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Cafe Gratitude
Categories: Restaurants Vegan Restaurants Live/Raw Food Vegan, Live/Raw Food [Edit]
639 N Larchmont BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90004
Neighborhood: Mid Wilshire
(323) 580-6383
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
394 reviews for Cafe Gratitude
Review Highlights
-
"I tried their "I am warm-hearted" and it was delicious." In 15 reviews -
"The raw coconut curry soup is a MUST try." In 5 reviews -
"...with garlic, olive oil, and spicy cashew nacho cheese." In 2 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
394 reviews in English
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Review from Cosmic C.
Hollywood, CA
5/22/2012
They seem to, and what I thought.
But, maybe this did, and, how I get.
Alll these words to describe an experience - FAIL
COME and EXPERIENCE what it's like to be Hh - OM ....... Earth is our mother. -
Review from Sheenon O.
Los Angeles, CA
5/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Wow, I had such a good meal here. I ordered the "I am satiated" with the almond soy dressing...I think that was what it is called. The break down. Quinoa with brown rice topped with grilled veggies, kale and the delicious dressing. All of the flavors combined in the bowl just meshed into this yummy goodness that I devoured. My friend ordered a wrap. I forget the name but some sort of play on BLT with a gluten free wrap that was made with coconut(yum)... It was good but not quite as good as mine.
As many of you know, when you get into the realm of eating Vegan and Vegetarian food many times the flavors fall off and you are left with bland foods. Being a former Veg.. I know that your palette adjusts to this type of food and you don't need as much rich flavors to enjoy. As for the rest of us, we just feel like we paid a ton of money for something that tastes like cardboard..... Wel,l rest assured Cafe Graditude did no such thing.... Atleast with my meal. If you are first time here I would order exactly what I did and then venture out to some other dishes.
In the end of the day I left with a happy belly and some food that felt clean and nourishing. I will most likely frequent this place often over the next few weeks as I continue my Tough Mudder training which includes eating a clean dieat. Well as clean I as can.....:) -
Review from Chanmi H.
Los Angeles, CA
5/16/2012
:( My friends and I had to wait for about 20-30 minutes before we got seated. Come on, it's a cafe, meaning 'I don't wait for that long for just a cup of coffee.'
:( Food is overall pricey for the amount of serving that they give you.
:( Usually I like vegan desserts, but the dessert here does not taste right.
:( The servers can get pretty annoying. I know it's a vegan place and I know they like peace, love, etc, but they don't have to repeat that you are awesome, gorgeous, and marvelous every time you order a dish.
:) The place is pretty and it is located around Larchmont area.
:) Street parking is relatively easy to be found.
:) You can bump into a celebrity here. -
Review from Jeremy S.
Beverly Hills, CA
5/3/2012
This place is great. They really seem to have the freshest food in all of LA...including all raw, vegan or expensive restaurants.
I really love the "I am Whole"...a bowl made with quinoa, sea palm, kale, carrots, homemade kimchi, candied almonds. I think that's it. I get it every time I go there. It's just the perfect balance of flavors and it's filling and healthy. Apart from that I get a smoothie..."I am Luscious" with figs and almond milk and cocoa, or "I am Cool" with cocoa nibs and hemp cashew mint ice cream.
Yes, I know the names are dorky, it's kind of a scene these days and you need to wait if you go during peak times, but the quality of the food is very very good. It's one of the few places where it's very healthy and filling. I can't see how anyone wouldn't like this place.
(Btw, there's a raw menu and cooked menu...my favorite dish above is cooked. I've had raw menu items (the enchilada, which they no longer carry) which were very good. The BLT is cooked and very good. When I do branch out from my standard choices, I haven't had anything bad here yet.) -
Review from James-Michael P.
North Hollywood, CA
5/9/2012
This place has a great vibe and the food comes out timely. I ordered the raw tacos and they were not too shabby. I would have liked a little more flavor, especially considering the price.
Their desserts are around the price of a meal, so be careful. Some of the desserts taste "healthy" (mint/chocolate shake), while their banana/coconute creme pie and their choco/mocha cheesecake were pretty tasty. I think the crust of the pie and cake could have been a little better, but considering that part is raw, I give it a thumbs up. -
Review from Daisy S.
Los Angeles, CA
4/30/2012
This is what someone wrote to me on yelp about my review, not knowing what yelp is. They have no history of yelp, so I can only assume it is an owner or staff. I also like how the person possibly didn't use their real name or a pic. It's easier to fight with someone when you are anonymous.
from a cowardly LEON:
"jesus christ!! alot alot alot of bitching and complaining why do you keep going back then? Trust me sister,they DON'T need you they are plenty busy.i've been going there for months and yes sometimes things don't go as fast as I would like but I have never felt like their intention is to ef me over or to purposely give me bad service, they are busy and they are busy for a reason, they're good! And about the prices....GET OVER IT everything is expensive!!"
---------all I can say that if this is what the kind of people that go/work at cafe gratitude on larchmont are, pretentiousness will only get you so far. One star and people are better off then going the other way on Larchment to Cafe Bungalow where the owner and staff and everyone that I have ever encountered have been the upmost friendly.
Original review:
I love Cafe Gratitude. Yes, it is overpriced, but the fact that it's a vegan establishment and that I can walk to it, makes up for it (a little bit).
I love their Eggplant Parm sandwich. I think it's the best thing on their menu. (get it with the cesear salad instead of their regular house salad).
I have tried the BLT (way too salty coconut), the vegan burger, the pesto bowl (too much pesto for my taste), the donation bowl (only good for the first few bites), the mediterranean raw plate (too dry--but I'm not a raw foodie), the sweet potato app (too greasy and smushy), soups (not too bad, but overpriced for the size), the lox/bagel---i hate nori (dried seaweed strips), and tat the quinoa with fruit (which I liked).
I usually also have a glass of white Pinot something, which is good.
I'd had the Mint Chocolate Shake a few times, first sip was strange as I did not know what to expect with the chocolate pieces and the green "healthy" stuff added, but it was okay, but way overpriced at $8.50.
And, I usually have a dessert every time which is also way overpriced (but delicious). I have had the tiramisu many times, the lemon cake (good), bliss-chocolate cream pie (too mousey), and the dark chocolate balls made with almond butter (wayyyy too buttery).
Service is okay. I find I get better service when I sit at the tables right near the window/counter....the servers there are usually more attentive than the ones who serve the back restaurant area.
I did have one "bad" service experience. I will not give out her name, but she never came back to check on me and my friend and the other tables around us, would call her as she walked by and she kept going (which was probably because she had too many tables to handle), and she forgot to give me my bill for the longest time and she had a huge hole in her pants on the butt exposing her skin (they were doctor type blue pants).
They stay busy all day it seems. Whenever I am there, it is a wait for tables, even to-go food, I have sometimes waited 20 minutes.
All in all, I will be back. I like that they are open a little later too. -
Review from Linda N.
Washington, DC
4/26/2012
Beautiful, healthful food, made with love and care. If we all ate this way all the time, the world would be a different place! Tried many dishes and drinks, and they were all wonderful. From the "I AM DELICIOUS" coconut yogurt and fruit to the "I AM WHOLE" sea vegetables, kale, carrots, kim chee, big sprouts, teriyaki almonds, avocado, over quinoa in tahini-garlic sauce...everything tasted so pure and nourishing. "I AM COOL" mint chocolate milkshake...divine.
And I really admire the availability of the pay-what-you-can "I AM GRACIOUS" dish, supported by donations. -
Review from White W.
Hollywood, CA
5/3/2012
I'm not a vegan or a vegetarian but my palate is wide. I enjoy vegan food/food done right and this place has it down. The menu has so many inspirational dishes that are deliciously healthy.
I'm a big fan of "I Am Terrific". The kelp noodles and the blend of basil, mint and cilantro really compliment the dish.
It's a bit crowded but go during non peak hours to enjoy. -
Review from Sara A.
Studio City, Los Angeles, CA
5/12/2012
Love their I am Luscious with coffee. I hate that it's 9 bucks but man oh man is that shake deeeeelish!
I also like their tacos. I forgot what it's called but their tacos are really good. My boyfriend got something with quinoa and pesto, it was meh.
Always super busy (at least when I go) and very trendy. But they manage to get the food out quickly and the staff is always nice.
I've had their chocolate cake and tiramisu, both were good.
The I am Fortified is my favorite dish there. -
Review from Renee K.
Los Angeles, CA
5/11/2012
Ah, step inside the world of possibility, yeah at a restaurant! The owners really got it right when they incorporated how grateful we should be when we sit down to eat a meal. Think about where the organic foods came from & who grew it, to the plate you're eating off of, lastly to the environment you're sitting in. All of this is a whole experience at Cafe Gratitude.
The meal was incredible (for vegan food), the service spot on, and the environment light, bright, and with an undertone of positivity and happiness you rarely see in any restaurant.
Bravo! I look forward to more possibilities from this consciously aware eatery! -
Review from Ani P.
Venice, CA
5/20/2012
Can't sing the praises of Cafe Gratitude enough!!!
This is the perfect hybrid of vegan culture and hollywood!!!! The ambiance is great! This is where hollywood hipsters & Burning Man neo-hippies converge! Beautiful decor, indoor & outdoor dining, beautiful smiling staff with no hollywood attitude, sophisticated menu (vegan & raw options), BYOB, and a long list of celebrity cliental! But don't get discouraged thinking you might not be able to make reservations because of the popularity of the place. They don't take reservations! I LOVE THAT! You wait & be seated! IT'S WELL WORTH IT!
While you are there, do yourself a favor and try these items:
- Green spicy juice (avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, and more)
- Baked Brussels Sprouts in maple syrup
- Sea vegetable quinoa bowl
- and of course the CHOCOLATE deserts! Any of them really!!! They all rock!!!!!
Enjoy! ;) -
Review from Jackie R.
Montclair, CA
4/23/2012
Cafe Gratitude has amazing food!
I came here yesterday for dinner and my taste buds were seriously blown away. I highly recoment the BLT sandwich. YUM! and for dessert the strawberry cheesecake. although I'm sure everything else on the menu is just as good. You can taste the freshness in the food. You seriously feel amazing after eating a meal at Cafe Gratitude.
The restaurant itself has a cute feel to it. INCLUDING THE LADIES ROOM. The paintings on the wall are beautiful. VERY ZEN! They have a very cute outside area aswell.
Yesterday when I was eating I had asked for ice, (they dont include it in your water) my friend and I got served out meals finished out meals, got dessert, finished our dessert and no ice was ever brought to us. BUT the waiter realized he forgot to give us ice so he personally came up to our table apologized, AND gave us free pastries!!! Way to redeem yourself, I mean I wasn't that distraught about not getting ice. But it was nice that he took the time to do that!
Hands down one of my favorite Vegan restaurants!! -
Review from Grace L.
Los Angeles, CA
4/30/2012
I know everyone loves this place, but the "I Am Graceful" bowl seriously made me feel like I was eating tasteless rabbit food. Plus, the waitresses got mixed up about our order and made us feel like it was our fault.
Two stars though, because at least the food was really healthy. -
Review from Bree W.
Los Angeles, CA
4/23/2012
So I was looking for a place to get some bacon and eggs to cure my hangover and a friend had recommended the Wild Oats Cafe... Arriving there it was unfortunately closed. At this point I am cranky and hot so I didn't want to look much further... I wondered onto Larchmonth and stepped into the first restaurant I came across.
It looked cute from the outside and more importantly there was plenty of outside seating. The waitress floated over to my table (If you've been there you'll understand:) and asks me what I want to drink. I proceed to order a latte... This is right about when it was made clear to me I just entered Vegan world, so no latte's and no bacon and eggs... WTF I thought, but hey lets give it a try.. How bad can it be right?!
I ordered the apple and ginger juice and a coffee with almond milk. Looking at the menu I had no idea what to order so I went with a 'bagel'... Honestly people, I am a fan!! The quality of food served in this place is amazing. Don't you love it when you take a bite of something and you can clearly taste the individual ingredients. All organic and fresh out of the garden of love it felt like haha! I went back for a veggie burger with avocado and pesto (HEAVEN) the next day and guess what?! I have a lunch appointment with a friend tomorrow and I am taking her there.
I could do without the tradition they have where they "give you something to think about" once you order... That's a bit to happy go lucky for me, but to each its own. Love the food so I will be back!! -
Review from Valerie A.
Beverly Hills, CA
4/30/2012
Café Gratitude serves a menu of 100% organic, 100% vegan, local fare. The food is free of refined sugar, flour, and additives.
"Over 45% of our produce comes from our Be Love Farm, and the compost from our Cafes is returned to the farm to nourish the next meal." They make their own compost! Amazing place with the best desserts.
The original cafe Gratis is in San Fran.
The Key lime Pie is the best. -
Review from Shannon R.
Los Angeles, CA
Okay....I think I get it now.
A few days back, I woke up in a fog. I had an incredibly stressful day prior, and found myself staring at the ceiling without a thought in my head. This was bad, as I had a lot to do and needed to be on my game. I just had to get out of my apartment and reboot.
My auto-pilot brain brought me to Cafe Gratitude. Since their food is on the pricier side, I mostly come here for one of their elixirs to-go (I AM POWERFUL is a favorite!), but I was hungry and in need of some serious nourishment.
It was a gorgeous day, so I sat out on the patio. My server KNEW I was in a funk, I could tell, and she was just as sweet as could be, checking on me several times to make sure I was all right. I went with the I AM WHOLE macrobiotic quinoa bowl, which turned out to be just what I needed. Normally the hokey names make me roll my eyes, but when you really do need to reaffirm that you are whole, it kind of works. It was so crazy delicious, comforting, and fulfilling. The bowl was huge - I ate so much and had plenty of leftovers. I walked out of there feeling nourished and light, ready to take on the world!
When you want something quick, cheap, and good, go to Veggie Grill. When you need food to heal you, Cafe Gratitude can't be beat. I get it now.Listed in: Vegan Foodie
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/18/2011
There comes a point in every person's vegan food adventure when they've had enough junk food to say,… Read more »
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Review from Julie R.
Los Angeles, CA
5/8/2012
I love it, I love the entire menu...
Just wish it wasn't so pricey.
I would eat here a few times a week if it were just a bit cheaper...
:-( -
Review from Healthy L.
Topanga Canyon, CA
5/19/2012
5 stars for the food
5 stars for service
5 star for their philosophy of gratitude -
Review from Karina T.
Los Angeles, CA
This place is really modern and has a nice patio outside. It's perfect for a nice warm summer day. But the inside seating is equally comfy and nice as well. The menu is very...interesting with all the unique names.
I got I Am Fortified and I felt super healthy after eating it. Usually I overindulge and feel kind of heavy after eating out for meals but this place didn't make me feel that way. Judging from the photos that I saw of this place before coming here, I was worried that the portions will be tiny. But that wasn't the case. It was just PERFECT. Not too much, or not too little.
This vegan place is kind of on the pricier side but it's worth it because it's healthy. And who in LA doesn't want to be fit? Yeah, I thought so. The service here is very good too. The waiters are very friendly and attentive and they even wrote a personal note on the check! -
Review from Patricia O.
Los Angeles, CA
5/2/2012
I am so grateful that Cafe Gratitude opened here in Los Angeles. I'm a raw vegan so this is pretty much the only place I can eat in my area.
These are the things I recommend: I Am Dazzling, I Am Connected, I Am Present, I Am Pure, I Am Festive,I Am Honoring, I Am Liberated, I Am Transcending (probably my favorite), I Am immortal elixir, all desserts, lovely organic juices.
You can trust that these wonderful people are serving good clean food. -
Review from Cutiebunny T.
Simi Valley, CA
5/18/2012
Food is great, also desserts. The staffs are very friendly. I love "I AM AWAKENING ~ KEY LIME TORTE"
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Review from Carly F.
Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA
4/18/2012 7 Check-ins Here
Vegetarian/ vegan heaven. Not so much if you have a nut allergy.
Love the seasonal menu. I always leave feeling LOVED, AWESOME, MAGICAL, INSPIRED, LOCAL........
(cool art on bathroom walls. Is that weird to say?) -
Review from hannah p.
Orange County, CA
4/19/2012
This place is really "hipster" and trendy. very LA. However, the food is real and down right serious. very thoughtful and creative menu, I would almost prefer it to the non-vegan counterpart.
great for vegans and curious non-vegans alike!
things i loved:
service
flavor
portions
creativity
decor
drink menu
dog friendly (outdoor seating)
things i didn't love:
a very long wait (but it's worth it, and long lines usually mean good food)
bathrooms were not stocked
menu names (check out the menu online if you are curious)
I ordered the I AM AWESOME dish and I AM IRRESISTIBLE for dessert.
I AM AWESOME: a vegan eggplant parmesan sandwich. awesome, hearty, and tastes like the real thing.
I AM IRRESISTIBLE: chocolate coconut cream pie. The filling was a bit too runny for my liking. However, the coconut crust was splendid!
I also tried a sip of I AM GRACE smoothie that my boyfriend ordered. This could be a meal in itself, and I liked it better than the pie. AMAZING! -
Review from Tonya T.
4/1/2012 4 Check-ins Here
After a very long day of sending loved ones on an endless goose chase around town, I ended up at this incredible restaurant solo (a-ok with me!).
I must say, as someone who is sometimes uncomfortable about eating out alone, it was on the brink of ridiculous how unexpectedly sweet the other patrons were. And of course, the waitstaff was above par, and made me feel totally normal sitting at the bar by myself (a handsome gent, also on his own, took the stool next to me...so I guess I'm not a dining anomaly).
I AM TERRIFIC was so good that I quite literally had a smile on my face the entire time I ate it. It was a visually beautiful dish, rendering wonderful surprises in my mouth. I couldn't help but be happy.Listed in: Denting My Dentin!, If Vegans Ruled the World
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Review from Amy S.
4/9/2012 5 Check-ins Here
A very trendy, very busy vegan cafe that offers cooked items as well as raw dishes, smoothies and juices. Cute lay out and lots of areas to sit, inside and out. I also love that they sing a Beatles song when you have a birthday. The first time I came here I absolutely loved it. I've been back many times. The wait staff is always friendly and the food is consistently good. They now have a convenient To-Go area in the back.
My non-vegan friends LOVE it as a healthy alternative eatery. Though do note, that my true vegan pals don't really care for the food here - they prefer places like Cru in Silverlake or perhaps M Cafe.
I've had the I am Fortified many times, the Rosemary Sweet Potatoes (which are Ah-mazingly delicious), and the savory bean tacos among other dishes - all solid.
Now for the mystery... I can't quite put my finger on it, but something I eat here always disagrees with me. I've tried looking at their menu of ingredients (which they keep handy for people with sensitive allergies) and nothing stands out as being unusual. Though it never fails that whatever I order, always sends me to the bathroom with a stomachache. It's a great restaurant, with a mysterious ingredient (MSG perhaps?) that leaves my tummy in a tizzy.
Anyone else feel bloated after eating here? No? Guessing from the line out the door, I must be the only one. Regardless, my brain says go, my tummy says no. I usually stuffer through it in the end and go anyways. Besides, they DO have free wi-fi. So, yeah, I guess. Go. -
Review from Judy J.
3/21/2012
A vegetarian's opinion.....
I dropped off my car for a tune-up this morning and was thrilled to find this place in walking distance, as I've heard great things about it.
I left feeling very ungrateful that I chose this place to have breakfast.
Nice place inside. I found a sunny spot in the window to sit, as they are renovating or building a patio.
Creative names of dishes on the menu, but you have to read the ingredients for everything to find out what it is. I went with "I Am Complete" which was a hummus/falafel plate. Oh boy.....first let me say that I've been a vegetarian since the early 90s and used to shop in a dark little health food store back home and bought a falafel mix in a box, before I learned to cook. This place obviously is shopping at that same spot.
My falafel - dry and crumbly. No exaggeration. I was gonna cut one piece in half with my fork and the entire thing crumbled. I only ate one. And the 'cracker' that came with the dish to go with the olive tampenade and hummus, not appetizing. The dressing on the salad was tasty. I left over half my dish. Nice big portion of hummus, by the way, but nothing special. And glad to find some shredded beets on there.
Coffee - not bad. No refills. You have to buy another cup at full price.
I never complain, but when the server (third one in the hour I was there) brought my bill and asked if I wanted a to-go box, I told her "no thanks, that falafel was so dry I couldn't eat it". She turned up her nose and upper lip and replied "yeah, I know. Dehydrated, right?" She kept describing the worst parts of it and I kept saying "yes, exactly". "I know" she replied. That was it. Then she walked away. If they know how horrible the dish is, how could they possibly serve it?
Didn't feel the whole vibe. Again, I've been veg a long time. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian places that make outstanding meals. You have to know what you're doing. Those falafels should be taken off the menu.
The only thing I felt grateful about was having a place to wait while my car was getting a tune up. "I Am Complete"ly not going back to this place, even if someone else offered to buy. -
Review from Jamila I.
Los Angeles, CA
5/13/2012
Just ate here today for the first time with my husband and we were thoroughly impressed. The folks are friendly and the food was fresh, delicious and filling. We had the bruschetta and carrot ginger soup to start. So yummy! For our main dish my husband had the grilled polenta with puttanesca sauce and spinach and I on corn tacos with brown rice, black beans, guacamole, and cashew nacho cheese. We haven't gone out to many vegan restaurants, but I met someone yesterday who raved about this place and decided to give it a try. Glad we did! We'll be going back and bringing our friends.
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Review from Najah Y.
So, after 3 hours of nonstop beer drinking at the LA Beerfest around the corner, we decided we needed something to eat. We actually didn't realize this was a Vegan establishment until we sat down and looked at the menu. It worked out well though because we figured our livers deserved a little TLC after the damage we'd just done.
I love that every item on the menu (from appetizer to dessert) is an affirmation. I ended up ordering the I am Terrific ($13) and couldn't help but think "You know what, I AM terrific!". The dish is a take on Pad Thai and is absolutely delicious! Pretty spicy with a nice crunch and lots of healthy roughage mixed in. As I was eating it, I could almost hear my body thanking me for the love.
Very much a hipster scene here with prices to match. I don't know about you, but I think $7 for a lemonade is a little outrageous.
High beverage prices aside, Cafe Gratitude is not just for Vegans and Raw Foodies, but also for anyone looking for a healthy alternative. -
Review from Yelena A.
Los Angeles, CA
4/2/2012
I am not vegan but I come to love this place for so many reasons.
First, you can buy a bowl of food called I am Greatful that feeds someone in need in the community.
Second, the quality and artistic culinary attributes are incredible. My favorites are the following few items amongst almost all.
I am Grace- insanely tasty shake perfect for pre or post workout and if you like coconut almond butter, vanilla bean and dates all in one. It is also good for you!
I am WARMHEARTED- grilled polenta with putanesca sauce and spinach w cashew cheese, I am salivating while typing this.
I am ADORING- can't say enough about how good this tiramisu is...
I always leave this place happy not only because the food is amazing, but the servers are nice and you can actually donate a meal for someone in need. -
Review from Alexandra K.
Astoria, NY
3/23/2012
My friend Adrienne and I don't eat meat. I'm a New York vegetarian. Simple in a complicated way. Adrienne is a California vegetarian. Simple in a simple kind of way. She insisted on taking me to cafe Gratitude, but the idea of anything raw made me a little nervous. I trust Adrienne, though, so I went along.
Thanks to my friend, I had one of the best meals on my West Coast trip, which included several Seattle restaurants, at Cafe Gratitude.
Adrienne had two different juices for her meal, whereas I opted for food in the form of a black bean taco made mostly raw, entirely vegan. For dessert, Adrienne had a chocolate mousse cake and I had a mostly raw tiramisu. Delicious food. Really lovely staff, who helped me find comfort in a new style of cuisine. Best part? I was full for sure, but did not feel that gross full feeling that one might feel after an otherwise big meal. #yum -
Review from Maya G.
Los Angeles, CA
3/26/2012
Meh. I went for lunch with a friend today. The service was pretty slow and I'd say subpar if you are looking for good quality and quick and friendly service. There was a lot of attitude. Also to note, during lunch it seems to be a bit of an "industry scene"...people wanting to see and be seen. Sadly for them, my friend and I aren't really into tv or actor watching, so all the attitude and hullabaloo was very overrated for us. The food was good, but the delivery was slow. Dessert was fast, so that's good. If you are looking to check out a few actors or wannabes Or you have someone in from out of town who wants the full LA experience and good (but slow food) go here, you will get your fill.
Meal Recommendation: I AM TRUSTING (basic, but good) -
Review from Dean K.
3/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm not a vegan, at all. But I do enjoy Vegan food if done correctly. This was beyond correctly. This was gourmet art. Very Delicious.
We walked inside and it is a pretty cool joint, tons of hippy type people inside including the waitresses ;) Got a table super quick. I ordered the BLT, which going with their naming theme, I think is called something like "I am awesome" or something to that affect. ANYWAY, the "bacon" they used was not really bacon they had coconut bacon, I love coconut, these pan seared pieces of coconut were used as bacon and they were covered in a chipotle "aioli". Holy Aioli, what a combo. OK
Anyway, so I get this BLT with coconut bacon and avocado and chipotle aioli. I have to admit I was pretty aroused at the taste of it. Also the Ciabatta bread was some of the best bread I have ever had. So I savored every single last little texture and bite of it. I want it again.
My fiancee got some sort of salad that looked good.
I also got a peach and rooibos tea, it was OK, just what you would expect. Tasty.
This is a great stop and let me tell you right now. THEY ARE GOING TO GIVE Real Food Daily a serious run for the money, including mine. This place is Vegan ground zero, where the vegan bomb went off. It killed it!
Love it.
Hope to go back soon. -
Review from Sandee T.
Beverly Hills, CA
4/5/2012 2 photos
Food (& ratings):
- I Am Present (4.5): Bruschetta - opted for wheat crackers instead of bread...the cashew-"mozzarella cheese" was oh-so ahmazing!!
- me = I Am Whole (4): Garlic tahini sauce made everything delish in bowl. Got half-half of brown rice & quinoa.
- friend = I Am Extraordinary (4): CG's version of a BLT - how do they get that taste down so well??
When:
- March
Crowd:
- Mixed. Students, couples, groups.
Interiors:
- Clean & spacious. Love the 2-tier with outside seating.
Service:
- (3) Our waitress only came twice. Once to take order, once when we flagged her down for the check. It was that busy either.
Overall:
- Would have given more stars if not for lackluster service. But would TOTALLY come back for food again, anytime! -
Review from Molly R.
Los Angeles, CA
3/31/2012
The food here is sooo yummy. You'd never know you were eating vegan. I ordered some tacos that came with something similar to sour cream. Whatever it was was absolutely delicious--cannot be compared to the fake soy sour cream you get in a carton at Whole Foods. If it wasn't so pricey I'd eat here all the time.
We (3 of us) thought we would share the chocolate truffles for dessert. It turned out an order of "truffles" consists of just a single truffle. It was basically like a mini Reese's cup served cold on a plate. It would have been hilarious, except we paid like 5 bucks for it. -
Review from Ronjini M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
What an utter surprise this place turned out to be. The first time I went here, I went with a vegan friend of mine. I wasn't so sure what to think and I thought it was a little pretentious at first with its weird menu names.
Oh cashew ricotta how I love thee. The food here is absolutely delicious, for any kind of person omnivores, carnivores, pesavores, whatever you are. They found unique and delicious ways to make the food completely tasty.
My husband came here the second time with me and had the BLT. The coconut is toasted to get the flavor of bacon which was so good. If you want to try a new unique food experience, this is great place to come and you feel great after you leave, because you basically just ate a whole bunch of natural, organic vegetables.
If you are at all curious you MUST try Cafe Gratitude, you may even see me there. -
Review from Laura S.
Los Angeles, CA
5/10/2012
Over-priced for sure, but I always feel amazing after eating at Cafe Gratitude. Raw vegan Pad Thai is a must (I Am Terrific) although admittedly, it tastes very little like actual Pad Thai. Also, the Grace smoothie is maybe the most delicious and satiating breakfast and/or dessert option. It gets pretty packed after 6pm, so make a reservation if you're going for dinner.
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Review from Judith S.
Studio City, CA
4/26/2012
THE GREATEST CAFE EVER! I swear they pour love into everything they make. You can taste it. And the servers were kind and attentive. And when you get there, look up I AM GRATEFUL on their menu. It will fill your heart with goodness. I am a Vegan and a Celiac and I could eat almost every single thing! I felt like I was in Disneyland. When my meal came, I almost cried, it was so delightful. I can't remember the name but it was a veggie burger in a live wrap. It had so many neat things on it. Coconut bacon? Nummy-town! My pal had the polenta something and it almost made me jealous it was so warm and delicate. Then I had the raw Tiramisu for dessert. Listen, I used to be the biggest junk food junkie, meat eating omnivore. This meal was one of my top 3 favorite meals of all time. Maybe even 2. I can't even remember the other meals now that you mention it.
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Review from Lawrence Z.
Los Angeles, CA
3/22/2012 6 Check-ins Here
I have Gratitude for this fun, perky place. I've never been to the original location, so trying out this place for the first time was a sweet surprise.
The first time I went there I ordered the burger, a dessert, and a kombucha. The server was wildly hilarious, with a big sweet smile and really seemed like she wanted to be there. My friend and I asked for her recommendations, the first of them being the appetizer I Am Grounded:
Fingerling potatoes cooked, well salted, covered in a dreamy cashew cheese. It's like the best flavor notes of Canadian Fries but far healthier. WHY, OH WHY HAVE THEY TAKEN THIS OFF THE MENU?
Since my heartbreak, I've tried a few other apps, they're all good.. not great. Not as special. Probably the best of them is the brussel sprouts... albeit they're a bit overcooked for my tastes.
In terms of dishes, my favorite is the I Am Awesome. I love eggplant parmesan, so this is a fantastic food item. The bread is just thick enough to not get soggy, and the eggplant is always hot, well seasoned, with just a hunt of crunch.
This place is also fantastic for birthdays. They must be, as they sing birthday songs to just about every table when we go in there. All the servers get in on it, singing their the Jason Mraz number written for the restaurant or the Beatles version. Fun (but a little grating when it's going on every 5 minutes on a busy night). -
Review from Lisette C.
Woodland Hills, CA
3/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
I am Addicted!
I finally got a chance to check out Cafe Gratitude this afternoon, and I can't stop thinking about how creative, delicious and very satisfying my lunch was! I had the I am Extraordinary "BLT" and my gal pal had the I am Trusting tamale plate. We both had the I am Grace smoothie.
Mamma Mia! Who knew Chipotle Maple Coconut & spicy cashew aioli would be so crazy good in a sandwich? And who'da'thunk a Zucchini/Mushroom tamale could be so exciting? The guac that came with the tamale plate was creamy and delicious, though I thought the "nacho" cheese was unnecessary. Our smoothies were delicious, though I'm not sure I'd shelve out $8.50 for this one again. I might order up the I am Luscious next time.
In addition to all this goodness, the location is fabulous (away from hideous traffic), parking is easy (street and free lot), the space is beautiful and the staff is friendly and kind. I am definitely planning a return visit as soon as possible! I am grateful for this find! -
Review from Patricia L.
Los Angeles, CA
3/26/2012 1 photo
This is my favorite Vegan restaurant so far!
The ambiance is nice and homey. The customer service was good also.
I ordered I AM FORTIFIED. It consists of sautéed seasonal vegetables, kale, brown rice, sesame-ginger & garlic-tahini. It was so filling and delicious! And for my drink, I had an I AM COOL which is Mint chocolate chip milkshake with Vitamineral green and raw cacao. I love it also! :)
Will definitely keep on coming back here. :)
