Real Food Daily - Santa Monica
$ - inexpensive
Info courtesy of Vegetarians in Paradise
Gourmet organic vegan cuisine catering to all diets. Three outstanding appetizers we recommend are the nori maki (vegan sushi), Lentil Walnut Pate, and the No-Cheez which is a combo plate of guacamole, a black bean dip, a creative carrot salsa, and tofu sour cream all served with blue and yellow corn chips. The Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy are great! The Reuben Sandwich was a highlight as well.
- (Mostly) Organic
Added by VegGuide.Org on Sep 26 03 (updated Aug 20 05)
Reviews
I've only been to this location of the two. We were allowed to bring our own alcohol for a birthday celebration and they gave us a good table. The atmosphere wasn't too noisy despite the small rooms.
The hummus and pita plate is excellent. I also tried my friend's portabello mushroom sandwich/burger and that was good, too. I only tried one dessert, a mint chocolate brownie, and it was a little dry but okay. The birthday boy had a chocolate pudding/mousse pie that he enjoyed very much.
I wouldn't describe the food as gourmet, but it's definitely delicious--one of the best restaurants I've been to in a while. My friends and I shared the vegan nachos and the walnut pate as appetizers and both were great.
Of the entrees, I've had the tempeh reuben (good), Club sandwich (great), and vegan burger with the works (outstanding). I generally don't order burgers in restaurants because they can be so plain, but this was the most flavorful burger I've had in quite some time. The avocado is definitely a great touch.
The sandwiches come with either a side salad (the Caeser comes with capers and is really good), or potato salad, which is rich and tasty but is drowning in Veganaise.
I haven't had any desserts here, but I've heard that despite fantastic descriptions, the taste is mediocre.
I've tried to like this place, especially after all the raves from friends..but I've went here 3 times and each time get more disappointed. The staff is friendly but the food is a little overpriced for what you are getting. I did enjoy the lentil walnut pate, which is saying a lot since I normally hate walnuts but that was about it. I took 2 newly converted vegans with me and they disliked it even more than me...
RFD Santa Monica has the best Vegan sandwich available bar none - The Club with Avocado. The bread is perfectly toasted, the seitan and Bacon are some of the best ingredients ever. Just look at that picture!
I can't say enough how great Real Food Daily is! This is the ultimate restaurant for vegetarians of all kind. The food is wonderful, they have a big menu to choose from, cozy atmosphere and this location is in walking distance to the ocean. Try the Salisbury seitan! It's wonderful!
This is my favorite of the three RFD locations. The management seems more involved and personable, making for a more enjoyable experience all around, though it is probably a little noisier than the West Hollywood location.
Real Foods Daily makes completely vegan food with no added sugar and "little or no fat." Conveniently located a short walk from Santa Monica Pier, Real Foods Daily seemed to attract a mix of tourists and locals. The seating area is limited, so I would recommend getting there early.
The food itself is quite good. I was very impressed with the sesame noodle appetizer (cold soba noodles with vegetables and peanut sauce). The seasonal entree, an African stew served over couscous with corn croquettes, was a perfect blend of spices and savory vegetables. The Salisbury seitan was sort of run-of-the-mill seitan with gravy and mashed potatoes, but the Cesar salad that came with it was a delicious find.
One caveat: because Real Foods Daily does not add any sugar to the food that is served, the desserts are not very sweet.