New to the Los Angeles Vegan Scene? This Guide’s Got You Covered
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
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.
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
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.
Fast Food for When You’re Short on Time
Veggie Grill by Next Level
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.)
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.
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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