Cafe Gratitude has been California’s go-to spot for plant-based dining since 2004, serving up a hefty dose of wellness alongside its colorful, Instagram-worthy dishes. Founded by the Engelhart family, this vegan hotspot has managed to make eating greens not just acceptable, but downright aspirational.
At the heart of Cafe Gratitude’s philosophy is the concept of “Sacred Commerce,” infusing every aspect of the dining experience with mindfulness. From the affirmation-based menu items to the thought-provoking “question of the day” posed by servers, eating here is as much about feeding your soul as it is about nourishing your body.
Ryland Engelhart, one of the driving forces behind Cafe Gratitude, takes the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability to the next level. As the Co-Founder of Kiss the Ground, a regenerative agriculture non-profit (and co-creators of the Netflix doc by the same name), he ensures the restaurant sources from regenerative farms whenever possible.
The menu is a vibrant celebration of plant-based cuisine that could convert even the most dedicated carnivore. Think comfort food that just happens to be vegan, alongside lighter options for the perennially health-conscious LA crowd. Their smoothies, thick and creamy, are meal replacements in their own right.
With its beachy, laid-back vibe and celebrity clientele, Cafe Gratitude embodies the essence of LA’s wellness culture. It’s the kind of place where you might spot a Hollywood A-lister sipping a green juice at the table next to you. And with breakfast served until 1 pm (hello, vegan pancakes!), it caters perfectly to the city’s freelance crowd.
In a town where diet trends come and go faster than you can say “activated charcoal latte,” Cafe Gratitude has managed to stay relevant and buzzy for nearly two decades. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a lifestyle destination where LA’s health-conscious, environmentally-aware diners come to see and be seen, all while enjoying some seriously delicious plant-based fare.
There are locations in Venice Beach, Larchmont, and a take-out counter in Newport Beach.
