Vegan
American
Pizza
Beer/Wine
Mexican
Bakery
Breakfast

Vegan restaurant, bar and lounge, in-house gluten-free bakery. Opened since May 2011. Located in a building built in the 1920s and features different seating arrangements including rooms, alcoves, nooks, and crannies. Has a bakery counter, and breakfast is offered on weekends. SHUT DOWN END OF NOV 2014 CONFIRMED BY ITS FB.


Venue map for Adama
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36 Reviews

First Review by OD

tantan

Points +108

Vegan
09 Sep 2014

Great food but very pricey

We ordered the lasagne and the pot pie, and were very satisfied - both were healthy and delicious, and the serving sizes were just right. I couldn't believe the lasagne was gluten-free, as normally gluten-free pastas are gluggy but this one had the texture of normal pasta.

The restaurant was surprisingly large, but the layout of it made it feel cosy, with a few different dining rooms each with different set ups and themes.

The only negative was the price - it was very expensive for what it was. We spend about $50 for our two mains (no desserts or drinks). I would go there again, but only for a special occasion as I can't warrant the cost.

Pros: great food, cosy, friendly service

Cons: expensive

KateWolfson

Points +31

Vegan
24 Aug 2014

Delicious Lunch!

Nice large menu and everything was delicious! The baked dessert goods were just okay, although I'm used to the amazing vegan desserts in Oakland & San Francisco.

wdichristina

Points +61

Vegetarian
02 Jul 2014

great vegan food and desserts

We had a great meal here -- friendly service and amazing food. We especially liked the chick'n piccata and the fajitas. Sophisticated, well-presented food, appropriate for foodies. We were a family group of four, but we also saw cozy bankets (sp?) that would be nice for a date. The vegan dessert choices were wonderful. We'll definitely return!

Pros: sophisticated food, cozy setting, warm service

Cons: limited hours -- check before going

shirley1

Points +340

Vegan
26 Jun 2014

Fabulous Food Vegan& Gluten Free !!!

Surprisingly there are few vegan restaurant options in Santa Barbara so we were apprehensive when we entered Adama for lunch.
There was no need as the menu was varied and innovative and the food was extremely tasty and satisfying.
I had my first quiche(gluten free crust!) in over 30 years (I have been vegan for over 30 years) and it was quite exquisite -light and tasty and filled with veggies.My husband had the Chipotle Panini which was had a lovely chipotle aoli which gave it a great flavor - the gluten free bread was unique and irresistibly crisp.I couldn't finish my quiche so took some home for later and my husband took and apple pie home and we thoroughly enjoyed later with a cup of tea.
Because of the aforementioned shortage of vegan options we went back for dinner and were just as impressed.
We shared an onion soup -the cheesy crisp topping was outstanding - and then I had Tandoori Spiced Cauliflower and lentil curry and my husband had the Pot Pie - both were very good indeed and the we both really enjoyed the flavors and textures the chef created.
Marsha,the manager.couldn't have done more for us and the rest of the staff at both meals were friendly,attentive and very knowledgeable about each dish (I ask lots of questions)
Don't miss this restaurant when you're in Santa Barbara

Pros: Great Menu Selection, Tasty Food, Gluten Free

Cons: none

Chia

Points +3635

Vegetarian
24 Jun 2014

Tasty baked goods

I had read about this place on HappyCow and was in town, so I went in for a look. Here's my Adama review.

A small set of stairs takes up to the entrance, and the space felt like a series of adjoining caves, with each room changing into another styles and mood once you enter another. Very unlike other restaurants.

Upon entering and looking to the right I saw a bakery case, and behind it, a bar area with a server and bar seating. It was early in the day, so I just asked for a muffin and a thumb print like cookie with jam in the center. I was told that the baked goods were gluten-free. Anyways both tasted good.

I would definitely return to try lunch or dinner another time.

irlandaise

Points +149

Vegan
05 May 2014

Good food, but...

Me and my husband were so happy when an all vegan restaurant opened up in SB! The food is very flavorful and there are several yummy veggie-meat dishes and a few things we had never had before (like the jackfruit tacos which are delicious.) However I see from other peoples reviews that we are not the only ones who have gotten rude service in this place, nor are we the only ones to have noticed the ever-climbing price list. In fact, I am sad to say that we have finally stopped eating at Adama because of these two factors.
Last time we went there for dinner we were sad to see that the restaurant was EMPTY except for us and about 4 other people. We were seated in a dark stuffy side-room in the furthest corner table because we "didn't have reservations" and when we took a look at the menu were shocked to see that their prices had almost DOUBLED. My usual favorite (the Piccata) had gone up to $22, and the Jackfruit tacos (of which you are now served 2 when I SWEAR it was 3 in the past) are now $16!!! It makes me sad, but when the prices are going up, the portions are shrinking and the staff treats you with indifference it just isn't worth it.

Pros: Flavorful food, All vegan

Cons: VERY pricey, Indifferent / rude service

Vegan Victoria

Points +486

Vegan
18 Apr 2014

Awesome

I loved the chipotle Panini with small side salad. The setting is fun with tables set in little alcoves and local art displayed on the wall. The service is good and just an overall great experience.

Pros: delicious food, cute setting

Alessandrina

Points +23

Vegan
06 Apr 2014

Good, but pricey. Interesting ambiance.

Even in Southern California, you're hard-pressed to find a 100% vegan AND gluten free restaurant, so Adama is a gem for that reason alone. That being said, the food is good, the servings are ample, but neither necessarily merit the high dinner price tags attached - the lunch prices are much more reasonable; lunch is definitely the way to go.
I'm usually pretty happy whenever there's even one gluten-free, vegan dessert option available, so seeing the dessert case full of items I could eat was super exciting. The desserts I've tried (pecan pie, cupcakes, 'oreos') are good. The one gelato I tried was mediocre at best; it could have been just that particular flavor. I'd still like to try some of the others.

Although it seems like it's trying to go for a fine-dining approach, the establishment itself is more cute and homey, which is by no means negative, just not reflective of those dinner-time fine dining prices.

I think the main glitch, if you will is the attitude of the some of staff when you walk in. It's awkward - usually friendly, not rude (that I've experienced), but at times almost inconvenienced. The first few times we visited was at lunch time. Each time we were immediately 'greeted' with, "Do you have a reservation?". As another reviewer mentioned, when we said no, it seemed ever so slightly as though we had done something wrong, but they then proceeded to immediately seat us at one of the 8+ empty tables available, all the while behaving as though they were squeezing us in. I should also note that each time we arrived around 1:30-2pm, near the end of the lunch service, and *maybe* one or two more tables came in after us.
I don't know if it has to do with them trying to maintain on a fine dining air, so they have to act like reservations are required at all times. Still, at present, they're friendlier than not, and the vegan, gluten free aspect is a huge, huge positive.

Pros: 100% Vegan AND Gluten Free, Good portions

Cons: Pricey, Staff can be hit or miss

toroco11

Points +238

Vegan
17 Jan 2014

Nice Choices And Presentation

The 2 appetizers were enough for an entire meal. The hot wings were great as we're the curried onion rings. The vegan ranch dip they were served with was much better than I make at home!
Out main courses were well presented and delicious.
The first gluten free beer I had was okay. The staff pointed me in the right direction for the second beer and it was much appreciated. They wouldn't let us leave without sampling some vegan Italian gelatin. All in all a nice experience.

Pros: Food, Staff , Atmosphere

Cons: Need To Discern The Gluten Free Alcohol Choices

isabeldivine

Points +77

Vegetarian
03 Jan 2014

Vegan!

Although this restaurant is pricey I'm so glad we have a vegan restaurant in Santa Barbara. The KFC is awesome, I've never had the real thing but I don't need to with Adama.

ehendrix6

Points +30

Vegetarian
30 Dec 2013

Pretty good food, but pricey

Fresh lemonade could definitely have had more lemons...but I have to give them credit for a great vegan / gluten free menu.

vegan herbivore

Points +167

Mostly Veg
25 Dec 2013

Enjoyed our dining experience

I dined with my daughter on a Monday evening. We were seated near a warm fireplace, and our server was pleasant. I have read some of the reviews about the owner being rude and unpleasant. Indeed, we were told by our server that the "chef" does not make any changes to menu items, and we were encouraged to leave as closing time approached, even though this meant we would not be ordering dessert. However, my daughter and I did not personally experience any unpleasantness and, if anything, as mentioned, our server was particularly nice. The food was quite good; the menu selection broad.

Pros: Good food, Broad menu selection, Charming ambience

Cons: Expensive

Lindy Lee

Points +22

Vegan
06 Dec 2013

Delicious Vegan Food

I had the "chicken" piccata served with spinach and garlic mashed potatoes and it was delicious. However, the best was dessert. The pecan pie with vanilla gelato (made from cashews) was to die for. It made me swoon.
It is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. I'll be back.

Pros: great food, good service

Cons: expensive, decor could use a makeover

VeganMarr

Points +73

Vegan
22 Aug 2013

Yummy meals & baked goods

The owner, Deanna, is very nice. There's so many interesting items, it's hard not to overeat. The menu is designed to be comfort food. The bakery has soooo many choices, plan to get more than 1 & share (or not;-) Finally, a vegan restaurant in Santa Barbara.

Pros: yummy , organic, lots of choices

Cons: expensive

HiPB

Points +95

Vegan
08 Aug 2013

Yum

Second time dining at Adama and my selection was as delicious as it was during my first visit. I had the club, which was large enough to share with another person and the meatball sub. Both sandwiches came with a small salad and both were wondeful.

Pros: many menu options, everything is vegan

Cons: slow kitchen

Docmartin9

Points +50

Vegan
22 Jul 2013

Amen

Good vegan restaurants are rare. Great gluten free vegan restaurants? This is the first I have seen. Soooo good! Can't wait to go back.

Ryan MTB

Points +477

Vegan
29 May 2013

Delicious

Great food and great atmosphere at this little gem in Santa Barbara. I had the Enchiladas with Mole sauce & Quinoa- outstanding! I picked up a few deserts for the road as well. This place is very nice & clean & staff are friendly & knowledgeable. Check it out next time you're in SB.

Pros: Great Food, Unique building

Cons: Pricey

pinkstephy

Points +53

Vegan
12 Apr 2013

Vegan Comfort Food

One of the only all Vegan menus in town.

Appeals to both vegans and non-veg eaters (like my hubby). If your looking for a Vegan option in Santa Barbara definitely come here for Lunch or Dinner.

only con - Although the restaurant is a Beautiful -Restaurant/Space feels too fancy for homey vibe of friendly staff, comfort food plates and locals who hang around.

* Think Adama would flourish +greatly benefit from moving into a new space.

Pros: vegan , good food

codewell

Points +30

Vegan
17 Mar 2013

Food Ok, but spectacularly, democratically rude

We've been here dozens of times because the food is OK, although not great, but at least it's vegan! However, half the time the owner is unhappy with another diner and lets us know, and the other half of the time she's unhappy with us: sighing over water refills, snarking to the servers that we left only a 20% tip, or whatever else is her "beef" of the day. The worst is when she's picking at the guests in your dinner party; it's embarrassing if you suggested the restaurant. Of the 4 or 5 other veg-oriented folk we know in town, each has independently suffered the same barbs and has eventually given up on the place.

The experience is way too Dorian Grey, as her poison attitude ruins the dining ambience, and we can't overlook it any more. We need a more pleasant vegan restaurant in this town.

Pros: only serious vegan place in SB

Cons: rude, embarrassing, food is a bit bland

jamber79

Points +376

Vegetarian
04 Feb 2013

cozy place

My first impression wasn't great because we walked in on a week night for dinner and our greeting was "do you have a reservation?" when I replied no the lady seemed disappointed and thought for a minute, saying "well let me see what I can do". I felt like I had done something wrong instead of feeling they were grateful for my business. She then proceeded to seat us and of course there were about ten empty tables that stayed empty all night, so I didn't understand the reservations comment.
On to the food, the "AFC" was really good! I would love to go back sometime and get that again. The food seemed a little overpriced, but it was a nice place at least and had nice decor and seating arrangements.

jennamichelle1

Points +337

Vegan
30 Dec 2012

Delicious

We came for breakfast and ordered lunch to go since we were traveling and their foot was so good. The staff was friendly and knowledgable. Our seat was next to a fireplace and it was nice and cozy. They had a great combination of comfort foods and healthy options. They had lots of good bakery items too. The food was great, definitely would drive out of our way to come here again.

Pros: food, great menu, friendly staff

Ali-Con

Points +50

Vegan
24 Aug 2012

Pleasant road trip stop

This restaurant has a very nice atmosphere; many of the tables are in secluded alcoves. We ordered the fajitas, "KFC" fried chicken and a gluten-free chocolate cup cake. The KFC was amazing and tasted just like fried chicken. The cupcake was very good as well. However, the fajitas were very bland and this place was expensive with most meals $15-20. Overall, a decent place. But due to the high price and the inconsistent taste, we'd probably give another place a try next time we're driving through town.

Pros: atmosphere, menu, bakery

Cons: price, inconsistent taste

dancingvegan

Points +765

Vegan
31 Jul 2012

Exquisite setting and food

After walking up several steps and in through the front door, my eyes were feasting upon this very unique configuration of alcoves, private rooms and other seating arrangements.

A bakery case to your right was filled with all gluten free yummies. There should be a law that says if you go to this restaurant you HAVE to buy the mini blueberry pie - it is seriously sumptuous and you can eat some of it on the 101 freeway when you are in stop and go traffic trying to get back home!! haha!

I sat on the outside patio and was served by the manager; not only was she my server but she showed me around the place while I took some pictures.

I had the Protein Scramble which scrambled my tummy with happiness!!

I left my car there and walked to the beach!

This place feels like home to me and I do hope that you have the same feeling when you go to Adama Vegan Comfort Cuisine.

Pros: Unique Seating Arrangement

KristaEnglish

Points +19

Mostly Veg
24 Jul 2012

Eh...

For me the way you treat customers, especially newcomers, is key to a successful business. But how we were treated made me never want to return no matter how good it was. I enjoyed the portobella steak but it was not worth 12.95 with service like we received. Not just bad service but incredibly rude hostess who I believe is the owner. She was very rude to our disabled friend too. This place would not be accessible for someone in a wheelchair. My friend is in braces and had to go through their cluttered kitchen. It's surprising that this place is still open due to code violations.

Pros: some good food

Cons: rude owner, bad service, inaccessible for handicapped

Lily925

Points +125

Vegan
23 Jul 2012

Just OK

After reading other reviews I feel like we were at a different restaurant. We were sat at a table with bar stools, the wait person was sweet but not home if you know what I mean. We had to ask for water three times before we actually got some. The food was expensive. I wanted soup instead of salad and had to pay $2 extra to substitute for bland mush. My Jack fruit tacos were bland and tastless. My husbands pastrami sandwich was toasted white bread with some cabbage and a couple slices of meat sustitute. The lunch menu is mostly sandwiches of meat substitutes. Where are the veggies? I've been vegan for over 20 years and I am a good cook so yes I'm picky but it you read other reviews I've written they are mostly positive because I want vegan places to thrive. This is the only totally vegan place in town but for my money there are many much better choices.

Pros: vegan, vegan, vegan

Cons: Bland, pricey, not enough veggie choices

leahk

Points +264

Vegan
15 Jul 2012

vegan restaurant in Santa Barbara

I've been here several times in the last 6 months. I've tried almost everything on their dinner menu and had several of the desserts. I haven't found anything that I wouldn't order again. Highlights to me were the pesto aioli with sweet potato fries for an appetizer, and the hostess cupcake for dessert (rich, delicious, and perfect for chocolate lovers). I thought about listing my favorite dinners, but I really think they are all fantastic.

Their bakery is not only vegan, but also gluten free, and you'd never know it from the taste! They also have a separate gluten free menu for those interested. Great cocktails and organic beers and wines. The restaurant is in a cute house on Chapala with a variety of different seating types. This is a great place for a date or a night out with friends or family. Service is usually very good. There is sometimes live music as well. Can't wait to try it for breakfast and lunch as I've only been for dinner.

Pros: cuisine, atmosphere, vegan and gluten free

Cons: pricey

bridie81

Points +51

Vegan
06 Jun 2012

saw this on happycow

My friend and I chose to go to Adama because when I read the description, I told her they had jackfruit tacos. I wondered what in the world those were, but she said we just HAD to go. These things were incredible, I'm sure even a non-vegan would like them. Plus, I rarely like to get entrees made with soy-based meat substitutes, so this was a real treat. Also, I'm not usually a fan of gluten-free/vegan pizza, but I ordered a slice anyway, and it too was fantastic. Crispy crust, melted "cheese" and delicious veggies...just how you want pizza to be. Last but not least, my friend and I shared a giant chocolate cupcake - it was almost like being a kid again, eating a Hostess cupcake, but I didn't have to feel badly about eating it :-) If you're in the area - go check them out (and have the jackfruit tacos).

Pros: Excellent food, Atmosphere, Helpful staff

Cons: Pricey




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