CLOSED: Native Foods Cafe

I have eaten at Native Foods Wicker Park and Hyde Park and Westwood, so I had a clear set of expectations. Falls Church already has Sunflower and Loving Hut, and Native Foods adds a welcome range of "fast casual" American menu items to the vegan scene.
Our party of two vegans and one omnivore ordered the Avocado crunch wrap, the Reuben, and the Korean BBQ sub. One person had a side salad, while the rest of us had seasoned fries. The fries were light and crispy, not greasy. The bbq was a bit drippy and sloppy yet flavorful, having a distinctive hint of ginger. The avocado was good, but it tasted like something was missing. While the bbq meat was very salty, the Reuben was just right. We did think that they were a bit timid with the sauerkraut, however the overall flavor and texture worked well.
My husband found the beverages overpriced, but I thought the free refills were a good value. I selected mix of blueberry lemonade and unsweetened blueberry hibiscus tea. Many other diners were drinking water, but I was happy with the soft drink choices.
The staff members were warm and friendly.

I live in NY and had only tried Native Foods on a trip to Chicago, so I was thrilled when they opened this location, as it is on my drive to NC that I make a couple times a year. Everything on the menu is delicious. I especially love the "chicken" items. The food is always fresh, the portions are huge, the dessert is to die for! Don't miss the strawberry lemonade, or whatever crazy drink they have that day.

My family does not live near Native Foods Cafe in Falls Church, VA but planned to definitely go there when we were in the area. I should have wondered when I entered the restaurant, why such a large restaurant had only one lone customer. The three of us ordered there different entrees. They were all tasteless. The sandwiches and wrap were barely touched by us despite being hungry after a day of travel. The fries were soaked through with grease and left a greasy film in the mouth instead of being crispy. The potato salad consisted of extremely undercooked potato cubes tossed in oil, lemon juice and dill. Our family has been vegan for 5 years and this is one of the worst experiences we have had. I had high hopes for an all vegan restaurant. I have had many superior meals in non-vegan restaurants that offered a few vegan choices.

The service was quick. The food was delicious (I had the avocado crunch wrap and the oatmeal cream pie). The staff was friendly.

This is a great place to bring friends/family if you want to show them that you can eat more than just "rabbit food".

Love the Soul Bowl and Twister Wrap (both with some of the best vegan fried chicken I've tasted). The Ensalada Azteca is also delicious, with fresh avocado, jicama and cucumber salsa, quinoa, romaine, raisins, toasted pumpkin seeds and cilantro. The portions are large. The emphasis on whole foods is great.

Love this place. We stop here whenever we are in the area and even make a special trip from Maryland from time to time!

I love this chain and cannot wait for them to branch out towards Baltimore. I had the SoulBowl and the Naked and Crispy Wings. Even bought a brownie for later and a copy of their cookbook. The staff at this location were extra friendly. Since I've never had a bad meal from them, I'm excited to see what delightful recipes are in their cookbook. This location is located in a shopping plaza - so parking isn't as difficult as the DC location.

There are some good, vegan-friendly Chinese and Indian restaurants in Northern Virginia, but it's nice to have other choices. And now we do. I'm quite pleased with this recently opened Native Foods Cafe.

Not too far from West Falls Church Metro and the W&OD Trail.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, Native Foods' corporate Facebook page on 2/7/15 deleted my FB review of its restaurant, and then deleted my FB post stating my regret at the deletion AND blocked me from posting further.

I wanted to like this restaurant, especially as a vegan. The food is tasty but relies too much on starches than a focus on and imagination with fresh vegetables

One of my pleasures at Native Foods had been enjoying the self-serve lemonade, watermelon drink and iced tea in a tall glass made of real glass, with fresh mint. Now smaller reusable plastic cups are offered. The mint is gone along with a lot of the thrill of this restaurant when I first visited two months ago.

I told the manager how I felt. He pointed out choices to cut costs or raise prices. I said I prefer the choice of raised prices. He said I could leave a comment in the suggestion box, so I did.

Updated from previous review on Thursday February 05, 2015

Updated from previous review on Friday February 06, 2015

Why eat at Native Foods in Falls Church? Why NOT? If you drive around this area, there are many little stores and shops, but most of the food options are national/global chains that might as well write on their signs: vegans not welcome or their ideals. So, thank goodness for this venture from Native Foods into the burbs. Most people who are vegan-eating in Falls Church will go to a couple other famous options, but this one doesn't compete. They are all amazing and unique.

This is fast, casual, fresh, organic, made-to-order Californian style vegan eating. Although it's a national chain, it is a worthwhile chain if there need to be chains. You can walk in and NOT worry about one thing being or not being vegan - it's all vegan. That is so rare. Vegan dining is hard to have with a 100% vegan menu because often the clientele are too small or cash-strapped to support the financial needs. From that sense, yes to Native Foods.

Also, their menu is delicious and varied. The Earth bowls and Chef's favorites are popular, especially if you add in their tempeh, chik'n or tofu for some protein intensity. The nachos are lovely, and their appetizers/sides are more diverse than just about any other vegan restaurant that I can think of in this area. Steamed kale, fries, sweet potato fries, seasonal items, super slaw, roasted veggies, lemongrass broccoli - they are all delicious and fresh as can be.

The salads are bountiful blessings on your plate - you'll be hard pressed to finish the whole thing, but if you're hungry, it's easy. Also, if you skip dressing, you can know that you can eat the whole thing and probably need a few more calories in a few hours. The desserts are simple but affordable - the oatmeal creme sandwich cookie and key lime pie and peanut butter parfait, oh my! Kids can dine here too with a kids specific menu with gluten free mac and cheese! Gluten free items are marked clearly, and there are a good number of choices. Burgers and handheld wraps/ sandwiches are popular, especially with a side of fries. Seasonal items pop up here and there - yay!

I love this place, and I am glad if stuck in the VA burbs that there is now another delicious unique choice. Hours make this place a great choice for lunch, a snack or dinner. Service is superb, and you can refill your drinks and get your own box. They also support vegan/Animal Rights issues!