Roasted and Raw

I went in to get a smoothie but was surprised to find the gentlemen who ran the smoothie business is no longer there. This gave me the perfect opportunity to try a dish from roasted a raw. I ordered a chorizo empanada and took the owners suggested to get the yucca fries. He also suggested a place for me get a smoothie. Everything I had was 10/10. The sauce that comes with the fries and empanada was top tier. In the Bay Area La Victoria is known for their orange sauce but Roasted and Raw tops it with their own orange sauce. The location is spacious and clean with a great amount of natural light. I'm prepared to take friends next time I visit.

Next to the Residence Inn Marriot where I stayed.Glad to have this vegan establishment accessible to downtown Oakland.The Mac & Cheese was on point. The Carne Burrito was a nice touch and super filling with the beans.Really enjoyed the vegan twist on the dishes.They also sell sea moss lemonade which I chugged a couple.

This is a significantly late review for a special they had as part of Oakland Restuarant Week, when they had a BOGO deal for 2 crispy empanadas stuffed with house walnut chorizo, chedda and mozz cheeze, served with chipotle aioli. I had to call back a few times on the phone, since I wasn't able to get through the first time, but I assume it might've been just they didn't have enough staffing at the time of the first call.The empanadas were quite salty, and unfortunately a little too spicy for me since I can't handle much spiciness. However, they were quite flavorful, it actually impressively resembled ground meat in texture. The outside was fried in a way that is crispy and hard, which I thought was nice, compared to the softer shells for most empanadas I've had elsewhere. The chipotle aioli was also pretty good, a little spicy but also sour and refreshing.

Some years ago I tried Roasted and Raw for the first time at a Yelp Elite event. This is when they were located across the street from World Market, and it was good then too. It was surprising to me that they moved, but it worked out because they're even closer to me now. Normally I bring food to work, but this was an out of the norm day. There's a few spots in the area where you can get some guilt free food, but Roasted and Raw is what I chose because I remember the burrito being a giant amongst giants when it comes to burritos. Aside from that, when eating vegan I just need a little more to get me through for the day. I placed my order online for in store pickup. I think parking isn't too hard to find over here, but there is a lot of construction going on on 14th street now, so that's something to be aware of if driving. Pick up was easy. I arrived and my bag was labeled with my name. I get back to my office and it was to my favorite surprise that they included Yucca fries with my order and a side of chipotle sauce. Maybe I didn't read the menu all that thoroughly, but those fries are soooo good and the chipotle sauce is thick and creamy. Perfect for dipping. Also, you can count me in for Yucca fries anytime. It's not often that I see them in restaurants. The burrito is a giant that I can't take down in one sitting. I ordered it with vegan chicken, but the bell peppers and onions really add so much flavor to this burrito. I stopped home and grabbed a jalapeno and Serrano hot sauce I have, but I really didn't need it and refused to use it. Oakland has a lot of great food and businesses in the downtown and surrounding areas, but I really like Roasted and Raw because it's vegan cuisine that I don't find often and that I actually enjoy. Granted, I love the various dishes I can find at Ethiopian, Indian, Thai and Chinese spots BUT I really value Chef Imani Greer's contribution to the vegan dining scene in Oakland because of the various menu items. I'd take someone who isn't vegan here. There isn't much of an ambiance here, and that may be due to the fact that people aren't coming in office anymore. It's a great looking restaurant situated on the corner, but there were only two people inside when I arrived.

Stopped in on a Tuesday night and it was quiet, as most of their business is breakfast and lunch. Friendly greeting and made to feel welcome. Place is clean and mainly has tables for two.Menu has lots of variety but not so many choices that it's overwhelming. Excellent selection of alternative proteins with creative combos. Easy to do take out or pick up something great to take home or to the hotel.There are breakfast plates and burritos and for lunch burgers, burritos, pastas, bowls and plates. They have a selection of different hot sauces which I loved.I got a burrito with "bbq carnitas" that comes with seasoned "steak fries" and chipotle sauce. Everything was fresh and hot. Burrito was huge and so tasty, love that the outside was grilled like it should be. Beans cooked well, lots of fresh veggies.The fries are actually yucca fries and were amazing. Freshly cooked and covered in an excellent spice blend. As they say, they are very "more-ish". I'm not a fan of fries but I would happily order these anytime. The big chewy chocolate chip cookies are also a winner.I'm not vegan but love that they make delicious plant based food. Better for the planet and super tasty - it's a win-win.

Went here on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. The place seems to be trying really hard, but may have had some issues with vandalism. All the windows had notes on them to not burglarize because there was no cash on the premises. And there was a large boarded up window as well. So, maybe ambiance wasn't its strong suit now. I think the location was a former Paris Baguette, so some of the fixtures were seemingly from that tenant. Nevertheless, the staff was really nice. You order at the counter. They seemed to have been having some supply issues (ran out of drinking cups for water). Anyhow, the food was really good. I'm not vegan, but I throughly enjoyed my Kale Noodle Pad Thai. It was a big portion. Good flavor, and you feel so healthy afterwards with all the veggies in the dish. The star for me, however, were the yuca fries. Damn! I usually don't like thick fries because they tend to be overly mushy on the inside. These were not. If you didn't know it wasn't potato, you would've thought they were. These were super crispy and were just the right amount of softness inside. Kudos for the great job!

Delicious black bean burger and yucca fries at this plant-based restaurant. The chipotle sauce is bomb, and I'm looking forward to a scrumptious chocolate chip cookie for dessert. It's my first visit here and I definitely plan to return to try other dishes here.

This place is LEGIT. Even if you don't like vegan food, give it a try. The empanada is really good, and I even like the vegan fried chicken bits! LOTS of choices, regardless of whether you are a fan of vegan meat or not. And everyone was super kind despite me going in there on a conference call (my timing was terrible). Give them about a 1/2 hour to make it if it's around lunch- they can get busy!

Imani is so nice and generous. the food here is so good, thoughtfully executed, a bit of surprise in every dish I've tried. Even our daughter, who doesn't like tofu, was stealing tofu from our bowls and asking for more! love this place!

FIrst time - tried the smoked black bean burger. It was DEEEE licious! The flavor was awesome. The patty could have been a little crispier on the outside but boy oh boy I loved it. And yes would order again. Also, the yucca fries are good too. I will definitely be back!