In some circles, Juliano is heralded as the ‘King of Raw’. His restaurant attracts an array of Hollywood stars and wanna be stars. Usually, that means that the food is awful. But in this case, it’s the opposite.
KEY: $ – cheap n easy. $$ – modestly priced. $$$ – gettin’ up there. $$$$ – expensive!
PRICE: $$$
FOOD: Excellent. It’s hard to go wrong here. Standouts include the “Burgers”, the Springrolls, the Chezcakes and their well-known “Orgazmatron”.
VIBE: Casual, but the nicer side of casual.
LOCATION: 609 Broadway Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405
HOURS: Call for hours. 310.587.1552
SITE: www.planetraw.com
Located at the corner of 6th and Broadway in Santa Monica just walking distance from the 3rd Street Promenade, “Raw” offers a very diverse menu of raw concoctions. Ranging from elixirs to entrees and raw vegan sushi alongside many beverages including organic wines. There is something to enjoy here whether you’re a new rawbie or a vintage raw foodist. The coconut curry wrap used for the springrolls is outstanding and an accomplishment all its own for its delicate flavor and texture. For an entree, I love just about any salad but Bam gets a Burger nearly every time which are served with delicious raw versions of ketchup and mustard as well!
Juliano does things right from a restaurant perspective. 
Each dish is presented in a gourmet fashion and the flavors are carefully chosen. But this place isn’t just about amazing raw food. It also has a cool, mellow Southern California ambiance and a nice one at that. The staff are courteous and helpful and there’s a large array of yummy items you can get “to go” as well. I recommend sitting on the patio if it’s available!
The menu is downright humongous and Juliano knows that. So he’s created a sampler plate for those of you who get overwhelmed with the choices. Don’t worry, it is all truly raw and you will be delighted with the tastes!
If by the time you leave you are thinking you want to make some of these dishes, they do offer classes. Or you can go to your local bookshop and pick up Juliano’s book, “Raw”.
