To me, this is undoubtedly the best restaurant in Austin. Fresh veggies prepared with love and care. Have eaten there for years - never found anything like it in my travels. And, your kids, if you've for some reason have some, will enjoy the playground while you enjoy your greens. (okay, so your kid doesn't eat greens? neither does mine, the ingrate. it can be a challenge to eat there with your kids, and honestly, i've brought food along for my 5 yr old before. but, he likes something they have usually.) read more

Love this place just wish they actually posted their menu on time or at least answered the phones. I've skipped going there many times because I couldn't get a hold of anyone. I am allergic to beans so that's the reason I don't want to go there and waste my time if the soup has legumes in it. The main meal always has them but that's easy to work with since they just won't give you beans by asking. If the soup has legumes then it's just too much that I can't eat so not worth spending the money. Please update your menu before lunch or dinner or at least answer your phones. There have been at least 20 times in the last few months I had to skip this place bc of that. Food is great when it's not full of legumes. Very healthy and gluten free. read more

This was my first macrobiotic meal, so I was a little leery, but pleasantly surprised. When you walk in you pay $11, which included tea, soup, salad and a plate of whatever they are making that day. If I had known ahead a time that you do not have your choice of entree, I probably would not have gone. The tea, soup (they were serving broccoli and zucchini on the day I went) and quinoa were the highlights for me. I'm one of those strange people who just can't get into sweet potatoes and unfortunately that covered about 1/4 of my plate. Overall, it was better than I had expected it to be. But since they don't announce ahead of time (as far as I know) what they are serving that day, it might be too much of a gamble for me. read more

I loooooooove Casa! Although I live in Round Rock, my husband and I regularly make the long drive to eat here. It is a very worthwhile and unique experience. We leave feeling full and healthy. Both carnivores and vegetarians alike can appreciate what this place has to offer. read more

I was probably the last vegetarian in Austin to eat here but I'm really glad I finally tried it. It was A LOT of food. I think next time I'm going to forgo either soup or salad because I was stuffed. They sell deserts but I can't imagine trying to eat more. I highly recommend lunch here as a way to recover after a night of drinking and make yourself feel healthier! It cancels out, right? read more

So I am not NOR have any desire to ever become vegetarian nor vegan. I was a little scared to try. This place has good reviews, but at a glance are they from vegetarians or not? Oh man this place was good. The sweet potato soup was TO DIE FOR. I had no idea what was in the entree was, but it was good. BTW, I like big red juicy steaks. So this is really good for me to give it a 5. read more

Casa de Luz has, hands down, the best food in town. Their menu is entirely plant-based and oil-free, which is how my family eats. You don't have to worry about choosing menu items, because the menu is already set. Just look it up online so you'll know what to expect! It's $12 per person to eat whatever it is they're serving, and we've never found anything we didn't like. The soup is always delicious, the salad is always cool and savory, and the entrees are always delightfully filling. We have to waddle back to the car every time! Everything is freshly made by loving hands. I bought their cookbook of sauces and dressings, and I can't wait until the entree cookbook comes out this summer. My 2 year old daughter LOVES Timo's Pepita Sauce on everything, from kale to toast to carrots. I have to make a fresh jar at least twice a month. What I love most about Casa de Luz is the atmosphere. It's kid-friendly, yet very peaceful and inviting. There's a playground outside and a little bit of outdoor seating. I feel welcome and comfortable here, as though it's an extension of my own home, particularly since they compost as we do at home! :D It's a community center, so you're sure to see something awesome each time you're there. One Friday evening there was a Bar Mitzvah going on in the community center next door to the restaurant part. I'm not Jewish or religious in any way, but it was super cool to hear all those modern people singing and chanting in beautiful ancient Hebrew. I highly recommend Casa de Luz to anyone looking for a healthy, delicious, filling, leisurely meal. It's a great place to take a few friends for a quiet evening or for an evening of studying or homework. read more

This food is made of butterflies and rainbows. It's so freaking healthy. You can't help but feel completely zen after eating here. That being said... We walked in and committed a million faux pas and felt like total outsiders. The girl who charged us at the entrance gave us quick and cursory directions that left us a bit confused. My friend accidentally ended up in the kitchen. Food was creative and well...weird, in a good way. But definitely overpriced. read more

Casa de luz is my favorite place to eat vegetables. Every time I go somewhere that claims to have authentic vegetables, I remember about the time I ate vegetables here. From the staff to the atmosphere there isn't one thing I would change about this Magical vegetable destination. If this place were Disney world, I would come here after winning a sports championship and order vegetables with a side of vegetables. read more

Casa De Luz - Another quality vegetable - Vegan Near Me - Austin, Texas

Healthy & nourishing plant based fare. Affordable and a nice casual communal dinning setting.

What a wacky Austin spot! Totally macrobiotic and totally loopy. I am a healthy eater but my husband? Not so much. Well, at least overtly he isn't... There is a better chance I could get him to go shopping than drag him back to Casa de Luz. However, he certainly didn't hate the food and he liked the idea that they had theme nights and perhaps we can go back for Mexican or Italian night. It was just an odd dining experience. Not bad. frankly just weird. Since when was serving ice with your drink breaking Vegan Law? We've even attended a birthday celebration in one of their rooms after hours. They require a vegetarian-catered event which is no problem since Austin has lots of tasty options. I think this particular party was able to bring in Whole Foods. That's cool they allow you to BYOV! I am vowing to bring my husband back. I think I'll up it to another star the next visit if all goes well or if we ever get back there! But did I hear correctly that Mother's Cafe is back in business? That will most definitely postpone our return trip to Casa de Luz. read more

I finally got to try Casa de Luz for a Mother's Day brunch. Because they post their menus the day of, there was some confusion regarding their hours (it being a holiday I was wondering their hours, something like that, whatever, there was just some confusion!). Then, some more confusion when we got there about where the restaurant part actually was (it's in the back), what to do when we got into the restaurant (pay first), but quickly we got that you are to grab your own utensils, etc., and bus yourself. Maybe I just get kind of anxious and out of it when hosting the fam... This was all totally fine and not super annoying. We were feeling happy and nothing was inconvenient. Plus, the food was so satisfying. And healthy!! That was so nice to be able to have healthy food out. I am grateful for this restaurant, and I will go to it as much as I can. I think this place is wonderful for people who are big fans of eating healthy and clean, but for those not well-versed or turned off by healthy stuff, I wouldn't bring them here necessarily. It's hardcore, which I love, but some might not. read more

I am entirely fascinated by Casa De Luz. It's a natural and spiritual sort of haven, and the food made me feel entirely nourished when I was done. It felt and tastes like home cooking for the vegetarian. This place is a go to especially after a nice work out session and you're looking for a relaxing place to hang out. There wasn't really anything wrong with this place for me to give it a 3-star; it's just not as enticing as I think it should be. read more

I go to Casa when I can't decide for myself. I know I will get a delicious, meat-free meal with a good variety of veggies (colors, flavors, and textures). I have never been disappointed with anything there. Since I'm kind of a brat, this is huge. My favorite way to experience Casa de Luz is to visit when I play hooky from work. I ride my bike on the hike-and-bike trail, stop in with a book in the afternoon for lunch, and sit on the deck while I enjoy my meal. read more

Casa is one of my all-time favorite Austin restaurants! And it is quite possibly Austin's healthiest restaurant. True macrobiotic cooking in a peaceful environment. All the meals are great but my favorite is brunch on the weekend. Check their website or call to find out what is on the menu before you go. Or just show up and be surprised. I have never been disappointed there and I consider myself a very picky eater! Of course, you should be in the mood to eat there and it will make your experience much better! Don't go there if you're in the mood for loud music and cheese fries....but do go if you've been truly bad and need to make up for it or if your intent all along was too be good. :-) read more

I always feel good after eating here. It's quiet and peaceful, and this is my family's favorite place when they come to visit Austin.

Casa de Luz is one of the few restaurants in Austin where I, sufferer of food allergies, rarely have to utter the words "What's in the . . . ?" It is beautiful, serene, and mostly delicious. (The green soups can be pretty bland, but the sesame/salt on the tables will fix that). I miss the decadent weekend brunches of yore, but I guess that they were not big money-makers. I love that the staff look happy and the seats are family style. (How intriguing that so many of the reviews here are of the diners. I don't think Casa can be faulted for attracting vegetarians.) I don't think the restaurant is expensive. With tipping and tax included in the price, it comes out to about the same as anywhere else with comparable food. Over the years, I have taken workshops here, seen belly dancers and storytellers, listened to some earnest but wacky lectures, and once spent an afternoon having a good cry in the garden. Casa is in my heart. It is a delightful Austin community, soulful and sweet. read more

Unique. It's like having a meal prepared by Buddhist monks in a quiet bamboo garden. People that come here are very polite. The interior is a simple and dim space with lots of wooden tables. The menu changes daily, and you do not have choices. For $12 dinner price, you get a meal consists of one soup, a salad and a plate of vegetarian items. When I was there they served butternut squash soup, salad with almond sesame dressing, and the entree had basmati rice with carrots, creamy red beans with suncheese, sweet potatoes, blanched kale with pumpkin seed sauce and pickled red cucumber. The simplicity of it is a delightful discovery for me in Austin. read more

For me, for what this place is after, 5 stars and many more. (For other people, like family members of mine who only eat meat and potatoes, this place would freak them out!) All natural, all vegan, all good. This was the first place I have eaten in a long time that I didn't have to worry about the food selection and knew I could eat as much as I wanted without any care in the world. For the most part I follow a paleo diet so sadly, I couldn't get my animal flesh fix here. (I did however have my protein shake beforehand j.i.c.). And sure, they do serve grains, but seriously, beans and rice go together like bert and ernie, and one corn tortialla isn't going to kill me. So it was Guatemalan night last night (Thursday) and the place was pretty busy. Apparently that night is quite popular. (Also, its right by the baseball field, chuys, and shady grove - parking is a bitch.) The setting is really pretty as you walk up - very peaceful, with wooden archways, greenery, and christmas lights. Outside was a little chilly so we chose to share a big table with some other folks. It's basically a cafeteria-type setting inside, but everyone was really friendly, helped us out when we didn't know the system, and engaged in convo about the food. So you pay up front then serve yourself for soup and salad, and they give you a wooden "coin" to leave on your table so the guy will drop off dinner. Salad was great with just a very light dressing. Miso soup had lots of veggies in it, kinda boring, but did the trick as a starter. Dinner was veggie tacos w/ carrots, mushrooms, some others. Great flavor and texture, and the sauce was yum. Speaking of yum sauce they had this green tomatilla-avacado mess that was divine. I wasn't sure what it went on, so I choose the rice and beans. Beans also had "sun cheez" on it that tasted like feta. Pretty impressive considering it was made of sunflower seeds, vingear and garlic (I had to ask). The greens were kale, and thanks to Casa De Luz I now know I like kale! That was one of the best parts about this place - for someone like me on a limited diet, it really gives you ideas. I would love to eat here a couple times a month just to inspire myself. Final note, you must bus your own table here. I also recommend don't go back for seconds (to which you are entitiled to), instead save a little room for dessert. They are not included in the buffet price but looked pretty tempting. Next time... read more

I can totally appreciate Casa for its macrobiotica...but they can keep those lentil cakes...or use them for doorstoppers. The salad bar has plenty of tasty and fresh colon cleansers chopped thin. The soups can be good and healthy albeit watery. I could eat plate after plate of the steamed greens. I love the folks here who work and frequent here. But I did spring a visit here on my meat and potatoes manly man...just to see what his reaction would be...he was polite but didn't go for seconds on the lentil cakes! I did buy some miso here at the little store for home use...it may be Austin's tiniest health food store...it's like a pantry closet, but will pique your interest in macrobiotics. read more

Great food, zen-like atmosphere. It was so serene that I almost fell asleep with my face in my salad. It wouldn't have hurt if it did because it was a bit on the wilted side. A bit source (Too much vinegar?) but it still fit the bill after eating bad, fried taco-truck food from ACL the previous evening. It wasn't crowded, and you get self-serve soup and salad right-off the bat. When they bring-out the main entree, you won't be disappointed! My favorite was blanched greens with almond-walnut sauce on top. (Color and texture were almost like hummus but creamier and (duh) nuttier!). The pickle/carrot/radish taco were OK. Served with brown rice and yummy pinto beans (stark contrast from canned beans I've eaten all my life). The entrance reminded me of a private path along a four seasons resort in Hawaii. Go here. You won't regret it. read more

I was especially excited to hear about this place. I went by on Indian food night with high expectations. The ambience was amazing, the people were friendly, and the food smelled delicious. I ended up enjoying about half of my meal and was a little disappointed. I am not a fan of ginger and so didn't enjoy the soup, and the salad dressing had a tangy, unique taste that I couldn't quite put my finger on. It was a little like munching on mint leaves. I wasn't especially fond of it. The entree itself was pretty good - yummy lentils, several good sauces, and I love love LOVED the pickled cucumber or whatever they put on there that night - they were the best thing on the plate. Other parts had that distinctive minty taste that bugged me, and some aspects were just kind of bland and made me not want to eat them. I think enjoying Casa de Luz depends entirely on your palate... while I enjoyed some aspects, I have to conclude that I'm not a macrobiotic convert. Although I did feel incredibly healthy leaving the place. The price was a little off-putting as well - $12 is a bit steep for what you get, but for some people it is entirely worth it. It's worth at least one visit, just to enjoy the experience and say you've been there. I was not overly impressed but I do plan to come back and see what else they have to offer. read more

You definitely have to be in the mood for this food. The menu changes everyday and it states that things are "made with love," which does seem to hold true. This is a very mellow place, which seems to be in the middle of a meditation center. All the food is macrobiotic, which I believe means no soy, no wheat (?) and everything cooked below a certain temperature. I think that lunch is around $12, which includes soup, salad, and a full plate of food from a fixed menu. You also can go back for seconds - which are encouraged! I had a very interesting enchilada platter and some vegetable soup. I believe that my friend and I went on Mexican day. I don't know how much people would like this place if they aren't into healthy eating/trying new cuisines. However, for healthy people/people going on cleanses, this place is good. I am debating going back on a different day and trying a new cuisine theme. The main problem here is that the food, by nature, is quite bland. They don't use salt and traditional spices. I try to eat low sodium, but even this was a bit much for me. Another thing I was not happy about was the sushi that I got from their fridge to take home. A little bit of soy sauce/tofu would have gone a long way. As with many vegan places, I felt a little too mainstream walking in here. This place is full of....um....Austin-y type people. I'm not sure why it's so difficult to want to eat healthy and still enjoy many aspects of mainstream society. Moving along... Parking is in the street and I ended up parking in a dirt lot, so I would be slightly wary of the parking situation alone at night. read more

Best place to enjoy a wonderful and very healthy macrobiotic lunch! It is where I meet my mom for a girls afternoon regularly. When you walk through the gates you step into another world that offers a serene ambience. I have also gone to Casa de Luz many times alone to enjoy their amazing food and then I bring a book to sit in their gardens and listen to the chimes and birds...so peaceful! Please go and support this amazing Austin business! read more

Casa De Luz - There tahini puree over steamed greens is always amazing! - Vegan Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Casa de Luz definitely attracts a certain type of clientele, I'd say it's sort of like a vegan Waffle House. But instead of the naked guy covered in tattoos talking to himself in the corner at 3:00 A.M. there was guy spinning a crystal over his table for the duration of our lunch (I swear!) while his companion stared out the window as if hypnotized or just completely bored out of her mind. There were the gringo rasta guys were there with their moms, but I also saw one of the prettiest girls in the world there, too. The food's pretty straightforward veggie/macrobiotic fare, some might call it bland but then you're really talking down to the vegetables themselves because besides cooking them not a lot has been done to alter them. When I was there they offered a fixed menu for $12.00. The carrots and parsnips were very tasty, the kale with the nut sauce was also very good. The black bean soup was a knockout, and the salad was dressed in a Cesar-ish type dressing that was very nice. The whipped sweet potatoes with cherry glaze would have made a lot better desert than the vegan flan did (some things should NEVER be attempted as a vegan version) and despite what others have written I was full when I left. Unless you're a totally unsocialized carnivore you shouldn't have any problem getting happy at Casa de Luz. The service is good and friendly, and there's a nice vibe from the kitchen. It's little spendy, but the place is gushing goodness and light. One thing I thought was odd was there's no ice for the tea. I asked the guy in Spanish who was working there, but he just sort of shook his head "No" at me. What on earth could be wrong with ice? I didn't notice any other condiments around either, but it's not the kind of food you pour ketchup or mustard on anyway, however a little pepper sauce would have really stepped up that kale! Staying true to their vegan theme, Casa de Luz doesn't monkey around with trying to make artificial meat dishes, like Tofu Chorizo or gluten turkey breast. Really, fake meat is the same as real meat. The intention is there. So, I liked Casa de Luz, it's in a lovely garden-like setting and the space is very clean and relaxing. There was even some new-age music in the background! The food is good, the service good, so I'll probably go again. But really I'll go back to watch the people eating there, they're straight out of central casting! read more

This is one of my favorite places to go. Peaceful, easy, good for all 3 generations that we often arrive with. Once in awhile there is something one of us isn't a big fan of, but for the most part the "surprise food" (I say this because we never peek at what will be arriving at our table prior to going) is so good we even recommend this place to our flesh-shredding carnivore friends. For those of you, who like us are vegan or vegetarian, you will welcome the variety. Plus they price the food with discounts for kids and seniors...even free for kids under 3. And the kids and elders do really enjoy coming here, there is a good vibe here for all. read more

One of the best and healthiest places to eat in Austin. The food is macrobiotic, but don't be fooled by fancy names, it is delicious! It can seem like it is maybe on the expensive side, at $12 a dish, but it is worth it. You can also go up and get seconds if you like! Their soup du jour is always good. My favorite is the butternut squash. You get soup, salad, and an entree. The have buffee style serving only on the weekends I think. But I look forward to that the most because they serve a lot more of a variety of foods. The restaurant are open weird hours, so make sure to check to see when they are open. It is a kind of different dining experience, but if you don't mind sitting next to strangers, then this is the place for you. I love love love this place! read more

I've been a regular at Casa de Luz for nearly 12 years now. I eat there 3-4 times a week, mostly for lunch, and maybe once every two months for dinner. I find the food to be delicious and satisfying, and in 12 years I can count fewer than 5 meals that I did not like. The process and meals have been described by many reviewers already, so I won't go into that. However, I will post a warning: if you are accustomed to eating junk, fast, or fried food, salty food, or very spicy food, you may find Casa de Luz not to your liking. When I first started eating here, I found the food to be somewhat bland. Over the years, my palate has changed, and I now greatly appreciate how delicious and healthy the food is. The food and how it is prepared evolves and changes over time and I attribute my good health to eating here on a regular basis. Besides the food, I've met some amazing people there over the years. Community style dining is not for everyone (they do have a few tables with just two seats), but if you enjoy meeting new people, Casa is a great place to make it happen. They now serve breakfast from 7 - 10, lunch between 11 - 6 and dinner from 6 - 8:30. read more

Best go to vegetarian restaurant in Austin!!! Always relaxing, delicious and consistent extremely healthy food

Others here have well covered the Casa de Luz experience. I want to add my vote that this is one of the best places that you can go for your body. Macrobiotic, vegan and gluten free and the quality has always been top notch whenever I have visited. And although I'm usually bored with food that doesn't have intense flavors and spice, I find the food at Casa delicious just from the very quality, freshness, healthfulness and careful preparation of the food. read more

Love walking through the covered walkway to the Casa De Luz dining hall. Imagine a dining hall at the sweetest vegan summer camp ever, and there you go. Soup, tea, main dish... all for a set price. Eat, feel virtuous and relax. The only downside was dining with my little one with a full window view of the playscape, which is hands off for restaurant guests. Such a shame.. but it is, what it is. read more

Went there on Saturday for lunch buffet. We paid $14 per person for a full meal which included: Mushroom soup Butternut squash with carrots stew Brown rice Tahini sauce with Bazil Almonds spread Beets and Cabbage salad Spinach leaves (or beets leaves) - sauteed Hot and cold tea Cesar salad (very light dressing, yummy) Everything was delicous. It was raining outside and so cozy inside. The only thing that was missing was some kind of bread. They don't use yeast so they don't have bread, but this would complete the meal I guess. Very recommended. Check their website for the daily menu. They also have special meals every first Monday of the month and second Sat. read more

Casa is a wonderful, clean macrobiotic experience. The grounds have a "Zen Garden" feel. The area is kept clean. There is a Montessori School and yoga center there. The older I get, the less new-agey I get. Still, I have to say that this pace has "good energy." You can eat as much of the fixed price meal as you desire. This is the kind of thing you can fill up on, yet still feel excellent. You have to love things like kale, root, vegetables, brown rice, twig tea, miso, etc. When I first went to Casa, I had barely eaten any whole food in my life. It was an eye and body opening experience 10 years ago. I eat quite a range of food from low brow fried stuff to organic veggies. Casa never fails to deliver a tasty, interesting dinner. read more

Love the vibe of this place. It's so calm, and the food is amazing too - very nourishing and delicious. Besides Counter Culture, this was the best vegan food I had while visiting Austin. Highly recommend. read more

This is one of the best spots around for Live foods that are healthy and plant based. If you've ever been here this place is beautiful and very welcoming. As for the food, the menu changes regularly slightly and the food is always fresh and good. read more

Casa De Luz is a treasure. Austin is lucky to have it. For $12 you get hot or cold tea, a salad, soup, and heaping plateful of food--all on a set menu, almost cafeteria style. The ambiance is incredibly relaxing. Frequently you get to sit with other (typically enlightened) diners at the large tables; everyone is always in a great mood. The main plate always includes rice, beans, greens, and something pickled. The sauces are superb. Most days of the week have a different special item on the main plate (vegan macrobiotic sushi and tacos are my faves). This is my comfort food; it is nourishing and balanced, consistent and healthful. It's a simple formula and once you get used to it you wonder why there aren't more places just like Casa de Luz. read more

Hot damn! This place is the tasties. Casa De Luz is a completely vegan restaurant. Having been a vegetarian for over 15 years it's refreshing to be able to go into a place and not have to worry about what you're eating. Everything that is there is vegan and extremely healthy. We were en route to go see "Where the Wild Things Are" in IMAX, but gave up because the traffic was so terrible. So, my first thought was let's go to Chuys as we were driving by it, but the parking was terrible and I somehow ended up on a side street behind Chuys when I found Casa De Luz. Then it struck me, my Dad who lives in Boston had heard about this place and recommended it to me. At first I was a little worried that Casa De Luz was not a restaurant as they have books on health, yoga, etc lining the walkway, which is lit using Xmas lights. There is also a yoga studio and some other stuff back there. Anyhoo, we finally made it to the door to find the place absolutely packed! Apparently it was Guatemalan night (every Thursday), which is everyone's favorite night because they have tacos. You pay for the dinner before you sit down and then they give you a "token". You need the token to get your entree, but it seemed foolish because you can go back up and just ask for seconds after you redeem your "token". The food was phenomenal - taco, salad, kale, beans, rice, a bunch of teas, etc. It was a smorgasbord of goodness. They had this green goo that was phenomenal - some sort of spicy avocado stuff that went well on EVERYTHING. The people were a little weird, but so am I. The dining is communal, so you have to eat with random peeps. Fairly certain a few of them were high, definitely quite a few hippies and hipsters, haha. Didn't bother me any - it was actually pretty fun. There was one weird lady that decided to sit at the kids table by herself. She was no fun. Anyways, I am most certainly going to make this place a regular hangout - everything was so tasty and healthy. 5+ for this bad larry. read more

This place has a great reputation and I can see why. When you get there it has a very peaceful feeling; the environment is the epitome of a vegan lifestyle. When you walk in there is a very zen-like, quiet atmosphere and they make it very simple by only having 1 meal a day. You get your own tea (hot or cold), soup and salad and they bring you the entree. The entree was very good - squash, black beans, kous kous, & cucumber with beets. We also ordered the coconut pudding. It was all very good including the atmosphere. I will definitely be back! read more

I'm conflicted about this review. On the one hand, I love the whole macrobiotic concept of Casa De Luz...and since my first visit there was in support of one of my friend's who was pregnant and making every effort to be health conscious, what's not to love? You walk through the archway into a peaceful zen-like garden setting, then the dining room is inviting and relaxing with it's communal dining tables and various food and drink stations, and the employees are personable. Good, right? I think so. On the other hand, when having been informed that some of the food is very raw (meaning it's still alive and has retained it's nutrients) and then encountering a live action salad with the action provided by a worm vigorously doing it's best to escape my fork...well...I'm not certain I want my food THAT live! :-O Eek! Given that I know how to slaughter various animals and know my way around growing things, not sure why one worm makes me squeamish??? Perhaps it's 'cause the slaughtered animals are thoroughly roasted, stewed, fried, or boiled by the time I'm done with them and not trying to escape the plate with life left in them...oh wait! I just went off on a tangent when talking about a vegetarian / vegan restaurant! (Apologies to all my veggie / vegan friends and readers!) Anyways, the chef's reaction was even funnier when I quietly and kind of embarassed took my plate and worm up to him. He looked really sternly at me, then at the worm, took my plate, then proceeded to SQUASH the little guy!!! Not what I was expecting...he then looked like he wanted to hand the salad plate, squished worm and all, back to me. Seriously. He wasn't kidding. Ahhahaha! Well, my friend, quite concerned for my first experience at Casa De Luz having taken a turn for the unexpected, wondered if I wanted to go. But, we braved the rest of the meal (it was cooked - a key element here!), which was quite tasty, filling in a satisfyingly refreshing way, and worth the whole worm experience. And I made a new food discovery: organic ginger jello!!! Hello!? The most tantalizing salivary taste explosion I've had in a while! While I forget it's proper name, this dessert alone will make me go back to Casa De Luz, again and again and again. In fact, the ability to taste / eat my way through their entire dessert fridge is reason enough to return. The organic coconut jello is pretty good, too. So, all in all...while I might skip the salad bar on a next visit, there are the soups (delicious), cooked items (the food really digests well!), and desserts to enjoy. Add it's peaceful environment and we've got something here... Maybe I'm not so conflicted after all :) PS If you're not a fan of lightly flavoured / bland tasting food, this might not be the spot for you. But if you do want to promote healthy digestion post eating, this is definitely something to do once a quarter. read more

I went on a Sunday with friends for the first time. The salad and soup were good, not great. The entree consisted of beans, beets, a taco and more veggies. The only thing I really enjoyed was the taco. The ambience makes up for the food. I would be more inclined to give them a higher rating if it was a dollar or two less or had cheaper desserts. Also the tea was not too bad but ice would have been nice to go with it. FYI I am not a vegetarian. read more