Vegan
American
Organic
Juice bar
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Bakery
Catering

Long-time established Santa Monica vegan restaurant offering choices from starters, salads, sandwiches and daily soups to hot plates featuring beans, tofu, seitan, and/or tempeh. Also fresh juices, coffee drinks, alcoholic beverages, and desserts. Brunch menu is available on the weekend. Cozy space and very busy on weekends. Prices moderate to expensive. Other location in Southern California. LAST DAY April 27, 2016, other locations remain open.


Venue map for Real Food Daily
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60 Reviews

First Review by xtfrclqn

amaranth

Points +115

Vegan
29 Jul 2012

Wonderful vegan place

I adored this place. I wish they had a Real Food Daily in Sydney! I loved my pizza, so delicious. The drinks were amazing too. Very friendly staff and cute decor. My boyfriend loved his burrito. I would totally recommend this place to anyone. Lots of GF options too.

Pros: DELICIOUS FOOD, friendly staff, lots of choices

vegan_ryan

Points +3865

Vegan
22 Jul 2012

Great food!

This place is much better than the other Real Food Daily location. They barely seem like the same restaurant, in my opinion.

This place specializes in delicious comfort foods and great desserts. I highly recommend the "TV Dinner" which is meatloaf, mashed potatoes & gravy, and steamed veggies. It's amazing.

Prices aren't too bad, either, and it's near the pier and the promenade. Definitely worth checking out.

Pros: All-vegan, Delicious

Cons: None

happycowgirl

Points +5631

Vegan
11 Nov 2011

Great Menu, Stuffy Atmosphere

Dined at this location twice. The food lived up to the hype. Worth raving about is the Sea Cake appetizer. It's a litte croquette from heaven...butternut squash, yam and sea vegetables, pesto with sweet chili aioli.

The atmosphere was a bit of a let down. We sat in the dining room on the main level for one meal and in one of the upstairs sections for the other. In both, the tables were too close to each other. There are a couple choice tables to be had, otherwise you're right on top of the table next to you. You can hear everything they're saying and vice versa. If you have to have tables close together, there are ways to arrange them to avoid this. Alternatively, RFD, you guys shouldn't wait until one section is full before opening another section. We got the last table in the main dining room and were packed in there like sardines while the entire upper level was empty. It may be a drag for waitstaff to have to walk the stairs, but your restaurant has a goofy layout so this is an obstacle you just have to overcome.

I also noticed a musty smell to the place, like it needed to be aired out. The glass wall in the main floor dining area doesn't help. It's like eating in a fishbowl and doesn't allow for any air circulation.

All these nit-picky things aside, the food is so incredible and the menu so impressive it's hands down 5 Cows in my book.

LacieParker

Points +52

Vegan
10 Sep 2011

In vegan heaven

This made for one of the best dining experiances I've ever had. Everything on their menu looked delicious, I had a hard time making up my mind! The restaurant seats a lot, and has a nice atmosphere. The waitors were friendly and helpful, completing the experiance. I'd highly recommend making an effort to come here- you won't be sorry.

Pros: yummy food, great dessert!, lots of seating

Cons: parking may be difficult

whosmeggyn

Points +155

Herbivore
19 Aug 2011

Decent

Cute atmosphere, great location, extensive menu, flavorful food. I brought a nonveg with me that equally enjoyed it. The service was satisfactory but overall it was a good place!

Pros: Waiter's knowledge of food, atmosphere, prices

Cons: hostess being unorganized, long wait time to be seated

iojove

Points +46

Vegan
11 Jul 2011

Best Vegan Fare in all of LA!!!

Okay, so RFD has 40-some reviews and they're all 4s and 5s (4s, seriously? Can't imagine anything less than a 5!) Obviously, my glowing review is unnecessary. But, I love this place so much that I just HAVE to rave about it. I first discovered this vegan haven (also a Kosher haven, for those concerned!) two years ago. I was just visiting LA at that point, and was so disappointed that I couldn't live right above it and eat there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - not that I could, anyway, since the prices in LA are unfortunately well beyond my budget. So, rather than repeat what everyone else has said, I will simply list my favs....

Best entrees:
* The specials almost never fail! Most recently, the Midnight Oasis blew me away... it's always worth it to give these rare treats a go =)
* El Bandito Rojo - vegan enchiladas!!! Need I say more?
* Seitan Salisbury - this is the most incredible seitan I've ever tasted - the seasoning/marination is PERFECT! I also love the gravy and it's a special treat for a vegan to be able to eat mashed potatoes in a restaurant!

Best sandwich:

* The Club!!!!! Oh... my... god is it good. I drool just thinking about it. If you're having trouble deciding between this and the Reuben (also quite tasty!), get the Club and add sauerkraut and the special "cheese" spread that comes on the Reuben and you've got yourself the most amazing sandwich known to man! This is also an excellent choice for non-vegans, who truly won't miss the meat and cheese.

Best desserts:

* Caramel Pecan Cheesecake - freaking awesome in every way!
* Moon Pie (get it when you can, because it's a rare special!) - coconut crust & coconut cream doused in the most amazing thick chocolate ever... mmmmmmmm.

Pros: Vegan & Kosher, Great service, Great location - walk to the beach after

Cons: Pricey, but that's just LA

thetalkstops

Points +76

Vegan
22 Feb 2011

this is our Cheers

My husband and I have gone here pretty much once per week since we started dating. I think I've eaten everything on the menu. While I really like everything, I could see someone objecting to the soft texture of the veggie burger. You can never go wrong with the specials though or the dessert

Pros: great food, friendly staff, dessert

·X·

Points +17478

Vegan
09 Feb 2011

Tac-O The Town!!!!!!!!!!

Update: So we decided to go to RFD during our recent trip and the Tac-O' The Town blew us away - sooo good! I give RFD 5 cows for that dish alone. We also ordered the Salisbury Seitan, and while the mashed potatoes were amazing, I wouldn't order it again as the seitan was so-so. RFD is definitely one of my favorites.

Updated from previous review on Friday November 16, 2007:
I like this location better than the one in Beverly Hills. Overall the food was good and I must say, their potato salad is incredible!

Chia

29 Nov 2007

As of 2007, RFD does not have a location in Beverly Hills. The other one is in the West Hollywood area.

·X·

17 Dec 2007

Thanks Chia! Do you know why it closed down? Just curious.

RachelLouise

Points +543

Vegan
08 Feb 2011

Mostly fabulous food

I actually went here for both lunch and dinner on the one day I was in Santa Monica.

When we arrived for lunch, they were still serving Sunday brunch, so I ordered a tofu scramble. It was very good, but not the best tofu scramble I've had. One of my friends had the enchiladas, which were delicious. Another had a caesar salad, which was also great. And another had the club sandwich, which I didn't try, but he enjoyed a lot. All three were non-vegan and all three were very pleased with their meals. For dessert we had cheesecake, which was excellent.

Then I went back with two other people for dinner. I ordered the alfredo, which was incredible. The others agreed that it was delicious. My aunt had one of the specials, and the tofu wasn't well-flavored, so it tasted too much like soy. Other than that, the meals were very good.

For dessert we ordered the coconut tart. I am a huge fan of coconut, but I was really disappointed by the tart. It was mostly whipped cream, with a thin coconut cream layer. It didn't taste much like coconut. I wouldn't say that it didn't taste good, but I definitely wouldn't recommend buying it if you want something with coconut. It was a very mediocre dessert.

The service was mostly good, but when I was there for lunch one of my friends complained that it looked like there was soap in her water, and she was told it wasn't soap and wasn't offered a new water. The two people who drank out of it said it tasted funny, and so she ended up sharing a water with someone else.

Pros: Alfredo, other yummy food

Cons: crowded, pricey

chicintelligente

Points +95

Vegan
18 Sep 2010

Great Desserts!

I took my friend to Real Food Daily for her birthday. We had a great time ordering multiple dishes to share.

The soup of the day was a variation on miso: instead of the traditional seaweed and scallions, it was garnished with plenty of shiitake mushrooms and napa cabbage. Light and refreshing!

We then had the Sea Cake, a sea vegetable croquette with butternut squash and yam. It was just lightly fried- crisp on the outside, but tender and soft on the inside. It was served with just enough pesto and chili aioli. The Nori Maki, a western take on veggie sushi, was hearty and satisfying.

For our main course, we shared a variety of Macrobiotic basics, which came with sauces of choice. This was nice, as the dressings and sauces (all house made) came in all different flavors and we could season our own food.

Then... dessert! Our meal was completed by two outstanding dishes. The Dream Chocolate Pudding was a thick, luscious, intensely chocolatey version of a traditional vegan soy-based pudding. We also had one of the best crisps I have ever tried: Apple and Fresh Figs, with walnut crumble instead of a crust. This was topped by a HUGE scoop of homemade hempmilk ice cream (for those who do not eat soy)!

My friend an I both enjoyed the experience!

Pros: Convenient Location, Extensive Menu, Great Desserts

m@earthville

Points +9252

Vegan
29 Jul 2010

Some great, some good, some room to improve

So much has been said about RFD that we can add little beyond agreement with the general consensus.

- Some dishes are truly great, and a few are among the best anywhere.

- Some dishes are really subpar, and shockingly overpriced considering that.

- Those in the middle are good but not extraordinary, and whether or not they merit their price tags is a matter of contention.

- Organic is awesome!

- Some of the servers are wonderful, though occasionally we've had unpolished service.

- The vibe can be a bit hectic at peak hours.

Our big complaint is that there's little to satisfy those with lower incomes, which limits its appeal for many. We'd like to be able to bring groups of friends, but many (e.g. our friends who are school teachers or artists) simply can't afford to fill up here, and we can't always foot the bill for a whole group, so we don't come nearly as often as we'd like for that reason.

We'd give it five cows for being organic, vegan, and sometimes excellent, but because of the inconsistent quality, which makes the prices sometimes outrageous, and because of the unfriendliness to low-income customers, we have to give it four.

Pros: A few extraordinarily great items, Organic! :-)

Cons: Several items mediocre & overpriced, Can be hectic, Lower-income friends can't afford to eat

cowrenn

Points +114

Vegan
20 Mar 2010

A staple when in CA

I always make a special trip to RFD when visiting LA. I also love how it is close to 3rd St. Promenade. The new apple cake with caramel sauce is out of site. Tried the fettuccine alfredo and was not impressed--it was extremely bland. Probably the only thing I've ever ordered from RFD that I haven't been crazy over. We got the nacho appetizer and honestly it was so filling and delicious, it could easily be a meal.

Pros: Location, Food quality, Variety

Cons: Pricey, Alfredo was bland

Deneve

Points +20

Vegan
22 Feb 2010

I Love it!

Oh RFD. I would give you five stars if I was the only one who went to lunch there, but, I took my (omnivore) family to RFD for my birthday lunch because I went there once before, and LOVED it.

My mother and I had the special of the week, the "Fat Tuesday", which we both LOVED, but my mother did send it back because it was only warm. The waiter was super sweet about reheating it. I really don't care about temperature, but if you like your food steaming hot, like my Mom does, you might want to note that specification. My father had the Fettuccine Alfredo, and I had to convince him that it wasn't made with real cheese, he liked it that much! My brother had the supreme burrito which he devoured.

I'm not sure of the name of our waiter, but he was awesome! So patient with my brother, who is mentally handicapped. My brother tried to describe what he wanted to eat. The waiter was so unbelievably patient and kind as he listened to my brother. He suggested the Supreme Burrito, and my brother, who is now back in NY, still talks to my parents about how much he liked it.

In my mind, I give this place 5 stars. But despite how much my Dad liked his Alfredo, there was this random piece of plastic in it. But i must note, the waiter came over when my Dad asked what it was, because he thought it was some vegan anomaly, and apologized profusely, then comp'd the meal and gave my Dad a free dessert. So I'm pretty sure that was a random anomaly.
But, because of my Dad's indignation over the plastic found in his food, I will give RFD 4 stars out of 5. But believe me, if you're taking a vegan to that place, we'll love it!

But as a vegan, I give it 5 Stars!

Pros: Great staff!, Great food!

Cons: A bit pricey, Omnivores might be confused

jtct203

Points +79

Vegetarian
19 Feb 2010

Truly amazing

Ate here with my girlfriend for the very first time last night and I cannot wait to go back. The selection was truly amazing and our meals were spectacular. I had the Salisbury Seitan with Mashed Potatoes and vegetables and my girlfriend had Rueben Tempeh with rice and black beans... and for desert a Coconut Creme Tart! It was all delicious! Great portions, great price, great vibe, super friendly staff. A must stop for all vegans!

Pros: Amazing food, Good Value, Friendly staff

gr8vegan

Points +2359

Vegan
25 Jan 2010

Can't believe I never reviewed this place!

I had the pleasure of eating here again last weekend with some friends. RFD was the very first all vegan restaurant I ever ate at in my life about 10 years ago if my mind is working properly. What impresses me the most is that it maintains the same quality and excellent experience each time I go as the very first. I prefer to sit upstairs on the original side. I often see veg celebs, like Hal Sparks, hiding out up there, too. I have convinced many a hold out that Veganasim was the way to go just by introducing them to the Nachos. A lot of my buddies get the Nachos as a main course. I've gone back to the basics in my RFD dining. There are great specials, but a bowl of grains and veggies covered with the oil free Ranchero Sauce is my way of life. Its refreshing to be able to get a healthy meal at a popular vegan restaurant when so many of them are hung up on trying to recreate unhealthy carnivore counterparts. The Santa Monica location is far friendlier and better quality of service and food than the West Hollywood location. I quit going to the West Hollywood RFD because of endless mishaps there. Never had a single problem at the Santa Monica location.

Pros: Basics, Ranchero Sauce, Nachos

Cons: parking

THEMOVIERAD

Points +50

Vegan
23 Sep 2009

These Nachos are Better than Your Nachos!

Best nachos I've ever had in my whole life. These vegan nachos destroy every and any nachos plate I've orderedin the past. The burrito with Fakn Bacon or whatever they call it was exceptional as well. Once in a while you might have a snobby waitress but who cares...My wife and I love this place. I love that there is a comic book store across the street too. I'm vegan and a nerd too!

Pros: Nachos, Nachos, Nachos

Cons: Semi Snobby Staff

SonjaCPA

Points +5270

Vegan
19 Sep 2009

Same food as WeHo, but more crowded

We make it here about once a year with another veggie friend who lives closer to this location. While the food is tasty, I much prefer the WeHo location as it's less crowded. In any case, try the nachos, club sandwich and red potato salad. Yummy.

Pros: tasty vegan comfort food

Cons: crowded space

Jeffrey

Points +379

Vegan
15 Jun 2009

Viva RFD

My wife and I were taken to RFD by friends who have eaten there a few times before, so we had some guidance as to what is good and what to stay away from. This was the first time I have seen a "TV Dinner" on a restaurant menu, and was tempted to try it just for that reason, but I gave it a miss. We ordered the nachos to share, which are officially an appetizer, but would also work fine for a whole meal. Then we stuck with the Mexican theme and got the el bandito rojo (enchiladas). I was definately impressed, since I hadn't had enchiladas since I went vegan 7 years ago. They had their own "cheezy sauce" inside, which hardly resembled cheese, but was tasty nonetheless. If you like Mexican food, you will definately be satisfied. After reading some of the other reviews, I'm glad I didn't order some of the other things. The only slightly negative aspect was that the place was crowded, so we were crammed into the small space upstairs, which lacks the pleasant atmosphere the downstairs section has.

Pros: large portions, quality organic ingredients

Cons: the upstairs section is a little tight

craigmc

Points +32489

Vegan
22 Mar 2009

sunday brunch

i went to check opening times to get lucky with real food daily's sunday brunch. during the time we were the place was getting busy and i think the brunch is a winner. there was a selection of four or five mains, but a larger selection of build your own brunch choices. the food was good but as always you yanks make the portions way too big, and as always i finished the lot.

Pros: staff, food , atmospere

LFL

Points +36

Vegan
19 Nov 2008

Real Good

I love Real Food Daily. The food is the next best in Los Angeles after Madeleine Bistro. And since I can only afford to eat at Madeleine Bistro once or twice a year, I go to Real Food Daily more often. Both the West Hollywood and Santa Monica locations consistently serve great food, and our waiters have been very friendly.

The restaurant has great weekly and salad specials. From the regular menu, the nachos (get them with seitan and jalapeno "cheese") are stupendous. I love to get their salads (so far I've enjoyed both the house salad and the farm chop) with the caesar dressing, which I can't get enough of. The house (tahini) dressing and the peanut sauce are also quite good. I love the El Bandito Rojo, which I get topped with the jalapeno "cheese." Also good are the mashed potatoes and gravy and the chai soy latte.
The desserts vary a bit more in quality, some (the chocolate hazelnut cake and the chocolate espresso truffle) are excellent, while others (the cupcake and the brownies with ice cream) are okay but not as great.

The great thing about RFD is that the menu is huge and everything is vegan. I feel like a kid in a candy store when I go there. It's thrilling to be asked "Would you like that with rice milk or soy milk?" when I order a chai. There are many menu items I haven't tried yet and I look forward to sampling them.

If I could change one thing about RFD it would be the prices. They are sadly typical of Los Angeles -- it is not uncommon to pay $14 or $15 for an entree. On the upside, at least you are getting a full meal when you plop down that kind of cash, which is not the case everywhere in this town (Madeleine Bistro, I'm looking at you). Still, RFD is one of the places that makes me glad to be in LA, and I recommend it highly.

Pros: delicious food, great selection, all vegan

Cons: pricey

isabeldivine

Points +77

Vegetarian
14 Jul 2008

So good it Changes minds

I have now eaten here twice and have loved it in its entirety both times. The host at the door wore fabulous pink pants with matching cuff links which only added to the experience. The first time I went a girlfriend (a meat eating girlfriend) joined me after a night of dining at what she called a wonderful raw bar that opened her eyes to the delectability of raw beef. She so loved the ceasar salad wrap and chocolate cupcake that she kept asking the waiter if in fact it was truly vegan... of course the answer is a resounding but of course. Time number two pink pants at the door i went with a fellow vegetarian who thought it was over rated saying that plain soy dishes just weren't his thing. So I did the ordering Ruebens for each of us with extra saurkraut and thousand island please. Plus the truly divine chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting for dessert. He is now a RFD fan as well. Really you can't beat whole foods cooked to perfection.

Pros: Excellent cuisine, healthy, friendly staff

darlingviolettas

Points +32

Vegan
08 Jul 2008

Exceptional Vegan Restaurant !

I live in the Los Angeles area and I used to eat at RFD two to three times a week. Just everything on the menu is fabulous ! The cashew cheese is super tasty, I suggest the nachos, and their quiche is amazing. For vegans, the caesar salad is a great replica of the original anchovy-based dressing. MY FAVORITE ITEM ON THE MENU IS *COCONUT CREME PIE* in fact I think it's my favorite food EVER !!! (Call ahead to see if it's available, they rotate the desserts.)

Pros: Great Taste, Awesome Staff, Great Ambiance

Cons: A Little Pricy

irlandaise

Points +149

Vegan
07 Mar 2008

Just OK

I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. My food here was pretty bland and unexciting, and the portions were very small. I didn't dislike it, it just wasn't all that great.

Pros: All Vegan

Cons: Small Portions, Pretty Bland

yogichef

Points +26

Non Veg
13 Feb 2008

I liked it.

Went for brunch at the Hollywood location after the Bishnu Gosh Asana Championship and was very satisfied with the TV Dinner- "Meat"loaf with mashed potatoes and veggies and a fresh made juice. Only problem was that the potatoes were not hot and the veggies-carrots, broccolli and lotus root were not freshly cooked, looked like they were steamed then put in a cheesemelter to keep warm but they got dried out. I ate them anyway because I love my veggies. The wife had the scramble, the jalapeno sauce that comes with it was delish. I'll try it again the next time in LA.

Pros: organic

Cons: cold food

Mimi710

Points +585

Vegan
30 Dec 2007

If in LA you MUST go here!

This is my favorite vegan restaurant. I've never been disappointed here. The food can seem pricey at times but it is so worth it. I like the SM location better than the West Hollywood location. Plus its near the beach so you can get your food or a snack to go and nosh at the beach. ;)

Pros: all vegan, mostly organic too!, yummmmy

brainyblonde

Points +104

Raw
12 Nov 2007

i wouldn't want to eat here daily :(

i was recommend to this restaurant by a friend, but am afraid i wasn't very impressed. the crackers were ok... the soup i had (i recall it had carrots in it) was a little too lumpy and not that great.. i did like my juice they made me. and the desert was ok. two cows at best. sorry but i don't think i'll be returning.

Pros: good location

Cons: service was just ok, food wasn't that great

maliciouskami

Points +188

Vegan
17 Oct 2007

What a paradise

As a vegan stranded in southwestern Virginia, I had the chance to visit RFD when visiting a friend in Santa Monica. I was blown away by all the choices. I only had enough money for desert--I opted for the cheesecake. Where I'm from, vegan cheesecake is unheard of. I loved it. Amazing!

Pros: selection, healthy, location

Cons: long wait, pricey




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