New Vegan Restaurant Opens In South Boston

SOUTH BOSTON — South Boston now has a vegan restaurant, highlighting a change in the neighborhood, but one that had a number of neighbors raving on opening day. Lulu Green opened quietly Jan. 30. Everything in the restaurant is dairy and meat-free.

Two sisters are behind the cafe: Mary and Nada Lattouf grew up in a Lebanese family on a predominantly Middle-Eastern mostly plant-based diet. They went on to cultivate a love of good health and all things green. Mary specialized in plant-based nutrition and Nada studied science and pharmaceuticals.

About four years ago, Mary and her life partner Brian Corbey, who happens to be a chef, decided it was time to open shop. Both are vegan and both Mary and her sister and Corbey open the restaurant with the hope that they can help make veganism trendy, and clear up any misconception that a vegan diet is just for salad-eating hippies.

"I hope that people will really recognize the integrity of our menu. We really put the challenge to ourselves to use whole, fresh organic ingredients," Corbey told Patch.

The two say everything is made from scratch daily, and their aim is to buy as much local and organic produce as possible. They work to minimize the use of refined sugars and oils in their foods, and say they're proud they don't take "shortcuts."

On opening day, it seemed to go well with folks who were in sampling the juices, veggie burgers and chocolate pudding.

“Don’t let all of this healthy talk throw you off,” said Mary. “Our food is for vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike—made by people who love to eat, for people who love to eat.”

So far, so good.

On opening day, several people commented in surprise on how tasty the food was.

"We are really excited at the welcome from the people in the neighborhood," Mary told Patch. "Almost shocked by the welcome."

The menu is short but savory, with some sweet options in there, too. Look for breakfast, brunch, dinner and dessert.

They have their own twist on the avocado toast, with cashew cheese, pickled turnips, cucumber and spiced pepitas. They also have a mezze bar with everything from hummus to marinated olives. Look for a couple salads and bowls like the Tahini Beet Salad and the Spicy Cashew Noodles (with soba noodles, purple cabbage, orange, kale, pomegranate, sprouted seeds, and spicy cashew sauce). They also serve sandwiches like the BBQ cauliflower sandwich, and a vegan haloumi avocado melt. Then there is the extensive smoothie, juice and coffees and tea options.

The entire place has an eye to the eco-friendly. From the hand soap in their bathrooms to carbon-neutral, compostable packaging for their takeout.

Why Southie? One reason is the community, said Mary. Another has to do with Corbey's father, who recently passed away. Corbey said his dad used to be a truck driver delivery man and would make regular deliveries in Southie. He knew the area well and was rooting for the space.

The fast-casual restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Weekends, watch for all day brunch. You'll find them at 246 W. Broadway.

Related:

Vegan Options In Brookline

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).