Village Natural

08/01/08

Thoroughly mediocre

by socialgirl at Citysearch

This was my first visit to Village Natural, and it will likely be my last--the food wasn't horrible, but with so many great vegetarian and natural-foods restaurant in the city, why bother with a mediocre establishment? And that's exactly what this was. The faux meat was oversalted and underwhelming, my salad was heaped with unmentioned and unwanted chunks of plain raw tofu, and many of the menu items were overpriced (my dining companion got the roasted artichoke with garlic and sesame sauce, which sounded interesting but turned out to just be a regular boiled-looking artichoke with a bunch of garlic on it, for $6.50).

My major complaint about Village Natural: the desserts. I was really excited to try the nondairy Banana Cream Crumb pie. But it was neither creamy nor, well, pie! Instead, it looked like a big hunk of bread pudding with some oats on it. It didn't taste great, either--it was extremely dense and not very sweet. I rarely send things back at restaurants, but I did send this one back, telling the waitress that it didn't taste at all like banana cream pie (which is usually, you know, creamy, in a crust, with lots of banana slices!) She said, rather snidely, "That's the first time I've heard that!" and took it away. Either she was being facetious and people say it all the time, or other customers are apparently used to "pie" that looks and tastes like bread pudding? I don't know!

Other people seem to have had good experiences there, but I'd rather stick with Souen or Organic Grill, both of which have wonderful, simple, healthy meals available for similar prices. I've been to both many times and am never disappointed. Also, I went to Quantum Leap yesterday and had their vegan key lime pie, and THAT was exactly what pie should be!

• Pros: Good location, cute atmosphere
• Cons: Bad food, mediocre service

11/20/06

Delicious vegetarian food

by homahsimpson at Citysearch

This is one of the best vegetarian places I have ever been to. The tofu teriyaki was delicious. The service was excellent and the people here were really friendly. The prices were ok considering this is in the Village. Highly recommended.

• Pros: Good prices, delicious food, spacious seating
• Cons: none

09/02/06

BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD ANYWHERE

by veggieeater at Citysearch

i eat here pretty often. the service is great, the food is fabulous, and the atmosphere is wonderful. i definetely recommend this place. ive been to plenty of other vegetarian restaurants in the city, but none compare to this.

• Pros: Food, service

06/24/06

Vegetarian food that is full of flavor

by bonnie32 at Citysearch

Been coming here for 2 years now. Highly recommend the broccoli and tofu in peanut sauce or the cous-cous entree. I have been to too many vegetarian restaurants that served bland meals. Here you don't miss out on taste while trying to eat healthy.

03/03/05

Delicious and healthy

by metro6 at Citysearch

Very good healthy cuisine with a nicely varied menu. Especially tasty are the salads, sandwiches and vegan desserts. Service is friendly and helpful and atmosphere is laid-back. Recommend this to healthy eaters as well as those trying to be so.

• Pros: healthy, fresh, tasty veggies

09/10/02

Simply, lovely!

by wonderwho at Citysearch

Tasty, healthy food and wines, conveniently located, and without a drop of pretension. I've never had a bad meal here, and the service is friendly and relaxed (in a good way).

• Pros: Inexpensive, Good vegetarian, Good location
• Cons: Definitely casual

07/23/02

Great food!!!!

by rubygirl at Citysearch

I eat here very often (and could probably every night ) and can't say enough great things about their food. It is fresh, wholesome and filling. The tofu with shitake mushroom is my favorite!!!