Vegan
American
International
Macrobiotic
Organic
Delivery
Take-out
Breakfast
A non-profit experiential educational community center and restaurant. Provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner using seasonal ingredients and serves complimentary organic kukicha tea. Communal table seating. Located near hike and bike trails on the Colorado River and includes an oasis of gardens, a Montessori school, rental rooms, and onsite massage therapist. Confirmed open May 2020. Open Mon-Sun 7:00am-8:30pm. Open 365 days a year.
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Last update on 09 Apr 2023 by elongoria
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111 Reviews
First Review by Masalaflower
SchrodingerApe
Points +26
Macrobiotic ftw - Edit
I love the fixed menu - no decision paralysis and it's always delicious. But best of all is knowing I'm eating something truly healthful.
Read moreGuest
PRines
Points +52
Peaceful, healthful experience - Edit
We are here twice while visiting Austin. We live in Dallas and wish we had Casa de Luz here. We had lunch and dinner; both meals were so delicious!
Read morePros: Variety of foods , Variety of tastes, Completely vegan
Guest
cheezybread
Points +18
Best place in the whole world - Edit
impossible to leave here mad
Read morePros: Always delicious, Best ingredients, Best crew
Guest
kscope
Points +16
My favorite restaurant on Planet Earth - Edit
As a baby boomer in his 5th decade of vegetarianism/veganism, Cas de Luz is far and away my all-time favorite dining experience. I'm currently an expat (again), living in Asia in my fourth foreign country. Paris, Bangkok, Milan and Munich all had great restaurants which I tried to sample as often as possible, finances allowing. New York and L.A. also had pretty decent places to eat.
Read moreGrowing up in New Orleans, I might have had a bit of gumbo, jamabalaya, crawfish (not crayfish!) etouffee, etc. Not a bad town for food lovers - so they tell me. (tongue in cheek)
Once I moved to Austin in my second year of vegetarianism the light really came on. The first Whole Foods store (anywhere!) opened a twenty-minute walk from the UT Co-op where I lived, and animal products started to seem unthinkable as a culinary option.
I discovered Casa de Luz in the late 90's and ate there daily for a number of years. I took 100 or so yoga classes in the community center in front of the restaurant, then ate lunch or dinner at Casa. A lot of the chefs were trained there by veteran masters (of all sexes, races, nationalities) in gourmet vegan cooking. I later ran into chefs trained there who'd cooked amazing meals for me, who were then working in or running restaurants in Manhattan and L.A.
I love this place and offer blessings to the amazing people who created and nurtured the restaurant, school, and super-progressive community center. They deserve your love and support as they have mine. My parents still live near Austin, and I will eat there as often as possible on my next visit in November/December. Long live Casa! (and Hook 'em Horns!)
Pros: Greatest vegan food ever, Delightful atmosphere (once called "groovy"), Amazing spirit from the founders that endures
Cons: I would eat too much at the Sunday buffet, Few of my carnivore friends ate there - cowards!, Parking was not easy back in the day
Guest
minman
Points +27
Yes please! - Edit
We visited and had lunch. It was absolutely amazing and we can not say enough! Our souls were fed and our minds blown. Wish we had something like this back home in Portland! Amazing concept and food! Bought the cookbook and hope to recreate some of these flavors! Thank you!
Read moreGuest
vessy
Points +28
Amazing, their cashew dressing on top of kale, and their soups, food here heals - Edit
Delicious, so many veggies, unbelievable what they can do without oil or salt, you wouldn’t know
Read morePros: Tons of veggies, Guilt free desserts, Good portions
Cons: A bit repetitive
Guest
LadyBugGirl
Points +63
Disappointing - Edit
Presentation was very low if was a cafeteria style and food was okay. Employees didn’t seem to care about providing a positive experience. The location looked amazing online but didn’t deliver.
Read moreGuest
MMC
Points +279
New ownership sinks the Casa - Edit
This place was once a great Austin vegan venue. When I entered the restaurant to order, the woman at the front cashier kiosk said she was volunteering for her son who was the owner and was too tired to work.
Read moreThe whole kitchen was more like a cantina style
restaurant with workers dishing up the food in a sweat shop style kitchen and none of the food was good.
It was completely different from the former Casa de Luz and other patrons had the same concerns. I could not finish the plate - it was like slop- sweet potatoes, rice and a really awful tofu dish.
It was very different from the buffet style Casa De Liuz which always had very excellent vegan fare. Really sad that this treasure was bought out. Definitely avoid.
Pros: Still a great location
Cons: New ownership, Food is not good - labor and cleanliness issues , Will probably not be vegan for long
Guest
jeanlac
Points +76
BEAUTIFUL - Edit
This magickal place is tasty in the most nourishing way. AND THE SETTING IS SO BEAUTIFUL I COULD HAVE SAT OUTSIDE ALL DAY
Read moreGuest
Smoelfine
Points +663
So full of community love - Edit
I love that you can feel the good vibes the moment you walk in there. They don't have anything but the very colorful and varied dish of the day, but that is more than enough. The food is great and I feel light every time I leave the place.
Read morePros: Relaxing, Community, Good food
Guest
NicolePlunkett
Points +554
Zen Atmosphere - Edit
Food is a little bland tasting but very healthy, zen atmosphere, and chill/nice staff
Read morePros: Zen atmosphere, Nice staff
Guest
ElissaBVegan
Points +2377
Serene Atmosphere & Healthy Food - Edit
The atmosphere at Casa De Luz is relaxed and chill. Lots of shaded outdoor seating, as well as a large indoor dining area. The menu changes daily and is the same for everyone, except there are choices for desserts and beverages besides a few types of tea which are included with the meal. I thought the food was quite delicious and am eager to return next time I'm in Austin. In the meantime, I'll try to make some of the recipes in their cookbook which I couldn't resist buying.
Read morePros: Peaceful and serene atmosphere , 100% vegan, Healthy and delicious
Guest
Durianwalker
Points +1761
exceptional place with tasty healthy set lunch - Edit
great tasting clean food and juices and deserts and more
Read morePros: lots, healthy, environment
Guest
Meddle73
Points +35
Incredible place - Edit
I'm a huge fan of the atmosphere at Casa de Luz. It's a beautiful place with a set menu, so I don't have to think about what to order. It's one meal, and it's delicious!
Read morePros: 100% vegan, Friendly, welcoming staff
Guest
MichellePetroze
Points +148
Great experience - Edit
They have a set menu daily that's different every day. We were skeptical about what we were getting, but it all was delicious! We walked into the place and no one was there to greet us, and no one acknowledged us and the set up is a little unconventional and we didn't know where to go or what to do. So it would've been nice to be guided through it- instead they acted put out. Asking questions seemed to bother the staff, which was off-putting.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2021-05-04
Updated from previous review on 2021-08-09
Pros: Well-balanced, vegan meals, Great atmosphere and outdoor "garden" to sit , Fair price for the amount of food you get
Cons: Pre-set menu so no choice of items. , Staff not welcoming or helpful to new customers
Guest
MoonKnight783
Points +120
I’m definitely going back - Edit
You should know that it is cafeteria style but I truly enjoyed this place. Walking in felt like I had left the city. The food all tasted great.
Read moreGuest
Brindlemom
Points +41
Peaceful & tasty - Edit
I was so happy to find out about this vegan spot. The outside is warm and inviting as you walk to the restaurant. I loved the one menu and fixed price. No decisions to make and being all vegan, one doesn’t have to ask about individual items on the menu. Love this place and cannot wait to go back.
Read morePros: Only vegan food served, Nice to try new dishes , Plenty of seating.
Cons: Have to pay for parking
Guest
MelissaLarson
Points +1231
Delicious food that makes you feel good! - Edit
My first choice in Austin. The food is always good and so good for you. Lovely atmosphere both inside and out.
Read morePros: Healthy and tasty food, Reasonable price, Pleasant atmosphere
Cons: None
Guest
Edavids0n
Points +42
Delicious food and nice outdoor eating space - Edit
The food was delicious and I really liked that there was a lot of variety on my plate (a small serving of several dishes). My kiddo loved the food and the outdoor play space too! Very unique restaurant and space.
Read moreGuest
Hodzic_fam
Points +1709
Amazing Overall Experience - Edit
From the moment you walk in Casa De Luz you can feel the serene atmosphere. It’s such a beautiful place with plenty outdoor/indoor seating and even a child’s outdoor playground. The outdoor seating is surrounded by big beautiful trees and peaceful music. The food was absolutely amazing. The best thing was that they use no processed fats such as oil! The price was fair and this place is a non-profit. It always feels good to support a place like this. Overall, this may be one of the best, if not THEE best vegan restaurant I went to. I’ll definitely be back.
Read moreGuest
thom8418
Points +1945
Microbiotic food 😲 - Edit
Microbiotic food with in a zen atmosphere. We walked through the beautiful bamboo trail to the restaurant. We were greeted and paid for our meals. The dessert cabinet looked delicious but we were so stuffed we could not eat another bite after our meal. The artisan greens were topped with lemon and nut dressing. It tasted very clean and flavorful. The steamed veggies were crisp and the peanut sauce was very good. The lentil dish had a nice flavor. There was a round scoop of brown rice with a mushroom gravy on top. It was simple but filling. The soup was a sweet acorn squash and potato soup which I loved. There were pickled beets and another veggie dish with another sauce. The presentation on the food was great. The teas were delicious as well. There was a spa type music playing while we ate.
Read moreGuest
Jenny20124
Points +68
Must try; you will love it! - Edit
Beautiful food, people and surroundings! The food was delicious and plentiful! You get hot tea included with your meal. This was an unexpectedly lovely experience. Any time I’m in Austin, I will return! Someone from the kitchen area even came over to ask how we liked the food! It felt special! Thank you, Casa de Luz!
Read morePros: Taste of food, Amount of food, Surroundings
Cons: None
Guest
4theanimalsJC
Points +62
Healthy healing and delicious - Edit
Amazing vegan food. Made with LOVE. Healthy ingredients, personal favorite. Some of my favorite vegan food in all my travels across America.
Read morePros: Healthy ingredients , Ingenious menu , Community driven
Guest
kmau_
Points +1139
5 Star All The Way - Edit
Meals are a set price with a set menu, but don’t be dissuaded because the food is fantastic! Plant based, fresh, and healthy. I’ve only had similar quality plant based meals at Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The price was around $14.50 per plate, and given both the quality and quantity, this is an excellent price. Dessert can be added to the meal for an extra cost.
Read moreI wish I lived in a community that had an organization like this. 100% recommended!
Pros: Portion sizes, Food quality
Cons: Pay-for public parking ($2/hr)
Guest
pauipueo
Points +30
my peace - Edit
Cafe de luz is the most beautiful restaurant that makes you feel like family. Their food is so good and makes you feel at home. By far the BEST vegan restaurant in Austin.
Read morePros: Peaceful , Cheap
Cons: Tacos are ok
Guest
pendarvisr
Points +51
Really great food that is good for you - Edit
Really great vegan food that is good for you. Clean and hospitable. Vegetables are really fresh and soups are great. Desserts are well worth it.
Read morePros: vegan, fresh, tasty
Cons: location is a bit far, parking can be difficult at times, So many people like the food that it gets crowded
Guest
utepminer1
Points +94
Wow! - Edit
Wow I am so thankful I finally made it out here. The scenery, vibe, and staff is amazing! The food is nutritious and delicious. Definitely worth going, you’ll be back often!
Read moreGuest
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