Casa de Luz Reviews

They prepare the tastiest healthiest food in town and it's great they have a set menu as otherwise it'd be too difficult to choose what you want. Plus, I love eating all I want.

Wanderfest. It was the perfect place for a group of women travelers to meet, share stories, learn from each other, create, do art and do yoga. The atmosphere was so calm and tranquil. A nice blend of outdoor areas and a vegan restaurant. Different classes offered there, too. Our group of travel bloggers and avid travelers headed out from here into the city for walking tours and to enjoy the Lady Bird Lake Trail and all the nearby food areas. Great location.

Love this place for a great healthy meal. No choices, you get what they're cooking that day but it is always in season, locally grown, macrobiotic.

Absolutely love this restaurant! I refer everyone of my friends to this place. With a set menu everyday, it offers healthy vegetarian meals in which can satisfy any appetite! Cannot wait to return!

Macrobiotic vegan at it’s finest and most delicious! I eat glutenfree and was intrigued by this place and it totally exceeded my expectations. It’s a prix fix offering - you serve yourself soup and salad then walk up to the counter and are served a generous entree plate of several differently prepared veggies and brown rice. Beverages are included cold or hot. Many dessert options run you a couple dollars extra. I was so full from my lunch I didn’t even get to try any desserts. The dining room is large and open and there are also seating outside on the porch. Great atmosphere - from people chatting over their meal, to moms with kiddos, to solo visitors working on their computers. The menu changes daily. Just about anyone would enjoy eating here, you don’t need to be vegan or vegetarian.

At Casa de Luz, everything is organic, vegan and gluten free. Many of the ingredients are locally sourced as well. The set menu for the day included cabbage and mushroom veggie soup, veggie tacos, and a salad made of purple cabbage and lettuce. Sides for the tacos were black beans, blanched collard greens, pickled beets, and a brown rice medley. The GF tortillas were outstanding and didn’t fall apart when handled. The taste and texture was spot on as well. The taco veggies were fresh and tender. The 2 ingredient salad was basic and arrived with the vinegarette dressing already applied. The black beans were yummy, as was the sauce topping. Overall, Casa de Luz uses super clean ingredients and cooking methods, serving clean and healthy food at a reasonable price.

I had read no reviews on Casa de Luz but was looking for a place near Zilker Park that would provide some healthy options. Found it on Google Maps. Was a little surprised that I had to walk through a wellness center before I reached the restaurant, but that just added to the experience. I noticed the people ahead of me paying upfront, so told the cashier this was my first time and he explained the process. Since it was a Monday night and quiet, there were plenty of seats, glasses, plates, and I chose to eat outside. I picked up my tea, salad, and soup and was told the staff would bring me my main dish. Didn't happen, but I saw that someone else had gone up to get their food so I did the same. My food review: didn't care for the tea, loved the sweet potato soup and the salad, found the blanced greens with walnut dressing different but tasty, really liked my zucchini, corn vegetable melange, found the quinoa/brown rice tasteless, but okay if mixed with the pinto beans. I didn't try the dessert, as there was more than enough food already. What I enjoyed: the different dining experience. The obviously healthy- (and sometime alternative-) looking patrons. The "community" feeling. Made it worthwhile and I hope to make it back again.

Set menus for lunch and dinner. I wasn't particularly wowed by the lunch choice and tried to base my decision off what would be offered at dinner. The counter clerk didn't know what would be served an hour and a half later. I ended up getting the lunch offering. Soup, salad, and entree were all ok. Everything seems very health conscious and locally sourced so I can definitely appreciate that. Their water is labeled, "flouride filtered and vortex activated". Found that pretty interesting. The wait staff is all very kind. Environment is very relaxed and peaceful.

best vegan by far, go on a friday night, you'll eat what I mean

I really enjoyed my meal here. Everything was very tasty and filling as well. It's a unique dining experience (I'll let you read the other reviews to see how they do it), but worked well for our casual lunch before visiting Barton Springs. The soup was delicious. The 4-year old with us gobbled it up! The entree plate had about 6 different selections so if something wasn't to your liking there were plenty of other choices. It all was to my liking, though! I am an ordinary eater, not a vegan, although I do love veggies. We sat outside and watched the kids from the school next door play. That meant the playground was not available for our own little one, but it was no big deal. I enjoyed the shady and lush entrance. I would definitely eat here again when I am in town.

Where to detox after you BBQ binging. Very satisfying vegetarian/basic (vs. acidic) meals in a peaceful setting with a nice crew of staff and co-diners.

I have a love/hate relationship with Austin. On one hand, being a vegetarian, I love that I can go here and know I will be immersed in a culture that not only acknowleges my lifestyle, but offers so many choices! Austin's culture of tolerance is refreshing in an otherwise conservative state. Enlightened artists, musicians, hippies and yuppies have managed to make their way here in droves. For better or worse. . . Which brings us to the other hand: there are too many people here! Enlightened or not, Austin is cram-packed with people, cars, bicycles, dogs, scooters, buses, you name it. Being from Fort Worth (Also known as Cowtown) I have become accustomed to moderate traffic and a fair deal of personal space. In Austin, it seems to be rush hour all the time. So where can one go to leave all this behind? In my experience, Casa de Luz maintains a relaxing atmosphere all the time. I especially like this place at night, when your short, dimly lit walk through the "woods" makes you feel as if you are truly escaping the city. The food is fairly priced, and it is always good and thoughtfully prepared. I am not entirely clear on the science and biochemistry of macrobiotics, but that's not really why I go there. Casa offers great vegan food! Their selections are seasonal, local and eco-friendly. They also offer gluten-free stuff and their bakery is stocked with goodies. All in all, Casa de Luz is a fantastic escape from the hubbub of the city. They offer an experience you won't find in too many places. The food is great, the price is nice, and the location is very convenient to downtown. I love what they do here and I will be back next time I am in Austin!

Casa de Luz’s food is absolutely lovely. Vegan food that doesn’t pretend to be meat shaped or meat substitutes. Fresh healthy ingredients cooked with mindfulness and care, yes you can taste the difference! I especially love the nut sauces—mmmmm! No menu—just help yourself to a delicious tea and salad, they will bring your main dish to your table shortly. Tables are communal, so grab a seat anywhere and enjoy. Don’t forget to get one of their cookbooks so you can keep enjoying the food long after you leave. HIGHLY recommend this restaurant!

Casa De Luz was a highlight of my Austin experience. You are almost guaranteed to enjoy great conversation over communal tables and an extremely tasty, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non GMO full meal complete with soup and salad. I can't wait until they open up a space in Sothern California!

I eat here almost every day. The food is incredible and very healthy. The setting is wonderful and is a retreat from the buzz of the city. There is one daily meal. It is great every day. Visitors to austin should go here buts it’s largely local. Thus places doesn’t advertise. It doesn’t need to.

My family I have been here several times. We have never been disappointed. This is not gourmet dining. It is simply eating good healthy food that is well-prepared and often times in its natural state. If we would all eat more food like this we would be much healthier. I highly recommend it for a great vegetarian meal.

wonderful wonderful atmosphere, food and people!

This is macrobiotic food that is pretty good. It is very reasonably priced and is served community style seating. It is a very quiet, peaceful place to eat. We had lunch here.

This is definitely a different way of enjoying a meal. But it is nice not to have to worry about what is in my food. It is fantastic.

I met up with a friend for a cooking class hosted here and loved the experience. After the class we sat in the restaurant after ordering two “to go” meals and had some tea. The place is definitely one of a kind, in a good way. It is staffed with volunteers and the food is delicious! Casa de Luz has classrooms, small shops, yoga and meditation classes and more. The atmosphere is peaceful and the meals are inexpensive (less than $15 per meal with tea and tax free). The vibe is Old Austin, welcoming, laid back and sincere.

We are a vegetarian couple who only wanted a light lunch. The only option was to have just the soup and salad as we couldn't face the big plate as well. It was tasty, healthy and fresh, but would have benefitted from providing bread to accompany it. But that isn't the sort of thing they do.

This place is a sanctuary. Just on the outskirts of Downtown Austin and now nestled between two new condo developments near the ZACH theatre campus, this educational community fosters holistic wellness, meditation, healing practices, and a wonderful macrobiotic-style restaurant. If you need to detox from the hustle of the everyday (or the sardine packed energy of whatever festival you may be attending), than do yourself a favor and please stop here. The way it works is that you pay a flat fee for your meal at the front, and for example, at dinner or lunch, you help yourself to a bowl of soup, hot or iced tea, and a salad, and then they will bring your meal to you. The menu is the same for everyone, changes daily, and is always gluten-free, vegan, alkalizing, seasonal, local, and organic. The dining space is open, so you could definitely find yourself a secluded nook or your could choose to sit close to others community-style. And their desserts (which are purchased a la carte outside of your initial meal fee) are now all gluten-free and vegan! So while this respite from the bustling energies of the outside always ends sweetly, now it can be doubly so. A place to find peace, quiet, and restoration for the mind, body, and soul.

Loved this place. I like the plant based eating scene in Austin, and food as medicine and soul and certainly CDL embodies this. It is a peaceful retreat to eat at, settling in spirit. Delicious whole foods. You have a set menu and pay on entry, have a self served soup and simple salad and then your are bought your entrees. The deserts a a some! Took our twins aged 4. They ate just enough, but they loved the park. Kids can use the school park attached to the center. W sat in the deck and enjoyed our food. Nice!

We came here for lunch a few weeks ago while we were passing through Austin and so glad we didn't give up with all of the traffic. The little area that this place is located is so relaxing, I wish we had had more time to spend just relaxing and enjoying the outdoors because it would have been so nice. The food was delicious, we are not vegan but we do try to limit our meat consumption and this place is superb. They served a yummy butternut squash soup with a romaine salad with dressing, not sure what all was in it but it was so good. Then they bring you out the main dish which had rice, steamed vegetables, steamed kale with a peanut type sauce, beans and cabbage. All were so delicious and fresh. We will definitely go back! My only complaint is there is not a place like this close to Georgetown!

I have been eating at Casa de Luz since about 1989 and ate there almost everyday for 12 years just because the folks there have such a commitment to organic, vegan, and quality. Their soups are so good they are off the soup chart in their own special category for supreme flavor and originality. The salads are simply amazing in their simplicity and consistency of perfect lettuce and wonderfully imaginative dressings. Their main course (the only one they serve...as there are no options), is consistently fantastic with a grain, veggies, usually some kind of bean, and a cultured food in addition to provide your probiotic requirement.

If you are looking to eat healthy, this is the right place. It is located directly opposite a park - so it is easy to find parking. The restaurant itself has lush greenery. So, the ambience is just right. The food is tasty and you get plenty of it. We had gone there after a long hike in nearby Zilker Botanical Garden. It was the perfect place to get rejuvenated.

Macrobiotic food, I stare at my plate and wonder how they make these vegetables taste so savory. It is amazing food and I have never been disappointed. The restaurant is peaceful and the surrounding is also. It is my little sanctuary. My only complaint is they do not have one in San Antonio, so I do not eat here as often as I would.

I eat lunch at casa de luz at least once a week... My favorite soup is the sweet potato ginger. The salads are always delicious. The vibe and friendly environment is so relaxing. I recently brought relatives who were visiting from Los Angeles, and they said it was one of the best meals they had ever eaten. I feel so fortunate that we have this gem in Austin!

Fabulous, friendly vegan restaurant. First you serve yourself with soup and salad and sit down either inside or out. When you are finished, your entree (changes daily) arrives. Delicious food and you definitely won't leave hungry. Filtered water and hot tea available. Dessert extra.

Great vegan food options just south of downtown Austin. The restaurant operates in a somewhat confusing fashion - most, but not necessarily all, of the food is served in a quasi-buffet fashion...sometimes. Beyond this curiosity, though, everything is great...especially the fresh, healthy food choices. Will certainly be returning again.

People either love or hate this place. This Austin institution has a large communal dining area amidst beautiful oak trees. You used to barely view the trailer park next door but, like most of Austin these days, has given way to views of overpriced pre-fab apartments. The vegan/macrobiotic food here is wonderful and coming here could be a motivating force behind creating healthier eating habits. This place nurtures the body, mind, and soul and worth a visit to experience south Austin at its finest.

Just a nice Austin spot for rest and peace. On a busy, hectic day Casa is the best place to slow down and enjoy your food. Well prepared, community effort. An enjoyable surrounding with a quiet austin vib

My husband and I were vegans visiting from out of town and came to Casa de luz on our 5th day. It was great to get a simple plant based meal after 5 days of vegan junk food indulgence. The food was very simple, but tasty and the serving size was generous. This isn’t a standard restaurant as the whole complex is a sort of community center. You walk into the eating area and there is only one meal optioned offered. A soup, salad, main dish and drink. After paying you serve yourself the soup, salad and drink (water or tea). Once you sit down they bring you your main dish. When you’re done eating you bus your dishes. The complex also has a great area to sit outside with tables, hammocks and areas hidden in the greenery. It was a cool place and we were glad to find it after our day at Barton Springs.

I eat there about 4 times a year. My vegan group has met there because it is one of the few restaurants in town that offer low fat, low salt, vegan dishes. Everyone is served the same food. There is a soup, a salad and a main dish. The price includes an option of two teas usually. It is a relaxed atmosphere. The walkway to the door is beautiful and relaxing which sets the mood for the fresh food.

I have never been disappointed with eating here. Great place for families with kids since they share the playground next door with a day school - which allows you to sit outside next to the playground and enjoy a meal while the kiddos run amuck. *That being said - my child won't eat here* It is microbiotic food - which I think it delicious - but his jr. tastebuds say otherwise - so he plays and I enjoy a "home" prepared meal that is good for my body and languish in the tranquil environment that is good for my soul! So sit indoors or out - your choice. Basically it is set up like summer camp for adults. You arrive, pay at the hostess stand, choose from a variety of homey coffee mugs and serve your self non-caffiented hot tea. Choose a spot to sit, go get a salad and then they will bring you your entree to the table. Then just like camp, clear your table and put your dishes at the counter for the staff to wash. There is also a small bookstore to linger in and items for purchase. They also offer classes - and services - so check the schedule. Parking is a hassle - but it's worth it for this gem of a place!

i am spending 3 months at optimum health institute in austin and i will not ruin all that hard work and detoxifying by eating questionable food out.casa de luz is not just another place-there is a quality to their all organic sourced vegetables-the selections that they offer put together as a meal-and i will not eat food that is not prepared with love-i feel that this place puts the whole package together so you can go out and eat and feel good about your diet-even the desserts are concious and awesome-

health food tastes like health food.

I love this place. The atmosphere is wonderful and I always feel good after I finish a meal here. I am not a vegan, nor do I have any particular dietary restrictions, but I enjoy the really clean food and the community atmosphere. They do not use oils, animal products, processed foods, or nightshades. Even so, I think the food is very fresh tasting with healthy portions. Note they use a lot of their own vegetables! However, if you are used to heavily processed food and the idea of eating steamed greens with lemon juice churns your stomach—do not visit! When I first came 10 years ago (and had a fast food addiction), I didn’t like it because I thought it was too bland. Now that I’ve changed my diet and eat a (mostly) healthy variety, it tastes much better and my body often craves a lunch or dinner there. I go at least once a week now! It’s my healthy food go-to because I always feel good after. Know that you’re getting a nutritious meal, great company, and a cool atmosphere. Don’t be surprised if other people join you for your meal and a nice convo ;) that’s normal and encouraged here! Also check out the adjacent studio, 3rd Eye Lounge, for meditation, Yoga, breath work, etc.

My wife and I have read several reviews of this restaurant and were excited to try it. So first of all it's not a full revise restaurant, you pay, serve yourself soup and salad then someone brings you your meal and you bus your own dishes and pour your own tea. Food was very good and after I accepted that is wasn't a normal sit down restaurant I was ok with the place. For an interesting experience and good foot give it a try.

I had read about CdL many times but could not find the time to go there to give it a shot. It was hard to find but easy now that I know it's right behind Chuy's on Barton Springs. Very beautiful setting. I wanted to eat outside, but it was not very peaceful with the loud construction going on and the kids screaming on the playground...so, chose to move back inside. The food was delicious, wholesome, vegan, and gluten free. It was so nice to not have to worry about finding something decent to order on a menu or worrying about how it is prepared. I even got to enjoy pecan pie for dessert :) I will go back!

This is what Austin was like in the 60's. Laid back, Vegetarians on every corner. Live and let live type of people. You get all you can eat veggies and sides. Nothing is bad for you. A must stop if you visiit Austin

This is a very unique restaurant. We love the food, which is always balanced with nutrient-dense, whole foods, including a fermented side. The salad dressings are amazing and I have learned to make my own walnut dressing. It's awesome to experience how much flavor can be added when no gluten, preservatives, or seasonings are added. The restaurant does have a bit of a "hippy vibe" which can feel extreme after multiple visits. We just go for the food and family time. The spiritual aspect is not our style.

Visiting Austin we searched TripAdvisor (and one of your competitors) for a lunch recommendation near Zilker Park, where we were hanging out. Cafe de Luz came up as recommended by both and was a short distance away. At first when we pulled up, we were not sure we had the right place. We found a school, a therapeutic massage place, a holistic doctor's office, and yes, a cafe. Walked in and the hostess said $24 for two. I said we hadn't been there before and wondered what the process was. She. Her fully explained that we got our own soup, salad and beverages; our own flatware and napkin and found a place to sit. Lots of tables, many large enough for multiple groups. The. As we finished, she said that we would be brought our entrees, which consisted of many different vegan dishes -small portions of each. So we paid, got our stuff, shared a table and ate. Miso soup with veggies and the salad were pretty good. Entree came and we had four items on each plate to choose from - greens with almonds and sunflower, red lentils, quinoa, mushrooms, brown rice, veggie medley, pickled cabbage - can't really remember all the choices. Very satisfying and filling. Great flavors. They also had some dessert options, but we were too full to try one. We recommend this place, even if you are not vegan or vegetarian. It's a great place to try several items. If you don't like something, there are multiple,other things to eat. I am guessing that the menu changes daily, or at least frequently. If we go back while we are her, I will let you know. We also picked up one of their recipe books and are looking forward to trying some of them when we get home. The soups look amazing. BTW - it was well worth the $$.

All veg, all organic, all delicious. This is an Austin staple.

We were so thrilled to get this recommendation from an Austin native. When we arrived, we walked in past their school and playyard and entered the inside dining area. There you pay $11 for lunch and take a soup and salad, which we took to their quiet, shaded outdoor tables. There was a choice of free tea or water Then one of the staff brings out the meal for the day. All of it was scrumptious!! The desserts are all reasonably priced and available for picking - three were required to be sampled by us before we were done. A very tranquil, delicious stop! .

First, the good: the entryway is beautiful. The walk to the restaurant itself is gorgeous, especially at night: mood lighting, plants -- it really sets you up for something special. Unfortunately, that's about it for positives. The food is bland, unimaginative, and unattractive. And (to borrow from Woody Allen) in such small portions! Even going back for seconds -- which is included in the flat rate for the meal -- it's difficult to leave this place feeling full. My date and I actually went somewhere else to eat after dinner here. The atmosphere of the dining area itself is that of a hippy cafeteria. This is, in fact, a hippy cafeteria, so that makes sense. You mostly serve yourself -- though they bring the "entree" to your table. You bus your own dishes. The seating is comprised of long, shared tables. The workers seem kind of disgruntled, like malnourished versions of the tired lunch lady in middle school. Don't let that sophisticated entryway fool you into thinking this place caters to refined tastes or sophisticated palettes. This is macrobiotic food served without flair: bean mashes, steamed greens, and twig tea (the crowd favorite, apparently). It's prepared with little appreciation for texture or color. The central concern is "health," but in the macrobiotic sense, not the real-world sense. I've heard a lot of people call this a vegan restaurant. Please don't judge vegan food by this place. Macrobiotic food is only related to veganism by coincidence. It rejects whole swaths of ingredients based on its pseudoscientific foundation, which severely limits the ability to create good-tasting food. Casa de Luz is not a vegan restaurant. It's barely a restaurant. If your companion calls it the best Austin has to offer and tries to drag you there, run.

Casa de Luz serves the best vegan meals that I have ever tasted. Each day they serve a different meal but you eat whatever dish is on the menu that day. There is no selection but be assured that you won't mind, if you love healthy food. The amount of flavor in each bite is to be relished. I wanted to slow down my chewing and really savor my food. If you want a giant meal, this isn't the place but if you want a meal that leaves you feeling good when you're finished---this is it.

had an opportunity in my companion's busy schedule to do a short visit in her neighborhood. the Casa was one of her suggestions and she is amazingly good on reco's. the setting is fun, almost a secret magical world down an alleyway. the food was luscious, the lentil soup was a rich blend with vegis, the salad a wonderful mix and the entre plate loaded, beautifully arranged. and each portion was quite good (I did not eat as much as I wanted so I could catch each word of my companion, emoji ... sigh ... sorry all food is pretty great to me but a few minutes with this red head green eyed enchantress ... yummy!). the tea was quite good, RHGEE got a desert and about worshipped each bite! so think was lip licking good! really is an oasis of retreat in a busy city!!! thanx, hope I have a second lunch opportunity with Ms RHGEE!

macrobiotic food. zen atmosphere.

I had heard about Casa de Luz for years and met someone for dinner. It is beautiful. I love the community feeling of the restaurant. I'm not sure you should call it a restaurant though it is more like a commissary. I'm willing try any type of food. I love vegetarian food, but this food was awful. I didn't understand the whole premise behind macrobiotic, but I had no idea it had no taste.. It has no seasoning, and honestly kind of like baby food. Some may love it, but unless you are into that kind of food steer clear.

The food was excellent all the way around and very healthy too. I did not mind at all that I did not have a menu to order from. You start with a beverage (tea or other juice they have for the day), soup and a salad, and when you are done they bring the main entree. I will certainly return if I am in the area.

This is probably my very favorite place. If they weren't 3 hours from home, I would eat here every day and give up cooking. Many varied selections that change daily. Vegan cuisine at its very best. It is single price for a total meal experience. Go often and enjoy!

You feel healthy even though you are absolutely full.

Wish I knew about this place sooner. My husband and I received a gift certificate for Christmas. We have been on a vegan diet for three months right now. We loved the food, loved the environment and our daughter (26 months) enjoyed the playground after lunch as well.

All you can eat and drink! You start with cold or hot tea or water. serve yourself soup and a delicious salad. Your entree will be delivered. You share the table with others. Keep in mind that there is NO Sugar or man made sweeteners nor salt & pepper.I recommend you Look on the website to see what is the entree for the evening.

Step into the Zen garden of Casa De Luz and give yourself to the experience. One payment for a prix fixe menu of balanced vegan fare. I am not quite sure exactly what I ate but the soup, salad, balanced main course all combined to taste delicious and fill me comfortably. I plan to return often even though I am neither a vegan nor a vegetarian.

Although I not a huge fan of the Macrobiotic diet, much preferring bbq over a strictly vegetarian offering at Casa de Luz, this place has a pretty good meal. They serve a salad and soup, followed by a hearty and tasty plate of vegetarian Macrobiotic yumminess.

I went with my cousin to celebrate meeting up in Austin and as we both wanted a meal that was healthy and nutritious and yummy at the same time this place fit the bill. The restaurant is easy to reach (side street of Lamar Blvd) and has plenty of parking in a big parking lot that serves this street. I was lucky enough (as it was raining) to snag a space right in front of the entrance. Casa de Luz sports many lights appropriate for its name as ‘house of light’ on the walk in and a walk into the restaurant that is true a garden of trees and shrubs. The restaurant itself is a large rectangular room with the open kitchen to the left and the tables in various sizes to the right. You pay at the entrance to the restaurant $12 for the set menu of the day and then you pick your table. You are supposed to pick up your entrees yourself and also your drinks (a selection of herbal teas or water). Don’t forget to pick up your cutlery and napkin as well as that is not on your table laid out for you. Sit down, enjoy the entrees and then your main course will be brought to your table. Feel free to fill up your drinks as often as you want and after you finished your main course amble over to the display that holds the deserts. Ample space around the tables so you won’t feel cramped by patrons eating nearby. Easy going atmosphere that adds to a relaxed meal. No one hurrying you through your meal or hovering over you near your table to refill you water glasses (as you have to refill those yourself). The day we went there was a menu of sweet potato soup with ginger (nice taste and filling), salad of green romaine with a dressing including sunflower seeds (crunchy and fresh), main course of edamame, spinach, crushed almond sauce, and some pickles (tasted good to both of us), desert was a pudding with mango/blackberry gell-o (made with agar-agar and not gelatine). All in all a happy meal of the right kind for a great price.

Macrobiotic. Probably not everyone's cup of tea. Best deal is weekend buffet.

I visited this place a couple years back and worked in the kitchen... it was a wonderful experience! Food was good and real. Things done from scratch! The fare vegetarian yet hearty.

Not bad for a really healthy, organic Austin type place.

Casa De Luz is a unique and tasty dining experience. Definitely not your typical restaurant, it is vegan, organic, gluten free done right. It is a mindful dining experience with a fixed menu. You walk in, pay a set price, serve yourself drinks, salad and soup. Your fixed plate from the daily menu is brought to you at the table. Very relaxed and friendly dining. You will bus your own table. Check their website for the daily menu listing. Recommended.

You can't really pick your meal, but what they serve is good, it just may not be what you want to eat - so check the menu online before you go.

There's only one menu per meal, but it's amazing how good macrobiotic food can be. The atmosphere is positively serene.

The food is always delicious, vegan, whole foods. I love that I can go here and not worry about what they are feeding me and not ruin my diet going out to eat. Usually serves brown rice, beans, cooked greens, pickled veggies and something else delicious. You also get unsweetened tea, soup and salad with a but based sauce.

Went here for the first time for a Sunday breakfast. I absolutely lived it. Our Macro meal was: Porridge with raisins, cinnamon, and homemade granola. Homemade corn torillas with beans. Blanched mixed veggies. Kale and mustard greens with sun butter. And purchased the coconut fruit pudding. I personally don't mind "bland" food, I get my enjoyment from the freshness and earthiness of fresh lightly cooked veggies, and kniwing my bidy will love it. But if you aren't used to that, you may not enjoy it. My in laws who are meat eaters and eat a typical tex-mex diet weren't too happy. They didn't go up for seconds, which is unheard of for them. They were also clearly uncomfortable at the Casa. I really enjoyed the novelty of the community setting. The environment nourished my soul and the food nourished my body. I felt great after my meal with lots of tea. A great side effect was it ended up detoxing my body of the heavy meal and drinks I had the night before. I would definitely go again when I'm in Austin.

Their non-profit pre-fix dinner at $12.00 (or more, if you wish to donate an extra amount) is delicious, nutritious and prepared with TLC from many locally grown and seasonal vegetables. The ambiance is warm and friendly. A great place to eat when you need your love and health fix...

We were looking for cheap eats that were also healthy & vegan while travelling in the great state of meat... what a find this location was! We enjoyed it so much we went back a second night. I recommend stopping in to try the menu if you are in the Austin area. Yes, it was a set menu, and dessert was extra.

I enjoy Casa de Luz very much---I have only been for dinner, and in the late summer. The location is great and I love that the atmosphere and dining experience, even for such a laid-back city, are even more slow-paced, laid-back, and enjoyable than any of the restaurants off Barton Springs. I can see how Casa De Luz might be a bit intimidating to someone who is not very familiar with vegetarian, macro, "healthy" food...if the food weren't so good, I might almost be a little turned off by the "New Age" feeling of it all. Thankfully, the food is good, the people who prepare it are helpful and friendly, you can try whatever you want, and go back for seconds (and thirds)! Suprisingly family-friendly (if you have kiddos who would consider touching spelt crust, cheeseless, sauceless "pizza" and don't mind seasong their food with tamari, nori flakes, and toasted seasame seeds instead of salt!). Their menu changes frequently and can be found online. I'm a HUGE fan of their soups, and blanched greens which they usually serve with rich, toasty-flavored walnut, almond, or pecan sauces. (I've been a vegetarian for 8 years and have never LIKED greens of any kind before!) I'm always left feeling wholly satisfied.

I was visiting Austin and some local friends recommended this restaurant. What a find! Excellent, healthy, delicious and affordable priced vegan food in a relaxing, serene atmosphere. I will definitely go out of my way to visit this place next time I’m in Austin.

I walked into a vegan restaurant in the middle of Texas seems like the start of a joke. However, this zen-like oasis is anything but that. As you enter the property, the path leading to the restaurant is lined with tall bamboo and has various little areas to sit and relax (or meditate if you so chose). The restaurant has cafeteria seating. It's lighting is subdued and lends to the calming atmosphere of property. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The single 3 or 4 course meal changes everyday. $12 for soup, salad, and entree. Add $4 if you want desert. No tipping but this non-profit restaurant welcomes a donation in lieu of a tip. The web site has the day's menu if you wish to know what to expect. After paying, you help yourself to soup and salad. The entree is brought to your seat. This day's dinner was butternut squash & sweet potato soup, red leaf green salad and veggie taco in a corn tortilla. The sides were pintos, pickled vegetables (cabbage I think), brown rice with almonds, and kale & collards. This was absolutely one of the tastiest vegan meals I have had in my travels. I can see why there are so many regular patrons. It's a little bit out of the way from downtown but it's easily and pleasantly walkable from Congress Ave, as long as it's not 102°. If you don't want the bother of driving and finding parking, take an uber/cab there in early evening then after enjoying your meal walk along the Butler hike trail to the Congress Ave bridge to watch the bats come out.

I love vegetarian meals but was disappointed when eating here. It's nothing special. Going here is like taking a trip back into the 60s but.........

I'm sorry healthy food can taste good, but this place just can't seem to make it taste like that. Several of my friends concur and don't know why people can't use salt every now and then.

We loved the whole concept - from the quaint setting, the friendly staff and delicious food. The lunch option included soup, salad, and several "entree" options. Would definitely return here again.

For what it is; it's the best.

A wonderful vegan/vegetarian restaurant in a peaceful setting just blocks from the hustle and bustle of Chuy's around the corner. Great Macrobiotic food, plentiful portions at a reasonable price

SOOO Fantastic. It feels good to eat here, and it's all you can eat, and that's always good!

my FAVE - all veg, macro, made with LOVE, always delish

A weird experience, even for a vegetarian. My wife and I went there for dinner while visiting Austin (based on TripAdvisor rating). What no one tells you is that it's on the edge of downtown, across from a ballpark and next to a trailer park. It seems to be in some kind of healing arts commune with a community school in the front, and the restaurant is way in the back. It's a fixed price ($12/person), fixed menu. You pay your money, get a token, then get your soup, salad and tea and find a seat. They bring your dinner and take your token. We looked around and saw people doing massages and Reiki during dinner. Just seemed odd for a restaurant. I can't say I recognized anything on the plate, even though I've been a strict vegetarian for 15 years. Although the salad and soup were wonderful, the kimchi salad was bitter, the pea puree was off-flavor, and the tabouli salad tasted like it had some dish soap in it. My wife took a few bites and pushed her plate away.

Delicious, home-made, macrobiotic food. The tortillas were sublime. The soup and veggies also very tasty. The food is all well-seasoned but not overpowering. I enjoyed the coconut chia pudding for desert.

my first macrobiotic experience! has inspired me to cook more veggies! calm, zen-like dining area. 

I loved going to this place! For $12 flat (no tip and no tax charged here) you get great iced tea, soup, salad, and an entrée plate with 4 different things on it. I ate outside on a beautiful night overlooking the playground and it was a fantastic evening. I'm vegan and gluten free so this place was perfect for me. Since the soup and salad are self service it's also very fast if you need a quick bite!

this food is good and good for you! best macro in town! (and only, as well) :P

Been eating here for 10 years and the quality is still extremely high. Not just for hardcore vegans - the tastes and variety will please your whole family!

Although not a true vegan by any stretch, I love the idea of healthy eating...especially when visiting Austin. I had read all the glowing reviews of CDL and decided to ck it out. Not a TOTAL disappointment but.... almost. Already knowing the "pay first" drill, that was not a shock. Not being able to find a place to sit, kinda was. Since it was 103 outside, the idea was not too appealing. But I plunked down the way overpriced $14/pp Sunday Bufett total and decided to stay positive...or try. There is little or no service expectation here so don't think you will be catered to. First, the only drinking vessels were coffee mugs...seems they were out of glasses.....oh and apparenly one cant get ice here.? Odd. Nothing like lukewarm tea in a glass. I guess im just not an extreme vegan or health nut. Dont even think of looking for sugar. :) The food was decent and consisted of salad, greens, and rice, soup. I wanted to get a glass of water later...oops...no glasses ....again. I know people love this place, but I can't say that I'll return. Just not for me. At $14 a head for some warm tea, greens, pinto beans and to sit in the heat....I think I got burned out :(

Just went there with family. The ambiance is one for tranquility - albeit humid! The soup was flavorful, the salad yummy however way over-dressed, and the veggie plate of squash, kale, black beans and rice with pickled cucumbers was all delicious. The teas are a little odd, and it would have been nice if they had been colder on such a warm day. Sitting under the canopy of beautiful trees was delightful. A great place for a quiet get-away tasty meal.

Based on "raves" from a 25 yr old vegetarian friend, for lunch, my 23 yr old daughter and I decided to try this "self-service dining room," that's an annex to an educational community center. Upon entering, one pays for the meal ($12/person) and then self-serves oneself to the soup and salad specials of the day. Taking utensils and cloth napkins to the table, the main plate is then served to you by the kitchen staff. Although the food items are vegan and portions are generous, we found the atmosphere and food itself to be rather boring. Around us, several tables were holding meetings, round-table discussions, etc. There were also tables outside for a nice Springtime eating ambiance. Wasn't super impressed with the food choices, so I don't think we'll return. Site just did not "excite" us...

This is by far the best macrobiotic place I have ever been to. I've tried and tried to find anything similar to this while traveling all over and have yet to experience anything coming close. If you are reading this and you know of anything, message me and tell me! I live close to NYC now and there are so many restaurants trying to do something similar but I've been deeply disappointed in them all. Ok, back to Casa de Luz, the food is exquisite and if you happen to get there on Mexican day, I'm jealous! The sun cheese is out of this world and every time they make the dark greens I go nuts! I bring my whole family here and even the meat and potatoes 13 year old finishes his plate. The ambiance is tranquil and I really wish I could have a place like this near me!

Food is 100% vegan, unlimited soup and salad and both taste very good. Warm food is a bit bland. Good warm tea also. It is health food, makes you feel good about eating it, would like if it had a bit more flavor. You will be hungry in a couple of hours or less as it digests fairly quickly. Good place for a date if your date is into yoga or veganism. I've had the pizza there also, not one of my favorites.

Very organized, vegetarian soup salad and plate. It was very calm, nice music, and views. Every day there is a different soup and plate. You pay first then get drinks, soup and salad. They bring your plate of veggies, beans, etc. Very tastey and good amount. All was very delicious, and would like anything they serve.

You enter through the red oriental gate along a shaded walkway which prepares you for the satisfying meal ahead. The lighting is soft mostly natural light, after paying you can choose to sit at a long table with others or at a smaller table if you prefer. Serve yourself either cold hibiscus or a hot tea, a soup of many vegetable flavors, not thick, subtle, and a salad as generous or as small as you like. A you finish these, a server brings a full plate of food to you. Maybe you think there is more than you can eat, but it is so good, you clean your plate. Pay a bit extra and you can have sweet from the cold case, but the meal itself is enough and you may feel so content you only look and think, "Maybe next time."

Absolutely my favorite place to eat in Austin - it's such a vibe!! Always walk away feeling good and relaxed. Love the atmosphere and the playground. The desserts are incredible, I think my favorite is the flan, hard to decide! Also, can't beat the prices for quality food.

Casa de Luz is by far the best Macrobiotic Vegan kitchen anywhere in my experience. The cafeteria sits behind a zen like garden in funky south Austin. Delicious fresh organic vegan food is prepared using macrobiotic principals by loving hands each day. No menu choices. Just a choice of 4 different healthy drinks, soup and salad of the day and the plated meal. The food changes with the seasons as it should. Seating is family style with shared tables. A very welcoming and caring holistic community eats here regularly. As of this writing they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week for only $12 all included, paid at the door when you arrive.

Great for vegans; no animal products or gluten. No GMO's and everything is organic. Lunch is just $12.00, but there is no menu. You get whatever they are cooking that day. Unlimited soup & salad. Atmosphere is friendly and peaceful. Want to be good to yourself? Eat here. The downside is that the food is indeed bland. I'm guessing that macrobiotic food must exclude all seasonings, garlic and onions. But, hey, you don't eat here to please the palate, you eat here to nourish your body. I'd eat there again; no problem.

Yummy and good for you!

My greatest surprise was to find that Casa de Luz was situated within a Business Incubator. Even Better! Menu is the same for everyone and I was delighted with today's spread. Obviously put together by an artist, not just yummy but artfully displayed on plate. Portion just right....even for me, a 175lb avid cyclist. I'd recommend a visit...I'll be back!

This restaurant is very unique. You pay $12 person upon entering and help yourself to the soup and salad of the day, along with your choice of beverages. Once you have eaten the soup and salad, they bring you the plate of the day, all vegetarian and having nothing that could cause an allergic reaction. No gluten, no peanuts or other nuts, etc. I am an omnivore, but found this a bit too much vegan for me. I thought the food needed a bit more spices to make it more tasteful. The plate of the day was varied, but not enough to make me want to come back. I believe that most of the customers are regulars and most likely vegetarians or vegans. An interesting place.

Casa de Luz is located in an old "casa" in Austin. You walk to the restaurant through a passageway of bamboo and palm trees and calm. There is a very zen-like feeling. For lunch we paid a fee of $8 which included soup (that day, zucchini cauliflower), salad (mixed greens beautifully dressed), tea, and a plate of the day. You get your own soup, salad and drink, then a plate is brought to you by smiling cooks that you see preparing your food in an open kitchen. Our plate that day included rice with pesto, creamed tahini chickpeas, marinated beets, sauteeed fresh vegetables. It was all perfectly seasoned and flavorful. Healthy has never tasted so good. There is also a "bookstore" and there are bins of ingredients frequently used (lentils, etc.). You bus your own dishes. There is indoor and outdoor seating and even a child-size picnic table inside.

I searched this place out prior to trying and it was also recommended by someone at another vegan establishment not too far away in Austin. I'm glad I tried it. I like the idea of a community based vegan/vegetarian establishment. The location is nice and serene with pay by the hour parking w/in walking distance. The location has restaurant style seating but you seat yourself where you want. It had a nice warm feel in the atmosphere. You will either be served (after self-service soup and salad) or you can walk up and receive a plate of food. The food was good! It wasn't heavy and the portions were perfect. I tried a pecan tart after lunch that was absolutely delicious. The price to eat lunch was reasonable for soup, salad, entree, and drink. The desert was a tad pricey but it was worth it; minimal ingredients with maximum flavor. I would recommend you try this place out. I would visit again.

You get the feel that the diners here view this venue as a part of their community. Interesting and tasty food. $12/ person dinner. Family friendly.

Wonderful macrobiotic food. Fairly priced. Community-style table seating allows you to find a friend if you desire to chat with the strangers sitting next to you.

The place is a lovely oasis near downtown Austin and right off the Town Lake Hike and Bike trail. Bamboo of many varieties and lovely walk to front doors of communal style dining room. No menu to choose from just the meal but you can go back for seconds on anything you want. I have been eating here for years and even though the chef has changed a few times, it is always good, clean food. A typical meal is a hot soup, salad, then a plate with brown rice, beans, steamed greens with sun cheese, another veggie usually a root or squash, and some kind of pickled veggie. Gomasio and kelp flakes and tamari are the condiments. As much hot or cold tea as you like, desserts are extra cost.

got to do another repeat visit to the Casa...wonderfully prepared plates, amazing deserts, tasty drinks, comfortable setting, .... one of Barton Springs areas nicest off the beaten path places

$12 for yummy soup, salad, tea and a big plate of nutritious tasty vegan stuff. I had beans, rice, lots of heart perfectly cooked greens, pumpkin and a delicious nutty dressing when I went. Nice setting, lovely staff.

We found this on the web. Going through the gates, we encountered a green path bordered by bamboo leading to the upstairs meetup. Skilled and trained facilitators led us (and about 45 others that night) through interactive "games" designed to enhance empathy and self-knowledge. The entire evening was fun, uplifting, challenging yet safe, and well-planned.

It is a total peaceful experience to go to Casa de Luz. All entrées, side dishes, and desserts are vegan and macrobiotic. One can purchase an entire meal or just soup and salad, or simply desserts. It is packed. There are so many people wanting to eat well prepared meals that are healthy.

tried it once...was enough...many better mex in austin.

Utterly delicious. Relaxing atmosphere with low lighting and quiet, simple recorded piano music. One dinner serving has lots of yummy variety in it. Be sure to try the teas. Favorite vegan place anywhere!

$11.50 for the day's menu items in a cool, dim lit cafeteria-like setting. The vegan food here was delicious! A lovely stop to get away from the heat.

Don't go here if you're a very run-of-the-mill kind of person. Both the concept and the food are both out-of-the-ordinary, but in a very good way. You don't know what you're eating until you show up, but everything I had was delicious. It was a bit pricey ($12), and the set-price menu didn't include dessert (though it was on offer for another $3-4), but I liked the food and the idea behind the place.

Cafeteria style healthy vegan meals, GREAT food but I enjoy BEETs Cafe on 5th St. a little more since they are not only vegan but GF, DF, raw and more of a gormet than cafeteria style.... but try them both if you are vegan, decide for yourself.

Here's the deal- it's a set menu and it is absolutely worth it for the quality of food you're getting! You come in, the days meal is listed at the cashier, you pay, you head on over to pick up some salad and soup and maybe some delicious tea blend if you fancy. Put your main order in with the cooks and have a seat! I say this because we were a little bit unsure at first what to do. The meals are spot on. We are all about organic, healthy food and this has been the most true to my diet place I have ever been to! If there's anything you don't want or can't eat just let them know they are very accommodating! When we found this place, we ended up coming back for every meal until we had to leave Austin and to this day I can't get my mind of the pecan pie... no sugar or gluten... it's just too perfect! At the end kindly bring your plates to the front on the right side of the door. I love this restaurant and everything they are doing and stand for. Can't wait for another trip to Austin to move back into my table there ;)

don't just go when you're feeling like a healthy meal. just go because it's so good.

This is a vegan restaurant -- no other options. The night we went, there was a fixed-price, no options dinner. Price was okay. The dinner was okay although a little bland (I'm a carnivore). Desert not included. You bus your dirty dishes. I assume that the menu changes so no comments there. Parking was free on a weekday evening in the lot across the street (but not on the street -- go figure).

Casa de Luz is literally "house of light"--an enlightening and pleasing experience at the lowest common denominator of healthy, flavorful, meatless eating. Fulfilling and homestyle, the family at Casa de Luz prepares macrobiotic and nutrient dense meals--plentiful in flavor, texture, nutrition and fulfillment. Don't mistake Casa for the trendy eclectic menus of "new age get healthy eating" and being seen. Don't bother. Come here for the warmth and hearty fare for your soul and your stomach and leave peacefully fulfilled and happy. The menu changes daily--masterfully prepared with deep tribal and nutritional knowledge of the staff. Casa de Luz offers light and life to your eating occasion, whatever you want whenever you want. Enjoy the gardens too--you can't stay long enough to nourish your soul. If you can find it you will love it.

Always healthy and very good tasting food and drinks . Reasonable price for the healthiest meal downtown . Great indoor and outdoor setting

This place offers macrobiotic meals. The great thing about eating here is how good you feel afterwards. Foods are put together for optimum digestion and nutrition.

Every time I go to Austin I pay a visit to Casa de Luz, as a Vegetarian I enjoy this restaurant, food is awesome, the place is an invitation to meditate , it is cozy and peaceful.

I've only been to Casa de Luz once, but I loved it and want to go back. Love their system and the atmosphere!

Just the basics but that's all your body needs. Whole foods, organic and yummy. The offer a soup, salad, grain, bean, green and pickle. Seasonal and organic. Also a little shop for hard to find items and books.

A friend recommended this place and we got lucky that we just happened to be in the area. The food was delicious and there were a wide variety of flavors and textures. I think the best part was that we were burning up all afternoon in the Austin sun and the moment we walked in it was an oasis of calm. There was bamboo shading us and it was so peaceful. I loved everything about this concept. Really beautiful serene space with delicious clean vegan macrobiotic food. Amazing!

Our daughter in law recommended this place. The place is a complex with day care and activity center. The restaurant is at the end of a long walkway. It is a big room with a desk at the entrance, tables and a food preparation/serving area. We did not know how the process worked so we had to ask. You pay at the desk (reasonable price) and then you go to the food area to serve yourself from a salad buffet, and tea/water. You sit down where ever you can, and you talk to your neighbours. The servers then bring you the main course when you finish your salad (deserts are extra). The food is vegetarian (or vegan, I do not know) and tasty. Servings are good and I was not hungry when we left the place. Interesting for sure and I am not a vegetarian

Had lunch on Sunday, the most delicious vegan food I have ever taste! Butternut squash soup, was flavorful, salad was delicious, and the entre was outstanding!

Healthy food and beautiful environs

I heard about Casa de Luz through conversations when I changed my lifestyle to vegan, every time I eat there I enjoy my food , which is often, I tell people this is the art of falling in love with your food. It's simple, tasty, lots of flavor. I love this place and I hope they are here for a very long time.

Really tasty meal! Miso soup with veggies (which could have been hotter), but delicious. Beans, salad, more veggies, a full plate of yumminess. The venue is in a garden-setting, but we sat inside as it was still crazy hot at 6 pm. Friendly service. This place has delicious, healthy food at a reasonable price.

Casa de Luz has been in Austin as long as I can remember and always has great Macrobiotic meals. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and the other diners there are always willing to welcome anyone to their table is the restaurant if full. The food is healthy and filling, but a little on the pricey side.

Excellent vegan macrobiotic food. Also mostly organic.

First time visit was great. It was delicious and priced very well for what you get. Each day has a new prix fixe menu. Check their website for daily menu changes. Adult entrees, unlimited soup/salad and tea are $12 per adult. It was $6 for my 7 year old, $4 for my 6 year old and my 3 year old ate for free. In addition to the the excellent food, there is a great playground available for the kids on the weekend (within view of the outdoor dining area) and easy parking.

Casa de Luz is such a treat. A very unique experience that fits in well with the culture of old Austin. The restaurant practices macrobiotic practices, in complete diet and health. The restaurant is also attached to a community/wellness center a lovely garden and a Montessori school. I love how the cafeteria and the chefs are right in view from the dinning room. It gives a very homey feel and makes you feel like part of the community. The menu is set each day based on local fresh ingredients from what's in season. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's a set meal and there is one price; $12 for lunch and dinner and $7 for breakfast. They offer several fresh teas and water. Lunch starts with soup and salad. Once you start eating the staff will serve you your meal to you. The meals are all cooked fresh and in small batches so its always the right temperature. Each plate comes with a vegetable entree, dark leafy greens, whole grain, beans and a fermented vegetable. It's always delicious and just makes your soul feel good. Must try this one!!