Tender Greens — Restaurant in Santa Monica

My Favorite Lunch Spot

As a local worker, Tender Greens is my go-to. I love the Happier Vegan — fresh, flavorful, and just what I want in the middle of the day. One of the big reasons I keep coming back is because they let me get multiple sauces — and as a sauce lover, that means a lot. I can’t stand when places upcharge for a little extra something, but here, they get it.

The staff is incredible. They feel like a close-knit team, and it’s always a joy to interact with them. Maria especially brings such kindness and warmth. I once asked her where her happiness comes from, and she said, “It comes from the heart.” That says it all.

As far as prices go, I’d love to see a lunch special — then I could eat here every single day.

Tender Greens isn’t just where I eat — it’s a place that makes my day better.

OK, I had to write a second review too!!!

I love Tender Greens for so many reasons. People like Carla and Josue make it feel like more than just a place to eat — they treat you like a person, not just a customer, and that really means something to me.

Every time I walk in, Carla actually seems happy to see me — not in that “it’s my job to smile” way, but like she genuinely enjoys saying hi and connecting. She’s bubbly, social, and always down to chat, even if it’s quick. You can tell she really wants Tender Greens to be a place where people feel good and everything flows smoothly. I even told her she should teach a class on how to be happy — I’m still trying to figure out how she does it with so much going on in the world.

And Josue — he took my order over the phone today and was super kind and accommodating. When I came in, he greeted me with such a warm, genuine smile. Everyone here feels so present. It’s wild to find that kind of energy in a restaurant — it honestly gives me more hope in people.

The food? So good. Super tasty, fresh, healthy — and they even recognize my order now, just from how I say it. That’s honestly adorable.

Tender Greens isn’t just affordable and vegan-friendly — it feels like a safe space. A little pocket of light in the day. I’m grateful these people I don’t see them as staff I see them as...

One of my go-to spots for a quick, healthy lunch. The line can get a bit crowded during lunch (starting around noon) but you can also order ahead online. My go-to is the salmon bowl ($15) which has brown rice, salmon cooked medium rare, a salad, and corn medley that I really enjoy along with cotija cheese. The vegan brownie is surprisingly good and has bits of peanut brittle that add a bit more interesting texture to an otherwise very soft brownie ($4). I also love the chocolate chip cookies - I think they’re some of the best and I love it whenever our office caters tender greens (TG as it’s affectionately known) and there’s leftover chocolate chip cookies to munch on. They’re the size of my palm and have big round chunks of chocolate embedded throughout. Depending on the batch, they can either be pretty crispy but I like them best when they’re slight chewy. Another favorite of mine is the buttermilk fried chicken - it’s not as heavy as you think and you could always get it in a salad. However, I would recommend getting it in a plate with mashed potatoes (which are very silky) and a side salad. If you’re catering from Tender Greens, absolutely get the edamame hummus - it’s addictive (although some might be off-put by the bright green color). The salt and pepper chicken is also a solid bet if you want to get it in a salad or plate. You order at the cash register and move down the line sideways, then you have the option of getting drinks and dessert. The kombucha is $5 and it’s tall glass of pink fizziness. Green juice is $3.5 and is decent. There’s also wine for $7 if you’re looking to have some alcohol. The blueberry dessert is really moist and light. They take credit card and you wait for them for load up your tray before finding a seat, or they’ll give you a number. Utensils and napkins are on the side, although know that the spoons are dirty. There are bathrooms available but get the code from the cashier. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Someone comes around to clean up so you don’t need to put things away. Overall a great spot to grab a quick,...

I was doing some shopping and decided to stop by the Restaurant to see my old coworkers and try something new items off of the menu. When I approached the register the Cashier Rihanna was taking orders… I asked her kindly “I would prefer someone else to take my order so you don’t have to worry”. I waited to talked to a couple old coworkers while in the process of waiting… Rihanna unprofessionally went up to each employee and whispered something about me being in the restaurant which i didn’t even knew she owned the restaurant to be honest to be questioning my presence. Bella finally was fully clocked in and was able to take my order. Rihanna was behind Bella when I asked Rihanna, “ moving forward keep my name out of your mouth”. Rihanna denied all accusations because she was guilty. We started to go back and forth which was truly unprofessional for her as an employee. I asked her to let’s go outside and handled this multiple times to respect the business. I told her she had to go first. She eventually proceeded to go and when we got to the front of the Pilates places Wes the manger told us not to do this because he can get in trouble. Out of respect for I turned around walked back in the restaurant grabbed my items and left… I apologized to all the coworkers and customers which some of the customers told me it wasn’t my fault because everyone seen the who situation. As a customer I feel the regional Manger needs to be changed or have a big sit down because Sharleen constantly allows unprofessional behavior in her restaurant. Sharleen is not a great candidate for a regional manager she promotes people off friendships or relationships and emotion. When you’re asked to be valued you’re not really valued or stuff is not done properly. Rihanna has made up countless lies about me and defamed my name. I had to come out of character today and for the customers who know me knows that Tiffany is a sweetheart, helpful, kind to others and intelligent. I was truly discussed with my...