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Tasty and affordable Asian staples

4 Posted on 10 / 17 / 2012

These folks know their way around flavor and texture. Generous portions of very tasty vegan (and a few lacto-ovo) versions of classic overseas Chinese menu favorites.

Though Bravo Cafe isn't completely vegan, it does have a mostly-vegan menu on which non-vegan items are clearly marked.

The only thing that would keep me from eating here more often is that it seems not much attention is paid to creating healthy cuisine aside from the option of brown rice (and the elimination of meat, obviously). The menu favors rich, processed, fried foods, especially faux "meats" (which have satisfying flavor and texture but really not especially good for you due to being highly processed), so one would have to order carefully to keep a salubrious balance on the plate. Suggestion: Take at least one friend with you so you can order multiple dishes -- like one of the fried fauxtein dishes and a couple of plates of (unprocessed) veggies.

My only other quibble is that none of their desserts are vegan. I've been to many similar places that offer a great selection of vegan desserts, so we know it can be done well. If they would try offering vegan versions of at least one or two desserts, that would add to the appeal.

Limited seating, so if you're bringing a big group, try coming well before or after the lunch/dinner rushes.

Pros: great taste and texture, very reasonable prices
Cons: not completely vegan, limited healthy options

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Made me wish I still lived in the Cities

5 Posted on 02 / 20 / 2012

I was in St. Paul visiting my old college stomping grounds and wanted some good vegetarian lunch. Google made some suggestions and Bravo Cafe happened to be on our way.

I'm so HAPPY it was. Delicious food, friendly service and all-around good experience. I've never had vegetarian Chinese as good and have been continually disappointed with anything since.

It's my newest MUST when visiting MSP.

Pros: DELICIOUS, FRIENDLY, Great Value

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good food, friendly people

5 Posted on 07 / 21 / 2010

I stopped by this place on the way to Minneapolis from the airport and I was very happy I did. I loved the menu and the owners suggested the BBQ Ribs. Good, mock meat chineese food. I had a smoothie and the owners even gave me a bubble tea w/ soy to try. Excellent!
Great place to go if you are in the area. The desserts looked good, also

Pros: good food, Bubble Tea, Friendly staff

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Excellent value!

5 Posted on 01 / 27 / 2010

Bravo must be the best value in the Twin Cites for a vegan meal! Prices are low, and portions generous. My favorite is fried tofu with Szechuan sauce (it's not on the menu, but they will make it for you). Their vegetable dumplings are also very good. Their bubble teas are very good, but a bit pricier. No worries of finding a piece of animal flesh in your meal here as it is 100% vegetarian!

Pros: Price, Portion, Friendly
Cons: Limited seating

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very good!

5 Posted on 01 / 22 / 2008

i frequent this place a lot and am a regular. the owner's are buddhist and that is a great plus. i truly enjoy the food here. the veggie dumplings and sweet and sour "chicken" are favorites. the vegan marble cake is very good as well.

Pros: friendly, good food!, bubble teeeeaaa
Cons: small (limited seating)

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Cute place, great food and dessert

5 Posted on 11 / 17 / 2007

Bravo is a cute little bakery/cafe with an assortment of vegan Chinese-entrees and some vegan cakes and sweets. Their vegan spongecake is super-moist and subtly sweet and one of the best I've had. Their dishes are all light, tasty and simple. Prices are extremely low ($5 a dish for entrees, $3 or less for desserts) and the service is fast and friendly. This cafe only holds about a dozen people, so space might be an issue for larger parties. Otherwise, highly recommended.

Pros: Inexpensive, Service, Quality, taste
Cons: Limited seating