Planted - Organic Cafe — Restaurant in Melrose

This was my first time ordering from this cafe, and it will absolutely be my last. I ordered a “Traditional Acai Bowl,” which—on their online ordering page—is clearly listed as “Traditional – blueberry, strawberry.” That’s it. No mention anywhere on the ordering form of chia seeds, coconut, honey, or anything else.

When my family member picked it up and brought it home, I realized it had all of those added ingredients on it—including coconut, which I’m allergic to. Since the bowl didn’t match the description at all, I assumed it was the wrong order. I called to double-check, to be told that “all bowls come with those unless you specify otherwise.”

How is anyone supposed to know that if the ordering page doesn’t say it and there isn’t even a box to uncheck those ingredients? They apparently hide that information on the PDF menu somewhere else on their site—which most people dont need to open if they’re using the online ordering form. That’s not just confusing; it’s irresponsible, especially when allergens are involved.

So now I’m stuck with an expensive acai bowl I physically cannot eat. I asked if there was anything they could do like remake the bowl, but the girl on the phone dismissively told me there was “nothing they can do” because I didn’t write special instructions. How exactly was I supposed to write instructions for ingredients I had no idea would even be there?

Extremely unprofessional. If you want good acai bowls, larger portions, and actual customer service, save your money and go to Playa Bowls instead. They’re transparent about their ingredients and treat customers with basic respect—something this place clearly...

I really love Planted in Melrose. Their gluten-free treats and quality options are a rare gem in downtown Melrose—and it feels good to support a local, health-conscious business.

That said, I’ve been coming here since they opened, and one consistent issue is the speed. Everything is made fresh, which I appreciate, but the process is painfully slow—watching my order come together feels like an endurance test. Still, the quality and GF options keeps me coming back.

This morning, however, was frustrating for a different reason. Their website clearly says they open at 8:00 AM. I tried to place an online order, but it wouldn’t let me until 9:30. Confusing, but I figured the website would be the more accurate source.

I stopped by in person at 8:35, expecting them to be open (since their website says 8AM) —only to find the doors locked and the place still closed. Frustrated, I went to Starbucks. When I came back out around 8:50, I saw the “Open” sign getting turned on. So… do they open at 8? 8:50? 9:30?

Look, I get it—running a small business is hard. But you can’t be both slow and unreliable. Pick one, and maybe we can work with it. But I really hope they sort out the timing and communication issues, because the food really is delicious—when you can get it. But I am also so incredibly frustrated with wasting my time this morning. It feels so...

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ingredient Quality: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stopped in to try the newly opened Planted Organic Cafe in Melrose not too long after they opened and tried a Go Green Smoothie and it was so delicious! Fresh ingredients and really liked seeing the exact ingredients my smoothie would include. Staff was super friendly and I really hope this place sticks around for a while!

Will stop in frequently for a smoothie going forward. Highly recommend giving Planted Organic Cafe a shot and support...