Best of 2003: Best Surfers' Health Food Restaurant

Roxy Natural Foods Restaurant
517 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas
760-436-5001

Though Roxy's reputation was made by catering to the veggie-spiritual crowd, the owners have added chicken and fish for the "new people" in Encinitas. But the vegan-veggie spirit still rules. The most popular item on the menu is proprietor Shahram Naimi's own invention: the scrumptious "Roxy Falafelburger." Its green "meat" is made from garbanzo beans, potatoes, onions, cilantro, and herbs. It's crunchy outside, lush inside. For carnivores, the garlic chicken pizza is a respectable compromise. The place is expanded, light, and airy.