Written By: Jaden Golden, Jackie Minken, &  Amanda Wertheimer

Café Gratitude has recently become a well-known restaurant in the community because of its excellent ambiance and food. The chain has restaurants in Newport Beach, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and San Diego. The 1617 Westcliff Drive location is relatively new, but already very popular. The restaurant has an incredible, clean, fresh atmosphere with soft gentle natural lighting and relaxing music. The open patio is very comfortable and inviting — perfect for breakfast or lunch. The menu is full of healthy, natural, 100% vegan options at a reasonable price point. However, be prepared to pay slightly more for their exclusive menu options than you would at a typical brunch restaurant.

Café Gratitude has become known for their “I Am” affirmations in front of every menu item. Each item is tagged with a positive word that is supposed to reflect what we are. From “warm-hearted” to “liberated”, there is an “I Am…” for everyone. Upon first glances at Café Gratitude’s menu, we decided to be “intuitive” and ordered their Intuitive Pomme Frites. These fries were paired with a light rustic sauce and simple yet delicious. From there, we were “bountiful”, “elated” and “bright”!  The “elated” dish was some mole abuelita enchiladas made meatless, subbing in blackened tempeh and black beans. For not being a typical meat and cheese enchiladas, they hold up to the same standards and were very flavorful.

The service was really good; the waiters were attentive but not overbearing. Also, the servers were very friendly and gave excellent menu recommendations. The tables and interior of the restaurant are very aesthetically pleasing and the atmosphere was definitely enjoyable. We would definitely eat here again and recommend this restaurant to family and friends who want to dine in a trendy atmosphere and experience filling, unique foods.