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Vegan
American
Fast food
Delivery
Take-out
Fusion
Small chain of vegan restaurants originating from Southern California. Offers a menu of sandwiches, veggie burgers, bowls, salads, and others. Order at the counter and food is brought to your table. Reported closed, May 2020.
38 Reviews
First Review by veganandorganic
marjorieo
Points +10
Favorite Vegan Place Around - Edit
I've been to Native Foods a few times and have enjoyed everything I've had so far. My favorites are the Kung Pao Bowl (lots of veggies that were fresh and crisp), the Baja Blackened Tacos (could have used a bit more salsa though)and my absolute favorite is the Reuben sandwich.
Read moreIf Native Foods was closer to me I'd probably eat there every week!
Guest
AmeliaC
Points +349
a Vegan MUST - Edit
Fellow Vegans- raise a glass of barnivore-approved wine in the air for a toast to Native Foods! The highlight of any trip to Encinitas is our nearly daily addiction to this Mecca of plant-based goodness. It's perfectly difficult to not gorge yourself sick on vegan chicken wings, vegan Rubens, soul bowls and salads. And that's before you even glance at the dessert case piled high with peanut butter chocolate parfaits, oatmeal cookies sandwiching a not-too-sweet creamy filling, and carrot cake cup cakes. Their seasonal offerings like ancho brisket keep things interesting, but I would venture to guess if I was stuck eating just the chicken wings alone it would do just fine. My only complaint is the five and a half hour commitment I have to make to drive there. Worth every bite!!!
Read moreGuest
Gyan Penrose-Kafka
Points +44
Vegan junk food - Edit
OK, so I have to admit, I've been to Native Foods about a dozen times. There's only one thing on the menu that appeals to me, and that's because it's mostly vegetables with some "Thai" curry sauce.
Read moreThe rest of the menu is mostly junk food -- Deep fried, breaded, smothered in dressing, lots of sugar, etc.
The corn and soy products they use (tortillas, tofu, corn meal, etc.) are not organic, and therefore are GMO.
It's a great place to take non-vegetarians as they'll be able to get something that approximates meat, and when smothered in dressing/sauce, might not be distinguishable from the slaughtered version. But, if you're serious about eating healthy, don't expect that eating at Native Foods will help.
Pros: Good place to take carnivores, Kale, Chupa Cabra Sauce
Cons: Mostly junk food, GMO (non-organic soy and corn)
webmaster
Hi Gyan,
Read moreWhere did you find out that the corn and soy products they use are not organic and contain GMOs?
Thanks for letting us know!
Gyan Penrose-Kafka
I asked in the restaurant in Encinitas, CA and they told me that neither the corn nor the tofu are organic. Since 88% of corn and 93% of soy are GMO, it is highly likely that the non-organic corn and soy at Native Foods are GMO. However, I should have said "The corn and soy products they use (tortillas, tofu, corn meal, etc.) are not organic, and therefore *probably* are GMO."
Read moreAdditionally, there is nothing on their website that says they use organic or non-gmo, which one would think they would want to highlight if they were doing it. To be fair, they do encourage people to eat organic, but to me that comes across as "greenwashing" if they themselves are not serving it to their customers.
Guest
stacypatel
Points +157
Could Pump Up the Flavor - Edit
My kids and I ate at Native Foods. I must admit we are foodies and although Native Foods tries very hard to offer a variety of items, we found the food bland, under seasoned or coated in sauce or dressing. We tried the Scorpion Burger with chipotle sauce (I think they forget the chipotle), epplant caponata appetizer (cold and bland), gyro bowl (no seasoning the on the mushy, steamed veggies, 1 TB of hummus, flatbread was a tortilla) and the Caribbean salad, tasted like apples to us and DRENCHED in dressing, we wanted to wash off the kale. I appreciate restaurants where we can eat anything on the menu and the staff there is friendly, attentive and quick to remedy any issues. The prices are average and the amount of food was well portioned. The free refills on drinks such as lavender lemonade, watermelon fresca and iced tea were fun and yummy. Maybe we are picky foodies, and although we love the concept and amazing, friendly staff, we find the food sounds and looks appealing but we would rather eat at home.
Read morePros: friendly staff, quick service, variety of healthy options
Cons: lack of flavor, too much dressing on salads
Guest
sbthax
Points +83
excellent! - Edit
The food is amazing and not too expensive. The staff was friendly and knowledgable. I ordered the chicken sandwich and a side salad. The sandwich was amazing and would definitely pass the non-vegan test. Hope the east coast location opens soon!
Read morePros: variety, price, friendly staff
Guest
Stanislava
Points +108
Vegan Delight in the North SD County - Edit
Eating in Native Foods Cafe is a pure pleasure. Everything is fresh, delicious and prepared with utmost care. Native Foods, welcome to San Diego!!!
Read morePros: Fresh , Great presentation on plate, Friendly and enthusiastic staff
Guest
Amyruth
Points +48
very good!!!! - Edit
We went twice in 3 days. Ordered a bunch of different things and everything was really good! The place is really clean and staff are nice.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on Tuesday March 05, 2013
Pros: Really good!, Good vibe, Clean
Guest
Edent
Points +867
Great For Take Out - Edit
Was able to order our food via their website on my smartphone. Staff very friendly and efficient. Reuben sandwich was delicious, soy sage sandwich also great.
Read moreThey offer a loyalty card if you're going to be a regular customer.
Pros: Desserts
Guest
berrychamp
Points +29
Finally! - Edit
I have been going to other locations of this all vegan chain (Orange County and Palm Springs) for many years. It is refreshing to go somewhere that I do not have to worry about any cross contamination from non vegetarian foods.
Read moreThis location opened to the public January 29, 2013. My wife and I were invited to the pre opening since we have been regular patrons at other locations. This location has more indoor seating than any other I have been to, and parking is better as well.
The food is consistent with other locations. I am thankful that they are now less than 20 minutes away, as we used to have to drive at least an hour to get to one. My wife loves their brownies saying they are moist and not at all "drywall-like" (her description of most vegan desserts she has tried). She also tried a polenta corn appetizer that is her new favorite. We both love the Native fries (thin potato french fries with a seasoned salt). I dip them in their chupacabra hot sauce (self serve). Every handheld sandwich I have tried I have enjoyed, and am particularly fond of the scorpion burger (tempeh) and the twister wrap ("chicken"). Now that they are closer I will be trying more menu items and look forward to their bowls and some of their appetizers.
Pros: Location, All vegan, Variety
Guest
docbeccy
Points +25
Yeah! Finally! - Edit
So excited that this wonderful Vegan chain restaurant is finally open in Encinitas! Terrific space, very attentiveand friendly staff. Only complaint- my fav Native Food choice-Gandhi Bowl was not on the menu:(
Read moreNo matter- we'll be back often.
Pros: Service, Table Space, Food
Cons: Limited Menu
Guest
veganandorganic
Points +52
AWsome! - Edit
We got to take part in the pre-opening tonight. It opens next week to the public. Every item is vegan. The native nachos is a meal! Saigon rolls were excellent. My omnivorous hubby had the Rueben and he said it was out of this world and he would never have suspected it was not real meat. Even the drinks are amazing!
Read morePros: Excellent food, huge selection, great value
Cons: sugar in some items, white flour in bagette, some things fried
Guest
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