Virtually every restaurant in Los Angeles offers at least some vegan options, but with over 250 vegan specialty restaurants around the county, LA shines for the surprising spectrum of world cuisines in plant-based form. If you envision vegan eateries as earthy and rustic, fear not! Many of these establishments are as fashion-forward as LA itself. Here are some standouts to explore.
Sage Vegan Bistro
With two locations in the Echo Park and Culver City neighborhoods, Sage Vegan Bistro is a solid introduction to LA’s vibrant vegan scene, offering a menu as diverse as the city itself.
Experience the soaring, farm-inspired dining room as you dig into cauliflower “wings” served Buffalo- or barbecue-style, avocado stuffed with jackfruit “carnitas,” Asian kelp noodles, tacos, and pizza. Their grain bowls and nut-based cheese appear in everything from eggplant parmigiana to mac ‘n’ cheese.
Popular house-brewed drinks include pilsner and beers flavored with rosewater, hibiscus, and habanero, plus delightful desserts like coconut-based “ice cream” and an array of baked goods.
Crossroads
Chef Tal Ronnen achieved fame catering for celebrities from Ellen to Oprah. Crossroads was a pioneer long before LA’s vegan dining boom. This establishment features unique specialties like hearts of palm “crab cakes” and “artichoke oysters” (crispy fried oyster mushrooms in artichoke leaves with bearnaise sauce and kelp caviar), along with pasta dishes that might surprise you with their vegan twists.
Plant Food + Wine
Another celebrity chef, Matthew Kenney, is behind Plant Food + Wine, located on trendy Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice Beach. Enjoy a peaceful meal in the olive-tree-shaded backyard garden, where the restaurant cultivates many of its herbs and greens—ideal for locavores! Relish artisanal cheese platters, Caesar salad topped with sea beans, zucchini lasagna, spicy udon, or delightful desserts such as coconut cream pie and tiramisu.
Nic’s on Beverly
Nic’s on Beverly is a notable newcomer in the vegan dining scene. Indulge in avocado tempura tacos, crispy maitake mushrooms, and refreshing salads like the “Chinois.” The restaurant also offers an assortment of plates from pierogi to tagine, accompanied by cocktails to impress even the most discerning connoisseur.
Hinterhof
It’s hard to imagine meat-and-cream-heavy German cuisine going vegan, but Hinterhof in Highland Park achieves this with plant-based renditions of gigantic schnitzels, Berlin-style currywurst, and creamy spätzle.
Immerse yourself in a trendy atmosphere reminiscent of a fashionable bistro in Berlin or Munich, complete with a minimalist dining room and a vegan beer selection from Germany.
Gracias Madre
Situated in West Hollywood, Gracias Madre showcases yet another cuisine that transforms beautifully into vegan: Mexican. Expect flavorful fillings for tacos, tortas, and quesadillas crafted from sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and cauliflower, along with the enticing coliflor frito (fried cauliflower) and elote (grilled corn) served with zesty Mexican sauces. For a romantic date, opt for their outdoor garden under a starry sky.
Shojin
Shojin represents the art of Japanese vegan cooking, delivering full-flavored and creative dishes such as shiso-leaf gyoza potstickers, kale Caesar salad, and Purple Treasure (miso-glazed eggplant on asparagus sushi rolls) that are torch-finished at the table for added flavor. While the tasting menu might initially seem pricey, it’s designed for two people.
Ramen Hood
Ramen is a Japanese specialty that rarely receives the vegan treatment, but at Downtown LA’s Ramen Hood, it’s all about plant-based noodles. The rich, creamy broth combines kelp, shiitake mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and white miso, while inventive vegan hard-boiled “eggs” add a unique touch. Choose between regular or spicy ramen and pair it with delicious banh mi poutine.
Bulan
This Thai restaurant embodies a lively atmosphere and offers a creative menu, featuring veggie chicken in hot wings, saté, and “inferno chicken” alongside classics like pak kee mao (drunken noodles). Visit Bulan in Silver Lake for a taste of some of LA’s best vegan Thai cuisine.
Satdha
The unassuming exterior of Satdha hides imaginative Thai plant-based cuisine. Delight in endive cups filled with “cashew tuna,” beet-dyed noodles, and “catfish” made from eggplant, showcasing the creativity of vegan cooking.
Monty’s Good Burger
With a stylish vibe in Koreatown, Monty’s Good Burger is a fully plant-based destination. From Impossible Burgers to soy-based shakes, this hot spot emphasizes sustainability by sourcing organic ingredients within a 30-mile radius.
Donut Friend
To wrap up your meal on a sweet note, don’t miss Donut Friend in Downtown LA and Highland Park, which offers an astonishing variety of unique (and entirely plant-based) donuts, including flavors like Strawberrylab, Banana Kill, and Bacon 182. You can even customize your own donut with your choice of filling and toppings!
Yoga-urt
Yoga-urt, located in Echo Park, masterfully blends veganism, fro-yo, and yoga. Their house-made almond milk is transformed into an array of soft-serve flavors ranging from vanilla harmony to peanut butter prana, instantly capturing the essence of LA in a fresh-baked, gluten-free waffle cone.
