Organic all-vegan cafe offering savories like burritos, tacos, and sandwiches plus kombucha on tap, smoothie bowls and juices. Est. in the mid-2000s inside Sunshine Health Foods store and moved to its own spot in 2013 switching to all-vegan. Has a small indoor seating area, but mostly take away or outdoor seating. Open Mon-Sun 10:00am-4:00pm.
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427 Morro Bay Blvd (at Monterey Ave), Morro Bay, California, USA, 93442
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Last update on 19 Sep 2021 by herbivore_fresno
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88 Reviews
First Review by fjzjr
Laurenn
Points +46
Disappointing Service - Edit
It's disappointing to have to leave anything but a good review to shine cafe. Firstly as wed had such a nice breakfast with them this morning, we came back for lunch and, it being the only vegan restaurant in town. But unfortunately the reviews about bad service were proved right on this lunch time visited. Arriving at 2:30, we placed our orders and were told that it would take about 15-20mins to be served ( we had been asked at the tile, and we were dining in, having taken a table and table number). We let them know we would wonder and be back in 10. When we got back, we were given our meals in take away containers. Confused and unable to eat from a deep take out box, we asked for an actual plate for our meal. The response: 'were closing in an hour, so we're just giving take-away boxes. They should have told you' Not only is it rich to have signs about the environment plastered all around about wastage, but to then serve dozens of customers take-out containers because they do not want to do dishes an hour before closing, and then give attitude to clients who weren't told this (ie: given the choice of wether they were willing to eat their not so cheap lunch, in a box) and aren't willing or able to struggle with eating a soft taco,pilled deep with layers of beans, rice and salads into a coated bpa (or equivalent) take out box, is beyond. And unfortunately to add to this unpleasant experience, I saw that the avocado, which is stated as one of the main ingredients for their tacos, was not part of the dish. When asked, again met with abrasiveness from the waiter, we were told 'we don't have any avocado left, 'they' should have told you.' The waiter then called from behind the kitchen to throw him an avocado and a moment later, a quarter (if that) of avocado was dropped onto our table, without a word. It just really bummed us out. We felt like we had done something wrong in how the staff behaved and then, angry that we were made to feel this uncomfortable for asking for an ingredient in our meal, we had chosen and paid for. The food was good and we have no qualms with the kitchen, just super disappointed by the behavior and actions of the wait staff. Would not go back again and will recommend as such. Fingers crossed Morro Bay opens another vegan restaurant or Shine gets some more empathetic/polite staff :(
Read moreGuest
Tac0_flavored_kisses
Points +150
Not good - Edit
I don't like leaving bad reviews. Especially for a vegan place. Having said that, I truly disliked this restaurant. The staff were rude, the food took a long time to come out, 2 of the 3 things we ordered were super mediocre and they forgot my fresh pressed juice. I finally had to walk up to their juice window and after being ignored by the 2 workers standing right in front of me (after they made eye contact more than once) I felt like they were forcing me to be kind of blunt. My juice, the heartbeat, was supposed to be beets, cucumber, ginger and some other good stuff but it came out only tasting like a large glass of juiced ginger (and I love ginger). Way too spicy and strong. The pancakes weren't good. The bagel with fruit was just a while wheat bagel with cream cheese and little medallions of banana and strawberry. Looked like a 5 year old made it. I was just so disappointed. The tofu scramble was decent bar the overly hard avocado on top.
Read morePros: Vegan , Cheap
Cons: Rude waitstaff , Mediocre food , Long wait
Guest
Osty
Points +65
No Fog Here - Edit
Morro Bay is not short on great restaurants with fresh food but none compare to Shine Cafe. My wife and I will make the 100 mile plus drive just to enjoy a meal at Shine Cafe. From the fresh squeezed juices, to delicious smoothies, to the mouth watering and tastebud tantalizing dishes we have never been disappointed. The quality and value make this a multi visit spot when we are in town.
Read morePros: Fresh juices, Delicious smoothies , Huge portions
Cons: Hours of operation, Not conducive to seat large groups , Distance from my house
Guest
anastronomy
Points +578
Speechless - Edit
Originally I was just going to look around the cafe and look at the menu. I ended up eating here and I am grateful I did. I had the street style tacos and homemade almond milk. I am satisfied with what I ate and I have no complaints. I really hope to come back here. by the way, everything on the menu sounds delicious!
Read morePros: great environment, great food, great people
Guest
MarkoObradovic
Points +545
Best vegan food on the Central Coast - Edit
I was very impressed with the food at Shine, I wish I knew about it when I was studying at Cal Poly. I ordered the Famous Tempeh Taco and some hummus with toast, loved all of it. My friend had a bit of an issue with the acai bowl, as several of the ingredients were too hard to chew until the bowl melted a bit, but I was more than happy to gobble up her leftovers.
Read morePros: Delicious food, Lots of options, easy to find
Guest
Popcorn!
Points +135
Yes.... just yes - Edit
Kombucha on tap, snacks, juices, smoothies, tacos, sandwhiches. Great options for raw vegans, too. Bathroom was a bit dirty. Portions are not big. The best part is that there is the health food store right next door! Service has always been friendly and helpful.
Read morePros: all kinds of food
Cons: medium portions
Guest
SausageMuncher
Points +64
well played - Edit
My husband and I were just camping up the coast and found this gem on Happy Cow.
Read moreTheir food was excellent, very well rounded and balanced ingredients. Extremely fresh and seasoning was excellent! Their portions are very generous and the staff is friendly. They french press their cups of coffee and make their own almond milk in house. We chose the soy creamer as it is rare to get that when out (oppose to just soymilk).
The cafe is attached to a modest sized natural market which is also a plus if you need snacks for camping or traveling. If you are in San Luis Obispo or camping around there, definitely make a trip out to Morro Bay to play on the epic beaches, see the massive rock and eat at Shine Cafe! It's just a hop, skip and a jump away!
Thanks guys!
Updated from previous review on 2013-09-09
Pros: Great food, large portions, friendly staff
Guest
sarizona2005
Points +126
Great find - Edit
Tried many menu options and most were really good. I didn't like the tofu scramble though. The food is really healthy and there is a great selection. Portions were large and most everything comes with a salad.
Read morePros: portion size, nice selection
Cons: can be a bit of a wait
Guest
Veganlove408
Points +166
Healthy - Edit
This place is great for a healthy and clean breakfast. I stayed in Morro Bay for a wedding and was in need of a good vegan spot in the area. I went here every day I stayed in the area and had their smoothie bowls and kombucha on tap. It's definitely one of my favorite spots in the area and I highly recommend it.
Read morePros: fresh, healthy, vegan
Guest
JamesSchulte
Points +33
Incredibly scrumptious - Edit
Shine Cafe will put a smile on your face no matter your mood. Amazing food, energetic people, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Morro Bay. I love this place and am happy I live so close by to them. Would recommend trying something new every time you go!
Read moreGuest
Eefie
Points +1213
Good Ceasar Salad, not special - Edit
The Ceasar Salad was good, not great.... Could have used more ingredients.
Read moreGuest
RichBeBe
Points +771
Great Food, Great Price - Edit
Traveling down the PCH and found this place on Happy Cow. Glad I did, really huge wrap at a reasonable price, a rarity in the touristy area of the California coast.
Read moreNot sure about anything else there, but their design-your-own bowl/wrap is on point
Pros: Great taste, Huge Portion, Reasonable Price
Cons: Maybe a bit slow, but worth it.
Guest
HollyRussellGodard
Points +13
fantastic and filling - Edit
I got the Reuben tempeh sandwich, a green dragon drink and some cauliflower carrot soup. It was all really perfect esp since I was starving. Seriously, I've been thinking about the sandwich since and hope to get another before we leave this town. My hubby got the black bean taco but he felt like it was more like a huge salad on top of a tortilla and it was good just not a lot of flavor for him. He got the strawberry detox drink and liked it. I tend more towards plant based and he will be plant based mostly unlike meat on occasions.
Read morePros: tasty!
Cons: confusing if you haven't been before. you go up an
Guest
Audrekay
Points +20
Great Mood and even greater people - Edit
Both my bf and I enjoyed the food, we had the potato leek soup with coconut bacon sprinkled over it, bomb bagel -messy but soooo worth it- and black bean taco, they all hit the spot.
Read morePros: All vegan -so relaxing, affordable, perfect
Guest
KristinNirvana
Points +322
Delicious fresh food - Edit
I ate here twice while vacationing in Cambria. I first had the spring rolls, which had a delicious sesame ginger sauce, and great tasting mashed seasoned tempeh (that also looked like it had quinoa in it) and then the second time I had the Shine Hummus Wrap, again impressed with the sauces. the portions are decently big. It tasted fresh and healthy (but without lacking in the taste department.) The only thing is that I noticed there was honey in their chai latte and in some chips they sell. It would be great if they could get rid of that and become all vegan.
Read morePros: good, fresh food
Cons: has honey in some things
Guest
Dai4Hay
Points +86
I always come back for more :) - Edit
Their mudslide smoothies are heaven sent. When I worked in town I would sometimes get 2 in one day, haha, so filling and energizing. The salads are always delicious and hot meals feel like mother would make (if my mother was a vegan haha). Relaxed atmosphere and chill people (most days, sometimes you can get a very cranky person working). Also another issue is their cleanliness. I've had to stop them from making something when I watched them pick something off the floor to throw away and then handle my food (yuck!). So glad they don't handle the money any more, back then it was worse. I don't live in town any more but whenever I am around I know i'll be stopping by here each time :)
Read morePros: smoothies, atmosphere, one of a kind in morro bay
Cons: cleanliness, price, limited selection
Guest
satrn4lulu
Points +138
I'm in LOVE! - Edit
Shine is amazing! I loved the veggie rolls and jackfruit street tacos so much I didn't get to try much else on this visit to Morro Bay. Service is awesome. Great vibe inside or out for seating!
Read morePros: All plant based, Great service, Cool relaxing atmosphere
Cons: None - this place is phenomenal! :-)
Guest
steveveg
Points +2201
Morro Bay Standout - Edit
Not only is Shine Cafe the only vegan restaurant in Morro Bay, it does a good job too. There is a decent menu selection of tacos, sandwiches, wraps etc, as well as soups and salads. The food is well prepared, the service is friendly. We had some enjoyable meals there.
Read moreGuest
vinz33
Points +172
Delicious - Edit
That restaurant was written in our guidebook as vegetarian, but it is actually vegan, so perfect. It was really really delicious, staff really nice, and choices various. Prices are cheap/moderate but it really worth it.
Read morePros: Nice Place, Great Tastes
Guest
jennamichelle1
Points +337
Worth a visit - Edit
I remember eating here a few years ago and not enjoying it, but I've grown more of a fan of fresher foods and absolutely loved it the last time I visited. So my advice is that if you're not in the mood for whole foods or a salad, this may be a place to skip. If you love those things, then definitely go because it was delicious. It was pretty crowded around lunchtime on a Monday, so it was a bit of a wait and my toddler grew a little impatient. We ate outside and the weather was nice and cool. The menu was a little confusing and our plates didn't look anything like we expected our order to look like (I ordered soft tacos and it looked like I ordered a salad), but everything tasted great so it we were happy anyway. This is a place for people who love fresh salads, veggies, and tempeh. I had their soft tacos which were difficult to eat without a fork (and even with a fork?), but they were so good that I found a way. My toddler had the rice and beans and avocado, and was happy and content. For dessert we found two peanut butter cups with fun Easter designs on them, they made us both happy. Definitely a great vegan find along the coast.
Read morePros: great salads, location, nice desserts
Cons: Menu a little confusing, crowded
Guest
promwall
Points +98
Great Vegan Restaurant - Edit
I had the Shine Sandwich and a bowl of mushroom soup. Both were outstanding. Ingredients were fresh, crisp and delicious. The sanwich was loaded with fresh vegetables, avocado and dressed with stone ground mustard. The sandwich comes with a side of salad with a housemade dressing of creamy cilantro. I spoke with the manager who explained that all ingredients are organic whenever possible and all produce is bought locally at farmer's markets and farms with the exception of lettuce which they need in larger qunatities. She stressed that the restaurant is successful in part due to the support of the local community with whom they have a great relationship and largely due to the ownership who is commited consciously prepared, well balanced, highest quality food. /the staff is able to answer all questions about ingredients and they are happy to customize any meal to the guests' preferences. Great vibe at Shine whose motto is, "You are what you eat, so you SHINE!"
Read moreThere are tables inside as well as outside for al fresco dining! Walls are decorated with beautiful photography of landscape scenes from around the world.
Pros: Delicious fresh ingredients, Knowledgeable, friendly staff, Clean, attractive atmosphere
Guest
daveoz
Points +1074
Shine shines! - Edit
We traveled to Central CA to go to a wedding and we always use Happy Cow to help us find Vegan, organic and sustainable restaurants and markets. We were not disappointed with Shine Cafe.
Read moreAlthough we only were able to have breakfast here (twice!) we were incredibly impressed. The buckwheat pancakes were to live for! You had the option of adding two different berries or nuts to them as well. They have a Vegan honey made from apples that is wonderful. They use all organic TVP and Tofu which was also impressive. The tofu scramble was delicious. We loved the food so much that we got a to go order of their veggie wraps and ended up eating them at the wedding we went to!
The only item that could be added to their menu that would make this a 5+ star restaurant is fresh vegetable/fruit juices, although their smoothies (made with almond milk) were wonderful.
If in the area, you must try Shine out!
Pros: Makes the effort to serve local foodu, Organic ingredients including tofu and T
Cons: No fresh juices
Guest
Ryan MTB
Points +477
Good Food - Edit
The food is very healthy & delicious. The menu is limited as it is mainly a soup/salad/ sandwich place. It's also a very "hippy" type of atmosphere in this cozy little establishment. Friendly service.
Read morePros: Healthy, Good Food, Friendly
Cons: Hippy, Limited Menu, Breakfast only on Weekends
Guest
TataVislevskaya
Points +123
Inspiring vegan cosy cafe - Edit
Little and cosy Shine cafe is a really brilliant place in Morro Bay. Get yummy tempeh tacos (definitely large!) with sprouts, avocado and salad. Also I can highly recommend tempeh reuben, it was delicious and healthy. The place is small, but very light and cosy. Must visit for all vegans!
Read moreGuest
fiddletunes
Points +33
Tempeh Rueben sandwich is awesome! - Edit
The Tempeh Reuben sandwich has become a real favorite for my husband and me. Anything on the menu is really good but the Reuben is amazing! Yum!
Read morePros: excellent food, healthy choices, mostly vegan
Cons: a bit expensive
Guest
LT
Points +66
Delicious and Healthy - Edit
They have great homemade vegan soups on a daily basis. On Saturday mornings, they do breakfast. We had some delicious Vegan - yes I said Vegan - pancakes there last Saturday. We did have to wait a bit though, but we sat at the outside tables in the sun and enjoyed seeing people with their dogs walking by.
Read morePros: Vegan friendly, Healthy food, Nice staff
Cons: Limited table space inside
Guest
triley
Points +61
Fantastic! - Edit
My wife and I ate here for the first time last week and we both fell in love with it. I had the Two Famous Tempeh Tacos and she had the Butternut Squash and Carmelized Onions Quesidilla (vegan cheese)with a bowl of Lentil Soup. The food was absolutely delicious. The portions were good and the prices moderate. On the menu it states that they will personalize your meal to suit your individual nutritional needs.
Read moreThe two young ladies working the cafe were like walking promotions for health, beauty and friendliness. I chanced telling my wife that they "radiated" beauty, everything about them, and instead of getting in trouble, she agreed with me!
We shopped for a few items in the Sunshine Store and loved it also, lots of locally grown and very fresh produce.
We will visit both Sunshine Store and Shine Cafe every time we travel up or down the coast. It is perfect!!
Pros: delicious food, friendly, beautiful, helpful staff, nice atmosphere
Guest
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