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Govinda's Natural Foods Cafe

4.7 334 reviews 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM 3764 Watseka Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034, United States

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Govinda's Natural Foods Cafe stands out as a gem in Los Angeles, nestled adjacent to the serene Hare Krishna temple on Watseka Avenue. Revered for its 100% vegetarian menu, the café offers a delightful all-you-can-eat buffet featuring wholesome options like salads, pasta, samosas, and comforting rice-dal combinations. Customers rave about the relaxing atmosphere and friendly service, making it a go-to spot for both long-time devotees and new visitors. Many reviews highlight the fresh ingredients and unique flavors, with dishes crafted to cater to various dietary needs, including those avoiding onions and garlic. The café's signature veggie burgers, including the Bhima and Maha Bhima varieties, are notably popular, served with chips at an affordable price, while their pizzas make for a satisfying casual meal option. Drinks like mango and strawberry lassi provide a refreshing complement to the vibrant dishes. Veterans like Samantha Collins cherish the authenticity, remembering how the café evolved from its previous location without losing its essence. For newcomers or those on vegan diets, the positive reviews echo a sentiment of discovery and delight, suggesting that Govinda's is not just a meal but a nourishing experience. Overall, it’s a place where healthy, flavorful food meets a welcoming community atmosphere—truly a must-visit for anyone in the Los Angeles area.

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Serves local specialty

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Historic
  • Quiet
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Govinda's Natural Foods Cafe before visiting.

Reviews for Govinda's Natural Foods Cafe

4.7
334 reviews
5
100%
4
12%
3
6%
2
2%
1
4%

Review highlights

Based on 334 reviews

Govinda's Natural Foods Cafe in Los Angeles is widely praised for its serene ambiance and commitment to fresh, healthy vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Situated beside the Hare Krishna temple, the cafe offers a diverse menu featuring Indian-inspired dishes like samosas, dal, and salads, all prepared without onion and garlic to suit specific dietary preferences. Reviewers appreciate the recent transition from self-serve to served buffet style, noting that the food remains flavorful and nutritious. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere and attentive service further enhance the dining experience. While some longtime patrons recall menu elements no longer available, the overall feedback highlights Govinda's as a reliable destination for wholesome, vegetarian- and vegan-friendly meals in a peaceful setting.

Nim Sivapalan
May 22, 2025

Great restaurant in a serene environment. Located right next to the Hare Krishna temple, this 100% vegetarian restaurant serves an all-you can eat buffet of healthy food such as salad, pasta/spaghetti, samosas, soup, rice and dal, and more. Post COVID they changed it from self-serve to being served, but it's still the same nutritious and delicious food as always. Highly recommended, Hare Krishna!

Vandana Gajjar
May 05, 2025

Iskon temple in L.A. it’s beautiful our Indian God Radha Krishna .. Govindas natural food cafe it’s in our vegetarian & fresh, delicious, food no spicy bc testy..

HsinShao Chen
Apr 16, 2025

good food, good atmosphere, good service. All food have no onion and garlic, very friendly to oriental vegetarians. highly recommend, and definitely will visit again!

Samantha Collins
Mar 27, 2025

I have been coming to Govinda’s since it used to be across the street on Venice Blvd in the 80’s full disclosure I’m of the faith - Hare Krishna. This food is so fresh and delicious, the salad dressings, the samosa’s, the dokla all a must have. I do miss the sandwich bar.

D M
Mar 26, 2025

Just wow! I was introduced to that cafeteria by my bf during Covid. I can’t remember much of it back then so it musn’t have been anything special (I do take notes of good food spots!), therefore neither good nor bad. While driving in that area today, and it happens that I am currently on a vegan diet, I decided to grab lunch over there. OMG! The place has been so nicely updated!!! And the food was just WOW! Sooo good! 6.50/lb. Will definitely go back again!

FREDRICK 24.7.365
Mar 10, 2025

Govinda's Natural Foods Cafe at 3764 Watseka Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034 In my continuous Journey always looking for a healthy option for lunch I found another beautiful spot in Los Angeles California. Not only is the neighborhood in the area peaceful and to get a good healthy meal was a very positive experience. I really did like the samosas and the hummus was well right. The two soups I ate with my meal, I went a little overboard warning extra food but it was truly delicious.

Rémi Ferrante
Feb 28, 2025

One of my absolute favorite lunch spots in Los Angeles! Govinda Cafe stands out not only for its healthy, fresh, and high-quality food but also for the warmth and kindness of everyone who works there. The meals are made daily without onions or garlic, perfectly suited for the Krishna diet, and you can feel the care that goes into every dish. Every day, there’s a different menu, served with a smile, and it’s almost impossible to find a better deal in LA. Nestled in a neighborhood known for some of the best Indian cuisine in the city, Govinda Cafe offers a softer, more traditional approach that’s both satisfying and unique. The dal over rice is consistently delicious, and the samosas are always fresh and flavorful. If you’re looking for a place that serves nourishing food with a sense of community, Govinda Cafe is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

Zabrina Gitana
Feb 11, 2025

Lovely spot. Food is very fresh and delicious. They will let you know what is in everything. Food is sold by weight. I spent 14 plus tip for a full plate of food, salad, samosa and a spindrift drink. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Definitely recommend especially if you are veg. There is free parking as well. There is also a store on the second floor, but I didn't go up. There are stairs but I don't know if they have an elevator. Restaurant is wheelchair accessible though.

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Quick info

Address
3764 Watseka Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034, United States
Price range
$10–20
Category
Vegan restaurants

Opening hours

  • Monday (Today) 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Tuesday 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Wednesday 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Thursday 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Friday 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Saturday 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Sunday 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Location

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