Vegan
American
Fast food
Delivery
Take-out
Fusion
Gluten-free
African
African fusion est. 2017 with a mostly gluten free menu. There are two separate weekday and weekend menus, dishes include rice and quinoa bowls, soups and burgers, wraps, toast and more. Black owned. Open Mon-Thu 11:00am-9:00pm, Fri-Sat 11:00am-10:00pm, Sun 11:00am-9:00pm. Kitchen closes half hour before restaurant.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
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Abbott Square Market, 725 Front St Ste 2, Santa Cruz, California, USA, 95060
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 19 Mar 2024 by CutiePig
Update business info -
Added by Rebeli on 02 Jul 2017
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83 Reviews
First Review by VeganGeo
AfterSeeingOkjaTwice
Points +535
Nice spot - Edit
Really enjoyed the plantains.
Read moreGuest
aanunez
Points +62
Disappointing flavors - Edit
The only great thing was the plantains, everything else was just lacking flavor other than salty. I'd give it another try if things change, but it was ruff.
Read moreGuest
veganmagick
Points +170
Not your average Veg spot - Edit
Delicious, nutritious, fast and friendly. I love the shiitake bowl with a side of plantains right on top. Filling and makes me feel good😄
Read moreGuest
villain
Points +8542
Perfect plantains - Edit
The plantains here are so good, the sauce they're in is amazing. I loved the suya burger, too. The guy working there was friendly and the restaurant is located in a convenient area. There's a ton of seating inside and outside
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-10-06
Forman
Interesting that I was looking at this place. Now I really want to go there.
Read morevillain
You should go! It's in a food court but a very chill spot.
Read moreGuest
Chloe(Artemis)
Points +446
Inside a food court - Edit
This place is located inside a food court. And nearby is a parking garage with reasonable rates and electric car chargers.
Read moreThe restaurant has a place for you to place a contactless order through a touchscreen. It was really easy to put comments on it too like "no cilantro".
I chose to go with the African peanut stew. It came out very quickly and was delicious! The tofu had a perfect texture and flavor on the side. That may be the best tofu I have ever eaten.
The stew is smokey and tastes like a lot of paprika. It is not spicy hot, but it has a very spiced flavor. It's delicious and I highly recommend it. It came with a side of brown rice and salad as well and that was very good.
My eyes are always bigger than my stomach. I thought it wasn't going to be enough food, but halfway through it I was feeling very full.
I highly recommend eating here. The drink selection is small, but it is a food court so you can find something to drink very close by.
Pros: Easy to order, Very fast, Perfect portion
Cons: Small drink selection
Guest
NathanielLegg
Points +2741
Amazing! - Edit
This little restaurant located in the food market downtown had some absolutely amazing vegan food! We tried the peanut soup, plantains, and suya mushroom burger. The staff were very friendly and the vibe was great. We sat near the restaurant, but you could easily sit outside or in any location within the market. The market had live music, which was so fun.
Read moreThe food was delicious and full of so many different flavors. We loved everything about eating here!
Pros: Amazing flavors , Delicious food , Cool vibe
Guest
CutiePig
Points +49
On The Edge of What? - Edit
Firstly, Happy Cow should do a better job of vetting reviews and the places of business that are posted on their app (Are they still in business? Are their hours correct? Is the address correct?).
Read moreSecondly, this place was very hard to find because none of the reviews that I saw on the app mentions that this eatery is located in Abbott Square Market (basically, a food hall). Furthermore, I did not see their name (Veg on the Edge) displayed anywhere outside the building so I had no idea they were actually located inside the building! I had to wander around for several minutes before I located this place among several other food and beverage vendors. It was a tiny little booth and I was told they closed at 8:30 p.m. (the time I arrived), not 9:00 p.m. as stated on the app.
Thirdly, the dish I ordered looked nothing like the food [censored] pics on the app or the Veg on the Edge website. I got the Obe Epa (peanut stew) that's supposed to come with steamed brown rice and a "savory veggie blend". Well, I did not get the savory veggie blend; just the peanut stew slopped next to the brown rice. Not a very promising presentation. Yes, the stew was yummy (I've made something similar at home and it was just as tasty) but overall, a disappointing experience.
As much as I want to support vegan only establishments, I'd just as soon go across the street to Woodstock's Pizza (they have a vegan pizza option) and eat there.
Pros: The food was vegan.
Cons: The food dish was incomplete/missing food items., The location was hard to find., The full menu was not available.
Rebeli
Read the reviews...
Read moreSeveral mention that this is in a food court, including reviews mentioning Abbott Square itself. And you'll notice that none of the restaurants in Abbott Square are listed on the building. Not permitted by the City.
Forman
Btw, the people at Happy Cow don’t sit around scrolling through the many places listed on here. The Happy Cow users need to take time out of their day busy life and edit the place. Only takes a couple minutes. Just a thought. Also, the owner of the restaurant can claim the venue to edit the place on a regular basis. But most people just don’t take that few minutes out of their day.
Read moreGuest
Adventurechica
Points +1296
Shiitake mushroom wrap - Edit
I have to be honest and say this wasn’t my favorite wrap. I love mushrooms but some of the flavors didn’t mix well for me. It was good but I don’t think I’ll order it again. Huge portion. 3 stars is just for this dish overall I believe it is a 4 as a friend ordered their stew and plantains and loved it.
Read moreGuest
holyfire
Points +56
Ashake Pepper Soup = so good! - Edit
Currently, I am traveling and I checked before coming to Santa Cruz where I could get a good plant food meal. Veg on the Edge had plenty of lovely reviews and when I saw they offered Obe Ata (Ashake Pepper Soup) I was excited to try it. Once I got there, Alex helped me and he was so friendly and attentive. He mentioned how they were out of suya mushrooms (although he put them in the oven, so I could try them later) and asked if I was okay with jackfruit as a sub. The soup was perfect. Spicy, lots of flavor, and filling. When I was finished, Alex mentioned that the mushrooms should be ready in 10. So, I went to Trader Joes (across the street), got myself a nice beverage for on the road for tomorrow and headed back to Veg on the Edge. The suya mushrooms were soooo good. Wow. Peppery, flavorful, hearty, anything you want a mushroom to be. Btw: the jackfruit sub was also great! Alex and team, thank you for the hospitality and delicious food.
Read morePros: Friendly staff, Flavorful food
Guest
MarkRhodes
Points +275
Awesome food in a unique environment - Edit
Food is great. Had mushroom wrap, pumpkin stew and peppered plantains. It's located in a food market/court. There is a wine bar in next stand. Also many other choices for non-vegans. There a pizza stand with vegan cheese and veggie pizza. Didn't notice much else.
Read morePros: Great food, Fun atmosphere
Cons: Paid street parking, about $2
holyfire
you can literally park across the street at a huge parking lot for free for 2 hours ;)
Read moreGuest
angelicabearcat
Points +28
Phenomenal vegan food! - Edit
Delicious and quick! Peanut shiitake wrap was literally jaw dropping delicious!! Cassava fries perfectly cooked. The plantains were extraordinary. The pumpkin stew was heart warming. So good!! The one n only vegan spot in Santa Cruz doesn’t disappoint!!! Can’t wait to go back ❤️
Read morePros: Peanut shiitake wrap, Plantains, Pumpkin stew
Guest
forrey
Points +183
Decent, creative food - Edit
Tasty all-vegan food in a local food court. The tacos were quite tasty, and the peanut stew was very filling and full of flavor, if a bit unbalanced (very rich and earthy but could have used some cilantro or lemon juice to balance it out). But good, healthy, creative fare.
Read morePros: Creative food, Healthy, Whole Foods
Guest
ankurwat
Points +69
Pumpkin stew is delicious! - Edit
Flavorful bowl, it has a nice texture
Read moreGuest
ynwa
Points +2059
Full vegan in Santa Cruz - Edit
It’s inside a food hall building with a good menu. Nice service too.
Read moreGuest
jeffsheldon
Points +1356
Preparing for up coming trip to South Africa we had to give this place a try and it didn’t disappoint - Edit
We recently had the pleasure of dining at "Vegan on the Edge" in Santa Cruz, and it turned out to be a delightful culinary adventure. As someone always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors, this restaurant offered a one-of-a-kind experience by bringing African cuisine to the world of vegan dining.
Read moreThe highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the two entrees we ordered. The "Obè Égúsi" dish featured a slow-simmered blend of pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, and bell peppers, generously poured over a bed of steamed brown rice. The flavors melded harmoniously, creating a rich and satisfying stew that was both hearty and wholesome. Accompanied by a savory medley of veggies, this dish showcased the restaurant's commitment to crafting intricate yet accessible vegan meals.
For those with a penchant for bold and spicy flavors, the "Obè Ata" entree was a true winner. Roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes were presented on a bed of steamed brown rice, all bathed in a tantalizing tomato and onion sauce. The spice level was not for the faint of heart, but it elevated the dish to an exciting crescendo of taste that left a lasting impression.
Nestled within a market-like setting, it offered a unique blend of outdoor seating that allowed patrons to enjoy the vibrant Santa Cruz night while savoring their meals. The innovative ordering process through a kiosk, followed by being paged when the dinner was ready, added an element of modern convenience to the dining experience.
To top it all off, we decided to enhance our evening with beverages from "Front and Cooper." Their cocktails and non-alcoholic options provided the perfect accompaniment, enhancing the flavors of our meal and elevating the entire dining affair to new heights.
In conclusion, Vegan on the Edge in Santa Cruz delivered an exceptional fusion of African flavors and vegan cuisine. With its diverse menu, unique ambiance, and innovative approach to dining, it's a destination that offers much more than just a meal. For anyone seeking a culinary adventure that celebrates both creativity and conscious eating, this restaurant is a must-visit.
Pros: Incredible flavors , Outside seating so we could bring the dogs , Marketplace all types of foods
Guest
ZarminehZarouhi
Points +144
Pumpkin stew delight! - Edit
Visiting SC for the first time as an adult, and as a vegan, this foodie had to make a few stops for vegan nom noms. This was restaurant number 3 and my last stop!
Read moreThis menu is delicious, simple and seems to be designed to offer quick take out. I needed to grab something I can reheat in a camping stove in the morning, and knew the pumpkin stew with brown rice would be perfect.
The taller gentleman that was helping me with the menu and my need to reheat was so sweet. The younger dude that prepped the food into the containers? Not so much. He had bad energy from the get-go and seemed to be irritated that I requested the stew be placed in a soup container instead of a folding box. I explained I was going to pack it into a cooler with ice and other food so it needed to be sturdy and sealed better. He didn’t seem to care, and his body language was off. This is the one reason I had to knock of a star.
To the owner, if the food prepper was as kind and customer service oriented like the taller gentleman then you’d have received 5 stars. They last thing I want to do is give a lower rating to an all vegan joint.
To end on a positive note, their stew was amazing. Perfect for a cool morning or evening, and the green sauce with the salad was so good. I just have no idea what it is lol. Also, good sized portion! I was full and had a bit of leftovers for later.
Pros: All vegan homemade tasting fast food, The person helping me was awesome, Good portions
Cons: The person packing the food was rude
Guest
elip_origami
Points +204
Very tasty - Edit
I got egussi stew and it was great
Read morePros: Taste
Cons: Price
Guest
MacklanClendenin
Points +56
Great fast food - Edit
Delicious! Got our food fast and it was tasty. Got the Suya Burger (great mushrooms!) with sweet potato fries and the peanut stew. Definitely recommend.
Read morePros: Tasty food, Something for everyone, Not too expensive
Guest
BaileySchneider
Points +2220
Better options in Santa Cruz - Edit
This place was a big letdown.
Read moreI was I line and standing there for a few minutes when they told me go ahead on order on the kiosk. So I went to checkout on it and it was broken. I notified the worker and he went ahead and placed everyone else’s order behind me and then placed mine after even though I was first in line. Not sure why he did that. So I had to wait a lot longer for my food.
On the upside, it was clean.
I ordered just a cheeseburger with fries and ketchup. They charge for ketchup which is always a poor sign to me. When I got my burger idk what the side was but they were not fries. They were undercooked weird slimy fake cheese tasting things. They weren’t potatoes. Also got a weird sauce instead of the ketchup.
The burger was fine but messy and the cheese wasn’t melted.
I wouldn’t go back here. Paid $20 for a beyond burger I could have made better at home.
Updated from previous review on 2022-12-30
Guest
CharityKahn
Points +79
Yummy stews, fully vegan menu - Edit
Loved the pumpkin stew, peanut stew, and cassava fries. Delicious flavors, good-sized portions. It's surprisingly not that easy to find all-vegan restaurants in Santa Cruz so I really appreciate this place. Plentiful outdoor seating, indoor option as well. Order at the counter.
Read morePros: Yummy, Fully vegan, Unique stews
Guest
jamesisvegan
Points +46
Excellent Flavors - Edit
Pumpkin seed stew and dried plantains with the pepper sauce are a must. Everything is good, but try a stew! Nice owner, different food options than anywhere else in town. Super flavorful while also being healthy.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-12-28
Pros: Only all vegan restaurant in Santa Cruz County, Friendly staff , Easy outdoor seating
Guest
amyvotta
Points +624
Vegan delight! - Edit
This has been one of my favorite places for years. Absolutely delicious & a fully vegan establishment. Would eat here daily if I could! #Veganuary
Read moreGuest
andyjng
Points +5372
West African Vegan Done Well - Edit
One of the best local vegan friendly restaurants in Santa Cruz, located right inside Abbott Square.
Read moreTheir menu has undergone a few changes and price increases even with what's currently available on their website. I kind of felt misled by the information online but I get it- things get updated pretty quickly. When I visited, I ordered the Shiitake Suya Bowl ($11.95) which is their take on jollof rice with red bell peppers, corn, roasted broccoli, sweet potatoes, and suya.
While tasty, it didn't have any corn and the potatoes appeared like regular yellow potatoes. The jollof rice didn't really give me life though and tasted just like normal brown rice. I'm not sure if they were low on certain ingredients or not but I didn't feel like I got what I had ordered.
When I came back, I ordered their Peanut Bowl and THAT was much better and overall my go-to pick when I come now. Dining in will net you a larger quantity too vs. taking it to go.
Pros: Great West African vegan options
Cons: Items tend to sell out
Guest
Veganomad
Points +377
Good stuff here! - Edit
Delicious and filling. Nice-sized portions for the price. We had the peanut stew, the peppered plantains and the casava fries. It's always fun to try new foods.. Very cool vegan option in California!
Read moreGuest
lvincent67
Points +88
Loved it! - Edit
The pumpkin seed stew and the peanut stew are very good and the cassava fries with pumpkin seed dipping sauce was incredible. I’ll definitely be coming back here. It’s in the Abbott Market, a bit of an upscale mall food court vibe, but there’s plenty of outdoor seating which is everything nowadays.
Read morePros: All vegan and plenty of gluten-free options, Delicious , The owner is super friendly
Guest
Robdavis1
Points +92
like it! - Edit
Updating my review. This place has seriously stepped their game up and is way better than it was the 1st year or so that it was open. The pumpkin seed stew is great. Bagel sandwich is great. Overall last few visits have been amazing. Love the location in Abbott square. Drinks on the ready at another counter. Perfecto!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2020-01-28
Pros: Vegan!!!
Guest
LuciannaBellacosa
Points +87
Loved my visit to Veg on the Edge - Edit
So delicious. Loved my visit to Veg on the Edge
Read morePros: Delicious options, Very good service , Very well located
Guest
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