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Vegan dining at Stanford Inn by the Sea resort, est. since 1996. Open to the public for breakfast and dinner - reservations recommended. Serves vegan cuisine with menu featuring freshly baked bread and specials such as king trumpet "crab" cakes (pan-fried mushroom and zucchini cakes), roasted beet salad, personal size pizzetta, eggplant cannelloni, and grilled portabella flatbread. Vegan desserts include Raven's chocolate tart and pecan torte. Fine dining atmosphere with views of redwood trees. The Inn maintains its own organic garden. NOTE: vaccinations required for dine-in. Please also note that some wines are reportedly not vegan. Open Mon-Sun 7:30am-10:30am, 5:30pm-8:00pm.
95 Reviews
First Review by annice
soledadadriana
Points +128
Whole Food Plant Based - Edit
I ate here for dinner and breakfast and it was fantastic. Remember: this is whole food plant based dining, so they don’t use processed oils. I’d say the breakfast is especially exceptional. Tip: if you’re used to eating a lot of sodium, tend to cook their beans with not much salt, so you may need to add more.
Read morePros: Whole food plant based!, Tasty
Cons: Expensive
Guest
Yuna_X
Points +737
Tasty, and love supporting vegan businesses - Edit
Since its during covid times, we ordered pick up. Calling them was a little difficult, we got put on hold for ~5 minutes and then disconnected, so called back and got through to the restaurant.
Read moreWe ordered the wild mushroom polenta, enchiladas with grilled portobello, tostadas, and strawberry shortcake (3 entrees and 1 dessert for 2 people). All the food was really good. The portions are standard for an upscale place (aka, small). The polenta reminded us of Millenium in Oakland and the enchiladas and tostadas like Gracias Madre in San Francisco. The strawberry shortcake was really good, we added some extra berries ourselves!
Definitely check this place out to support a local vegan business!
Pros: Nice variety, Delicious, Good dessert
Cons: A bit pricey
Guest
we_eat_vegan_pdx
Points +35
Vegan Paradise in a Desolate Wasteland - Edit
Had to order this to-go due to COVID but even in to-go containers, everything tasted amazing!! Highly recommend the Heirloom Salad and the enchiladas. Appreciated the staff who worked hard to accommodate us with our large takeout order. If you’re vegan and driving Highway 1 along the coast, this is truly a must-stop eatery!
Read morePros: All Vegan menu!
Cons: Kinda pricey but well worth it!
Guest
CarolineVegstar
Points +222
Exquisite experience! - Edit
Fresh local organic ingredients that taste wonderful!
Read morePros: Breakfast rosemary potatoes , Ravioli , Vegan wine
Cons: Expensive
Guest
BrionHurley
Points +112
Excellent vegan food in picturesque setting - Edit
I had the Florentine with tamari tempeh slices, and it was delicious! I thought it was very reasonably priced for the casual upscale experience
Read morePros: Delicious, Cool atmosphere (part of Stanford Inn)
Cons: May require reservations, Missing signage from parking lot
Guest
Adopt A Pet
Points +177
My new favorite vegan restaurant - Edit
Ravens' exceeded my expectations based on the reviews I'd read here ahead of time. I had the Indian Spiced Polenta Napoleon and it was incredible. The waiter said it was his favorite item on the menu. Spices and flavors that I would never be able to duplicate myself, which is what I am looking for in a fine dining experience. The Chocolate Mint Tart was perfection. Yes, it's expensive but they are very labor intensive dishes starting from the on-site organic farm to the complexity of the ingredient composition; worth every penny in the flavor. I didn't want the meal to end. Host and Staff Nutritionist Sid Garza-Hillman came by the table to chat and I subsequently bought his new book "Approaching the Natural: A Health Manifesto" in the hotel lobby. The intro is written by Twitter co-founder Biz Stone because this is the restaurant where he held his wedding reception. They had the best vegan book collection that I've ever seen in the hotel lobby. Try it for a special occasion and you won't be disappointed.
Read morePros: Very flavorful, Farm to table , Ocean views
Cons: Far from my home , Could use a decor remodel
Guest
PlantbasedPam
Points +28
Excellent organic, plant-based cuisine - Edit
The Ravens Restaurant serves expertly prepared organic, plant-based dishes. Everything is made in-house from the freshest of ingredients, many of which are grown on the property in their organic gardens. The Ravens Restaurant is located at the Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino, California. I recently stayed there for a week and ate at The Ravens for breakfast and dinner every day. The Portobello Benedict was my favorite breakfast entrée. The hollandaise sauce is creamy with just the right amount of lemon. For Sunday morning brunch I had the Grilled Portobello Sandwich with Dijon Potato Salad. It was served on focaccia that was light and fresh. The potato salad was flavorful and simply dressed without being weighed down by oil or vegan mayo. The Rustic Flatbread appetizers were colorful, flavorful and the flatbread was thin and crispy with beautiful grill marks. The Guacamole appetizer is freshly made to order and served with baked tortillas. It was wonderful. The cream of carrot soup was so vibrant in color and flavor. I also had cream of cauliflower and cream of Portobello mushroom. The cream soups were thick and silky. You could taste the star vegetable in each one. My favorite dinner entrée was the Kalua Mushrooms & Coconut Rice. It is described as Hawaiian-inspired smoky mushroom s atop coconut rice served with pineapple, toasted coconut, and bell pepper tofu relish. It was exquisitely layered with flavors and texture that everyone should experience to appreciate. The Ravioli was so amazing. Fresh made pasta filled with plant-based ricotta, marinara, wilted greens and walnut parmesan. The taco with grilled Portobello and shallots, tomatillo sauce, pickled red onions and crema fresca was so great. The black bean burger is served on a focaccia bun with creamy slaw and oven roasted French fries. I love black bean burgers and this one didn’t disappoint. For dessert the Lemon Custard Bar had a bright lemony flavor and a crispy crust. It was delicious! They have daily happy hour featuring local wines. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the vicinity. You’ll savor and enjoy every bite in a welcoming and warm atmosphere.
Read morePros: Delicious food made with organic inredients, Amply sized portions, Beautiful view of the Mendocino Bay
Guest
V:Traveller
Points +4573
Good food - Edit
Food: 4/5
Read moreVegan options (variety): 5/5
Vegan labelling: 5/5
Value for money: 3/5
Portion size: 4/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Location: 5/5
Visited: 9/2019
Guest
TrevorS
Points +974
A must go in the region - Edit
First, the setting: in some sort of chalet between the sea and the forest, with high end service. Then, the food: original dishes, well executed, flavourful. Conclusion: a must go in the region!
Read moreGuest
Browncoat3000
Points +135
Does not disappoint - Edit
Let’s face it, most vegan restaurants are a bit scruffy and far from elegant. That’s part of the charm. But sometimes you want fancy and pretty for that special occasion. Raven’s nails it, while still being friendly and relaxed.
Read morePros: All vegan menu , Elegant upscale dining
Guest
macyf
Points +40
Amazing! - Edit
My favorite restaurant ever. All organic and plant-based cuisine.
Read morePros: Variety, Beautifully prepared, Gorgeous views
Cons: Pricey
Guest
MandrillusSphinx
Points +301
A destination vegan experience - Edit
Beautiful location, interesting menu, stunning food.
Read morePros: Beautifully plated food, Mission aligned staff, Innovative flavor combinations
Guest
dmj
Points +69
Really nice - Edit
Beautiful setting, upscale, excellent vegan food, great service. They grow some of their food right there.
Read morePros: Excellent all vegan food, Excellent service, Beautiful scenery
Cons: A bit pricy
Guest
njooky
Points +60
Father's Day brunch - Edit
I brought my parents here for Father's Day brunch. It was delicious. My parents are about as far from vegan as you can get, but we all loved our orders. My dad even tried tempeh for the first time and loved it (he had the Florentine). Major win! Can't wait to come back sometime to try the dinner menu.
Read moreGuest
ricardokv
Points +62
Simply Awesome - Edit
What a fantastic surprise to find this place when my wife and I recently visited Mendocino. Not cheap, but worth the price. Outstanding vegan food.
Read moreGuest
megs828
Points +226
Vegan paradise - Edit
We stayed at the Stanford Inn for 4 nights and enjoyed many meals at Ravens. Breakfast favorites include pancakes, savory crepe, fresh fruit and scones. Dinner favorites include ravioli, black bean tacos, flat bread, sweet potato soup. Ask for bread at dinner.. it's served with a delicious bean spread. For dessert the creme brûlée is amazing. They have a great wine selection. Afternoon tea includes a complimentary dessert which was always tasty. Lunch to go wasn't that great. We ordered the hummus wraps which only contained a Dijon sauce, no hummus, and lots of raw white onion. It seemed like they were struggling to handle lunch orders.
Read moreOverall the food was delicious and healthy. The staff were great. There's a separate dining room for people who want to dine with their pets. Every once and while we would hear some dogs barking but it didn't really disturb us. The view from the dining room is nice with the ocean in the distance.
Pros: healthy, delicious
Guest
vanillaorchid
Points +41
superb - Edit
This is my favorite restaurant, and I am very picky. Not only is it vegan, and truly gourmet, but the owners and staff understand that many of us are vegan for health reasons and don't use oil. Many of their dishes can be made oil free.
Read moreThe atmosphere is stunning. Views of the ocean and forest. Don't forget to pick up a copy of their recipe book available st the gift shop.
Their breakfasts are the best. My favorite is the polenta with braised greens and a cashew sauce.
We also ate dinner here last Thanksgiving because our oven was out of commission, and the new one had not arrived. The food was even better than I could cook at home--and I'm good. They had a special menu featuring dishes made with local mushrooms. We did not feel like customers, it was more like being guests at a party.
Pros: Many excellent choices, special diets accommodated, A wonderful place to meet friends.
Cons: Too far from home to eat there every day.
Guest
MountainVegan
Points +55
Absolutely Amazing supporting Vegans for 20 years - Edit
This is the best. May be the best Vegan restaurant on the West Coast. In fact - it is mentioned in the "top" lists of every veg and vegan oriented publication out there.
Read moreThe menu is always seasonal and amazing - and the food often comes from on site.
As a local Vegan - I don't know what I would do without this place.
Amazing quality, amazing choice, amazing experience for a price that reflects the quality. Highly Recomended.
Pros: Amazing Quality, All Vegan, Amazing Ambience, Location and Experience
Cons: Not More Places Like This, Not Open 24 Hours
Guest
kjoverseas
Points +52
Outstanding! - Edit
Loved loved loved this restaurant. Vegan food at its best. Non-vegans will love it too! Presentation is sensational. Food was outstanding. Fine Dining at a reasonable cost in a beautiful stunning area!
Read moreFor your delight order the Kale Salad!
Updated from previous review on 2016-09-12
Pros: Outstanding all the way around, Service excellent
Guest
Kjeffy
Points +118
Wish I could eat here every night! - Edit
It was so nice knowing there was a completely vegan restaurant near where we were staying in Mendocino. We made reservations, and for a Tuesday night, the restaurant was full. We started with some great wine and a flatbread. I loved the enchiladas and the mint chocolate torte I got for dinner and dessert! It was a bit pricey but I know the whole area is. The restaurant isn't in the downtown area, it's in a private location within a nice hotel. The hotel also has many vegan books in a bookstore as well as a cookbook for their recipes. The wait staff was extremely knowledgable and attentive, our drinks were always full. At sunset they opened the windows so we could see it, it was gorgeous. I would highly recommend this place and would go back over and over again!
Read morePros: vegan, gluten free, Attentive wait staff
Cons: pricey
Guest
r2277388
Points +74
Great gem hiding in the trees - Edit
This was a great find. Vegan options are hard to find when on vacation and to find a whole restaurant is a boon! The ambiance was warm and cabin-in-the-woods like. It's basically a nice Mexican restaurant.
Read morePros: Everything is vegan! They had several non-vegan op
Cons: The food was pretty good but on the expensive side
IBunnylover
This is not a Mexican restaurant. Did you eat at the same place as the rest of us?
Read moreRikkiR
Yeah... I don't think they offer anything non-vegan either.
Read moreGuest
Yolante101
Points +116
Vegan, Amerikanisch, Teuer - Edit
Das Essen war lecker, die Mitarbeiter freundlich, auf Grund des gehobenen Preises hätte ich jedoch besseren (routinierten) Service erwartet. Die Bestuhlung erinnert an eine Jugendherberge.
Read morePros: rein veganes Restaurant
Cons: teuer
Guest
RunHikeRepeat
Points +129
Amazing food! - Edit
We stayed at Stanford Inn for two nights and had dinner twice. The food - from starter to dessert - was exceptional both time. We especially need to emphasize the competent and helpful staff that recommended the perfect meal including wine given our preferences. We will definitively visit the Ravens again when we will be in the US.
Read morePros: Selection of special dishes, Healthy choices, Cosy and nice atmosphere
Guest
ShantiPeace
Points +496
Mixed interests. - Edit
The food is made with care and certainly there are some lovely dishes but certainly everything is not completely whole food if you are a whole food vegan like myself. It is very expensive and they use plenty of wheat in their dishes and sugar in there deserts as well. Lots of mushrooms (and onions and peppers-non yogic foods) in many dishes and since I have been long time cleaning up my diet, in the late nineties I started experiencing, to my surprise, psychedelic effects from any mushrooms (mainly reflected at night in my dreams), so they are out of the picture for me. I do realize that this area of the state is mushroom country (and pot country). Lentils is on my top five list and I did not find them anywhere on the menus. Also, don't expect a dining room full of vegans or vegetarians. At breakfast the table next to me was talking of going to a Salmon bake for lunch and it is clear that many of the staff are not veg. One morning I asked my waiter to make a very simple custom whole food smoothie since their two $12 selections are made with ice and juice. The waiter said that it was not possible because the cucumber would contaminate the blender! I then called the manager over to help out, which he kindly did. The sugar caramelized fruit compote with my nice buckwheat waffles had an alcoholic tinge to it and it was commented that I had a very good sense of taste and I said, "I thought that's what went with the territory." At this point I certainly started to feel out-of-place as this is clearly a place for crossovers, want-to-be's, and the food-as-entertainment people. I don't personally need convincing as proof is in the vegan pudding. I really wish I had a better report. I suppose I've been spoiled by good simple whole home vibrant vegan cooking as well as the fabulous southern California creative vegan spots that are popping up all over the place there. Thank goodness for that! Eventually may it be so for everyone.
Read moreGuest
KikoOla
Points +693
We loved everything about it! - Edit
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Ravens. Though the entire menu is plant-based, they have some adventurous selections for those accustomed to eating plant-based on a regular basis, as well as selections for those who might not be. The cocktail menu is very creative! It’s so wonderful to be able to dine in a restaurant that keeps the environment, your health and the welfare of animals in mind. We loved everything that we had. Be sure to check out the large selections of cookbooks/books and other items in the inn's lobby area.
Read moreGuest
Happy2behere
Points +35
Search no farther - Edit
This is a fantastic plant based restaurant.
Read moreFor vegan dining, one of the best ever.
Worth every cent.
Guest
Griffyote
Points +16
Best Vegan Food I've ever had from a restaurant. - Edit
My wife and I first visited here on our 2nd honeymoon.
Read moreWe typically cook for ourselves simply because we can prepare our food how we like better than most any Restaurant, and because my wife is a chef. Coincidentally, the couple sitting next to us had also recently gone vegan for health and ethical issues,were also there on their 25th honeymoon. They had come all the way from North Carolina to stay there, being one of the few vegan friendly restaurants/resorts that exist.Like the title says, Best vegan food I've ever had in a restaurant.Just a little pricey but not outrageously so.The coolest thing is walking through the bio-intensive organic garden where they grow much of what they serve!
Pros: Good Healthy food, Grown on site, Organic
Cons: a little pricey , a few pretentious guests
Guest
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