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LOVE
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
LOVE
8.2
LOVE Organic Vegan Cafe approaches Thai-inspired curries, noodles, and salads through a plant-based, organic lens, turning Santa Monica Boulevard into a reliable stop for lighter, vegetable-forward comfort dishes. Portions are generous for the style, and the menu leans into gluten-free and allergy-friendly options without sacrificing flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Love on Fire curry, Rainbow salad, Green papaya salad
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Plant-based Thai-style curries and noodles built around organic produce.
Who should go: Vegans and diners wanting lighter Thai-inspired comfort food.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for a relaxed, unhurried cafe experience.
What to order: Love on Fire curry, rainbow salad, green papaya salad.
Insider tip: Ask which curries are gluten-free that day if you have dietary needs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Santa Monica Blvd and side streets; generally manageable before 6pm but can tighten during peak dinner hours. No valet or private lot.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; athleisure, jeans, and everyday wear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy to hold a conversation even during busier periods.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal; 5–15 minutes at most even during peak windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Fully vegetarian menu with plant-based versions of Thai-style classics.
Vegan options: Yes—100% vegan kitchen, including sauces and broths.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be prepared gluten-free; curries and salads often available, but confirm daily options with the staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual meet-up than a formal date; the vibe is friendly, low-pressure, and comfortable for conversation, but it’s not a candlelit or ambiance-driven setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are rarely needed. Walk-ins are standard and typically seated immediately.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with younger kids; it’s a casual, counter-service environment with approachable dishes. No dedicated kids’ menu, but mild curries and noodle options work well.
Best For
Better for: Health-focused Thai-inspired comfort dishes, fast service, and a fully vegan, allergy-aware menu at an affordable price point.
Skip if: You’re looking for traditional Thai spice profiles, a full-service dining experience, or a more atmospheric setting for special occasions.
LOVE
8.1
LOVE Organic Cafe is a fully vegan Thai and pan-Asian spot in a small Santa Monica Boulevard plaza, focusing on organic ingredients and a broad menu from noodles to sushi. Open since 2020, it’s a neighborhood favorite for comforting curries and stir-fries that still feel light and clean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See Ew, Pumpkin Curry, Love-Pillar Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Organic vegan Thai and pan-Asian plates with sushi and curries.
Who should go: Casual diners craving comforting noodle dishes, curries, and vegan sushi.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or takeout when you want wholesome, filling comfort.
What to order: Pad See Ew, Pumpkin Curry, Love-Pillar Roll
Insider tip: Request spice levels carefully; medium here already carries real heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot with limited spaces; usually some availability on weeknights. Metered street parking on Santa Monica Blvd opens up after typical commuter hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; athleisure, jeans, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy for conversation, even during peak takeout rushes.
Weekend wait: Typically 10–20 minutes for a table; takeout moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait; walk-ins are seated almost immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Fully vegetarian-friendly; nearly the entire menu aligns with plant-based eating.
Vegan options: Yes — the restaurant is fully vegan with clearly marked dishes.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free dishes and substitutions available; staff can guide you toward safe options but no dedicated GF prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure first dates. The calm room and gentle pacing make conversation easy, though it’s not a high-glamour setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Almost always — they operate primarily as a walk-in spot. Only small waits appear during prime dinner hours on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with kids who enjoy noodles and mild curries. No dedicated kids’ menu, but the staff will adjust spice levels for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Lighter, organic-feeling Thai and pan-Asian dishes that avoid heaviness while still delivering flavor; excellent for vegan sushi without the usual fuss.
Skip if: You want a full-service, ambiance-driven night out or crave very bold, intensely spiced Thai flavors — nearby spots may deliver more heat or atmosphere.
LOVE
8.3
Love Organic Cafe is a strip-mall vegan spot serving a broad Asian and pan-global menu with clearly marked gluten-free dishes and staff used to navigating allergies. Curries, sushi-style rolls, and noodle dishes can often be made gluten free, making it a reliable, casual option for celiac-conscious regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Curry Dumplings (gf option), Love Pillar Roll (gf option), Beefless Pad See Ew (gf noodle option)
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Casual vegan cafe with a surprisingly deep menu of gluten-free-friendly Thai, Japanese, and Mexican-inspired plates.
Who should go: Budget-conscious gluten-free diners wanting big portions and variety.
When to visit: Weeknights for a relaxed dine-in experience without long waits.
What to order: Green curry dumplings gf, Love Pillar Roll with gf tweaks, beefless pad see ew on gf noodles.
Insider tip: Mention celiac or strict gluten-free needs up front and ask which soy sauces and fryers are safe; they’re accommodating but you should direct the conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot in the strip mall plus generally available metered street parking on Santa Monica Blvd; evenings can be mildly competitive but still manageable.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; athleisure, jeans, and everyday wear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy to hold a conversation even during busier dinner windows.
Weekend wait: Usually 10–20 minutes; longer only when large takeout orders stack up.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait with fast seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian-friendly with many dishes adaptable.
Vegan options: Yes — most dishes are fully vegan by default.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many items are clearly marked, and several dishes can be made gluten free through substitutions; staff is used to celiac-specific requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups than romantic first dates; the setting is relaxed and service is quick, making it ideal for comfortable conversation rather than ambiance-driven occasions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t typically needed; walk-ins are the norm and tables turn quickly, especially on weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual setup, fast service, and mild flavors on many dishes make it suitable for families with children ages 4 and up; high chairs may be limited, so call ahead if needed.
Best For
Better for: A broad, affordable menu with deep gluten-free accommodations that outperforms pricier vegan spots when you want variety, speed, and comfort-food options without heavy add-ons.
Skip if: You’re looking for a date-night ambiance, craft cocktails, or refined plating — nearby upscale vegan spots provide a more polished experience.