La cantine de Sam

La Cantine de Sam's menu represents a thoughtful exploration of Mediterranean cuisine through a plant-based lens, demonstrating that vegan and vegetarian cooking can deliver the depth, satisfaction, and complexity traditionally associated with the region's culinary heritage. The kitchen's approach centers on showcasing vegetables, legumes, and grains at their peak, sourcing locally and seasonally to ensure maximum flavor and freshness.

The signature dishes reveal the restaurant's culinary philosophy. Their shakshuka stays true to the beloved Middle Eastern classic, with eggs poached in a robust tomato sauce enriched with peppers, onions, and a carefully balanced blend of spices that brings warmth without overwhelming heat. The Halloumi Burger showcases the Cypriot cheese's unique ability to hold up to grilling while developing a golden crust, paired with fresh vegetables and house-made sauces that complement rather than mask the cheese's distinctive flavor.

The bowl offerings, including the gluten-free Vitality bowl, exemplify the restaurant's skill in composition—each element contributes its own texture and flavor while working harmoniously with the whole. These aren't merely salads with grains added; they're carefully constructed dishes where roasted vegetables, fresh greens, protein-rich legumes, and flavorful dressings create complete, satisfying meals. The Involtini d'aubergine demonstrates the kitchen's technical skill, with tender eggplant slices wrapped around savory fillings that showcase Mediterranean herbs and spices.

Throughout the menu, you'll encounter Labneh, the tangy, creamy Middle Eastern yogurt that adds richness and depth to various dishes. The falafels achieve that ideal combination of crispy exterior and tender, herb-flecked interior that makes them so beloved across the Mediterranean. The sandwiches and burgers go beyond simple assemblies, incorporating house-made components and thoughtful flavor combinations that elevate them above typical fast-casual offerings.

The kitchen's commitment to accommodating various dietary needs—kosher, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free—never feels like an afterthought. Instead, these considerations are woven into the menu's foundation, ensuring that everyone can find dishes that suit their needs without compromise. The beverage program extends this Mediterranean focus with house-made drinks like Limonana, where fresh mint and lemon create a refreshing counterpoint to the food's richness, and their Hibiscus juice, which brings floral notes and natural sweetness. The dessert selection, featuring daily cakes, Malabi (a delicate Middle Eastern milk pudding), and basil panna cotta, provides satisfying conclusions that maintain the meal's plant-based focus while delivering genuine indulgence.