Situated in the heart of the UCLA campus at 350 Charles E Young Drive West, Bruin Plate Residential Restaurant offers a refreshing and vibrant dining experience that perfectly balances health-conscious choices with bold, exciting flavors. This unique eatery is a haven for those seeking wholesome, thoughtfully prepared meals that nourish both body and soul.
The culinary ethos at Bruin Plate masterfully blends fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients into a diverse menu that vividly comes to life in every bite. From the creamy richness of their avocado dishes to the vibrant, earthy notes of their broccoli and lentil bolognese pasta, each plate is a celebration of wholesome goodness. The grilled chicken breast is tender and perfectly seasoned, a comforting protein-packed option, while the eggs, pancakes, and hash browns provide a satisfying start for any brunch lover. Seafood enthusiasts will find delight in the succulent Cajun shrimp and the delicate cabbage salmon taco, both bursting with fresh flavors and a perfect hint of spice.
The restaurant also caters beautifully to varied palates with standout offerings like the refreshing salmon served alongside Swiss chard and mixed fruit yogurt, and the tropical sweetness of their pineapple soft serve and grilled pineapple paired with trout. Meanwhile, the pork tenderloin and gambas al ajillo bring in a rich, savory depth, rounded off by comforting sides like sticky rice and a robust beef soup. The pancakes here go beyond the ordinary, fluffy and golden, tempting you to linger over your meal.
Beyond the incredible food, what truly elevates Bruin Plate is its atmosphere. Upon stepping inside, you’re embraced by bright natural lighting that floods the space, creating an inviting, lively ambiance ideal for study breaks, casual meet-ups, or rejuvenating solo lunches. The spacious layout boasts multiple food stations—each thoughtfully arranged to avoid overcrowding and ensure a relaxed, breezy dining experience. Guests consistently praise the efficient system and the wonderfully diverse food options, making it a perfect spot to satisfy a wide range of tastes while keeping wellness front and center.
Customer testimonials paint a vivid picture of the Bruin Plate experience. Sunny highlights the impressive size and natural light, appreciating the variety of stations that keep the flow smooth even at busy times. Theo underscores the standout vegan options and desserts, especially recommending the coconut yogurt, a truly indulgent yet healthy treat. Elizabeth raves about the avocado festival offerings and the exceptional guacamole, noting the surprising availability of lamb that adds an exciting dimension to their menu. Georgia’s love for the yogurt machines and the unique grape and onion selections adds a charming personal touch, illustrating how Bruin Plate’s thoughtful details resonate deeply with its patrons.
Bruin Plate Residential Restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a nurturing culinary retreat where fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere come together to uplift and energize. Whether you’re a UCLA student, faculty member, or a visitor, this spot invites you to savor each wholesome bite and feel genuinely cared for in every sense.
We were recommended to eat at Bruin Plate if we wanted a healthy lunch while we were visiting the UCLA campus. It's definitely different than Griffin/Sunset/Covel Commons. It's hard to tell from the outside but it's quite large after we entered. Lots of places to sit and natural lighting everywhere. There are at least 5 different stations available for lunch. Some of the stations open and close based on when you get out of your seat to look for more to eat. It is true, the food is quite healthy. Even the chocolate has zucchini on the inside. It's not the typical pizza, spaghetti, pasta, burger, or generic lunch. It's also not a Vegas buffet. It's quite unique. My favorite was the beef and barley soup. That was outstanding. Would I come back? Yes, but I would go for a dinner experience when all the stations are open. That would definitely be a fun experience.
Fantastic options at this dining hall, so many delicious dishes. The tofu is amazing, and their vegan desserts are incredible. I highly recommend the coconut yogurt, so yummy. Lots of places to sit, really nice environment and food.
My savior, my star…. Bruin Plate you saved me when all else was bleak and dark.
This place is delicious and amazing. Although there are so many mouths to feed, their system is very efficient and all the stations are spaced apart so that there is not a cluster of people all in one area. The food quality is great. I was just there for their avocado fest. The tart yogurt with coconut flakes is amazing. I'm surprised that they offer lamb. The guacamole was off the charts. The presentation is on point. All the food is delicious, so nothing goes to waste. I'm sad that my cousin is not going to be dorming anymore pretty soon so that I can take advantage of her swipes. I dormed back at UCI in 2001 and our food was not as great, but perhaps it has improved over the years. UCLA students have it good. They are so lucky.
Bplate for the win . I have an undying love for the yogurt machines. Best grapes and onions in the universe. Just gonna deal with the lines .
I eat here every meal because the foods are high quality and healthy. The staff is great too. I asked Betty if they had ketchup, and she requested that they bring out the whole container of ketchup just because I asked if they had any.
Another good buffet style dinning hall at UCLA. All you can eat. Food is fresh and delicious. Admission must be accompanied by a student with a meal plan.