Greer's OC

Café Gratitude, the famed San Francisco based all organic and vegan restaurant, is opening a new sister restaurant and concept today in Newport Beach, aptly named Gratitude.

Gratitude differs from its sister locations in Los Angeles and San Diego; it specializes in seasonally-driven dishes from chef Dreux Ellis, and organic cocktails crafted by Jason Eisner, from Café Gratitude's Mexican counterpart, Gracias Madre in West Hollywood. It’s open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an adjacent Gratitude To-Go space for take-out.

Gratitude is located at Castaway Commons on Westcliff Drive, a new boutique dining, shopping, fitness and wellness destination from the same group who brought us SOCO and The OC Mix in Costa Mesa.

On it’s dinner menu you can select from Small Plates such as Brussels Sprouts Sliders with a maple-miso glaze; and Curried Garnet Yam & Cauliflower Griddle Cakes with red pepper harissa; as well as Appetizers like the Roasted Butternut Squash & Lacinato Kale Salad.  Large plates include seasonal finds such as Chef Ellis' Handcrafted Truffle Ravioli Pasta with braised mushrooms, and Baked Eggplant Polpette with sun-dried tomato marinara.

Beloved Café Gratitude favorites are available on the All Day menu. Choose from whole grain bowls like the Sushi Bowl with blackened tempeh, shredded kale, avocado, and sesame wasabi dressing over sprouted grains; and the Indian Curry Bowl with curried red lentil dal and coconut mint chutney.  Classic Sandwiches include the Double Cheeseburger with two housemade black bean patties, and Tempeh Reuben with spicy red sauerkraut.

Breakfast offerings include gluten-free pastries like Cinnamon Rolls and Sweet & Savory Scones, as well as larger entrees such as Buckwheat Flax Pancakes with cashew whipped cream, and a Breakfast Burrito Mojado with roasted heirloom potatoes.  

The cocktails with organic spirits are crafted with housemade bitters, infusions and shrubs. You can enjoy a Gratitude Caipirinha with Brazilian rum, pressed lime juice and a housemade rock candy stick garnish, a Classic Martini  can be made dirty with vegan blue cheese, stuffed-olive and house brine, and a Smoked Old Fashioned is smoked in a decanter with cherry wood, with bourbon with housemade cola and aromatic bitters. Organic wine and beers are also available.

Gratitude’s striking 4,300 space features white washed brick walls, exposed oak beams and pillars, lush plants designed to provide spa-like ambiance save for the central bar, in geometric grey and white tiles. The patio features handmade Morocco tiled tables.

The Gratitude To-Go space will offer grab-and-go items like freshly pressed organic juices, as well as health and wellness items from The Detox Market.

 Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 Gratitude is at 1617 Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach. 949.386.8103.