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
-
Abbott Square Market, 725 Front St Ste 2, Santa Cruz, California, USA, 95060
-
Loading...
-
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
-
-
Last update on 19 Mar 2024 by CutiePig
Update business info -
Added by Rebeli on 02 Jul 2017
-
-
83 Reviews
First Review by VeganGeo
snag
Points +18
Great place. - Edit
Friendly, knowledgable staff. Great tasting food. Unique flavors you can't find anywhere else.
Read morePros: Good taste. Unique dishes.
Cons: None.
Guest
jshyng1989
Points +16
Vegan Bowls are amazing! - Edit
Had the vegan sausage black rice bowl!
Read moreGuest
MeldyLee
Points +47
Solid vegan option downtown - Edit
I’m so grateful there is a vegan option downtown. The food is healthy and the atmosphere is fun.
Read morePros: All vegan options , Serve food on real plates with real cutlery , Willing to accommodate dietary restrictions
Cons: Some dishes lack pizazz
Guest
Lovelight111
Points +38
Super yummy, Flavorful - Edit
I had the pumpkin stew and it was so goood!!!! My friend had a different dish and said his was a cacophony of flavors and he was so happy that we stopped in Santa Cruz for lunch. I definitely recommend trying this place out!
Read morePros: Vegan AND gluten free options, Travels well, Awesome owner! Great service!!!
Guest
VeganLGM
Points +16
Delicious - Edit
I've been going to Veg on the Edge about once a month since it opened in Abbot Square.
Read moreThe owner is kind and friendly. He really cares about the food and his customers.
The stews are tasty and not the same old rice and beans that allot of vegan bowls have.
It's all in the sauce :)
Pros: Unique flavors, Friendly service, Great location
Cons: Can be pricey for everyday lunch, Sometimes service is slow
Guest
ParceusP
Points +238
Cannot recommend - Edit
Sorry, but I simply cannot recommend „Veg on The Edge“. We were there at around 6:30pm while half the menu was crossed off. I would really have tried the Burger. Additionally, the food is just okay. There needs to be more spice in it.
Read moreMaybe we hit up at a bad day but from our point of view we would avoid it.
akindele_bankole@yaho
Thank you for the review you posted about our restaurant. After a very unusually busy holiday weekend, which happened to overlap with Santa Cruz's first Friday celebration, many of the vendors at Abbott Square, the market where our restaurant is located, exhausted a number of their menu items just as we did. And we greatly apologize for the inconvenience that caused during the weekend.
Read moreBy Monday, the 8th of July (2019), we restocked our inventory. I, myself opened the restaurant yesterday, Tuesday the 9th, the day you indicated you were there at 6:30pm. We had our burgers and majority of our menu items were back up, except for the potato balls.
Your disappointment is totally understandable. Although most people that visit us regularly and many that travel into town to see us, find our food delightful and tasty. Our motto of "Compassion" is also expressed to everyone, through our non-biased and non-negative messaging, that helps everyone feel welcome and not judged.
Additionally, I double-checked with the Tuesday the 9th, 6:30pm closing staff, about the availability of our products on the menu, and he confirmed the only item unavailable were the potato balls. Perhaps, the time and date indicated in your massage was from the weekend and not from Tuesday, the 9th.
I just want to be sure anyone reading your message does not assume that the menu items continued to be unavailable beyond the weekend. We remain committed to bringing quality taste to all our customers, as we serve "Compassion in every plate".
Thank you, A
Guest
BirgitA
Points +292
Schlecht! - Edit
Die Hälfte der Karte war ausverkauft, das Personal war unglaublich unfreundlich und unbemüht und das Essen vollkommen geschmacklos.
Read moreDie Wraps sollten Avocado enthalten ( die anderen Zutaten waren ausverkauft), es war keinerlei Avocado im Gericht. Außerdem war keine Sauce in den Wraps, und der Rest komplett ohne Gewürze.
Die Pommes waren ohne Salz und die Tacos absolut ungenießbar.
Grässlich, absolute Geldverschwendung! Wir sind in ein anderes Restaurant gegangen.
akindele_bankole@yaho
Dear Birgita,
Read moreI'm so sorry for the unpleasant service that you received when you stopped by our restaurant during this past weekend. It was quite unfortunate that the food did not have all the component parts and the taste ultimately suffered. The weekend was quite a very busy one, and multiple unexpected and some unannounced events contributed to the exhaustion of a number of the menu items. I feel sad that you were not able to experience more of our products, as many of them are quite popular. Hence, the running out of items.
I'm not sure if you are still in town or if you have left back to Germany. However, it you are still in town, I would be delighted to treat you and your guest to a beautiful meal on us. Please do let me know if you're still around.
Thank you very much, Akindele
Guest
norarich
Points +28
All in all great experience - Edit
Tasty food!! Would totally eat here again. I got the veggie tacos and they were not too heavy or too light, just perfect. Also the employee was very kind. Highly recommend!
Read moreGuest
sofiadrogo
Points +11
Delicious! - Edit
We ordered the spicy sausage, black bean wrap, stew, and beet salad, and loved it all! You can tell the ingredients are high quality, and the recipes are very unique. The owner is so passionate about his restaurant, and such a wonderful person. If we return to California we’ll definitely be back for seconds!
Read morePros: Unique menu, Good prices, Nice location
Guest
NathanielRhett
Points +363
The potato balls! - Edit
Those little potato balls are so insanely good. I’ve had a few things here were pretty good. Nothing spectacular but I’ve definitely had worse vegan food.
Read moreGuest
TiffanyWorthington
Points +136
We love Veg On The Edge! - Edit
Everything I’ve had is healthy and yet rich and tasty! Very creative and different than you’d get anywhere else with its African twist. I love that its indoor-outdoor seating, there is often entertainment like a band in the evening. It is affiliated with the Museum Of Art & History (MAH) which has expanded to become hugely successful and a desirable place to wander in afterward with your drink and spend 15 minutes or a couple of hours taking in the local creativity! Awesome! So glad we can walk here from our home now, YAY!
Read morePros: All VEGAN! Creative owner, Akindele Bankole! , Very friendly , Fun downtown location
Guest
vegandoug
Points +257
Had hoped it would be better - Edit
The online Yelp looked good but were disappointed with the food. Thai peanut wrap was bland and dry. Temphe was also flavorless. Fries were well cooked but unsure if this is the norm or they were reheated old fries. Fries were also a bit oily in the bowl. Last, they were out of burgers which was my first choice
Read morePros: Good potential
Cons: Need to ask for sauce
Guest
MandrillusSphinx
Points +301
Really nice staff good food - Edit
It’s conveniently downtown in a food court next to lots of parking.
Read morePros: Lots of options, The bowls were nice
Cons: Burger was cold but everything else was on point
Guest
ScottReutter
Points +224
Yummy burrito - Edit
I checked this place out after completing a half Ironman triathlon so obviously I was very hungry! I got the burrito and the fries and both were very tasty. They came with a few sauces on the side which were very good too. Next time I’m in town I’ll definitely come back!
Read moreGuest
KaterinaFox
Points +743
Food that Keeps You on the EDGE of Your Seat - Edit
I was really happy to see a vegan restaurant so close to the beach. My biggest complaints were that the portions were pretty small and it was a little pricey. The atmosphere was a little weird, think mall food court (although this food court was much cleaner), with shared eating in the middle and restaurants around the walls. That being said, the food was really good and the staff was very friendly. I really enjoyed these African inspired dishes.
Read morePros: 100% vegan, African inspired
Cons: pricey, small portions, weird atmosphere
Guest
tkhe
Points +182
Not tasty at all - Edit
The "stew" was dry over cooked rice, the other elements of the dish completely flavorless, the burger with waffles was just a poor combo of flavors, and every dish we ordered was missing an element listed on the menu
Read morePros: At least it's all vegan
Cons: Tasteless, Dry , Menu doesn't match the dishes
Guest
Tubajuba
Points +271
Hit or Miss - Edit
The shiitake black rice bowl was excellent. It could have used more vegetables. It was very tasty and generous portion. The shiitake sayu burger was not that good. It was cold and with fries it is two dollars more. It was also a very meager portion.
Read morePros: Some good food, Interesting location
Cons: Some food not so good
Guest
Ashni
Points +2290
Cute vegan restaurant - Edit
Vegan restaurant inside a trendy food court with seating indoors or shared seating in a pretty square. Had some vegan soft tacos which were rly good and nice and spicy. Shared a wrap - was good with rice and beans and sauce, but a bit too much brown rice.. would have preferred a few more veggies inside it too.
Read morePros: Good food, Friendly service, Fun atmosphere in the square
Guest
BiankaKovacs
Points +46
Gorgeous food! - Edit
I had a very good experience here. Great menu, variety of comfort foods. I loved the plantain chips and the crispy broccoli sides. They were gorgeous
Read morePros: Amazing menu, Very versatile tastes
Guest
vegancheeks
Points +473
A vegan gem! - Edit
A really nice unique selection of vegan fare. It’s a great addition to downtown. The food is most excellent.
Read moreGuest
SharonKaplan
Points +18
Best Vegan Restaurant - Edit
Wonderful! So happy they are finally up and running. I go there at least 3 times a week. The employees are so great, the food is so yummy, and the owners are fantastic - so open to hearing feedback. They really do care about serving really good clean food that's good for us, the environment, the planet, the animals, and our souls. I recommend that everyone go and check them out!
Read moreGuest
Conniemm
Points +1770
Good food, small portions - Edit
I've been wanting to try Veg on the Edge for a while. During the soft opening they had run out of food so I was happy to go back again last night and give it a try.
Read moreI got the Shiitake Black Rice with tofu on the side. I wasn't sure if the hot sauce would be too spicy so they gave it to me on the side (it wasn't).
The rice was really good and I also loved the potato balls that came with the dish. They were like deep fried mashed potatoes.
While the food was tasty, I was disappointed in the portion size. I got a small bowl of food for $9.
Abbott Square is a new community space in Santa Cruz with several restaurants and bars making this a good place to go with friends who ended up ordering their meal at other restaurants. It was a fun, lively place to be but it was pretty loud inside. There is also plenty of outside seating.
Pros: Tasty food, Fun, lively atmosphere
Cons: Portions too small, Loud inside
Guest
amped
Points +144
Awesome - Edit
Thanks for providing quality vegan options in Santa Cruz! Have really enjoyed your initial offerings and am looking forward to the complete menu. Prices are reasonable, staff is friendly and the offerings are centered around the vegetables. You are off to a great start.
Read morePros: Vegan, Good for the environment , Plant based and healthy
Guest
sam.bishop3030
Points +122
Small portions, bland, long wait - Edit
Small portions, long wait with no explanation, bland non descript food. Frustrating experience having sought it out. Kids didn't like it.
Read moreGuest
sarahjulieann
Points +60
So Good! - Edit
Such a cute restaurant! Great vibe! Not a huge menu but all that is on it is great!
Read morePros: Strictly vegan
Guest
HowieS
Points +54
Best Restaurant - Edit
This is a fantastic plant based (vegan) restaurant in the new Abbot Square Market, downtown Santa Cruz. I ordered the spicy tofu and fusilli noodles and it was absolutely delicious. The dish included Veg on the Edge's famous potato balls, a green salad, tofu and noodles and even tempe strips. Although the plate looks small it was a very filling and satisfying meal.
Read moreThank you Veg on the Edge for a delicious vegan kosher meal and friendly atmosphere. I'll be back again and again.
Pros: Delicious Food, Reasonable Prices, Made fresh on premises
Guest
Rebeli
Points +108
Excellent new place - Edit
Great food - all vegan (and gluten-free, organic and kosher). There's likely something for everyone, but there are also some very unique dishes (consider the "Moin Moin" - a West African specialty). The food is all made on site. As of this writing, the restaurant is still in "soft opening," so the menu is expanding with a new dish every few days.
Read moreIn addition to the Moin Moin, I've had both the Shiitake Fried Rice and the Spicy Tempeh with Quinoa. All come with delicious potato balls or plantain fries. I also like the Raw Plantain salad and the Sweet Potato / Peanut Soup.
And there are fresh organic juices from whole fruit and/or greens. Finally, the date-oat bars are a great surprise - tasty and not too sweet.
Note that the place is in a food court connected with the museum in the heart of Santa Cruz. There are several other (non-vegan) establishments, including coffee, pizza and a beer/wine bar.
Updated from previous review on 2017-07-14
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business
See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 22512 times.