VEGAN REVIEW What a cute spot! Small dining area & larger patio (with heater for the cold, shades for the sun). Love the whimsical decor, including mismatched plates & novelty salt shakers. Plus every table has a bottle of their house made hot sauce! The service is friendly. We went on an evening when it was SWAMPED, they gave us the boiled peanuts & a pickle plate on the house. Hubby & I shared the biscuit sliders, red beans and rice, & chickpeas and dumplings. Everything was AMAZING-- super fresh, quality ingredients, great flavor. We finished with a moon pie. TO DIE FOR!!! They have a long list of wines & fun looking cocktails, but we did not indulge. We did have the local kombucha, which was quite tasty. It's downtown Mendocino, so parking can take a while. Can't wait to return on our next trip! read more

We were really excited to try Fog Eater Café since it's one of the only vegan/vegetarian spots in the Mendocino area. The space is super cute, the menu is seasonal, and the plating is creative. The food itself was flavorful, unique, and definitely not the kind of dishes you usually see at vegan restaurants--so big points for that. That said, the experience felt a little off. We were first seated inside but had to move outdoors because of the flies (there were still bugs outside, but it was manageable). Service was where things fell short: our server, who I later realized is also the owner, came across as very short with us. She'd list specials and walk away without checking if we had questions, didn't offer wine recommendations (despite having a wine shop next door), and overall wasn't very warm or welcoming. We noticed she was much friendlier with regulars, which made us feel a bit brushed off. Totally understand local pricing & mandatory 20% gratuity, I just expected a higher level of service. The ambiance also had some drawbacks--constant clanging of dishes in the small space made it feel tense rather than cozy. Between that and the flies, it was hard to fully relax and enjoy. Overall, the food was great, and I wish the service matched the quality of the kitchen. If the vibe had been more welcoming, this easily could have become a regular spot for us whenever we're in the area. read more

Fog Eater Cafe - outside - Southern Near Me - Mendocino, California

Ambience was loud with loud music so conversation was difficult inside. A beet bisque soup was good but the fritter dish had mostly bitter and sour notes and the chick pea dumpling was OK but a bit bland with gummy dumpling. read more

Every dish was excellent. I sometimes think vegetarian and vegan dining might not be exciting, but it is at Fog Eater. I admit to being a little worried that this place would be too cool for its own good. I was wrong! The interior and exterior are really quaint, the food is delicious, and the people put in a lot of care. They start you off with a dish of boiled peanuts. It's maybe a little awkward to share since it's basically whole peanuts sitting in soup, but it's really delicious soup. It would be great braising liquid for greens, but I digress. Biscuit Sliders: I've had buffalo-style cauliflower a few times, but this version was unexpected with the crunchy breaded pieces, slaw, and flavorful sauces. And a good veg biscuit, too! Cajun Mac N' Cheese: I believe the cheese is cashew-based. Very creamy and smoky! It would even be nice to make into a full size entree. Pistachio Crusted Tofu: The farro and golden beet cream was so good! Tofu is tofu so the complimentary textures and flavors did a lot of work. Yum. Gigante Beans & Grits: Excellent hearty dish. I love the way they layer the flavors, but it all sings together. I definitely need preserved lemon in my kitchen. Vin de Pêche: It's a peach fortified wine and they make it! It's a bit like an infused vermouth. We were tempted to buy a bottle. Aprium Rhubarb Pie: Aka pluot! Everything was so good that we had to try one of the desserts of the day. I prefer a butter crust, but this was an undeniably flaky and fancy-yet-homestyle pie. read more

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Excellent food so good you don't even miss the meat. I was skeptical of if I would feel full/satisfied with a vegetarian restaurant, especially one specializing in Southern cuisine. But I was wrong, as this place still managed to keep up the filling and flavorful nature of soul food. The staff was also very friendly and helpful in letting us know which options were gluten free for my friend who was inquiring. We were seated in the outdoor area in the back which was super cute with string lights overhead. The interior portion of the restaurant is also really cute. Overall it was probably my favorite meal in Mendocino and I absolutely would come back if in the area again. read more

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Simply amazing it's rustic. Seating is rustic. Food is difficult to describe other than to say it's phenomenal. Vegan gluten-free and exquisite. This is a must for anybody with food sensitivities. read more

Fog Eater Cafe - Fried Cauliflower waffles - Southern Near Me - Mendocino, California

Surprisingly yelp did not list this restaurant among vegan options for us but we found it while walking lovely Mendocino. After ordering a hibiscus lime drink and an appetizer (we arrived on time to catch the happy hour) we ordered dinner. The food amazing, the summer salad dressing was so fresh and delightful, then we order pistachio crusted tofu and tomato cobbler, all delicious. The dessert was peach basil pie, also amazing. Ambience and service were both excellent! If you look for vegan in Mendocino look no more! read more

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absolutely loved it here!! the food is clearly organic and healthy, and made with love. the chickpea pot pie was homey and simple, the oyster mushroom dish was deliciously crunchy and the hush puppies and their sauce were very yummy and unique. the service and the vibes, including the music and their decor were wonderful. they had tulips on each table and in the bathroom, and unique salt shakers. the chocolate moon pie was sweet and salty, perfect for someone with a sweet tooth. they were also very accommodating and attentive about my boyfriend's cashew allergy. they were busy so i would recommend getting a reservation! come here on your visit to mendocino! read more

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Visited this establishment for breakfast this morning. Very dissapointed. Be prepared it's all vegan. I asked what the sausage and pimento was and the Co-owner said blk beans, I said nope. She spouted off don't make that face and informed me she was Co-owner. This was very rude and unprofessional. I ordered 2 poach eggs and a biscuit. The biscuit was a puck sit in the steam table too long. She never asked if we wanted coffee either. Do not recommend and will not return. I have owned a steak house and never would allow my staff to speak to customers in this manner read more

Legit one of my favorite restaurants of all time. We eat there every night when we go to Mendocino! The food is so delicious and the variety is great for a small restaurant. Some things we loved on our most recent visit: Pistachio crusted tofu Pickles Lions Mane Mushroom / Tomato salad Zucchini soup Grasshopper pie The servers are so friendly and seem truly happy to be there. It has such a family vibe. It is a vegan paradise, but if you're not vegan, you'd still find a lot to love about it. read more

This place was SO GOOD! The restaurant has the cutest atmosphere - great aesthetic and good vibes. The servers were very friendly and helpful with questions. Happy hour was from 4-5pm, with a smaller menu, and dinner starts at 5pm. We hung out from 4-6pm and had a great time. The wine spritzer was delicious, and the Umeshu was poured generously. Everything we ate was amazing. The muffuletta salad is my new favorite thing! And don't skip the pickle plate, it's so worth it. For our group of two, we shared: 2 drinks, Cajun Mac and cheese, muffuletta salad, dip and chips, pickle plate, and beignets - we finished every single crumb and left perfectly satisfied! I would highly recommend this restaurant! Amazing vegetarian/vegan food and overall great experience. read more

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Start to finish 5 out of 5. Warm and friendly vibes welcome you in and then the food starts to come and every bite was truly unique and delicious. I found myself unconsciously closing my eyes to savor bites. Fried oyster mushrooms better than fried chicken. I've eaten at some great vegan spots in NY and Mexico City and this is right up there and surpassing most. Absolute gem and super tasty and comforting decor. Oh yeah don't even get me started on dessert the apricot rhubarb pie was crazy good. Get there! read more

Fog Eater Cafe - Deep fried oyster mushrooms on mashed potatoes! - Southern Near Me - Mendocino, California

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My favorite restaurant in my favorite town. I eat here every time I am in Mendocino. Sometimes twice! The food is amazing, the atmosphere divine, and the staff are a delight. If you are in Mendocino, this is a must! read more

The food was extremely good and well spiced. Service was excellent with staff being very friendly.

Dinner at @fogeatercafe in Mendocino! ‍ We had the soup du jour, southern plate, fried blue oyster mushrooms, and moon pie for dessert! Everything was savory and delicious and staff was very pleasant! instagram: jax.vegan.eats read more

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This place is a must visit if you are a vegetarian or in general fond of gourmet food. Every dish we had was a masterpiece. We started with the crabbe cutlets which were incredibly delicious. For the main course we tried the pistachio tofu which looked amazing and tasted even better! Also we had the fried oyster mushrooms which were outstanding. We also loved the mashed potatoes and salad. Finally we had the beignets for dessert which were out of this world! The service was great and the ambiance was beautiful outside. Definitely coming back soon! read more

If you're looking for mouthwatering homemade food, vegan and non vegan, served with a side of great service, look no further than the Fog Eater Cafe. You have a choice of eating outside under a tent with heaters when it's chilly or inside enjoying the vintage diner atmosphere. You may think you're taking a step back in time while you dine at the counter, the old fashioned way. The friendly staff make you feel at home, I even met the parents of our waitress. We're both from Nashville. Plenty of parking on the street and walking around the cute town shops. PS I would love to have the pumpkin cheesecake recipe for Thanksgiving. No one in my family will believe it's vegan. ; ) read more

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As a carnivore, I would become a vegetarian if all my meals were as delectable as Fog Eater Cafe's Sunday brunch dishes. Hubby who enjoys a thick cut of rare plus prime rib was saying omg or yum after each bite. You definitely eat with your eyes as much as savoring southern influenced flavor and texture with your mouth. They know how to make the perfect poached egg. Hubby preferred his black eyed peas softer while I like the firmness. We both agree that through the team's service, cooking, atmosphere & menu planning reflected their love and pride. Highly recommend. Plus very smart to use a metal tin w/magnet to present the bill. read more

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Cute little eatery with plant based (vegan) menu! The menu is based on souther cuisine. We loved the mac n cheese and beignets!! The beignets are a must try! I also tried the buffalo cauliflower biscuit sliders. They were yummy but I wish they had a bit more sauce added inside the slider. The service was quick and everyone was very sweet and friendly! Overall a happy vibe in this place. They had a small diner style seating area and a patio area. The ambiance during dinner was nice and chill! read more

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It's rare these days to come across a restaurant where the dishes served are always a surprise, and in a good way. There's nothing on the menu that you'll get anywhere else - even if it sounds familiar. Beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. I love all the mushroom dishes, and the gigante beans are superb. I'm not a vegetarian but I sure do enjoy every single dish at Fog Eater. It's hard to save room for dessert - I never seem to be able to. And yet, I can't help myself: I go ahead and order dessert. And it's so so good. I always leave very full and very happy. The back patio is cute and comfortable and the service is warm and friendly. It always feels like a special evening whenever my husband and I dine here. read more

For any vegetarian diner, this place serves wonderful food that very much gives the feelings of warm, fresh, home-cooked feelings without trying to imitate meat. Therefore, the flavors of each ingredient are well highlighted. The cafe is colorful inside and well-lit outside, so any seating will serve wonderful vibe. Our servers were also friendly and helpful. For the taste of our food, I felt that it was good, but not extraordinary. The food is definitely cooked well and with emphasis on the flavors of vegetarian cuisine. The pie itself was a bit too sour for my liking. Despite how sweet it could have been, although it was nice to have so much fruit in my pie, it didn't taste quite amazing for a dessert. read more

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We are not normally ones to choose to go to a vegan restaurant, but the Fog Eater Cafe kept showing up on various lists as we were researching restaurants. I ordered the oyster mushroom dish and my husband got the pistachio crusted tofu. Both were really good. The outside garden seating was the more appealing choice and we're glad we decided to sit outside. It was a cool evening but the heater kept us warm. The waitstaff were friendly and answered all our questions. I recommend this restaurant if you're ever in Mendocino, even if you're a true carnivore! read more

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Fabulous food, the recipes are amazing. Located in the heart of the Mendocino Village, the sweet little diner style restaurant has vegan food, however the recipes are so tasty even if you are not of that persuasion this restaurant is amazing. Great place for a night out. read more

We stopped by here for brunch this morning after doing some research and finding out about this place prior to our trip. We arrived around 11 AM and we were able to find a table very quickly. The restaurant itself is really cute - definitely small but it's well decorated and put together nicely. For our meal we shared a few items - we got the fried cauliflower and waffle, a biscuit with gravy, and the grits and grillades. To start, the biscuit and gravy was great - the cashew gravy achieved the same savory flavor of a traditional sausage gravy and paired very nicely with the biscuit. The grits grillades were really good - once again it was cool to see how that got that savory meaty flavor without actually leveraging meat. I ended up taking the poached egg and that brought it to the next level for me. I We went in somewhat skeptical about the fried cauliflower and waffle. I generally don't like cauliflower and my girlfriend is not a waffle person. But this was hands down our favorite item of the meal. The cauliflower was cooked perfectly with a shatteringly crispy batter and the waffle was savory which was fun play on the tradition. The accompanying sauces and sides were also really good - notably pepper jelly butter. All in all , this was hands down the best meal my girlfriend and I had during our trip to Mendocino this weekend. It's excellent vegan take on soul food and I'd highly recommend it. 5/5 read more

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This place was on our list for our trip to Mendocino! We haven't yet been to great vegan restaurants, but this one blew us away! Serving primarily soul food, we were very excited to see how the flavors would come through. We both got the fried oyster mushroom which came with the most amazing collard greens ever! It was incredibly cute inside and the best meal we had during our trip. The service was great, everyone was friendly and overall just a great experience. Highly recommend! read more

Wonderful service, creative food, welcoming atmosphere. We were delighted to discover this gem tonight. Our meal was very good, and the service was outstanding. read more

Such unique flavors. A surprise find that turned out serendipitously good. The soup of the day pumpkin coriander tamarind soup - a quirky take on commonly used Asian flavors was so good. But the highlight really was the pumpkin pie - all vegan & gluten free with pretzel crust and eggnog cream was the real winner. Everything on the menu was had such a a palatable taste with well-balanced flavor. Will definitely return when I'm the area again. read more

Came by for breakfast Sunday morning. I've been wanting to try this place for a while and I was absolutely not disappointed. The food was delicious. Great service. And the outdoor seating area was perfect. I got the cauliflower and waffles, and my fiancé got the cheesy grits. We shared a side of roasted potatoes. And we also shared beignets. Everything was great read more

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We've eaten here before and loved it but had a particularly wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. The food was great, the staff was friendly, and the setting was perfect. It's a blessing to have a great vegan restaurant in Mendocino; it's definitely become our favorite place on the coast. read more

Five of us had Thanksgiving dinner there today. It was terrific. I mean really terrific. It is all vegan of course. Fixed menu today. The service was attentive. We were seated on the pleasant back porch which was nice and warm even in November. read more

Had breakfast here with my wife during our weekend getaway and what a charming cafe. The service was excellent and the food was really good (coming from a non-vegan). I would highly recommend a stop in if you are visiting Mendocino. read more

After a disappointing dinner at the MacCallum house we happened upon the Fog Eater Cafe, what an adorable patio, and dog friendly. It's got a fairy garden meets retro diner vibe, very fun. The staff had really good recommendations. We each got a fancy soda which was refreshing but not sweet and then we shared a few of the appetizers and sides; the cauliflower sliders have to be the best thing I've ever tasted. ON BISCUITS! Sooooo delicious. We then shared a purple sweet potato cheesecake, probably the second best thing I've ever tasted. 5000/10, will definitely be back! Can't wait to stop in for their brunch! read more

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A nice gem in Mendocino. Is it me or are there lots of Italian restaurants in Mendocino? I like Italain food but would probably like a little bit of variety? Well, it was a 45 minute wait. First off, I'm not vegetarian but willing to try vegetarian. The food at Fog Eater was different but goof. Southern plate- loved th Mac and cheese, greens and the bbq lima bean. It came with a hot mini cornbread. I wished they would give you honey as well. Gumbo- delicious Beignets- this is a must!!! It came with a chocolate and Caramel sauce and dare I say it's as good as the beignets or better than Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans? Warm, fluffy and soft. Service was great and the waitress did a great job of explaining everything to me. So if you are vegetarian or just want to try something g different in Mendocino, this is thr place to go! read more

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Such great food. We come almost every time we visit Mendocino. The place is incredibly charming and the menu original with lots of options for different tastes. read more

I wasn't too hungry since I got pizza before, but I got their salad special for the day. It contained cucumbers, red onions, and peaches with a jalapeño dressing. It was very light which was great. I ordered two portions since it was $6 per and the waitress said it wouldn't be enough for a meal, so it turned out to be the right amount. Overall it was a good experience. My friends ordered regular items on their menu and thought it was okay. One of them got the mushroom dish and that was cooked very well with good batter. They also got the dessert which were larger than expected so that was cool. The place is very lively, and most people come in making reservations since it gets packed. They had both an inside area with a bar + outdoor area. The bathroom was small but had cool decor. read more

Loved the retro, southern vibe of this vegan restaurant ran by women. We sat inside as the patio had a wait, but the colors, decor, and space was pretty charming. I was in a mood for a cocktail, only to find out the cocktail list was small and only included brandy drinks. Still, we tried a couple and enjoyed them, the one with grapefruit was bright and tasty. My wife and I shared the cauliflower biscuit sliders which were pretty darn tasty but fairly spicy. We then shared the pumpkin grits which were pretty good. The texture in the grits wasn't as smooth as I expected but the flavors were nice and I loved the mushroom and arugula on top. We finished the meal with beignets with a chocolate sauce and a pear butter for dipping. Again, really tasty and if those beignets are vegan I couldn't tell. Yum yum. read more

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One of the cutest place for brunch! Very very uniq style of food options and tastes amazing! The people who work there are amazingly sweet and welcome you with a great smile! read more

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It was a Friday night coming into a long weekend, when we went wandering around the Mendocino neighborhood trying to find something to eat. We walked from one end of town to the other, just not finding any of the menus enticing, when luckily, Fog Eater caught our eye. It was approaching 7pm, and we were lucky enough to walk in and have 1 table available as both their outdoor and indoor facilities were completely full. Depending on how comfortable you are, sitting indoors was just a bit tight, but we had some good neighbors on either side of us, and I was able to hear my partner during our quiet conversation. We ordered a citrus salad, the purple polenta, a side of mac n cheese, pre-ordered the beignets for dessert, plus a korean rice beer called Makku. Wow, everything was amazing. The citrus salad was not overly dressed; the purple polenta was extra flavorful with the chanterelle mushrooms; the mac and cheese had the perfect consistency and cheesiness, even while being vegan. The rice beer reminded me of yogurt-flavored soju, had a light, almost milky taste, slightly sweet and lightly carbonated. And finally, the beignets.... oh my goodness... reminded me of Cafe du Monde in NOLA. Those came out fresh and pipping hot, with a perfectly crispy outside and soft inside. One bite and you could see a pocket of steam escaping both from the beignet itself and from my mouth. You could taste the coffee in the chocolate dipping sauce too. The best way to end the meal, for sure. Great service, and I'd have to say probably the best food in town. read more

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Decent vegan restaurant with Southern influence. Everything we ordered was good. We especially liked Hush puppies and Broccoli soup. The rice & bean was good but I'd prefer the rice to be drier. The side of grits is ok, nothing special. Peach & berry pie was so so. read more

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I want to give it 3 stars because the price was really out of my budget on a usual day. But outside of that everything else was great. They do make it clear online that they charge 20% gratuity to all orders. It can come out to a hefty bill depending on what you get. We got 2 southern plates, a drink, and the beignets and it came out to whopping $88 plus tax and gratuity. So fair warning for people who want a good meal at a decent price. This may not be the place for you and it would be a shame to knock a place down in review because expectations didn't meet reality. Phew now that we got that out of way... Southern plate was yummy. It's definitely on the smaller side of servings which made it perfect if you're ordering dessert. I never had Lima beans before and it was cool to see it made as the "pulled pork" part of the dish. The cornbread was bomb dot com and we were lucky cause they ran out right after. Never had beignets before either and they were pretty yummy. Overall you're definitely paying for the whole package - vibe, service, food, and high quality sourced ingredients. Isssaaaa vibeeee kinda place. read more

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