Vegan-friendly
Lacto
American
Indian
Delivery
Take-out
Mexican

Small vegetarian cafe opened Jan 2015 on the 1st floor of a medical building. Uses fresh ingredients, and many of the vegetarian items can be made vegan upon request. Limited counter seating inside and a few tables outside. Plenty of parking. Open Mon-Sat 10:00am-7:00pm.


Venue map for Appu's Cafe
© OpenStreetMap contributors

14 Reviews

First Review by 3Lego

Forakora

Points +487

Vegan
02 Mar 2024

Indian Fusion Cafe

I loved the mango lassi, and was intrigued by Indian tacos and burritos. Decided on tacos since it was Tuesday. Very yummy!

4 stars because the place is vegetarian, not vegan. A little disappointing to see animal products still used when clearly they are unnecessary

Pros: Creative options

Cons: Not all items are vegan

Brooklynbomb

Points +72

Vegan
26 May 2023

So many delicious vegan + gluten free options

Don’t be put off by the location, their food is well worth having at the few humble tables outside. Loved the Mushroom Masala and mango lassi that we shared, and the soups were nice and flavorful. I’d like to try more if I ever end up in that part of town again. Dishes were reasonably priced and perfectly spiced, and the server was so sweet!

Pros: Vegan + gluten free options , Nice service , Great flavors and price!

Cons: A bit hard to find

RobbieG

Points +295

Vegan
28 Apr 2022

Sub-par

I ordered the Maharani burrito. The description says it has safron rice, chana and lentil soups with special sauce. In reality it was just safron rice with 3 lonely garbanzos and 2 tiny shreds of lettuce wrapped in a tortilla. The website makes it look classy but it’s a tiny cafeteria in a medical building. I would have given 1 star but Happy Cow makes you give at least 2 stars to all veg restaurants.

Updated from previous review on 2022-04-28

Pros: Fancy looking on the website.

Cons: Food not as described, Small portions, Expensive

TommyG.

Points +31

Vegan
31 Mar 2022

They really know how to wrap a burrito!

Filling, flavorful, fresh ingredients, and a variety of vegan options. This spot is def a go-to whenever I’m on this side of Long Beach. Had two burritos and the mushroom soup (which was a standout forsure)!! The burritos are heavy on the rice so I recommend “making it a meal” with one of their sides and adding avocado/asking for extra pico.

Pros: Quick , Healthy/fresh , Flavorful

Cons: Burritos are mostly rice

Pyromaniak678

Points +13

Vegetarian
03 Dec 2021

Tasty pricey famous rice burrito.

Tastes good but don't get the "famous maharaja burrito to" if you're hungry. It's just a flavored rice burrito. Spent $28 on 2 burritos and a Chai and we still left hungry. Don't come for the atmosphere, no seating inside and there's a table outside but you're by the giant noisy A/C things.
But definitely eat here, super tasty. Just get food with protein in it.

Pros: Lots of veg options , For ready faster than quoted

Cons: Maharaja buritto is just rice. , Pricey for what you get , Left hungry even though I spent $15 for a burrito

RobbieG

13 Mar 2024

That was my experience too. You were generous to still give them 4 stars. There doesn't sound like there's anything in your review that would make me want to eat here. lol

AustinSharon

Points +18

Vegan
09 Oct 2021

Healthy and tasteful

My experience was very friendly when picking up my food. When looking at the menu I was very satisfied with all the options and had a hard time choosing a vegan one cuz they all looked good. Great Indian flavor and happy to have choices that were healthy and not soy based like many vegan options.

SteveRice

Points +47

Vegan
10 Aug 2021

Great food, great service. A treat once you find it.

Vegan choices are the best. Always a joy to go there. Call ahead! It's around back of the building.

kenvegan

Points +12837

Vegan
29 May 2020

Filling Indian Food

I cannot say this is the best in the area, as Artesia's Little India section is not far, but this is a good Indian Food option if you are in the area.

I ordered a bowl, consisting of rice, lentils, chickpeas. Was interesting to see broccoli in Indian Food, which I had not seen before.

Pros: Convenient if you are nearby

OwenKirschner

Points +22

Vegan
02 Jan 2020

Once a week go to!

A hidden gem with limited seating.

Pros: Freshly made

Cons: Limited seats

mmabley

Points +16

Vegan
26 Jul 2018

Eat at Appu’s!

Don’t let the nondescript location fool you. This is a restaurant with huge flavors and amazing food. Come ready to enjoy a great meal and friendly conversation with Appu. This was my first time here but I’ll be back ....and I’m bringing friends!!

Pros: Lots of vegan options., Very flavorful food., Great conversation and service.

Susanloveschocolate

Points +13

Vegetarian
17 Nov 2016

Appu's is the Best

I had the best food today, Dr. VR was so knowledgeable, kind, and educational too. He said you came in for the food but you got an experience, I sure did.

Pros: Excellent food and drink, Super friendly and nice, wonderful customer interaction

xmrfigx

Points +922

Vegan
17 Dec 2015

Hidden gem

The downside to working in retail is that it is hard to find good healthy options for lunch when you are short on time. Add to that the desire to eat vegan in an area that does not have much to offer in vegan cuisine and you are stuck with lots of salads or beans and rice on the daily....

Today I decided to try a little place about 15 minutes from work that I had read about. The only really vegan friendly option near my work in Lakewood. Boy am I glad I did! The entrance is at the back of a little medical building. Once you walk in, Appu's Cafe is on your left. It is a small, but very clean little cafe. I was immediately greeted by the chef/owner who welcomed me. I explained (per the sign) that I was vegan and his face lit up and immediately offered suggestions on the menu.

First was a sample of the yellow lentil soup of the day. One sip and I knew I made the right choice! I ordered a bowl of the soup and then asked for a sandwich recommendation. He said, today I recommend you try the maharaja burrito, vegan style. I quickly agreed and he proceeded to put my meal together, to go.

There was another patron there who explained to me how she goes to Appu's 2-3 times a week from Cerritos the food and that everything is so flavorful.

While my food was being prepared, the owner proceeded to talk to me about how he prepares his food and the lemongrass chai latte (which he also recommended and I ordered). He had such passion, not only for veganism which and his family strictly follows, but passion for his work. He mentioned that he was already retired and that this is what he truly loves doing. Creating flavorful, healthy, conscientious meals to share with his guests.

After returning to work to have my meal, I found everything to be incredibly delicious and flavorful. All his recommendations were spot on and I will definitely be going back not only for the food but the good conversation. Appu's cafe is DEFINITELY a hidden gem that is worth checking out!

Pros: Great service, Flavorful vegan choices, Passionate owner

Ortizt8

Points +23

Vegetarian
27 Mar 2015

vegan friendly!

First time here but not the last! So good! And the owner is such a sweetheart! Great vegan lentil soup and burritos! He accommodates his food to be vegan friendly so well!!! Great food!

3Lego

Points +33

Vegan
10 Jan 2015

Great Healthy Vegan Food !

In our search for a local restaurant that serves healthy vegan food, my husband and I recently discovered this hidden gem in Long Beach. Appu's Cafe may be a little difficult to find the first time, but it's worth looking for, and you'll want to come back often. It is located at the back side of the Woodruff Medical Doctors building on the first floor, and there is plenty of free parking.

Appu's Cafe is operated by physician/owner/chef, V.R. He is passionate about finding new ways to prepare and introduce healthier vegetarian & vegan meals to the public. On most days V.R. will not only serve up an amazing meal, but will also gladly discuss the merits of healthy eating and good nutrition as well.

The food is made to order, so almost anything can be made vegan or modified to accommodate special dietary needs. We love the fact that no butter or oils are used in the preparation of this food.

Appu's is open for breakfast and lunch, and the international menu is varied and interesting. We ordered and shared a Maharaji Burrito and the Pav Bahji which was served with a side salad of moong bean & shredded carrot. We finished off our meal with a homemade cinnamon crisp. The only drinking water available is bottled water for purchase. Our meal tasted fresh & delicious, and we look forward to going back for more.

Pros: Healthy Vegan Food, Friendly Service, Affordable

Cons: Limited indoor seating




This page has been viewed 6767 times.