This quickly became my favorite place in town once I discovered it. It's hard to find fresh, healthy food in Novato (especially in South Novato) and this checks all the boxes. Great options for vegetarians and carnivores alike! The Acai bowls are yummy (some of the better ones in Marin) but I personally love their Bay Bowl (pictured here) because it's the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I order it almost once a week. I was also hooked on their smoothies while I was pregnant! The staff is super friendly and the food is ready quickly. They also offer curbside pickup through the app!! It's a great spot to hang outside when the weather is nice. We bring many friends and visitors here, and they are always impressed. Truly something for everyone on the menu. They offer local deals a few times a month through their newsletter or text! read more

Active Culture - Bay Bowl - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

Loveeee Active Culture! I work down the street and love to go here for a filling, healthy lunch. Their salads and food are so fresh, are made with quality ingredients, and are served in large portions as well! The Eastern Trade Winds salad is my absolute favorite - the dates in this salad add the perfect amount of sweetness! Staff is always kind and attentive. Definitely recommend trying their salads and soft serve! Only downside is that it's kind of pricey (average salad is about $20 and shake is $13ish), but worth it once or twice a week! read more

Another internet gem. Found it via internet searching as I was passing through. Looking for vegan food. This place is super casual. Order at the counter. Get your number. Find a seat and with three heel clicks, your food is out lickity split. Today I tried the, Grassroots burger. No sauce to make it dairy free. It was really good. I'd pass on the chips next time. They're a little off and not made in house. I think they come out of a bag. You bus your own table. Expensive! $25 lentil burger with a few chips. I sat outside in front with with dog and watched all of the privileged old white women drama in the parking lot. Definitely Marin county! Easy quick place if your passing through. read more

Active Culture - Lentil burger. No sauce. Making it dairy free. - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

Yumm! Had lunch here after a hike at Indian Valley with my husband and a friend. Between the three of us we had the potato tacos, a bowl, and the grassroots burger, 2 smoothies, and their iced tea. We veganized the things that were not (by omitting cheese or yogurt sauces), and everything was delicious! This is a nice, casual, indoor/outdoor cafe and we enjoyed the outdoor seating on this breezy but nice day. One wish is that they had a vegan cheese option, or maybe some more vegan proteins (tempeh, seitan, or impossible??). Will definitely return and try more of their vegan options. read more

See all

Still loving this place. Well, except the pricing though they do more outreach and 50% off days for locals than anywhere else - in face nowhere else does this that I'm aware of! They also add some percentage for employee sustainability or something like that which also adds up. HOWEVER, when I feel I can afford them, I go. Still a wonderful friendly staff, delicious meals and generous portions. Most recently I had the Grass Roots burger - love the bun! and an acai bowl with a Moonlight Mint shake yet again. Dang, I love their food! read more

I can taste the love in this food. It was delicious! We got our order door dashed to us so we didn't get to go in but I loved the food we ordered. I got the breakfast bowl and added sprouts! I feel so good and filled with healthy nutrients now! And my boyfriend got the açaí bountiful bowl and he loved it as well! Thank you so much read more

Another fabtastic meal. I swear, this is my go to- for togo. For dine in. For soft serve. For salad. I freaking love the food here. Service is always friendly. Pro tip- add the veggie patty to salad and always order chili togo. read more

See all

Nice location with plenty of parking and seating. Lots of menu options. I came in for a late morning snack. Ordered the avocado toast which came with chips and salsa. Next time I'll try one of their many salad options. read more

Active Culture - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

See all

We decided to try this place since it is in the way to one of our destinations on our mini vacation. The fact that they have vegan options for my wife, and 50% off everything on Fridays, it was hard not to give it a try. We brought our little dog so we sat at a table in the outdoor dining area. The food was great! I had a bowl, my wife had a veggie burger and my Mother in law had a salad! We each had. Try of each others food and everything was delicious and fresh! We also had shakes for dessert! This place has a good thing going on and we can't wait to try it again! It would be great if they opened a location in San Diego!! read more

See all

Lovely staff. Wonderful healthy fare. Beautiful comfortable space. Salads are bomb. Great choice if you have any dietary concerns.

Pacheco Plaza has gotten a real glow-up in the past few years and Active Culture is a big part of it. From a seat at their casual outdoor patio the whole town looks a lot better. Having been to and liked a meal-sized salad and frozen yogurt at their Laguna Beach location, this was my second visit to the Novato site and it did nothing to change my opinion: Active Culture, with their big, varied menu does healthy-seeming food very well. They hire enthusiastic, friendly workers, and put out a tasty product. Having a minimal amount of time to spare, I settled on a cup of their Vegan Chili and found it both ample and tasty. I can handle and I enjoy highly spiced food. This was not that, but it was well-spiced, satisfying and stimulating to my taste buds. I wasn't taken with the tortilla chips they included (they tasted healthy which is not what I go for in tortilla chips) but that is my sole complaint and it's really not much of one; the chili satisfied so fully that no tortilla chips were even desired. It's apparent that Active Culture does a good job wherever one finds them. This Novato outpost continues the trend. read more

Active Culture was our go-to for açaí bowls. Their açaí bowls are usually one of the best in Marin, but yesterday we ordered two protein bowls that were subpar. The person who took the order accommodated our requests for topping substitutions but when our order arrived, the açaí was like soup, melted and watery, and the substitutions were incorrect. Maybe it was an off day or their cooling equipment wasn't working, but what a disappointment read more

I got the Bay bowl and was very happy with it. The tartness from the apples was so refreshing! Very healthy and clean, the grains fill you up and keep you full. I wish they had more beverage options.. Pricing was steep but otherwise happy with our visit! read more

Active Culture - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

Food is good, service is very poor. This last time I went, they didn't have hot coffee or tea. Asked for some creamer for the cold coffee which tasted terrible, they were out. Messed up my order. Some of this happened before as well. Management should seriously focus on quality control!! read more

Ordering from Active Culture is always a treat. This is one of my favorite food spots in Novato. I've had the wholesome bowl, not your mama's nachos, eastern trade winds, the bay bowl, the potato tacos and the breakfast bowl. I highly recommend all of them. I don't feel guilty whenever I eat here and they don't skimp on flavor. They also have açaí bowls, tasty shakes and froyo! The service is always great. They are tucked on the side of the Pacheco Plaza shopping center next to Marin Coffee Roasters and Boca Pizzeria. There is plenty of parking. Be sure to sign up for their e-newsletter because they have several discounts and specials every month. read more

See all

The name made me feel like what they serve is supposed to resemble what someone with a healthy and lively lifestyle eats, so I was all for it. It is also relatively easy to find, and they are next door to a coffee shop. I got Active Culture's hummus quinoa salad and it was pretty good. To be honest, I didn't need the sauce because it was not lacking flavor and did not set off any "dry" warning bells haha. They were also kind enough to show me where everything was, as if they knew it was my first time there. It's also not that far from my location. Score! I will be back. read more

Active Culture - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

I love that Active Culture is here in Novato, and I know it's my vegetarian daugther's favorite place in town, BUT I really think they need to step up their game. Today my kid and I stopped in to order a to-go lunch for us and her mom. I got the chili with bread on the side, the ladies ordered a Bay Bowl and a Veggie Bowl. So, first the order comes out and there's clearly only two of the three items. The young man at the counter checked the ticket, apologized, and came back out with the missing veggie bowl. Or so we thought. When we got to my wife's office we found out that 1. the veggie bowl didn't have any dresssing 2. the veggie bowl (although tasty) wasn't actually the veggie bowl but some other bowl 3. The side of bread was actually chips. So, counting the error at the counter: FOUR errors on a 3 item order. That's overachievement of a sort I suppose. Double and triple check your orders friends. read more

Stopped by for a quick lunch with a colleague. The Wholesome bowl was absolutely delicious, super healthy, and something I would order again! Ordering at the cashier was easy and efficient and we had the opportunity to enjoy the sun at one of their outdoor tables. The staff also do a great job of keeping the place clean. Definitely worth a try! read more

Active culture has quickly become my go-to spot for breakfast. I have become a creature of habit and always order the bountiful bowl with peanut butter. It is so delicious, healthy, and refreshing. They have lots of vegan and vegetarian options available on their menu. Warm bowls, acai bowls, smoothies, breakfast, frozen yogurt, and local beers/wines. They have some indoor seating as well as a lovely patio. On the weekends, there is typically live music playing outside the venue. The patio is dog-friendly and there are typically a few dogs around. The staff has always been friendly and accommodating. The store is always clean and spotless, even the outside patio. So happy to have this spot so close to home! read more

Active Culture - Acai bowl - Bountiful Bowl (Medium) with peanut butter added - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

Even for a carnivorous person like me, I love this place. This breakfast bowl packs a lot of flavor and is filling. I also love their acai bowls & soft serve. read more

Active Culture - Breakfast Bowl - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

Great food and nice environment. The açaí bowls are sooo good. You feel good after eating here, the food is healthy, clean and fresh!

Delicious, fresh, healthy food. This was perfect as my friend has a number of food allergies. Also a great location just off the highway.

A family-owned, fast, casual café offering delicious healthy eats made with love! Think acai bowls, savory meal/grain bowls, salads, smoothies, and more. Plus beer and wine! Are you Vegetarian? Vegan? Gluten-free? They've got you covered with their plant-forward menu! Order at the counter for dine-in or take-out. There's a menu on the wall, but grab one of the laminated menus at the counter to browse the full selection of offerings. Sit inside or sit outside on their patio (in the nice weather, the wall opens for an indoor/outdoor flow). There are crayons for kiddos, or kids at heart. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! I went in recently on a drive back from SF. Service was friendly and helpful, and my to-go food was ready super quickly: Bay Bowl Organic brown rice, prosciutto, aged gouda cheese, apple, dates, basil, lemon vinaigrette | GF, SF I swapped quinoa for the brown rice, to increase the protein. This salad is a harmony of savory and sweet, and I want another as I write this! It was lightly dressed and it tasted great when I got home 40 minutes later. If I lived closer to Active Culture, this would be a regular stop. Cheers to delicious, healthy eats! read more

See all

I was born and raised in Laguna Beach and probably ate active culture at least 3 times a week in high school. I can't tell you how delighted I was to hear they have one in the Bay Area! This lunch felt like a perfect little bite of home and made me so happy. I always switch off between ordering the Whole Bowl and the "LB" rice bowl (with dates, prosciutto, and apples). The OG sauce on the whole bowl is so amazing and I have never been able to replicate it no matter how hard I have tried. I always get a couple on the side to go. I love the little courtyard this place is in too, so nice to catch some rays when you become a pale sf vampire ghost read more

Active Culture - Wholesome bowl - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

Wife lives the food here. She always feels energized and healthy after a meal Leo is an amazing employee. This young man is always working hard, smile on his face, friendly. This is the type of person I would hire for my business. We need more young people like Leo read more

The veggies were fresh. The service was friendly. I would come back if I had an opportunity.

One of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat - I wish they had more than one location! My favorite item of theirs would be their seasonal shakes. So far I've had their Caramel Apple Shake and Melon Berry Bliss - delicious! For food, I've had their Simple Salad, Quinoa Lentil Bowl, and Evolution Bowl. Portions are HUGE! One order seems catering size - it will last for days! I've also had their avocado toast (bread was too thick for a dish I feel should be on the lighter side), Ignacio Acai Bowl (it was okay), Detox Smoothie (didn't have a smoothie texture and I would have liked a stronger watermelon taste to it), and soft serve (will pass on that next time). I recently went to order their current seasonal shake, Pumpkin Pie Shake, but they didn't have the ingredients to make it so that was a disappointment. Service seems to be hit or miss. One time the guy working the counter was on the phone for a long time taking an order. As a customer, it would have been nice to have gotten a "thank you for waiting," but he did approach me right away when I arrived (I just wasn't ready to order yet). The guys bringing out food orders have consistently been pretty good though. The outdoor eating area is nice. Tables are plentiful, though not regularly wiped down from what I've noticed on visits. Despite some of the misses, I love the variety of healthy options and their shakes, and I would love to come back to try more of their offerings. read more

See all

A very charming little place inside this plaza. The service is great and the food is delicious if you want something healthy. read more

Active Culture - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

See all

Active Culture is a fast casual cafe chain that has a menu perfect for the vegan curious and vegetarians in the Marin area. Although not a full time vegan, I do like to dabble! When I found out that Active Culture had opened up, I was immediately drawn by its menu that emphasizes organic and healthier eating options with emphasis on vegetable forward items. With the open outdoor eating concept at this Novato location, Active Culture definitely fits their wholesome food idea. In terms of food, I was definitely not disappointed! Bay Bowl (4.5/5) - If you are a fan of the mix of the creamy gouda cheese and prosciutto with apples, then you will not be disappointed by this bowl. What really brings the bowl together is the lemon vinaigrette that gives a nice citrus kick to cut the richness. I also enjoyed the addition basil to give extra pops of flavor. I just wanted more!! Grassroots Burger (4.5/5) - This housemade lentil patty was thick!!! With this lentil patty, I found that it was not only pretty tasty, but also just as fulfilling as a meat patty. Mixed with falafel sauce, sprouts, red onions, and cucumber, the burger was stacked and was spilling out by the end. The resulting mess was a nice dip for the accompanying nachos! In addition to food, they have drinks, smoothies, and yogurt (recognized by several OC newspapers as one of the best yogurts in the area!). The service was a little uneven as there was a period when no one was even taking orders. Perhaps because there was not enough people working at the time I went? But when helped, the worker was great and everything came out in a reasonable time. In terms of parking, there is plenty of spaces available in the shared lot though may get busy depending on the time of day. Overall, Active Culture is a welcome addition to the Novato area with healthier alternatives that we have been missing! read more

Okay, seriously ... I eat here all the time and claim I am a vegetarian going on over a month now. This place is amazing - food makes me crave zero meat and I swear I am addicted to their Huevos Rancheros! Staff is "on it" and consistently friendly! My daughter and I have recently discovered their mimosas which we crave cautiously. Love this place!!! read more

Active Culture - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

See all

I enjoyed EVERY dish that was provided. The stand outs were the bay bowl. Wholesome bowl and the Date shake!! I will definitely be back for the bay bowl and I would like ti try a salad. I learned that there were a few Active Cultures in southern Cali. I love that one is close and I'm able to make healthier choices while in the go! Not yo mama snacks were good too! So many vegan options and I'm excited to have been part of this the experience. I would def recommend this business and I will be back!! Came back the very next day for the bay bowl and it was delicious!! I'll definitely be back. Want to try the salad next! read more

See all

Always fresh food that tastes so good. My family loves when we order dinner nights from Active Culture. Employees are very considerate and kind. They answer any questions we have. Very clean and fresh ambiance. Very pleasant experience all together. read more

I'm not vegetarian but I enjoyed this place. Almost all of their menu items are vegetarian. I think that there may be one item with prosciutto. I had the potato tacos. The dish comes with 2 large tacos, chips and salsa fresca. The tacos were very good and had a nice mixture of ingredients. My daughter ordered the Deluxe Egg-el Sandwich. I had a bite and thought it was also very tasty - especially the guacamole. My daughter also had a smoothie. Not sure which one but it was also very good. I don't think I'm ready to become vegetarian but this place would make the transition easier. They have a large menu and long hours. I will be back. read more

See all

Reviewed 5 stars about a year ago. I've loved stopping in over the years and trying new dishes! Everything about this spot is lovely. read more

See all

OK, so I found this place on accident because I was craving an açai bowl and Nekter was closed and I just searched açaí and I got to say when I walked in and saw the menu it made me wish I lived in Marin so I could eat here all the time. The açaí bowl was good, the granola was odd, it was good but not my favorite but the rest was yummy. Can't wait to go back honestly and try one of the salads or bowls. read more

Active Culture - Açaí bowl - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

I'm not a vegan but this place has some great offerings. I even liked the chili without any meat in it.

SERVICE - located very close to the exit off of highway 101 in a small shopping complex - plenty of parking in lot - outdoor and indoor seating - order at counter and then find a table - full menus available on side of counter - servers are friendly and willing to help with modifications - food served quickly - self service water, silverware, and condiments MENU - cafe style food - allergens clearly marked - modifications available for all dishes - average price ($14 per entree) FOOD - lentil goodness bowl (7/10): brown rice, garbanzo beans, black lentils, carrot, cucumber, tomato, onion, and sprouts with a generous drizzle of OG sauce. This bowl looks small but is actually packed. The combination of all the ingredients is delicious and a great lunch meal. I would have liked something for crunch like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. - grassroots burger (8/10): lentil burger patty with tomato, onion, cucumber, sprouts, and OG sauce in a toasted bun with a side of tortilla chips. The burger patty was one of the best I have ever eaten. It does not try to be meat and embraces the flavor of the beans. The burger was also very easy to bite into since it was the perfect height. I would have liked some more sauce inside or perhaps even avocado slices. I also would have liked the option to have a side of potato wedges instead of chips. - not your mama's nachos (6/10): tortilla chips topped with black and red beans, tomato, onion, salsa, and guacamole. We replaced the cheese and sour cream with the OG sauce to make it vegan. It is quite a large portion which is perfect for sharing. The toppings are quite well distributed so even the bottom chips are not plain. I liked the combination of black and kidney beans. I would have wanted some spice perhaps in the form of sliced jalapeños. - orange creamsicle shake (8/10): orange and coconut. This was the summer seasonal flavor so we had to try it. It tasted exactly like a creamsicle ice cream with a very fresh taste of orange. The coconut base is slightly gritty so expect some flakes as you are sipping. - moonlight mint shake (8/10): coconut base blended with cacao powder, fresh mint, and cacao nibs. Similar to the orange shake, this one also has flecks of coconut and cacao inside. The flavor is the right amount of chocolate and mint without tasting like toothpaste. The coconut is also subtle but not overpowering. WOULD I COME BACK? Yes! The food was simple but very tasty. read more

See all

This was such a great addition to the Ignacio shopping center. They have a nice variety of breakfast options, healthy salads, grain and açaí bowls. It's mostly vegetarian but I honestly didn't miss the meat, and there are options with eggs or prosciutto. They have yummy flavored water (complimentary) as well as tons of nonalcoholic and a few alcoholic options. Perfect place to bring the kids, as the service is quick and they have a bunch of games and toys. Also a fantastic kids menu! read more

Active Culture - Big salad - Vegetarian Near Me - Novato, California

See all

Love their açaí bowls. They are really well balanced. Make sure to get cocoa nibs. They have local promotions often

Food was great! Variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Meat options as well.