes it awesome.
A hearty sandwich? Meatball Sub. Big balls of faux meatballs with a boss sauce and soft roll/sub.
TRY THIS PLACE OUT! -
Review from KJ A.
Aliso Viejo, CA
2/29/2012 1 photo
I've hopped into Native Foods @ The Camp twice this week for lunch and it's been yum-o-rama.
Day 1 was the Scorpion burger with a side of fries. The fries weren't great. They were different because they were spiced with something like paprika. Still, I'd rather have the salty, fatty fries from In & Out. But the Scorpion burger was something very special.
The heat from the blackened tempeh and chiptole sauce are perfectly complemented by the cool, smoothness of avocado slices and melted faux cheese. I didn't mourn the absence of beef in the burger at all.
Day 2 was the Oklahoma bacon cheeseburger with a side of their world-famous steamed kale. The kale was tasty. A squeeze of lemon, a pinch of salt and it's good to go. I felt vaguely superior for not having succumbed to the allure of fries and yet, I sorely missed them. Maybe the feeling of superiority doesn't count.
I didn't dig the Oklahoma bacon cheeseburger. The combination of cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots fit together deliciously--cool and crisp--but the seitan didn't have the same visual appeal or mouth feel as the tempeh. The bacon, however, was very tasty but lacked the crunch of pork.
Others yelpers have commented that parking is fierce. I didn't have that experience. Both times I cruised in and scored a spot. Perhaps I was just lucky or maybe certain days of the week are gnarlier than others.
One of the side benefits of grabbing lunch @ Native Foods is the location. The Camp oozes hippyness. Break out your hemp sandals and skirt made of wheat, slather on some patchouli and you'll fit right in. While I waited for my burger, I enjoyed shopping at the bath and body stores, bought a cool notebook and some handmade goat milk soap.
All in all, a very relaxing way to spend my lunch hour.
Highly recommend. -
Review from StillServedWarm S.
Los Angeles, CA
3/15/2012 6 photos
Pictures and review at:
http://www.stillserved... -
Review from Christina B.
Santa Ana, CA
I'm not a vegan, but the Chicken Ranch Burger with a side salad that I ordered sure tasted like chicken. I even googled it when I got home to see if it was chicken or not.. Google knows everything! Anyway, it was my first tim here & I was completely satisfied with this order. It was full of flavor & I can't wait to come back! Service is phenomenal too. Servers come to your table to check up on you and make sure you're satisfied or ask if you need any refills. Simple things like that make the quality of food and experience a whole lot better.
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Review from Jennifer T.
Garden Grove, CA
3/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My first time here I had a Moroccan bowl and I didn't like that too much. I thought it was kind of bland. Second time around, I tried the Twister wrap and it was AMAZING! First timers should definitely try that.
The bf had the Meatball sub and he liked it as well.
To drink, we tried all three of their teas/lemonade. Lavender lemonade is definitely the best one by far.
We came in around 9:30 PM (they close at 10 PM) and they didn't even rush to kick us out. Staffs were very friendly and helpful. Seems like everything in the place is recyclable, reusable and sustainable :D. -
Review from Scott P.
Irvine, CA
3/9/2012
Okay I'm usually a meat and potatoes guy, but after eating here at my girlfriend's request, I'm hooked! At first I didn't know what half the stuff on the menu was, but it smelled really good inside and the place was packed so I figured it couldn't be that bad. I actually went with my girlfriend and 6 other people. Everyone got something different and we all shared. Not one dish that I didn't think tasted incredible. If this is how good Vegan food tastes, I'm a changed man!
After picking at everyone's dish, my main recommendations are the nachos and ranch burger. And OMG, the watermelon drink is amazing! I'm not into sweets, but this drink is very natural and not all sugary tasting. Probably the best tasting drink I have ever had! I can't wait to go back here. Great environment, we sat outside at this big table that had a little fire in the middle of it, how cool. As I'm typing this I am wishing how much I'd rather be eating here than sitting at my computer. See you tomorrow Native Foods! -
Review from B L.
Chino Hills, CA
3/12/2012
We LOVE Native Foods Cafe! My girlfriend got the Super Italian Meatball Sub, I had the Carribean Queen Burger, and we shared the Saigon Roll. Everything tasted amazing, especially the Meatball Sub! I would reccommend this place to vegans and carnivores alike, everyone is welcome and sure to enjoy themselves at Native Foods Cafe.
P.S. Plese open one closer to Chino Hills! -
Review from Nina T.
1/31/2012
Loved their food. Portion was perfectly filling.
orders of a burger, gyro [BOWL NOT WRAP] and [m]eatball sub ((tasted like turkey meatballs))
burger, demolished, gyro bowl was about the size of pho bowl yet with more contents than a pho bowl - i saw that big boy come out and my eyes got sleepy thinking of food coma already - yet had to to go it bc it was WAY too much. Sub demolished.
For the meat fans that have to have meat - yeah don't come, yet for the meat fans that are willing to try outside of their norm, come in yonder. vegans - u are very impressive with ur take on recipes !
delish - C'est la Vie you greenies! -
Review from Carolyn C.
Garden Grove, CA
kay so since old vine hates me & i have all sorts of food problems going on my mom and I headed to native foods. ive never been but was so excited to eat some vegan food and not worry about no dairy allergies...i got the gyro bowl? and my mom got a "chicken" wrap 2 drinks and a brownie and we paid around $25...geez everythings so pricey
the tables outside werent getting cleaned so we found a booth inside...anyone else think this place is a tad hot?! i was sweating hahahaha...lovely right?
so i got a watermelon fresca & an iced tea...the drinks were the highlight of the meal for me. i really liked both. my moms chicken wrap was pretty good...my gyro bowl was good as well..my only problem is even though the food tastes good i get a little uneasy not knowing exactly what i am eatting haha...im not sure what the gyros made of...which I could have just asked but I already felt out of place haha...after stuffing myself with the kale/brocolli & quinoa in the bowl I found the salsa near the drinks...wish I found it earlier!
after we were done I asked where the togo boxes were...found a shelf of it AND hot sauces!! ekkk -_- now I know..i think it wouldve helped the meal go down a lot better for me....
ill be back I have to check out their glutenfree menu and I wana try their chili cheese fries :)
