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Gluten-free vegan restaurant in downtown near the water. Features a varied menu of classic sandwiches and burgers made vegan in addition to brown rice bowls and smoothies. Weekend brunch of pancakes, fresh fruit and granola, hashbrowns, tempeh bacon, and tofu scrambles is served till 2pm. Under current ownership since 2017. Open Mon-Tue 10:00am-8:00pm, Wed-Sun 11:00am-8:00pm.
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399 John St, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7R 2K3
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- Outdoor seating
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 09 Sep 2024 by geometric-noise
Update business info
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86 Reviews
First Review by kindfood
maddyc04
Points +32
Delicious! - Edit
Always love visiting Lettuce Love Cafe when I'm in town. Delicious food; LOVE their caesar salad, B.L.A.T, chili and so much more. Brownies are to die for.
Read morePros: Yummy food, Good atmosphere
Guest
Vegannemarie
Points +24
Un incontournable ! - Edit
Une place à découvrir. Le propriétaire et les employés sont particulièrement attentionnés. Beaux choix de plats végétaliens avec des spécialistés du jour. L'atmosphère est décontracté. On veut participer et encourager cette entreprise qui met son cœur et ses valeurs de l'avant. Logo original ! Pour le dessert pourquoi ne pas aller faire un tour à la pâtisserie familiale (Kelly's Bake Shoppe) à 2 coins de rue du resto.
Read moreGuest
mikethevegan
Points +129
Delicious! - Edit
All of my experiences with Lettuce Love (formerly Kindfood) have been wonderful. The cupcakes are delicious, including the more unusual flavours (beet-flavoured cupcakes!) It was a real thrill to have a marshmallow rice treat after more than a decade without one. My favourite dishes are the Buddha bowl and the reuben sandwich. The reuben is implausibly good: a thick slab of tempeh topped with sauerkraut and Daiya. So tasty. Their smoothies are great, too. The staff are the friendliest staff I have encountered at any restaurant anywhere in the world.
Read morePros: good location, reasonable prices, decadent treats
Guest
Vegan BB
Points +87
SOOO GOOD - Edit
I came here with a group of friends and we all loved our meals. The nachos were amazing. The staff was super cool. Our waiter guy was super friendly and talked to us while we ate. For real, those nachos are the stuff of legend. Please try this place.
Read morePros: Perfect nachos, Perfect service, Super cozy vibe
Guest
EffieInHawaii
Points +52
Amazing Service, Even Better Food - Edit
I love this place! The nachos are to die for. I'd never been to a restaurant before where I could eat absolutely everything on the menu; it totally made my trip. I drove five hours to go to this restaurant and it was totally worth it. There was a great vibe in the dining area and the staff came and visited with us several times, and remembered us when we came in again another day. I cannot say enough praise about this place.
Read morePros: AMAAAZING FOOD, Super fun staff, Nice vibe
Guest
NatalieScuderi
Points +22
I can't wait to go back. - Edit
everything on the menu sounded amazing. I only had a spicy bean soup, some dessert, so good. fast and pleasant service too!
Read moreGuest
mirivarren
Points +16
Love this place! - Edit
I come here often. The food is fabulous and the service is amazing. Although the prices are a bit more expensive than your regular cafe, the food is worth it. They constanty have specials and variety of food and recently added a full brunch menu! They also have wine & beer for cool night out with friends, and dining in the patio in summer is amazing.
Read moreGuest
GPPerry
Points +80
absolutely amazing - Edit
Lettuce Love is the best. I love literally everything on their menu and I love that they have grocery items so I can take things home for later. I'm the kind of person that orders more than one item so that I can take one home with me for lunch the next day, so this is a huge selling point for me.
Read moreMy non-vegan family and friends are big fans as well, and since they are restaurateurs they tend to be tough critics. But Lettuce Love wins over everyone I've ever introduced to their food.
Their "cult like" following and continuous award wins are enough to speak for their quality and consistency of service, so give them a try. I must warn you, you may become addicted!
Also worth checking out (an equally addictive) is their award winning bakery, Kelly's Bakeshop, which is just up the street and is owned and operated by the same family, who are absolutely lovely people so say don't be shy about saying hello and getting to know them and their friendly staff!
The only thing I can think of that I would like to see them do differently would be to have more locations! I would love love love to see them expand east toward Niagara or west toward Toronto.
Pros: all vegan restaurant , gluten and common allergen free options , sister bakery
Guest
Cboyer13
Points +108
amazing!!! - Edit
Everything about it. Love the nachos and burgers. A bit pricey but worth it. Really cool spot. Great desserts. Highly recommended.
Read moreGuest
MissDeeCanada
Points +68
A little expensive, but the food is delicious! - Edit
It is a small location located near downtown Burlington. You order at the counter and then pick your seat, they will serve you your food.
Read moreI have ordered a couple of things off the menu and every time it is delicious.
I need to try the avocado fries (which are baked) next time. They look amazing!
Pros: Comfort Food, Good portion size
Cons: Small location, Can be a tad expensive
Guest
SaraJenivieve
Points +71
Healthy meals - Edit
Very good healthy vegan food. Good place to meet people which also brings me to the Cons due to the small size you do need to sit very close to strangers which could lead to interactions so great for social butterflies but downside for people who are more introverted. Burlington so a lil pricey as are all things in burlington but if your used to burlington prices then the pricing isnt bad at all.
Read morePros: healthy, all vegan
Cons: no privacy
Guest
ThatHippieMom
Points +157
Not bad - Edit
Have been here quite a few times. The food is inconsistent but usually pretty good. I find the food very expensive for what you get. I also was recently told that they had been selling their bread calling it vegan yet it contained honey??
Read morePros: usually tastes good
Cons: priceno baby change station
Guest
begoodjen
Points +95
Amazing!! - Edit
I had dinner here with my friend last night. I had the reuben, and she had the BLAT sandwich. We split the avocado fries and had a couple of ciders.
Read moreYUM!!! Everything was perfect. The staff is amazingly friendly and helpful but not pushy. Beautiful, clean, convenient location. No complaints other than I did find it a little pricey but I am not from Burlington so this could be normal. My omni friend was equally impressed. Looking forward to my next visit!
Pros: great food, great service, location
Cons: expensive
Guest
Keith_Thode
Points +717
It has everything going for it. - Edit
It's a few blocks from the main highway between Niagara/Hamilton and Toronto. Parking is easy and inexpensive. I no longer need to wait until I get to Toronto when traveling from Niagara. This place is as good as any in Toronto and better than most.
Read moreI ate 2 meals inside and 1 take-out: 1 burger, 1 Buddha bowl, 1 sandwich, 1 soup, 2 smoothies. 5 stars for everything.
Mike, behind the counter, in front of the counter, always talking - and listening, your guide to food ecstasy, gives new meaning to extrovert.
kindfood
Thanks so much for the great review and for pointing out Mike, who is our iconic Customer Service King. We hope t see you again soon and so glad you enjoyed our mazing food:)
Read moreGuest
HealthyLifeOne
Points +22
Outstanding - Edit
This place is brilliant! The staff engaging, inspiring and attentive! The food creative, healthy, so delicious, and totally satisfying.( Worth every penny ) all items offered not only vegan, but gluten and sugar free! Beautiful food presentation. Had tempeh steak special and veggie burger, localish cold press juice co -red monster....Fun easy casual atmosphere, Great hip music, clean, ( visible open energetic kitchen) outdoor patio. Conscious eating at its best! Puts Burlington's beautiful lakeshore on the map~ take stroll around the corner to Kelly's Bakery!!
Read moreGuest
Inkntofu
Points +22
Wow!! - Edit
I had the Huevos Rachero bowl and LOVED IT! Cute cafe, very friendly staff, will defs go again :)
Read moreGuest
Lynzie13
Points +27
My Favourite Restaurant! - Edit
Lettuce Love Cafe is a wonderful place to eat, whether you are vegan, gluten-free, or none of the above and just want to eat better! The food is delicious AND healthy, what more could you want? My favourite is the "California Burger", I always end up ordering that even though I tell myself to try something new! It's a grilled tempeh burger that changed my mind about tempeh! I didn't think I liked tempeh but since trying their burgers, I'm a convert, delicious. The food is fresh, very healthy and very tasty. They have salads, bowls, sandwiches, burgers, yummy appetizers (avocado fries!!), delicious smoothies, amazing desserts and a fantastic Sunday brunch! The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, and the staff are super friendly and helpful, they make you feel like you're a friend, not just a customer. I live about 25 minutes away from Lettuce Love but the drive is always worth it, absolutely fantastic place to nourish yourself.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on Tuesday April 29, 2014
Pros: delcious, healthy food, friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere
Cons: none
PeterShaw
Great restaurant!! Food was delicious and filling. I had the Power Bowl and a smoothie with almond milk, Cocoa, dates, and other delicious foods. My wife had a Reuben sandwich and a side Caesar salad. This was for lunch today. We also went there when it was called Kind Food. Helpful staff and a very busy place.Thanks Kelly and your daughter! You both rock!!
Read moreGuest
usernamedmao
Points +39
Fantastic - Edit
Passing through the area, I stopped at this place for breakfast. All of the staff is extraordinarily friendly, and it has a nice atmosphere. The food was good, and their smoothies are perfect. I would recommend this place to anyone. I wish it was a bit closer to me!
Read morePros: All vegan, Nice staff, Good food
Guest
veganstastebetter
Points +205
wonderful place - Edit
We found this place by accident one day when looking for somewhere to eat lunch. I felt so spoiled by all the great selection. I left stuffed but I paid an arm and a leg. I will be back for more.
Read morePros: great tasting healthy food, location, staff
Cons: not much seating, no table service, kinda, expensive
Guest
krissimi
Points +129
Disappointing... - Edit
I have gone to Kindfood a few times. I have teetered on veganism while being a vegetarian for decades. Every time I've gone in, the staff try to vegucate me without asking if I am vegan or veg first. I haven't been able to get a word in while I'm given the lowdown on what a vegan diet is. This is odd to me. I don't like their hours, or their desserts. They make me feel sick after. There is too much sugar in their sweets and this also disappoints as I would expect healthier tasting desserts from there. I find their food overpriced for what one gets. The savoury foods are alright if you are not really hungry. I haven't gone back in a year now because It's a waste of my money and they're never opened anyway. I would really love to see them improve since I have been to raw vegan places in the US, Europe, Latin America and Canada and may have higher standards than the typical Burlington resident who is new to this diet....
Read morePros: location and atmosphere, attempt to serve meals
Cons: too much sugar in desserts, vegucating before asking, too pricy and poor hours
HealthyLifeOne
I just can't believe this review if you've nothing nice to say please! These people are working hard to promote healthy eating . take your year later negative review time and energy to hit up on it he restaurants that care less what they put on you plate . This restaurant is outstanding award winning total 5star
Read moreGuest
MartinS
Points +53
All Round Awesome - Edit
From the warm welcome coming through the door to the excellent service and awesome food, Kindfoods deserves to be much more famous than it currently is.
Read moreThe menu is still a little small, but there is enough choice to keep locals and visitors alike happy.
The fact that is is very busy any time I've been in speaks volumes about how good it it. And I know there are not that many vegetarians and vegans in Burlington, so clearly what they serve appeals to all tastes.
Pros: Excellent service, Awesome food
Cons: Menu is still a little small
Guest
ErinJanus
Points +35
Cruelty-free, Organic, Delicious - Edit
I have to give Kindfood 5 stars.
Read moreIt's cruelty-free, it's organic, it's delicious. That's worthy of 5 stars. Their Buddha Bowl is so awesome, whenever I'm downtown Burlington... it's hard to not keep coming back for it.
Regarding the opinions on it being pricey... I am eager to explore why people have the illusion that vegan/organic dining is SO much more expensive than conventional, when in many cases, it is not. Many get that doomful uncomfortable feeling when they reach into their wallet to pay for something that they know is vegan, organic... and happens to be $11 or $12.
This happened with a family member I was with the other day. I go out and about with them a couple times a month, and we always have a good time. Swiss Chalet is the place they usually happily treat me to. But this time I said I'll treat, and suggested we go to Kindfood. I ordered two Buddha Bowls for us.
"It's ten dollars!" they gasped.
"It's okay, I'm paying for it."
They had a twisted, conflicted look on their face. We sat down and after a while, a light bulb went off in my head. "Do you think Swiss Chalet is expensive?" I asked.
"No." they said comfortably.
"The veggie burger there that we both had last week was like $11. That's a dollar more than this. How come you don't think it's expensive?"
They pondered and said, "Wow, you're right. And it wasn't even good."
Later that day sitting in a coffee shop we wrote down all the awesome ingredients that were in the Buddha bowl, the approximate cost (organic), and concluded that the price is very fair!
And, for how FILLING and CLEAN and NUTRITIOUS the food is, it's of more VALUE to your body than conventional greasy meals... and often very close or equal in price to the dishes of other restaurants.
Seriously... why does someone overlook an $11 plate of greasy low-quality conventional fries and a non-fermented GMO soy burger at Swiss Chalet NOT expensive... but then an $11 organic nutrition powerhouse-plate 'pricey?'
I've learned a big part of people's reluctance to choose organic/vegan food guilt-free is a totally false misconception that they've let sink into their subconscious minds. Next time you gasp at the price of an organic vegan meal... do the math, observe the nutrition and ingredients, and you might be surprised. Your opinion may completely change. :-)
Anyways, back to the point... Kindfood rocks.
Pros: Soy is organic and fermented
Cons: Water unfiltered
HealthyLifeOne
We must support theses healthy restaurants !!
Read moreKeep bringing your friends away from places like that pathetic chicken at Swiss chalet. ( I use to think the tasty sauce, plumped up mini bird, fried nonorganic scary mini chip ettes were great fast Canadian food for price but nutritionally a big rip off - cant trust em they are doing everything to decrease quality of food, plump up the flavor with who knows what chemicals, to increase their profit) .
.People that look only at cost become miserable, slowly unhealthy, they neglect to see big picture.
The benefits of eating vegan to your health , the planet and your soul are worth every supporting penny. .
This place puts love in their name and you can feel it the food and place. Body happy and grateful after.
Guest
wrathofelvis
Points +8
Gorgeous Food, Adorable Staff ,"Nail It" Everytime - Edit
Kind Foods is one of the best restaurants in the province of Ontario & THE best baked goods maker in the history of dessert (their vegan and gluten-free composition is largely immaterial to me but makes them that much more impressive and spectacular). I have no idea how anyone could have a negative experience at Kind Foods but I also remember overhearing someone in Tulum, Mexico complaining that the gorgeous beach "wasn't wide enough" so I suppose there are some people whose expectations cannot be met because, as people, they are defined by unmet expectations. In the one year that my wife and I have been living in Burlington, we have eaten there over 40 times (not even counting darting in for cupcakes or Mile-High Brownies) & we have NEVER been disappointed in the exceptional quality of the food or the flawless service. My wife is a vegetarian; I am not. That said, I will continue to eat at Kind Foods (even after we leave Burlington) for one reason: their food is un-@#$*ing-believably good. I can say without fear of dissent that the Kind Foods "Reuben" is beyond reproach...artfully grilled and pickled Tempeh, the absolutely perfect complimentary portion of organic sauerkraut (if you've ever experienced "sauerkraut overkill", you know what I'm talking about), a homemade Russian dressing that will make you believe in sandwich condiments again on the most decadent, gorgeous toasted bread you have ever consumer in your ENTIRE LIFE...sorry for yelling...it is THAT good. I find myself making mildly erotic-sounding "joy noises" & barely restraining myself from gleefully cursing "What a brilliant #$%*ing sandwich!" And this is BEFORE dessert, which is why they are famous. Anyone who has ever eaten vegan, gluten-free attempts at dessert can tell you that, although their intentions are good, rarely do they get it right. Previously, when I've had gluten-free, vegan brownies, cupcakes, pound cake or cookies, there is always an aftertaste that just doesn't belong...something medicinal, cabbage-y and crumbly that just doesn't work and makes you empathize with Celiacs. At Kind Foods, their cupcakes are FLAWLESS, inventive and rich. Dulce De Leche that is (somehow) dairy-free but impossibly rich, moist and decadent. rich Red Velvet cupcakes that actually ive up to their name. Add to this staff (and an owner!) that are charismatic, authentic, knowledgable and more than a little adorable & you have an unmatched, magical food experience. A bajillion @#$%ing stars!
Read morePros: Taste, flavours, quality, Decandence/Creativity, Exceptional Service
Cons: Seating Space, if I must choose, None, Don't be ridiculous
KellyChilds
Wow! What an incredible review!!!! Best EVER I'd say... Thank you so much for loving us and feeling what we do.
Read moreNo words could ever express how grateful I am for you taking the time to surround us with tons of love....:) Random acts of kindness make the world a better place.
Sincerely,
Kelly Childs
P.S. Please say hi to me next time you're in. Please.
Guest
David Milmine
Points +31
Great Food -- Great Staff -- Great Atmosphere - Edit
I've made several visits to Kindfood. Kelly Childs and her staff are amazing to start. When you enter the store you are immediately welcomed. Mike, who is behind the counter , happily welcomes you -- serves you as quickly as he can -- or helps you select something from the menu. He knwos the product inside out / backwards / every which way.
Read moreHe gets your order in -- Thanks you again for comin in -- and then will eventually deliver the food to your table if you are eating in or on the patio.
Now -- let's talk food. I've thoroughly enjoyed the Kindburger ( a tempeh patty with all the fixins) -- this burg is full of flavor -- a party happening in your mouth !! Lots of cheese and be sure to have the UN-bacon -- crunchy and smoky and mouth pleasing. A definite item to try.
I had a Caesar salad -- fresh / crunchy / house made dressing and amazing croutons. Be sure to order this or one of the other scrumptious salads they will make.
Finally -- today I had the Goddess Bowl. Crunchy veggies over rice and sauteed Kale. AMAZING. Very filling and flavor over and over.
Need a vegan lunch -- be sure to get in to Kindfood -- enjoy lunch -- add the Green Smoothie to drink with your purchase -- and finish with one of the many wonderful cupcakes
This is one of my very favourite places to visit -- I'm sure if you visit once -- your going to want to come back. Thanks Kelly / Mike and Kindfood staff for creating a great place with great food to match.
Pros: fantastic food, friendly staff, flavor over flavor over flavor
Cons: sometimes tricky finding a parking spot
Guest
Zo
Points +207
Kindfood Vegan Bakery,Organic Cafe And Juice Bar. - Edit
One of a Kind Vegan bakery,organic cafe and juice bar. Kindfood has such an extraordinarily impressive selection of vegan delicacy with gluten free,soy free options.
Read moreGuest
StephanieC
Points +22
Amazing, tasty, kind, hard to believe it's vegan! - Edit
The food here is incredible. If you are vegan, vegetarian, Celiac, gluten intolerant, or a combo of any of those, KindFood is the place for you! There is an amazing menu of tasty, filling, delicious vegan and gluten free foods, including caesar salad, tempeh burgers, bac-un topped sandwiches, and fabulous desserts. No lard, no gelatin, no nonsense, no refined sugar.
Read moreI highly recommend KindFood for the food to anyone. It is more expensive than your average cafe, but the quality, environmentally conscious food is worth the extra money if you can afford it. It obviously costs more for them to source environmental supplies, and non-traditional cheap sweeteners/wheat/ingredients, so the slightly higher costs are justifiable. I just wish it was cheaper so I could eat there every day.
The owner, Kelly, is so passionate about what she does, and it shows with the food. It would be great if they could produce some of their products in bulk for freezing so I could eat more of their stuff at home.
If you dine in, allow a little extra time for your lunch, since they are ALWAYS busy, and quality takes time. The food is truly fantastic, and kind.
Pros: Freeing for vegans, Delicious vegan & gluten-free food, Celiac-safe
Cons: More costly (but worth it), Takes longer (but worth the wait)
StephanieC
Forgot to mention that they also have an INCREDIBLE dessert menu including protein-rich vegan cookies, muffins, and tasty vegan and GF cupcakes. Also had pumpkin cheesecake in October which was amazing. I have never tried their cake, but watched several people pick up vegan gluten-free cakes while I was dining there.
Read moreYou MUST visit KindFood at least once to understand how fabulous they are!
Guest
gabynbrad
Points +126
The real "Happy Meal" - Edit
This is a place that makes you feel very welcome right away. No attitude and lots of great flavours.
Read moreOur family has recently switched to a plant-based diet, so when we found out about Kindfood we were beyond excited. And the experience we had there did not let us down.
We liked the food so much that we had lunch and dinner during the Burlington Sound of Music Festival. It's so great to go to a place that has wonderful "safe" food and not have to worry if there's any animal product being used!
Price wise, I believe you get what you pay for (most of the time anyway), so it's worth to pay a bit more for something that good.
I really recommend Kindfood!
Pros: wonderful and original food, very friendly staff, very clean
kindfood
Thank you so much for kind words and support. We really try hard and are so very passionate about bringing clean, local and organic animal-free food to our customers. We are excited to launch our new menu coming in July and also offering more "Grab and Go" and take-out foods in our fridges. We will also be offering our delicious GF Vegan baked goods on line! Thanks again for your support. We hope to give you many more reasons to visit us.
Read moreGuest
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