Native Foods — Restaurant in Palm Springs

I spent time in Palm Springs and found the most wonderful Vegan restaurant I have ever dined at. I love the staff that work there, and they are personable, kind, and gracious. While traveling, I always seem to have a difficult time finding an eating establishment that offers vegetarian/vegan cuisine. And, when I have found one, as I have traveled all over the USA and abroad, many times the items are limited to a simple tofu dish or two. I hate hotel food, and it goes without saying that I try to do my research before traveling. Many restaurants advertise that they have a "side menu" for those who are vegan. I used dine-and-dash, and I ordered from one restaurant in Minneapolis, and all I got was a. bowl full of noodles, some broccoli, and indigestion.

I think that I tried everything on the menu during my week in Palm Springs (from the spicy Nashville, the Orange Cauliflower, the AMAZING vegan macaroni-and-cheese, to the delicious vegan chocolate chip cookies. All I can say is DELICIOUS! If I had to be in town any longer, I would definitely needed cool sculpting and/or another gym membership (I am saying that tongue-in-cheek). I tried other dishes, and each one blew my pallet away. Now that I am back in North Carolina, I am actually going through separation anxiety, not from the wonderful people of Palm Springs, but my FAVORITE vegan eatery.

I really want to thank Shawn and the young lady who was working the cash register (I am blocking on her name) for making me feel like a welcome guest in their home. Shawn took the time to explain various facets of the vegan lifestyle, while the cashiers was again patient, kind, and worked with me in "narrowing" down my item selections---"Holy Pete, it was hard." I actually ordered two or three entrees just to try a little of this, and a little of that. My only regret? Well, it's simple! Not being able to sneak it through TSA. When I return to PS, I am going to be hitting the establishment regularly. Such WONDERFUL food and staff. Check it out, you...

We’re Dining with The Davids. When we go to a restaurant, we bring a group of friends known as our “Taste Buds.” We typically order a 12-course meal, which allows us to really get to know the menu. At the end of the evening, everyone votes for their favorite dishes, which we turn into video content for Instagram and TikTok.

For this visit to Native Foods in Palm Springs, we did things a little differently. Since many items are handheld sandwiches and bowls, instead of sharing bites, we asked them to bring out their most popular dishes for our group of six. And wow—this plant-based comfort food did not disappoint!

Favorites included: • 🍗 Chicken & Waffles – Crispy “chicken” patties and fluffy waffles with steamed kale and a sriracha maple drizzle. Sweet, spicy, and super satisfying. • 🌶️ Cauliflower Dippers – Lightly fried and tossed in buffalo sauce (or Thai chili), served with ranch. Perfect appetizer vibes. • 🍔 Gastro Pub Burger – Juicy, plant-based patty with tomato bacon jam and crispy onions on a pretzel bun. Rich and indulgent. • 🔥 BBQ Brisket Burger – Tender brisket-style seitan with BBQ sauce and slaw. Smoky and satisfying. • 🥖 Bistro Steak Sandwich – Seitan, roasted tomato, arugula, and blue cheese dressing on a toasted baguette. Bold and balanced. • 🥪 Reuben Sandwich – Rye bread piled high with sauerkraut, seitan, horseradish cashew cheese, and pickles. A must-try. • 🍽️ Backyard BBQ Bowl – Crispy cauliflower, vegan mac and cheese, and slaw. Comfort food heaven. • 🍍 Buddha Bowl – A colorful, nourishing bowl with sweet potatoes, pineapple, chickpeas, and jasmine rice.

Even if you’re not vegan, you’ll be blown away by the flavor, creativity, and heart behind this menu. The staff is friendly, the space is casual and welcoming, and the food is seriously good.

Whether you’re fully plant-based or just looking to switch things up, Native Foods is a must-visit in...

It had been years since my hubby and I had eaten at Native Foods since we don't live in the area, but when we returned July 2021, it was as delicious as we had remembered, if not better. They have a convenient patio for outdoor dining, which we preferred even prior to COVID-19, and offer refreshing Watermelon Fresca and Lavender Lemonades 🍉🍋

I originally gave 5 stars when I tried the Crazy Good Grilled Chicken Sandwich which combines 2 of my fave flaves, truffle and arugula, and is truly crazy good! 🍄🌿 My hubs tried the Chicken Run Ranch and that has remained his fave, and we both combo with Seasoned Fries.🍟

One of my old faves is the Chicken Bacon & Avo Club, and we've tried the Hot Honee. May 2023 we returned to their patio and also ordered takeout to-go as we typically do. Thank goodness I got my usual Crazy Good, as hubs thought he'd try something new in the Cauliflower Chickpea Shawarma Wrap. When we ordered we said we didn't want any onions, but upon finding them in our wrap the cashier advised the tomato cucumber salad in the wrap comes with onions. 😮 We hoped we'd do better at home with our takeout, and tried the Glazed and Confused. Probably because the glaze needed to be on the side, we didn't receive any; instead had a couple of dry buns and patties and a few candied jalapenos.

I would still recommend trying this place to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. But as long-time vegetarians we've learned once we find a favorite, to stick with it and not be too adventurous with the...