New to the Los Angeles Vegan Scene? This Guide’s Got You Covered

Published by PETA Staff.

With more than 100 fully vegan restaurants, the Los Angeles vegan scene is one of the best in the world. Whether you live here or just come to visit, Los Angeles has something for everybody. Seriously. You want sushi that doesn’t kill fish and destroy the environment? There are at least five places where you can get it. Looking for pizza that uses vegan cheese instead of dairy stolen from sensitive cows? No problem! Need a place to brunch with the besties but don’t want eggs from exploited mother hens? You’ve got options. Hoping for a fancy place to take a date? Los Angeles has a number of spots to choose from. And don’t worry—there are plenty of dessert choices, too.

Vegan Fine Dining Across Los Angeles That’s Sure to Impress

Crossroads Kitchen

Melrose Avenue and Calabasas

Crossroads is a popular spot among celebrities, and Chef Tal Ronnen whips up some of the most intricate and decadent dishes imaginable. The menu changes with the season, so there’s always something new to try.

Oh, and it serves a delicious brunch, too.

Pura Vita

An all-vegan Italian restaurant with pastas, pizzas, and rotating specials, Pura Vita and its award-winning chef elevate Italian food to new heights. The Black Magic Lasagna is a must. For a more casual option, head next door to the pizzeria.

Shojin

Little Tokyo and Culver City

Shojin is home to some excellent house-made vegan sushi, and not the usual cucumber roll—we’re talking rolls like the Dynamite Roll, a spicy tofu and avocado roll with slightly torched spicy oat cream and dynamite sauce.

Nic’s On Beverly

Beverly Grove
This posh spot offers a range of choices, from a selection of artisan cheeses to a cast-iron roasted tofu, and plenty of cocktails. You’ll definitely want to save room for dessert, too. On weekends, it serves brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Âu Lac

Downtown

Visit this gourmet restaurant that serves Vietnamese and fusion cuisine in downtown Los Angeles. The menu features some surprises, like rich vegan baklava. Brunch is available from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

Casual Sit-Down Spots to Meet With Friends

Sugar Taco

West Hollywood and Sherman Oaks

You won’t find a brighter, more cheerful spot than Sugar Taco. This compassionate company partners with a number of organizations—including PETA—that focus on making the world a better place for everyone. The menu features tacos, nachos, and a lot of fun drinks. Keep an eye out for the specials, too!

apb

West Hollywood

This 21-and-older, all plant-based bar on Melrose Avenue offers top-notch ambience and delicious drinks. But it doesn’t stop there, as it features excellent vegan sushi and other delightful bites from Niku Nashi, making it the perfect spot to meet up with friends.

Sage Organic Vegan Bistro

Agoura Hills, Echo Park, and Pasadena

Entirely vegan and packed with a ton of California-grown produce, Sage’s cuisine always impresses. Two must-have dishes are the Cauliflower “Wings” and the Farmer’s Lasagna. Stop by on the weekends for brunch.

Ma-kin Vegan Sushi and Izakaya

Agoura Hills

This vegan sushi spot is just one of the many that Los Angeles has to offer. It’s tucked away in a strip mall out in Agoura Hills—and it’s worth the drive.

Real Food Daily

Pasadena and West Hollywood

Enjoy the extensive menu at this all-vegan, organic restaurant that’s been a mainstay for 25+ years. In addition to the weekend brunch, it offers a few all-day breakfast options on weekdays.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Crl8PPkuT7C

Fast Food for When You’re Short on Time

Veggie Grill

There are several locations in Los Angeles. Check Veggie Grill’s website for the one nearest to you.

A SoCal original and one of the first entirely vegan restaurant chains, Veggie Grill is expanding all over the U.S., offering standards such as the Santa Fe Crispy Chickin’ and Buffalo wings.

Plant Power Fast Food

Hollywood

Burgers, fries, and shakes are the name of the game at this 100% vegan chain. In true fast-food fashion, you can make your order a combo with fries and a drink. The milkshakes use vegan milks instead of dairy stolen from moms and their babies, so you can enjoy them almost guilt-free.

Monty’s Good Burger

Culver City, Echo Park, and Koreatown

From the Double Cheeseburger to the Dog Pile, this celeb favorite takes fast food to a new level. Keep an eye on its social media for new collaborations with celebrities. (In the past, the restaurant has partnened with people such as Travis Barker, Davey Havok, and Elton John.)

nomoo

A fully vegan retro-style diner located in the heart of Los Angeles? Sign us up! You can’t go wrong with the nomoo Single, Plant-Fil-A, or anything else on the menu, including the small-batch shakes.

Mr. Charlie’s

Hollywood

This joint puts a vegan twist on an iconic chain with its delicious Frowny Meals. Choose from the Not a Double Double or the Not a Chicken Sandwich or go for The Big Chuck. The fries have a classic taste, but they aren’t fried in animal fat.

Hidden Gems You Won’t Want to Miss

Vegan Glory

Beverly Grove

One of the hidden gems of L.A., this Thai restaurant has one of the best combos out there, complete with salad, rice, a spring roll, and a delectable entrée of your choice.

Vinh Loi Tofu

Reseda

Sporting a menu with more than just tofu, Vinh Loi dishes up solid Southeast Asian staples such as pho and bun mang vit coupled with a wide variety of house-made vegan meats. Insider tip: Ignore the menu and let the owner choose.

El Cocinero Restaurant

Van Nuys

When in Los Angeles, you have to get some Mexican food at least once. At El Cocinero, you can get the real thing but without worrying about whether animals suffered for it. Don’t forget the horchata!

Food Trucks and Pop-Ups to Follow Around Town

Lettuce Feast

If you’re looking for a vegan chicken sandwich or some vegan chicken tenders, this is the place to go. And you can choose from a variety of flavors and dipping sauces. You’ll want to try the banana pudding, too. Check availability and locations on Instagram.

Word of Mouth

Don’t miss the mac ’n’ cheese bites at this fun food truck. For your main course, try the Fried Chick’n Sandwich made with house-seasoned fried mushrooms and fries. Find its locations and updates on Instagram. 

Leaf Over Beef

This vegan pop-up creates its own vegan meats, with an emphasis on smoked options. While a few are mainstays, like wings and burgers, you never know what the creative chef is going to come up with next. 

Plant Lab

No fish, dolphins, or sea turtles were harmed in the making of this delicious sushi. With such an extensive menu, you may find it tough to choose at this mobile sushi spot. So you’ll just have to go multiple times to try it all!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrDzYV1rmnn

Coffee and Treats to Satisfy the Sweet Tooth

Donut Friend

Highland Park, DTLA, and Silver Lake

You know you’re in Los Angeles when you find a doughnut shop on almost every corner. Donut Friend has plenty of unique flavors to choose from. Or you can mix it up and try a doughnut ice cream sandwich.

Yoga-urt

Glendale, Echo Park, and Santa Monica

This soft-serve/frozen yogurt shop with locations in Glendale, Echo Park, and Santa Monica has a huge selection of flavors and excellent toppings, including brownie bites, organic dried mulberries, and even vegan gummy bears.

Toluca Bakery

Toluca Lake

Stop by this unassuming vegan bakery hidden in a small strip mall in Toluca Lake for some delicious pastries. Options include Danishes, cakes, empanadas, and conchas. Try the guava for a unique flavor.

Coffee and Plants

Pasadena and Studio City

Instagramable drinks and pastries? Check. Charming and cheerful aesthetic? Check. This all-vegan coffee shop is a great place to enjoy a beautiful cup of coffee or tea and have a light snack.

Dear Bella Creamery

Hollywood and Costa Mesa

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this women-owned ice cream shop. Choose from classic flavors such as cookies and cream and strawberry, or get more adventurous with seasonal flavors like Pink Guava and Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake.

Chaumont Vegan

Beverly Hills and Santa Monica

Looking for some French pastries that are almost too pretty to eat? Chaumont Vegan has you covered with two locations in Los Angeles.

Markets and Specialty Shops to Support and Savor

Follow Your Heart Market & Café

Canoga Park

This market and café, which opened in 1970, serves delicious vegan meals on the west end of the valley. It offers a wide variety of mostly vegan foods, from produce to artisan vegan meats and cheeses.

Besties Vegan Paradise

Thai Town

The name says it all. This shop is a paradise for vegans. If you’re looking for some tough-to-find plant-based products, this is the place to start.

Vromage

Say vegan cheese! Whether you get a sandwich or some of the top-tier cheeses to take home, you’ll be glad you visited this all-vegan cheese shop.

*****

Los Angeles is an absolute must-visit for every vegan foodie. With a seemingly endless supply of restaurants, shops, pop-ups, etc., you’re not likely to run out of new options. And if you somehow do, chances are another one will open soon just around the corner.

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