M Cafe de Chaya
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Phone: (323) 525-0588
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- La Brea Avenue
- Best of Citysearch:
- Organic Dining 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 9am-9pm
Editorial Review for M Cafe de Chaya – by Martha Burr
The Scene
This haute macrobiotic bistro gleams inside with glass deli cases, smooth wooden tables and white tile while tables beneath market umbrellas dot the Melrose sidewalk. It's an eclectic hipster magnet attracting pretty young moms with babies in slings, hippies in their 70s, twig-thin models and motley Melrose fashionistas, all crowding in for healthy treats created by the former private chefs of Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna.
The Food
Global touches enhance contemporary macrobiotic cuisine without refined sugar, dairy products, meat or egg. Rice bowls, salads, healthy burgers, panini, wraps and sushi highlight organic ingredients. Japanese breakfast is a lovely bento box featuring miso-broiled black cod, tender steamed pumpkin, tiny Japanese salads and hijiki. Clean, complex seasonal soups range from a velvety, warm winter squash to a delicate broth with crunchy lotus root. The organic patisserie case is filled with eye-popping goodies--breakfast scones and muffins, chocolate mousse cake, praline nut tart, and green tea truffles.
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Insider Tips
ParkingAvoid the Pink's lot--they tow. There are usually spots in front and in back of the cafe.
Look GoodThere are two registers, one for sit-down orders and one for takeout. Sushi, sandwiches, soups and a few other things come pre-packaged, and the line moves quickly.
What to DrinkGet a vitamin jolt with fresh squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, or try the organic coffee and tea drinks. Alcoholic beverages include Eel River beer and select white and red wines by glass or bottle.
Fun FactDevout macrobiotic follower Gwyneth Paltrow is among the cafe's fans.
User Reviews for M Cafe de Chaya
07/02/2008 Posted by Jokats
I absolutely LOVE M Cafe. I work nearby and it's my favorite place to get lunch, although I can't really afford to get it as often as I'd like. My favorites are the California Club sandwich and the Grilled Tuna Burger. They are SO good. I normally only stick to those two things because they're so delicious I don't even want anything else, but today I decided to try something new and I have to admit, it was the most disappointing lunch I've ever had from M Cafe. I got the Tuna Tataki salad. I thought they would make it fresh when I ordered, but they have those salads already made. I wasn't a fan. But now I know for next time! My friend loves the M Chopped Salad and gets it almost every time with a side order of fries. I'm not a vegan or vegetarian by the way...I just love the food here. It's so fresh and healthy and guilt-free! Wish I could have it everyday.
Pros: Healthy, delicious food.
02/28/2008 Posted by sueinthepark
I am a vegetarian (sometimes vegan) and I love, love, love this place! The staff has always been friendly, the food is not only tasty and healthy, but I FEEL better after I eat there. With that said, I take visitors here whenever they're in town (sometimes kicking and screaming) and I have yet to have anyone who hasn't fallen in love with the place. Even the most die-hard of meat eaters have something to order (the North Carolina pulled "Pork" sandwich is fantastic! Whenever I haven't been feeling well, I go in and ask what I could order that will help. (This isn't a service they offer, but the owner KNOWS HIS STUFF!) The miso soup is magical, in my opinion. I wish the prices were a little lower b/c of my budget, but I understand that they buy the best organic ingredients, and that costs more. If I could, I'd be there every day. Try to treat yourself at least once a week for your health!
Pros: Food, staff
Cons: Parking, sometimes not enough seating.
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