Restaurant Review: True Food Kitchen

Another one of my restaurant wins on the California road trip was at True Food Kitchen. My boyfriend and I went here for lunch one day in Paolo Alto before making a huge trip to IKEA, which ended up being a complete nightmare so thank goodness we were properly fueled. We loved the food so much (aka me) that we ended up going back a couple of weeks later. I wish it was closer to San Jose, or else I would become a regular. The vibe of the restaurant was a complete oasis. There were mini cactuses and succulents at every table in glass jars. The space was wide open and earthy with tons of natural light, and the patio was beautiful in the gorgeous California weather.

Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Times

I actually had no idea that it was a sit down restaurant until we walked up. I always thought it was somewhere that you go to the register and order and wait for your food to be brought to you. The first time we went, we chose to sit on the patio and we each ordered a non-alcoholic drink. He ordered The Hangover with pineapple, orange, honey, and coconut water. I ordered the Sparkling Antioxidant Tea with iced green tea, pomegranate, and lemon. It was so unbelievably delicious and it will absolutely be my go-to drink when I go there from now on. Both were refreshing, light, tasty, and almost tasted like a non artificial or overly sweet starburst.

Onto the food! As we enjoyed the California sunshine outside, we patiently waited for our food. Dishes were brought to tables all around us and I couldn’t believe how many meals looked so delicious. I ended choosing the Seasonal Ingredient salad, which consisted of watercress, grilled broccolini, asparagus, green garbanzo, goat cheese, raisin, sprouted almond, and a turmeric chia vinaigrette—which made the entire thing. I added chicken for some more substance and protein. All of the vegetables were cold and crunchy, fresh and tasty. It was a perfect healthy and light meal to start the day off on a hight note. He ordered the Mediterranean Chicken Pita and not going to lie, it looked pretty good! In between a thin and crunchy grilled flatbread was chicken, romaine, arugula, grape (he omitted), house pickle, red onion, feta, and tarissa tahini. It came with a side kale salad that of course, I nomed on. I didn’t get to snag a picture of his, but I’ll be sure to next time!

The second time we went, we ended up sitting inside and the energy was definitely lively. The kitchen was active and candles were lit, giving everyone a fabulous glow. I think it was more because of the food everyone was consuming :) Since it was in the evening, we both ordered an alcoholic beverage. I ordered a glass of white wine and he ordered a beer on draft. There is something really appealing to me about wellness driven restaurants that still serve alcohol because it shows that the messaging is focused on true balance, joy, and good ingredients. I ordered the Teriyaki Quinoa bowl with Salmon that was heavenly vegan and gluten free goodness. The base was farro with broccoli, rainbow carrot, bok choy, mushroom, brown rice, avocado, and toasted sesame. He ordered the lasagna and loved it, which was definitely to my surprise but also shows that this place has it all.

Everything was so fresh and clean tasting. You know when you can taste how clean your food is and you can genuinely tell that it’s real, good food? This place had it all. I was just blown away by the quality, freshness, and taste of everything that we ordered. If True Food is in your area, be sure to go check it out and enjoy the ambiance and food because it’s definitely worth the time and money. Your taste buds will thank you!

stay vibrant

Lindsay