French Meadow Bakery and Cafe

Well, I think my review is in the title. I always seem to end up here a night after drinking. Why? A lot of token vegan options are super healthy at the majority of restaurants. Don't get me wrong, I am a bit of a health nut. But even the most dedicated of health freaks need something heavy once and a while. For this I would recommend the tofu scramble breakfast. I've never had that anywhere else, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I really liked it! This place also has gluten free options! I recommend checking it out when you are in the cities :)

I arrived here super hungry with 2 hours before my next flight. I already had French Meadow Bakery on my list as a vegan-friendly place to try. I ordered almost everything on the menu that was vegan... coleslaw, breakfast potatoes, tofu scramble, and some kind of savory corncake. It was all incredible! I was really happy to find this place. The service was quick and friendly, and the server was knowledgeable about vegan options. The food was tasty and varied! I would definitely eat here again! Much better than typical airport options. I'd go here if it weren't in the airport as well!

While we'd prefer to eat at Ecopolitian if we're in this neighborhood, French Meadow is worth considering if you're dining with others who want something non-veg. There are quite a few vegan options on the menu, including several tasty vegan desserts.

The restaurant has both a table-service section and a counter-service section. The former is warmer during the winter months, due to icy drafts in the latter whenever someone comes or goes through the main door.

During my trip to Minneapolis this place topped the list for Vegan meals. I had an amazing coconut green curry that i still dream about. I tried a couple other dishes and all were amazing.

love the vegan breakfast, the vegan sausage, blueberry pancakes and the salads

try something new every time i go

The menu is extensive and draws you in as a vegan - as you think to yourself of all the iterations you will have that will be delicious for lunch or dinner or brunch. Then you order, then you receive your order, then you eat, then…. yes, then….. you realize the intentions are great, the space is nice, the menu is wonderful, the farm-to-table/ local focus is amazing, the dessert case is impressive, the vegan marked items are comforting… but then the actual flavors, textures, mouth feel, nutritional rainbow and satiation are not quite up to par.

So, here's what I can say. The appetizers are great - like the chips (so good!) with salsa/ guacamole and soup and salad. However, the entrees are not filling or healthful enough for my taste, so they might as well just be less healthful and fulfill some other food need. If you like simple sandwiches like burgers and wraps for lunch, this place will do. They try to just make traditional stuff in vegan form, so, it leaves something to be desired.

The desserts look incredible, but…. they are sorely lacking in the texture and quality that I yearn to experience in vegan desserts. To me, it's like these desserts are the desserts that non-vegans try to make and serve that end up having non-vegans say: "I don't like vegan dessert."

However, if your standards are just that this place is better than no place at 10.30 pm at night on a Tuesday, ok, you're good. The lattes are great - you can have almond, coconut, soy, rice or hemp milk. Lots of great teas, too.

Brunch at French Meadow in Minneapolis is one of our weekend favorites.

The classic vegan breakfast (hashbrowns, tofu scramble, vegan sausage, and hemp toast) has been my favorite brunch item for several years, and then my wife suggested I try the kale salad. Yum! I've been getting it every time since.

They use flat kale aka dino kale. They say it is raw, but they clearly have blanched or steamed it for a minute or two. The leaves are softer and slightly curled. They toss it with some gingered tamari and olive oil and sprinkle a generous amount of pumpkin seeds on top. I like mine most with some fresh squeezed lemon. The tangy lemon goes great with the savory seeds.

The atmosphere is awesome. I went there with non-vegan friends, and we all found something delicious. There aren't a ton of vegan options, but there is a handful of appetizing options. There are also some vegan/gluten free desserts.

The menu is extensive with gluten-free and vegan options, which includes dessert. Not many places offer so many options, maybe one or two menu items that fit such a strict diet.

Thanks to Happy Cow I found this cafe not far from the hostel I was staying at while visiting the Twin Cities for the annual Rhymesayers Soundset Hip Hop Festival. It was early in the morning and the place was hopping. I went for the Vegan Breakfast Plate (Tofu scramble, with vegan sausage, golden hash browns and organic sourdough toast). It was a bit pricy at $9.50, with a vegan scone and organic coffee it was close to a $15 dollar breakfast but I would do it again.
Updated from previous review on Sunday February 19, 2012

Great restaurant, with always excellent vegetarian choices. This is a great place for both vegetarians and meat eaters -- the food and atmosphere are great.

This was a very pleasant surprise to have vegan options in an airport. The black bean chili was great as well as the marinated tofu wrap that came with a small salad. Prices were a bit better I thought then 'regular' airport food but we do not fly that often.

It was an icy day in Minneapolis when I, and two of my vegan companions walked wearily out of the cold and into French Meadow Bakery. Our first impression was that we did not belong here. It appeared fancy and upscale especially judging from the other diner's suits and black dresses! We did not have much money to spend and were quite worn for wear from our travels. To the contrary, we received friendly and thorough service. We shared three separate vegan entrees and a few baskets of vegan bread for a fairly affordable price (

I loved this place! They have a wonderful menu with lots of choices whether you are vegan, vegetarian, omnivore, or eat a gluten-free diet. The food was delicious, colorful and healthy. Our server was smiley and friendly, and the European atmosphere was elegant yet relaxed. I highly recommend it!

"I am the French Meadow Bakery, so nice to meet you. Would you like the Classic Vegan Scramble?"
"OMG, totally, thanks FMB"
"Thats what we are here for, good food, prompt service, and cute Tegan and Sara table thingies"
"Oh FMB, don't forget to mention your awesome cruelty free options as a sell point"
"Oh yeah, thanks Steven"
Go. Its awesome. I swear. Mistakenly gave us a side of tofu scramble, the brought us the full meal. AMAZING.

I love this place. I've been here several times and have never been disappointed. This is a great place to come for breakfast/brunch. Although dinner is great too! The food is excellent and the atmosphere is very relaxing. Loved it!

Their daily vegan specials are amazing as is their crusted seiten cutlets! It's vegan fine dining without the high price!

This place is popular, or at least that's what I gathered by how packed it was when I was there or even the times I drove past it. I can see why it is though, the Vegan scone I had for breakfast was amazing. I was told that they are known for a turtle truffle cake so be sure to try that as well; it was too early for me to eat it though.

I felt prices were very reasonable as well. ;)

I've only had one slice of vegan chocolate cake from French Meadow, but it was heavenly!

I love this place. The decor and atmosphere are sophisticated and European in feel. The service is super-friendly and attentive and knowledgeable. The food is spectacular. Their vegan stromboli was succulent, subtle and filling. Their vegan turtle cake was the best cake I've ever had, vegan or otherwise. It was moist, not overly sweet, and well balanced with cake, sugar, caramel and nuts. The prices of the food are extremely low given the high class atmosphere and the high quality of the food. The vegan dishes max out at $12 and most are closer to $9; their desserts are $3.95, though in other places, they'd be twice that price, with half the taste. Highly recommended.