Yesterday, I worked at a clinic in Watertown instead of the Plainville office, where I usually work. I left my house fairly early, to ensure that I would arrive on time. While en route, I passed through Centre Street in Newton, a street which just-so-happens to house one of my favorite Massachusetts-based vegan restaurants, Prana Restaurant. A goofy grin inched its way across my face as I drove by, and I vowed right then-and-there to stop for a late lunch after my shift at the Watertown clinic was over.
And so it was.
One of my favorite things about Prana Restaurant is its lighting. Even if it’s a cloudy day, the room still shines with natural light and you can’t help but feel totally at ease.
Immediately, upon walking in, you are greeted by rows of homemade, dehydrated, raw goodies (think kale chips, goji berries, and flax chips) and some chilled delights (think chia pudding, monster-sized salads, and both vanilla and coco agave nectar).
I stood there for a minute, soaking in the calm atmosphere, before the waitress instructed me to sit wherever I pleased. I chose a small table-for-two.
While I would have loved to enjoy the restaurant with someone else, I also enjoyed the quality time by myself. It was my rest for the day. Since it was 2:00 p.m., sort of an awkward time to enjoy a meal, the restaurant was practically empty, which complimented my solo status rather nicely.
Prana’s menu was quite different from what I had remembered. Last summer, former owners Taylor and Philippe Wells sold Prana Restaurant in order to focus more on their five Prana Power Yoga studios, five children, and Taylor’s writing. Before, the menu was solely raw-vegan. Now, there are cooked options, which both surprised and pleased me. I love raw-vegan food but I think there’s something to be said about a menu that has both raw and cooked vegan food. I really appreciate that balance.
Looking over the menu, I was stumped. It would have been much easier if my stomach (and my wallet, for that matter) could handle every dish. I sipped on some water while my mind see-sawed between a few options.
Eventually, I settled on the Buffalo Wrap: grilled tempeh, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, homemade buffalo sauce, and cashew sour cream in a big collard leaf. The dish typically comes in a sprouted wheat wrap but, when I requested a collard leaf, the Prana team happily fulfilled my request. My entree came with Prana’s famous kale chips (!!!) and a side of root mash, made with acorn squash, summer squash, and turnip.
The homemade buffalo sauce was hot, but not too hot, and the cashew sour cream was to die for! I loved the constrast in textures between the grilled tempeh and the raw veggies. While it was a tad messy, that’s what made it so much fun to eat.
In true Heather fashion, I happily enjoyed every last bite.
NO SHAME.
While I had high hopes of enjoying dessert at my table-for-two, I was already satisfied so I decided to take home something I’d never tried before: the Creme Parfait. This actually worked out well. I kept it in the fridge and enjoyed it after working job number two. Just me, a parfait, and House Hunters on the couch. 
The parfait is a blend of almond, cashew, and Brazil nuts, and is laced with a walnut-oat-golden raisin crumble, topped with fresh strawberries. In a word, heaven. It’s super rich, which really forces you to slowly enjoy every bite. After a day filled with Prana food, I felt like such a lucky girl!
Thank you to Prana Restaurant for such a lovely meal! Taylor and Philippe left the restaurant in wonderful hands and I can’t wait to make another trip back! If you’re a New England resident, I highly recommend making the drive to Prana Restaurant. Newton is just outside of Boston, so you can make it a jam-packed day of shopping, site-seeing, and, of course, vegan-friendly dining.
Enjoy your Sunday, friends!
Stay lovely,
Heather
Mmmm babe I love the sounds of this place! Would love to go with you <3
I really like how they served your wrap with kale chips
So cute
I wish you lived in the states so that we could go together! You would have loved it, Meg.
I live in Newton! I’m totally going to have to try this!!! Next time you’re in the area Heather let me know! We should totally meet up!
You do?! That’s crazy, I wish that I’d known! That sounds like a WONDERFUL plan!
Good stuff there! I gotta go back now that there are new owners – had a bit of a weird experience last summer that left me feeling unimpressed… But I remember the food being delicious.
aww, i’m sorry that you had a weird experience, love! i hope you consider going back – it’s really wonderful.
Boo, wish I lived in the area. That place sounds like it’s to die for!!
Maybe all Waxman’s love Prana-;)?
hahahahaha. YES!
There are NO raw/vegan restaurants where I live- not 1! So, I am suitably jealous of you lucky thing.
Pranas food looks and sounds divine. Oy, that parfait! I need to try and make something like that myself I think- the crumbly part would probably be quit easy to recreate…?
Xxx
I think you could totally re-create it at home, Sarah!
That parfait looks to die for!!!
SO jealous! We have a number of vegan/raw food restaurants in LA but Prana looks unbelievable! I love the bright, open layout and it seems like the perfect place to enjoy some alone time. (:
My mouth is watering just looking at that parfait!
Think they’ll ship 3,000 miles? That parfait…well, there are no words.
Yum yum nom. You know all we’re going to do in Boston is eat, right?
Your eats looks amazing!
looks delicious, next time we are in the area we will have to try out Prana as it looks like an amazing place!!
yes, ladies, you will LOVE it!
Sounds very lovely!
That is definitely my kind of wrap
so what you’re saying is that we’ll be eating there the next time i’m over your way? cool. sounds good.
Preeeeetty much.
I didn’t even see Jenny’s comment til after I wrote mine that said a very similar sentiment hahaha
Nothing better than a sandwich wrapped in greens!
Your meal looks delicious! I may have to duplicate it at home. There’s definitely something to be said about eating alone… sometimes it’s really nice to have the time by yourself!
couldn’t agree more, girl. alone time with yourself can be pure bliss.
Prana is my yoga studio of choice! Sad to say I have never tried out the restaurant.. that will need to change
i certainly hope you try ti soon, athena! you will not be disappointed.
That creme parfait looks amazing!! That place sounds totally incredible as well. I love that they have kale chips…one of my favourites! I wish we had Prana where I live!
Okay, I live in LA(home of vegan restaurants) and all your reviews make me want to come over your way! I never knew there were so many delicious vegan options in the Massachusetts area, I definitely want to visit!
I so WANT you to visit, girl! You’d love it out here.
But, I must admit, I am super envious of your living in California! I feel like I belong there – Matty and I can’t wait to eventually take a vacation out there. <3 xoxo
Ok. So. I’m mad at you. I’m mad at you because you haven’t taken me here yet. I kinda am dying over this post because a) it reminds me of a Cait Plus Ate restaurant review and nothing makes me happier than reading other peoples’ restaurant reviews and b) your meal looks amazing and I want it in my belly asap. PLEASE TAKE ME TO PRANA.
OKAY. LET’S DO IT!! NOW, GIT YER BUM DOWN HERE.