At the forefront of the macrobiotic restaurant surge is M Cafe, which, since its 2005 opening on Melrose Avenue, has added locations in Culver City and, pictured here, Beverly Hills. (Ann Johansson / For The Times)
The M Cafes serve internationally inspired deli items in what feel like European cafes. In the crisp Beverly Hills space, baked goods are arrayed at the end of the display case and counter. (Ann Johansson / For The Times)
Among the deli case’s contents are salads that change with the seasons. Spring’s offerings include sprouted quinoa tabbouleh and a chickpea-dandelion salad. (Ann Johansson / For The Times)
A macrobiotic diet allows fish, so vegetarians and vegans take note: The tuna in the Spicy Tuna Roll is actual tuna, not mock. (Ann Johansson / For The Times)
Here’s a close-up look at that chickpea and dandelion salad, available from the deli case. (Ann Johansson / For The Times)
Three of the salads on offer, clockwise from top left: beet-quinoa, chickpea-dandelion and sprouted-quinoa tabbouleh. (Ann Johansson / For The Times)
Macrobiotic baking receives special attention at M Cafe. The diet allows no dairy or refined sugar. Yet dessert items include tiramisu, in the foreground, and Nutty Bars. (Ann Johansson / For The Times)
Patrons fill the sidewalk tables lined outside M Cafe’s Beverly Hills location, at 9433 Brighton Way. The other locations are 7119 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, and 9343 Culver Blvd., Culver City. (Ann Johansson / For The Times)
