Native Foods is a vegan restaurant in Chicago that serves up delicious vegan cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features a wide range of vegan dishes, from appetizers to entrees, including vegan burgers, tacos, salads, soups, sandwiches, and more. All of their dishes are made with fresh, organic ingredients and are completely animal product-free, making them safe and healthy for vegans to enjoy. Their menu also features numerous gluten-free and health-conscious options. In addition, Native Foods offers catering services for special events and private gatherings.
There I was, standing outside of Native Foods, looking at the pictures of juicy burgers, wraps, and subs on the storefront windows. Ahhh, Native foods-one of the 4 vegan restaurants we checked out on our short, rainy, weekend visit to Chicago.
Native Foods was only a few blocks from our hotel, a quick easy walk in the rain. Honestly, I would have walked farther in the rain to get there, the food was well worth it! Like all of the vegan places we visited in Chicago, this was another menu that I wish I could have tried everything!
We arrived around 11:30 am on a Sunday. Yes, we had some early lunches in Chicago-we were just so eager to try the food! After a very long thought out process, I decided to go with the Orange Cauliflower, and my husband went for the Gastro Pub Burger with sweet potato fries.
We ordered at the counter, grabbed our drinks, and then found a seat in the spacious restaurant. About 10 minutes later a kind young lady brought us our food.
The only things I didn’t dig about the food were the to-go containers it came in and the plastic wear. Maybe they didn’t realize we were dining in, OR, maybe most people don’t eat their entire meals! In that case, the to-go containers are brilliant! The actual food though, was delicious!
Orange Cauliflower
Ok, let’s start with my dish. Although I love a good burger or wrap, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the Orange Cauliflower. Let me tell you, this Orange Cauliflower did not disappoint. The cauliflower was lightly breaded and fried. It was crispy on the outside and tender but not mushy on the inside.
The cauliflower was tossed in orange sauce and placed on a bed of fried rice with scrambled tofu, peas, carrots, and onions. The whole thing was topped with scallions and sesame seeds. The flavor combination was just right. I also enjoyed the texture of the cauliflower and the tofu fried rice.
If I had to pick one improvement in the dish, it would be to add more orange sauce. It was just so good! My husband tried it and enjoyed it very much too.
GastroPub Burger
Just look at this burger! What’s not to love? It’s a plant-based burger patty topped with a bacon-tomato jam, plant-based smoked gouda, arugula, mayo, and a giant onion ring! This magnificent burger is served on a toasted pretzel bun!
All of the burgers come with a free side of your choice, or you can opt for an upgraded side. Free sides include seasoned fries, side salad, or steamed kale.
My husband opted to upgrade to sweet potato fries. You can also upgrade to a cup of soup. In my opinion, the flavor combo of this burger was just right. My husband also really enjoyed the burger and the sweet potato fries.
We both ate our whole meal and again, left no room for dessert. The desserts include an oatmeal creme pie, a peanut butter parfait, and a chocolate chip cookie. The desserts were displayed up front by the counter. If I had room I would have gone for the peanut butter parfait. It looked amazing!
Native Foods Menu Items
Other menu items at Native Foods include:
Spicy Cauliflower Dippers, Nachos, BBQ Brisket Burger, Buddha Bowl, Meatball Sub, and Taco Salad. Next time, I am going to try the meatball sub and try my best to save room for the peanut butter parfait!
With 4 locations in Chicago, you can’t miss this all plant-based eatery! If you’re looking for more vegan restaurants in Chicago, check out my review of Stand-Up Burgers. And if you’re ever in Kenosha, Wisconsin, here is a list of places to find some vegan grub!