I was downtown Santa Barbara yesterday doing some shopping and was pleasantly surprised to find the SB location open considering they just announced they were closing this location permanently. I ordered my usual 1/2 Old Town Salad with a side of grilled chicken. When my order came, the half salad was now a 1/3 salad and most of the lettuce was dead and inedible. I bit into something that had a crunch and when I pulled it out of my mouth, it looked like a pincher bug. When I shared this information with an employee, she said she would tell the kitchen staff, Well, if this is the quality that kitchen is putting out, they probably should close. The Goleta and Hope location is always spot on!
Sylvia Maniscalco
Lots of good options for vegetarians. The food was fresh and delicious. Lots of outdoor seating, plenty of great sugar free drink options.
Maria W.
If you're looking for a quick healthy meal downtown, Natural Cafe is a good option! It's a pay-up-front, seat yourself type of place, with a super chill atmosphere and great location. I got the veggie tofu bowl and it wasn't anything super special that I wouldn't be able to make at home, but it was still a tasty lunch. Their lemonade is incredible, though. I mixed some of their black tea with the lemonade and the end result was delicious!
Nancy W.
I love the Natural Cafe. Been patronizing them for many years. One big issue however: your whole wheat "healthy" bread is LOADED to the gills with sugar. Please give us a non-fructose option.
patlitt1948
We had excellent food and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our visit and our lunch on their patio.
Robin J.
Looking for vegan/vegetarian options in Santa Barbara? Or just like really fresh farm to table options? This is a great option! I had the tofu veggie bowl and it was a fresh, creamy, crunchy bowl full of goodness. Also terrific was the iced bar with brewed greens, hibiscus, black and more teas. So refreshing!
Rachit Aggarwal
Food was pretty bland. Kids pizza also had different flavor (crust was too soft, had some herbs in them). It was pretty hot in the indoor seating area as the fans were very slow.
Gourmet81
People in our family had a variety of food and all was excellent. The chocolate shakes were especially popular!
Jennifer L.
Service is always excellent-but food quality is waning. I just spent 20 (w tax n tip) on a chicken Caesar salad. I have browned lettuce core and various bits of old browned lettuce pieces. Also Been there twice in last month for My favorite which is salmon with pesto: brown rice was crunchy and old and i get maybe a tablespoon on Pesto. Miss you all old reliable Natural Cafe!
Mary P
The grilled veggie sandwich was delicious! Lots of menu choices, many looked so good. We will definitely come back before we go home!
Great service and delicious food with nice portions. Loved the vegan/vegetarian options offered! A must visit when in Santa Barbara! Highly recommend
Marc M.
In the mood for a vegetarian meal, their grilled vege sandwich did not disappoint. Fresh yellow zucchini and other veges with tomato and pesto was a delightful change to the usual meat choices. Front patio seating perfect spot to people watch on a warm afternoon while enjoying their fresh fruit smoothie for dessert.
Erin H.
Really loved this place. We needed something with vegan options that was fairly quick and found this place! It took about 10 min for them to get an order of two tofu bowls. The tahini sauce was so good, and the quality of the ingredients was super high. For the amount and quality, I thought it was a really good deal price-wise. Loved that it came with avocado. Would def come back, esp to sit outside on a nice evening amid all the energy of State street.
Maria S
The veggie tofu bowl was a delicious and healthy vegan option and very filling! Their outdoor seating is also the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon outside.
James Peterson
Chris, the young man who answered the phone when I called was very informative and attentive and when we showed up, remembered me and got us a table outside immediately and got a high chair for my 2 3/4 year old nephew immediately. The selection of great food and this perfect spot was spot on. We ended up ordering food per his suggestions and had left over perfectly grilled veggies to make a sandwich for tomorrow. Great job Natural Cafe. Keep up the great customer attention and positive vibe. You guys delivered.
I was downtown Santa Barbara yesterday doing some shopping and was pleasantly surprised to find the SB location open considering they just announced they were closing this location permanently. I ordered my usual 1/2 Old Town Salad with a side of grilled chicken. When my order came, the half salad was now a 1/3 salad and most of the lettuce was dead and inedible. I bit into something that had a crunch and when I pulled it out of my mouth, it looked like a pincher bug. When I shared this information with an employee, she said she would tell the kitchen staff, Well, if this is the quality that kitchen is putting out, they probably should close. The Goleta and Hope location is always spot on!
Lots of good options for vegetarians. The food was fresh and delicious. Lots of outdoor seating, plenty of great sugar free drink options.
If you're looking for a quick healthy meal downtown, Natural Cafe is a good option! It's a pay-up-front, seat yourself type of place, with a super chill atmosphere and great location. I got the veggie tofu bowl and it wasn't anything super special that I wouldn't be able to make at home, but it was still a tasty lunch. Their lemonade is incredible, though. I mixed some of their black tea with the lemonade and the end result was delicious!
I love the Natural Cafe. Been patronizing them for many years. One big issue however: your whole wheat "healthy" bread is LOADED to the gills with sugar. Please give us a non-fructose option.
We had excellent food and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our visit and our lunch on their patio.
Looking for vegan/vegetarian options in Santa Barbara? Or just like really fresh farm to table options? This is a great option! I had the tofu veggie bowl and it was a fresh, creamy, crunchy bowl full of goodness. Also terrific was the iced bar with brewed greens, hibiscus, black and more teas. So refreshing!
Food was pretty bland. Kids pizza also had different flavor (crust was too soft, had some herbs in them). It was pretty hot in the indoor seating area as the fans were very slow.
People in our family had a variety of food and all was excellent. The chocolate shakes were especially popular!
Service is always excellent-but food quality is waning. I just spent 20 (w tax n tip) on a chicken Caesar salad. I have browned lettuce core and various bits of old browned lettuce pieces. Also Been there twice in last month for My favorite which is salmon with pesto: brown rice was crunchy and old and i get maybe a tablespoon on Pesto. Miss you all old reliable Natural Cafe!
The grilled veggie sandwich was delicious! Lots of menu choices, many looked so good. We will definitely come back before we go home!
Restaurantji Recommends
Great service and delicious food with nice portions. Loved the vegan/vegetarian options offered! A must visit when in Santa Barbara! Highly recommend
In the mood for a vegetarian meal, their grilled vege sandwich did not disappoint. Fresh yellow zucchini and other veges with tomato and pesto was a delightful change to the usual meat choices. Front patio seating perfect spot to people watch on a warm afternoon while enjoying their fresh fruit smoothie for dessert.
Really loved this place. We needed something with vegan options that was fairly quick and found this place! It took about 10 min for them to get an order of two tofu bowls. The tahini sauce was so good, and the quality of the ingredients was super high. For the amount and quality, I thought it was a really good deal price-wise. Loved that it came with avocado. Would def come back, esp to sit outside on a nice evening amid all the energy of State street.
The veggie tofu bowl was a delicious and healthy vegan option and very filling! Their outdoor seating is also the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon outside.
Chris, the young man who answered the phone when I called was very informative and attentive and when we showed up, remembered me and got us a table outside immediately and got a high chair for my 2 3/4 year old nephew immediately. The selection of great food and this perfect spot was spot on. We ended up ordering food per his suggestions and had left over perfectly grilled veggies to make a sandwich for tomorrow. Great job Natural Cafe. Keep up the great customer attention and positive vibe. You guys delivered.