- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
56 reviews for Cafe Flourish
Review Highlights
-
"Reuben - Amazing, if not better than the real thing." In 18 reviews -
"...delicious, especially the peanut-butter and chocolate pie." In 2 reviews -
"...curry blend to sweet fig balsamic vinaigrette to a hint of..." In 5 reviews
Loading...
- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
56 reviews in English
-
Review from Diana K.
Los Angeles, CA
4/22/2010
What?! Oh No! It closed?!
We loved this place S.Y.!!! And we love you!! Please open another somewhere else!!
Love,
Diana -
Review from Jessica L.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 8/8/2009
Went back, had the Ruben, holy mother of sandwiches, it brought me to crunchy tears.
This is my numero uno favorito place right now.Listed in: Veggie Friendly Eateries
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/15/2009
"Oh, Wow"
Those were the first words out of my mouth when I tried my man's "Hooray for Burritos." I… Read more »
-
-
Review from theo n.
5/10/2009
I'm gonna give this some Elite clout.
If your hungry like the wolf, but hesitant to send an animal to hell,
do NOT past GO,
do NOT collect synthetic food at Quiznos/Subway/Jack in the Box,
go directly to Cafe Flourish.
Order a BLT (with faux bacon, avocado, and crispy lettuce) for nine dollars and twenty-nine cents and choose the refreshing three bean salad.
You sit down, wait, and watch the lovely, dilligent ladies at work. These owners have put their greenbacked heart and souls into this business and by coming here, you are encouraging the American dream.
Once that BLT and salad arrives on your table, it will beckon you to hoist it gently to your mouth and to indulge in it's flavoids, vitaminoils, and a cleansing sensation unavailable at the corporate animal chopping blocks.
So approach the counter and flourish my friend. -
Review from Kelly B.
Culver City, CA
6/14/2009 4 photos
My friend brought me here with promises of the best shake ever... "best ever" might be a stretch but the Pearl http://www.yelp.com/bi... was scrumptious nonetheless.
I don't care for preachy vegetarian/vegan establishments... I want straight food, not self affirmation through hippy dippy named dishes. Besides this flaw of Café Flourish, everything else was lovely. The interior is serene and tasteful without spending too much moola to craft. The kitchen is semi open, but you don't hear the clanging dishes and mindless dribble of hired help... just peace and quiet and then your food appears (but on disposable dishes)!
The "A Simple Pleasure" ($3.25) is just as the name describes. The fresh avocado half is dressed in truffle oil and crisp lemony shredded carrots and sits strangely atop a sheet of (soggy) nori. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
To me, a quesadilla without cheese is like Christmas without presents... what's the point... but my friend promised I would love the "Mi Casadilla" ($8.95). The mashed cassava root with kale and poblanos is startlingly tasty and, dare I say it, I didn't miss the cheese at all. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The "Thank God (of your choice) for BBQ!" Pizza ($13.25) is excellent but less impressive then the other dishes and those jalapenos are super spicy. http://www.yelp.com/bi...Listed in: Photographique
-
Review from Christy M.
Bedford, TX
6/9/2009
I have pretty high standards of vegan food, but Cafe Flourish is now one of my favorite spots. Creative menu (which I can't wait for its expansion) and amazing food. It's so exciting that all these delicious, non-thai vegan cafes are popping up everywhere now! We've got Golden Mean (which I haven't tried yet but have heard amazing things) and Seed in Venice on the westside and now a place in the Central part of town.
I had the Reuben, which is a close rival for the one at Flore Cafe. It was delicious! The Mint Choc Chip Cookie is also divine. Prices are actually average for healthy, vegan delicious beautiful food. You can't spend under $10 anywhere good these days! People complain about the prices at Seed but the portions are huge and it's mostly organic, so people really need to stop bitching about the prices at these places. RFD is out of control with raising their prices (and I don't eat there because the food went downhill as the prices went up), so these smaller cafes are where you can get delicious, quality food for a reasonable price.
Just like Seed, this place doesn't have a bathroom (that I could see), so be prepared! -
Review from Niko C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/23/2009
I'm a meat eater who happens to love (good) vegan food as well. It's just another food group to me. My gf took me here, thinking I would like the reuben. Not so much.
There's very little seating inside. There are a couple long tables outside, but it's noisy and sometimes windy, according to the gf. Prices are way too high for what you get. $13 bucks for a bland f'ing reuben? It's only saving grace was the rye bread. I had a bite of my gf's "Hooray for Burritos". It was good, but nothing special. It's kind of hard to mess up a BRC burrito. The pomegranate tea didn't taste anything like pomegranate. It tasted like tap water with a hint of generic fruity flavoring.
I know vegan food can be done right. It's too bad this place hasn't figured it out yet.Listed in: Veggie-Friendly
-
Review from David L.
Culver City, CA
4/11/2009
I have not written a review in a while, a long while. So, I am dusting off my key board to give this new cafe some props.
First off, I am an omnivore, I love it all in moderation. I also love my vegetables and do like vegan( Real Food Daily), macro-biotic(M Cafe), and have had crappy dining experiences at some raw food joints in this town.
That being said, I had a few items at the soft open, and all were exquisitely balanced in flavor and texture. The thing that struck me is that nothing I ate had that overwhelmingly one note veggie flavor that sub-par vegetarian restaurants seem to serve up.
Also, what make these dishes great is how they don't use any dairy and yet the items I ate that would typically use dairy left my palate with a clean refreshed feeling, unlike the subtle residual texture dairy can leave in your mouth.
Here is what I sampled:
1. Quesadilla-served with guacamole and finely diced onions on top. I really loved this. It was hard to believe that there was no cheese or veggie cheese substitute in this version. I would have preferred it served warmer to contrast the cool guacamole that was dolloped on top.(but that is just one of my personal things) Unlike a traditional quesadilla, that is usually a thin layer of cheese, this was ticker and had a variety of ingredients which gave it a hardy quality when chewed.
2. Ruben- I have no idea what was in this or why it's called a Ruben, but it rocks, here's why. The bread. As for all sandwiches, without great bread, it is just another sandwich. I love the thick cut bread they use, it has a firm crust and a soft center. Now inside this tasty creation are a few layered ingredients which create a savory flavor, not unlike caramelized onions. I will be going back to get one of these and pull it apart to see what it is made of.
3. humous - I don't remember what kind of pea or bean they used, but it was familiar, yet different enough and was served on a crispy cracker/crisp that was purple in color. The presentation was eye catching and the flavor creamy, garlicky and tasty.
4. smoothie- I had two different flavors, one had a chocolate flavor and the other had an almond/coconut flavor.
I really liked the almond smoothie, it had a light and refreshing finish that is unlike any smoothie drink I have had before. It was such a balanced blend of ingredients that it was hard to tell what it was made with.
The chocolate smoothie seemed to have a bitter-sweet flavor, which I happen to like and if you don't, I wouldn't order it.
I can't wait to go back once they open and sample the rest of the menu. -
Review from Miller S.
Downtown, Los Angeles, CA
5/18/2009
Wow! What a little find on a stretch of Wilshire where there is nothing but chains. Flourish is all earthy and sustainable without being crunchy or preachy. It's very clean and modern. The food is yummy and well presented. The smoothies are not cheap but they are meals unto themselves - filled with fresh coconut juice, dates, etc., they are sweet, thick and healthy.
But here's the best part: Cold-processed coffee. Brewed at room temperature, the oils and acids aren't soluble, so, what you get is a cup of the smoothest joe with not even a hint of bitterness. Seriously, you have to try it.
Here's hoping that Flourish will become a chain and spread healthy, sustainable food to everyone. -
Review from Christina C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/5/2009
I am normally not a fan of most Vegan places, mainly because the food literary taste like it came from the dirt to your plate. I consider myself a hard-core meat eater that enjoys a good Ribeye or porter-house steak. But Cafe Flourish is definitely one of the best vegan restaurants that I have ever been to. Every dish has so much flavor, texture, and fullness to it that you forget you are eating a meat-less dish. Not to mention everything is prepared with all fresh organic based ingredients. From the salads, wraps, sandwiches, and pastries, they are all unique and exquisite from every bite. All the foods are impacted with rich unique flavors from curry blend to sweet fig balsamic vinaigrette to a hint of mint. Leaving every bite to be perfect and delicious!
I tried the California Dream salad, with red leaf lettuce, beets, marinate curry cauliflower, steam butternut squash with a fig balsamic dressing. It's where sweet meets savory. The portion was perfectly proportioned and I definitely felt that I got my money's worth because I was full half way into the salad (and that hardly ever happens because I'm usually hungry after its finished).
Also, since I'm a HUGE dessert fan, I highly recommend the vegan peanut-butter chocolate chip cookies and the vegan mint-chocolate chip cookies with oatmeal and walnut. You honestly cannot tell these cookies taste vegan. Its the type of dessert you feel guilty after you have devoured the whole thing and then begin licking the crumbs off your plate. Because it's THAT GOOD! And the peanut-butter chocolate pie is simply divine and taste wickedly sinful. If you are just discovering the vegan culinary cuisine, or trying to compromise with a friend that is vegan and you're not, I would recommend this place to you. You just can't go wrong with this place.They also have gluten free menu! -
Review from Amy T.
8/18/2009
I made a visit to Cafe Flourish a few weeks ago.
The first thing I noticed was the prices. Everything seemed to be $8 + (even drinks and sides). It was something like $9 for my 'quesadilla'. I didn't order anything else for fear of a $20 lunch tab.
For $9 I expect a piece of heaven for lunch. Example: Urth Cafe is expensive, but every time I go there it's so good it doesn't matter that I spent $12 on a sandwich.
The quesadilla was simply not even close to good. It was bland and had an odd texture to it. At best it was alright.
I may give Cafe Flourish a second shot since there are so many raves about the Ruben and the vegan desserts looked good, but I won't be going back in any sort of hurry. -
Review from Carie G.
Beverly Hills, CA
11/7/2009
I cannot comprehend all the love for the Reuben. First of all, why is it $13? And why aren't more people creeped out by the "cheese"? I really wanted to like this place, instead I just feel ripped off.
The Pearl smoothie was good, but not good enough to make me feel okay with spending $9 on it.
This place ruined my Saturday. -
Review from Li J.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 3/4/2010
One final review of Cafe Flourish before they close their doors....
Well they never got above a 3 star experience for me but they were so close to my house and so convenient. There really isn't anything else vegan in the immediate vicinity.
As always, the food this last time was okay, but totally overpriced. Service was a bit slow. The cornbread muffin that came with my Flourish Plate was dry and crumbly - almost stale. The mint chocolate chip cookie had great flavor, but again was dry and crumbly.
Oh well. I'm really hoping something else vegan moves into the neighborhood. The population is growing exponentially and there just aren't many good food options around here. :-(Listed in: Stress Free Vegan Cuisine
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
8/15/2009
This place is just so close to my house that I want to love it....
I finally had a chance to try… Read more »
-
-
Review from Vegan E.
Los Angeles, CA
3/2/2010
I guess it was due to the rain, but I lucked out and got a perfect parking spot right in front of CF!
The restaurant is closing this Friday (3/5/10), but I thought I'd write a review anyway. Due to only being open for a few more days, they were low on supplies. However, they still had the two sandwiches I had come to try: the "Cheese Louise" and the "Love, Reuben". We also got the Peanut Butter Choc Chip Cookies and Hybiscus Tea. The sandwiches came with an option of a green salad or 3-bean salad; we got one of each. The portion size is standard, but the cost is expensive.
The Cheese Louise was really yummy. It had carmelized onions, cheddar & mozzarella Daiya, and a tomato/red onion relish. Although I liked the flavor and grilled texture, the sandwich filling itself was lacking in portion size. I would have liked to bite in a sandwich FILLED with carmelized onions and daiya instead of barely tasting any in each bite.
The Love, Reuben was also very good; although I think I prefer the Locali or Meet Market versions. However, unlike the Locali and Meet Market versions, Cafe Flourish used a tempeh instead of deli slices. The tempeh was the best I've had. The quality (texture, taste, portion) was great.
I hardly knew you, but you received lots of great reviews! I'm sorry to see CF go. -
Review from Mehran A.
South Pasadena, CA
5/15/2009
Hearing this place opened up near my work was like a gift from the Food Gods. Being a vegetarian and working on Wilshire, my options are limited. However, Cafe Flourish has changed all that. I've been there half a dozen times so far and each time I've gotten something different, and each time I'm impressed and delighted. The staff is super friendly, the decor is very modern, the kitchen appears really clean, the cooks know their business and the portions are just right. I've even gotten food for my meat-eating co-worker, and he gives it the thumbs up as well. After each meal I'm full and yet feel like I'm all the better for what I've just ingested - there's no greasy, fatty, bloated feeling from other eateries in the area.
My favorite so far is the BLT, it's really tasty and filling. The Rueben is also terrific, as is the Burrito! The BBQ pizza is tasty, but a bit on the tangy side - which my co-worker loves, I'm just more of a salty pizza type. The Quesadilla is really good, but don't be scared by the 'spicy' tag in the menu - it's actually really mild. The Caesar salad is a good portion, and I love the dressing (I actually prefer this dressing to the Fig Balsamic - again, the tanginess vs saltiness). Lastly, the desserts... oh the desserts! So delicious, especially the peanut-butter and chocolate pie. The mint chip cookies are really great too.
I swear, I'm not paid or connected in anyway by Cafe Flourish. They just totally do everything right. I hope in these hard times that they're able to sustain as a newly opened business. I plan on eating there at least 3 days a week for lunch.
One thing to note: They're cash only currently. I am pretty sure they're putting in credit card machines, as last time I was in there they had someone installing those sorts of devices.
A+!
UPDATE: So I wrote this when the first opened, and I have few things to update. The S'Mac N' Cheese is awesome! Really tasty, and the breaded texture gives it a unique spin that I really enjoy. The Hooray For Burritos is perfect in every way. Their weekly specials are amazing! The BLT&A used to be my staple/favorite, but they've introduced the Flourish Burger, and that's pretty much all I crave at all hours of the day now - it's so damn good! The Bonjourno sandwich was also really good. Also, sure enough, they installed credit card processing pretty soon after opening - so there's yet another perk. Cafe Flourish can do no wrong. EAT HERE! -
Review from Randi K.
Los Angeles, CA
11/27/2009
I found this place this afternoon on Wilshire Blvd this afternoon. The food was great! My friend and I shared the vegetarian soy burger and the cheese sandwich. We each had 1/2 of each sandwich. I was really hungry when I arrived. The food was very tasty and filling. I especially liked the cheese sandwich. We shared the cupcake for desert. That was the perfect way to end the meal.
The atmosphere and decor was also well done. Its a small place but they've done a great job of painting and creating a warm and aesthetic atmosphere. I will definitely go there again. -
Review from Veggie B.
Los Angeles, CA
8/9/2009
Organic... check, Vegan.... check.... Delicious.... check!!!
It's so nice to have delicious food that doesn't weigh you down. The Reuben, the burrito, and the choco shake all kicked ass. My only complaint was that the chocolate shake could have been a bit sweeter but they had plenty of agave nectar to sweeten it up in a jiffy! -
Review from Andrew S.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/16/2010
Let me start by saying... I like beef. My vegan friend took me here and I was more than pleasantly surprised. The food is really, really good and you certainly don't need to be a vegan to enjoy it. The first Vegan restaurant I've ever enjoyed and would actually go back to by choice. Everything is super fresh and tasty. GREAT spot!
Reuben - Amazing, if not better than the real thing. Super rich but worth every bite.
Quesadilla - Really good, great sauce.
Strawberry Pie - Out of this world! So fresh and flavorful.
Lemonade - Love the lemonade here. It's the real deal... -
Review from Erin R.
Los Angeles, CA
2/25/2010
Cafe Flourish has potential.
It's really small and the portions are on the smaller side as well - which is fine, I can support that we don't need crazy portions of food but for the price I'd like a Little bit more. Make the portions slightly bigger or the price slightly smaller...
Also, being that Cafe Flourish is veggie/vegan friendly can we use REAL silverware and plates?? Using disposable is about the LEAST earth friendly decision they could make. Go buy some plates and start using them please :)
I would go back again...I live super close to it and LOVE a good veggie meal every so often - but I won't be racing back.
I guess my next trip I'll be trying their reuben... -
Review from Natalie A.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 9/12/2009
Something beyond my wildest dreams happened today.
So for a couple of years now, I've been fixated on this dream-like treat at Real Food Daily (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) called the carob mint chip cookie. What was once an amazing treat I was guaranteed to enjoy almost every weekend, suddenly became a sporadic item on their menu. Not sure what happened, but every time I visit or call in, they've either just ran out of them or are not serving them that month. It's annoying.
HOWEVER, as I was saying, something happened today. After eating a delicious meal at Cafe Flourish, my boyfriend decided to order us their oatmeal walnut carob mint chip cookies. I was reluctant to have any cookie with the words "carob" or "mint" in the title, as I didn't want to betray my RFD fellowship. But - and I'm not exaggerating - after my first bite of this new cookie, I looked up to Vlad like I just won the damn lottery. Jack-f**king-pot. This blew RFD's version out of the water.
I have a NEW favorite cookie now, and it's guaranteed to be on this restaurant's menu, rather than counting on a stroke of luck. This could be dangerous. Danger never tasted this good.Listed in: Healthy Deliciousness
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/25/2009
With all these (non-Thai) vegan restaurants sprouting up recently, we've come to the realization… Read more »
-
-
Review from Isaac G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/5/2009
The food here is the best. I work in the area once a week and got tired of all of the other little restaurants around here so I walked a little further. I came across this little cafe a few blocks before La Brea. I've had a couple of the lunch plates and the burrito which was amazing with long grain brown rice and black beans.
The smoothies here aren't the cheapest, but they are the highest quality smoothie you can get in the area. I always just get the smoothie that they have on daily special since it's a few bucks cheaper. The last one I got was some type of strawberry smoothie with dates and almond milk. Ever since I drank it I've been craving another one, but I don't work in the area for a few more days. I will be in here every week on my lunch break, there's no other place around like it. -
Review from Summer S.
Studio City, CA
8/30/2009
After reading a review of the Reuben at flourish (ALL vegans are Reuben Freaks!), claiming that this could very well be the very best Veg Reuben in Los Angeles, I HAD to go check it out...IMMEDIATELY! I'm a huge fan of the 'Follow Your Heart Reuben' and never thought it could be beat...but the competition was on!
Cafe Flourish isn't a 'full service' restaurant, so when we arrived we ordered at the counter. I got the Reuben (which comes with a choice of sides-I chose the marinated bean salad), the s'mac and cheeze (which comes with a side salad), and the boyfriend ordered the almond hummus and a flourish roll.
Our food arrived quickly-the hummus arriving first as an appetizer. I didn't have any (I was saving my stomach for the reuben!) but the BF claims it was delicious! Soon the rest of the food arrived, and with one look at my Reuben I KNEW it was definitely a contender for the #1 reuben prize. One bite and I knew it was the winner! This thing is AMAZING! A description, quoted from their menu as 'Savory marinated tempeh with house-made Swiss, sauerkraut & avocado with Russian dressing on rye' does this sandwich NO justice...first of all, it's HUGE, there is probably more than an entire block of tempeh in this thing! Second, the last thing this sandwich could be called is 'dry'- it is loaded with delicious dressing, sauerkraut and swiss...AND the avocado just cranked this sandwich up to an 11 on a 1-10 scale. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!
On to the rest- I really, really, really enjoyed the s'mac and cheese'- definitely the best veganized version I've ever had- really creamy with a tiny bit of spice that made my palate smile! The BF thought the mac was a bit too mushy, but it was just fine by me. The side salad that came with the s'mac was delicious too...essentially, it was just mixed greens, but the fig balsamic dressing they were tossed in was OUT OF SIGHT! My new favorite dressing for sure! I believe the marinated bean salad that came with my Reuben was tossed in the same dressing, and was similarly amazing! I didn't have a chance to try the BF's Flourish roll, which their menu describes as 'Carrots, red bells, cucumber, cilantro, sunflower seeds, green onion, mint, peanuts & rice noodles snuggled in a leaf of red lettuce with a coconut tamarind sauce.'...but the BF said it was pretty damn good!
So, seriously, make your way down to Cafe Flourish ASAP...I think you'll LOVE it! -
Review from David G.
Los Angeles, CA
5/24/2009
I'll be coming back for sure, despite the SNAGS during my first visit.
My first experience was with a group of 3 other people, which was to my benefit as I seemed to order the only item on the menu that Flourish should AXE immediately.
I wanted the tacos made with jackfruit. ALL OUT. So I ordered to French Dip with quinoa as the side. ALL OUT OF QUINOA. So I asked for the 3-bean salad as the side. ALL OUT OF THAT. So I got the green salad as a side. The water bucket had no water in it and we had to ask three times for a cup of water. When they finally filled it ten minutes later, it was filled with warm water. Had to then ask for ice. Geez.
The food came at different times and would have been nice not to have a 5 minute difference between deliveries. Everyone was overly delighted except for me with my french dip sandwich. It was a salty-ass, tiny sandwich. Cut in half, each side was two bites - very small. The insides of this sandwich (two kinds of mushrooms with grilled onions) was missing alot of whatever it is that you put in bread to call it a sandwich. It had about $0.50 worth of mushrooms and onions in there. Seriously, this was a $2.00 sandwich at best that I paid $11 for. On top of that, the Au Jour dipping sauce was 100% salt, and when added to the salty sandwich, it was almost unbearable. This dip was also served in a tall cup and the process of dipping my sandwich into it was nearly impossible. A sad, depressing meal. Not many times have I been upset and angered over a pathetic excuse for a meal.
Luckily, the other meals ordered on the table were extraordinarily delicious and I was able to grab a few bites of them. I can't believe this French Dip is an actual permanent sandwich at this restaurant, seeing how they don't have a large selection to begin with.
Overall, I hated this sandwich and urge you to NEVER order it. Aside from my single meal, the Ruben and salads, and the BBQ pizza are simply amazing. Try this place out and don't order the French dip! -
Review from Natasha B.
Corona, CA
7/9/2009
A friend and I were walking around her new neighborhood one night taking in the sights, and this surprising cafe caught our attention from across the street. I always like checking out menus to see if there is anything interesting, and this menu definitely drew me inside. That, and the uniqueness of a vegan cafe in the middle of hair salon district!
I wasn't planning to get anything, but as I read the menu more closely and talked with the owner, Leticia, I felt inspired to try The Pearl. It is one of their custom-blended drinks, made with fresh young coconut milk, creamy almond butter, real vanilla bean and Medjool dates... it is definitely rich and heavenly; so rich, you could really share it with someone and still feel completely satisfied. Not at all what you expect when you hear the word "vegan."
Leticia explained that the cafe interior was designed by her son. It is very inviting, and though there isn't much room to sit, it still feels like a place that you could comfortably enjoy a meal or a share a drink without feeling rushed.
I've saved the menu so that on my way through that part of town I can try something different on their menu. I suspect it will be well worth it. -
Review from Poma Celeste T.
Los Angeles, CA
9/20/2009
I've had better vegan food. The "hurray for burritos" burrito is great but don't get the ceasar salad, it's a disaster.
-
Review from Luz V.
Los Angeles, CA
6/3/2009
I had lunch here with a friend a month ago before heading to the La Brea Tar Pits. I'm vegan and she's vegetarian, so we were excited to try something new. The guy behind the counter who greeted us was super friendly and genuienly nice. He handed us paper menus with their limited offerings. The first thing we noticed were the names for all the menu sections (Love Bites, Love Salads, Sandwiches Love You) and the names of the actual menu items (Amen for Almond Hummus; Love, Rueben; Thank God (of your choice for BBQ!). So cheesy it reminded us of Cafe Gratitude in San Francisco. The counter guy told us he'd never heard of Cafe Gratitude, but the owner said they were in fact affiliated.
On to the food: I saw some guys with smoothies sitting inside the tiny restaurant, so I decided I wanted one to. All of them were $9! Nope, nope, nope. I was not going to pay that much for a smoothie, so I opted for a root beer instead. I love reuben sandwiches and so does my friend, so we decided to get two different sandwiches and share. She got the Love, Reuben ($11.95) with a side of house salad and fig balsamic and I got the French Dip, Merci ($10.95) with quinoa tabbouleh. Her reuben sandwich was excellent and the salad was good with just a hint of fig in the balsamic. I would have enjoyed a stronger fig taste, but no complaints there except for the price. The sandwich was good, but it was not $12 good. It's more of a $9 sandwich. My French Dip was very dissapointing. It came on a small roll with almost nothing inside. It had the equivalent of two each of porcini & shitake mushrooms and a couple of slivers of onions. The mushroom au jus was just a mushroom broth that was not rich or flavorful, it just tasted like mushroom juice. I didn't share my sandwich with my friend because she didn't want any, so I got stuck with an aweful sandwich. The quinoa would have made up for the sandwich except that the lettuce it came on was full of tiny bugs. My sandwich should have been $5. When I told the owner my lettuce had bugs on it, she took it and apologized, but didn't offer me a new salad. Still what bothered me most was not the bugs, but the overpriced, tasteless sandwich. I hope that they remove or improve this sandwich and lower their prices a couple of dollars. I'll be back when they do. -
Review from Megan G.
Los Angeles, CA
4/29/2009
I thought this place was great!! It's super small, and I had no idea it was vegan, which does not bother me in the least - just sayin'. I got the quesadilla, or the "Casadilla" as it's named on the menu. I don't remember what was in it, but it was amazing. No cheese, but it had a hearty, yet creamy texture to it. Served with guacamole and a teeny bit of sour cream. It was awesome. The lemonade was great as well. Oh, and the complimentary cucumber water. SO GOOD. I will be back. I have to remember to bring cash though. It's cash only, but everyone should try this place. Two thumbs up. : )
-
Review from Chris S.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 9/1/2009
I just have to chuckle at the folks who write in about how expensive Cafe Flourish is. Having opened and run my own restaurants I know how expensive the cost of ingredients are. Using local grown, organic ingredients (like Cafe Flourish does)is VERY EXPENSIVE!!!! Using compostable plates, forks, etc. is VERY EXPENSIVE!!!
So if all you complainers can figure out how to use these products, charge cheap prices and not go broke let me know and I will for sure pass on the info.
If not go eat at the places who use corporate grown, pesticide covered, hormone stuffed ingredients and pay less. There you can be happy and eat all you want! Have a great day!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/7/2009
FINALLY! A vegan place with depth and flavour. They have only been open 3 weeks but already it is… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jennifer M.
Sherman Oaks, CA
7/30/2009
My boyfriend and I stopped by this restaurant on a whim. We were in the neighborhood, and have a goal of trying every vegan restaurant in the greater LA area. It's a small place, limited seating... but since we were the only ones there, it was fine. Our eyes scanned the menu, brightening with each realization that our picky eater personalities would actually be satisfied. We ordered the Caesar salad with tempeh bacon, the macaroni and cheese, a slice of peanut butter & chocolate cheesecake, and an oreo cupcake.
My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The Ceasar salad was enormous, with fresh leaves of romaine lettuce. The dressing was tangy, creamy and yummy and the crunchy parmesan peppercorn topping added a good amount of texture. The tempeh bacon was bursting with flavor, and there was just enough of it to not overwhelm the rest of the salad.
The macaroni and cheese was delicious. Good vegan mac & cheese is incredibly difficult to come by, and so far Madeleine Bistro definitely takes spot number one for the dish, but it's overpriced and too far out of my way... the only other place that has M&C worthy of mention is Taste of Life, where it is undoubtedly delicious. But now, FINALLY, there is another contender. I'm not a fan of black olives, and Flourish does put them in the M&C, but they're easy to pick out, and will probably be a bonus for most people. The plate was spicy, but not too bad, and it was topped with a crunchy crust of crispy goodness... landing Flourish in an elite list of restaurants with vegan Mac & Cheese that's worth the money, the distance, and the praise.
Now, onto the desserts... the very best part. Of course, the moment I enter a new vegan restaurant where there is cheesecake, it's a rule that I have to try it. The one and only thing I miss about dairy is cheesecake, so I am forever on a quest to find a vegan cheesecake that will satisfy my craving. The cheesecake here is to die for. Rich, yummy, wonderful cheesecake. The peanut butter contributes to a thicker substance that prevents the normal runniness of the classic vegan cheesecake, as well as contributing to the taste sensation that hits your tongue at first bite. The chocolatey top pushes this desert into the "sensual" category... beware of unbridled "oohs" and "ahhs" from unsuspecting first timers...
Next, the Oreo cupcake. I mean, come on people... can it get any more delicious than this? To be honest, one need only walk into the restaurant and see the display of Oreo cupcakes to know what kind of treat one is in for. Unbelievable. I was amazed there weren't more patrons the day we went. I will definitely be back, and if you're interested in having some of the best vegan grub in Los Angeles, you'd be well advised to go there too. -
Review from Evonne H.
Los Angeles, CA
12/26/2009
I think this place would like to be Cafe Gratitude. It doesn't come close. They seem to have good intentions but unfortunately you have to pay $$ for iffy food because of the high rent location.
On our first try I had food delivered....sadly the delivery driver broke down and the food arrived cold over an hour later. Cold vegan/gluten free mac and cheese is just not very good, nor was the other dish I ordered. Portions were too small for the price on both tries -- I can make much better food on my own in half the time.
My housemates are digging that mac and cheese when hot but since they were out of the one thing I really wanted (the cornmeal crust BBQ pizza) I'm debating whether to try again or just make the pizza on my own. It doesn't seem worth the effort to try again but I'll probably give them one more try....will write if the review improves. -
Review from Silke S.
Los Angeles, CA
6/1/2009
Trundled over to this place during my lunch break at work - It's a little on the spendy side, but COMPLETELY WORTH EVERY DOLLAR! Rueben was made with marinated tempeh, avocadoes, FRESH sauerkraut on delicious bakery-quality rye bread. Came with a salad topped with a homemade balsamic fig dressing.. MMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmy!
-
Review from rory f.
Los Angeles, CA
5/23/2009
I cannot get enough of this place!!! In the two weeks since first visiting Cafe Flourish, I have eaten there five times. It is safe to say I am fully hooked. Every single dish has been blissfully good...fresh and healthy but also totally indulgent. The juices and smoothies are amazing, the food is perfection, and the desserts (especially the cupcakes) are not to be missed. While 100% vegan, the menu is really diverse and will appeal to every palate--even meaty ones.
Also, the space is really pretty and the energy is really good. As corny as it sounds, you can feel the love in the restaurant and taste it in the food! -
Review from Lidia S.
Los Angeles, CA
10/16/2009
I had the Reuben and quinoa tabbouleh. The Reuben was a-ok, heavy on the tempeh, not enough sour kraut. Didn't taste anything Swiss cheese like either. The quionoa tabbouleh was very un tabbouleh like. It was pretty tasty and had sweet raisins in it, so not sure why they were calling it tabbouleh, it didn't even have chopped tomatoes in it or much of any other of the basic ingredients. The sandwich and small side was over $13 after taxes. I'm undecided whether I'll go back to try anything else.
-
Review from Mef S.
Orange, CA
9/24/2009
Okay, the rueben- delish but not as good as the Radical Rueben at the Chicago Diner in Chitown. Best vegan rueben in LA? maybe. The pearl- wonderful. But I can make something like it for less than $9 I bet. I'm no chef but I can throw those things in the blender for less money and get similar flavors in my mouth. Thanks to Flourish for the inspiration however- it's super yummy. The avocado appetizer- needs work (called simple pleasure or something). Truffle oil a good call, an unripe firm 'cado- bad call.The nori looks pretty and I like nori in general, but the flavors simply don't go with it. I'd come back every once in awhile.
-
Review from Colleen P.
Moorpark, CA
8/26/2009
We finally tried Cafe Flourish after a long visit to LACMA. We read many great reviews on vegan blogs and were anticipating greatness. I can say the food definitely delivered. The Mac and Cheese and the Grilled Cheese were both incredible but, the portions were very small, almost like they were appetizers. My son was still hungry after his grilled cheese and ordered the burrito which was as delicious as the rest of our food. I ordered the Reuben and totally loved it. I have to say it turned out to be a very expensive lunch for myself and two kids, nearly $50 with food, drinks and a cookie but, I'm glad we went. Next time I'll stop in by myself. ;-)
-
Review from Esther H.
Los Angeles, CA
9/1/2009
I rely on this place for when I'm feeling too lazy to cook. I usually order the mac and cheese or the reuben (which are both delicious). My complaints are the prices are a bit steep and the menu isn't extensive (none of the apps catch my attention enough to order).
-
Review from Amy S.
West LA, CA
11/13/2009
Amazing grilled cheese (Vegan). Ices Green tea is a MUST try as well as the cookies and cream cup cake.
-
Review from Hubba B.
Los Angeles, CA
10/26/2009
Just came from there and had one of their excellent tempeh reubens with a friend who had the same. We both kept whispering, "I LOVE this sandwich" between bites. I wish I could have tried one of those cupcakes as the other customers seemed to adore them. Like most vegan places, the prices are higher than a regular sandwich shop. It is extremely small, with only a couple tables inside and 2 picnic tables outside, and it is first-come, first seated. You order at the counter, and they bring the food to you. Not formal. The food was well-prepared and did not taste oily. Good balance of flavors and textures - quite palatable. I left feeling full enough with the generous portion size but not over-filled. I had the quinoa salad on the side, and it was nice. I would eat there again for sure, but it may be pricier than an everyday lunch outting.
-
Review from Sabrina C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2010
I was looking for a good vegan soup and ended up here. Too bad they do not serve up any soups cause with the rainy weather it would have totally hit the spot. However, the gals at Flourish totally surprised me with a great caesar salad and a TO-DIE-FOR shake "Strawberry Fields" with strawberries and dates. NOM NOM NOM. I'll probably be back eventually as I work up the street, but I do not feel the need to go there too often. It was good, but not awe inspiring. I'd almost rather just walk another block to Subway and get their veggie sub for THREE dollars.
-
Review from Michelle C.
Kouts, IN
3/5/2010
I went here with a friend for the BLTA and it was amazing. I loved that the bread was toasted on the inside (where tricky things like condiments and tomato can make a sandwich soggy. It was literally the most amazing sandwich I have ever tasted in my life. Sadly, Cafe Flourish closed a week later. RIP, Cafe Flourish. The vegan community will miss you.
-
Review from Magnon G.
Costa Mesa, CA
2/6/2010
Such bomb vegan fooood! so so so good. I have only been once but I was extremely happy! The Reuben and the BLT were just heavenly, I can't wait to go back :)
