Los Angeles is consistently listed among the top vegan/vegetarian-friendly cities not just in America, but in the world. Since L.A. is a big town, narrowing down which hip, tasty, trendy, soul-warming restaurants to try out during a single visit can feel overwhelming. To guide your vegetarian dining tour of Los Angeles, Tripping.com has compiled a list of 12 of the best vegan/vegetarian restaurants.
Visit Los Angeles to sample these amazing eats!
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in L.A.
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1. Sage Vegan Bistro
Neighborhood: Culver City
Type of food: Varies
Sage is the type of vegan restaurant where even your meat-eating fellow travelers can find something to enjoy. Not only is their food delicious (and organic and locally-sourced), they’re also not stingy with the portions. Favorites include the BLTA pizza (if you’re not a fan of tempe, swap it out for black beans), the South American-inspired bowls (try the Brazilian or Molé), and the butternut squash ravioli (order as an appetizer and share!). If you don’t have room for dessert, at least stop by the vegan ice cream station for some free samples.
Best for: Dining in, Groups, Outdoor Seating
Alcohol served: Yes
Other locations: Echo Park; Pasadena
2. Cafe Gratitude
Neighborhood: Larchmont
Type of food: Varies
Do you like your food with a side of zen? Then Cafe Gratitude is the place for you. OK, so, it might feel weird to order dishes with names like “Comfort” and “Ecstatic” at first, but it won’t take long to get sucked into their positive vibes shtick. First-timers can’t go wrong with the housemade black bean veggie burger or their signature “Grateful” bowl — tasty, filling, and the only dish where you get to pick-your-own price (minimum donation $3, to-go orders only).
Best for: Dining in, Groups, Outdoor Seating
Alcohol served: Yes
Other locations: Venice; Downtown L.A.
3. Stuff I Eat
Neighborhood: Downtown Inglewood
Type of food: Soul Food & more
It’s hard to narrow down the best dish at Stuff I Eat. But since you insist: The soups are always good, and the lunch burrito is a solid favorite. There’s also the Nut Burger, which is unlike any other veggie burger you’ll have in the city (the patty is more like a flavorful concoction of grains). Pro tip: Order an extra side of their carrot orange dressing that comes with the complimentary salad — it tastes great on pretty much anything.
Best for: Dining in, Groups
Alcohol served: No
Other locations: No
4. Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine
Neighborhood: Mid-City
Type of food: East African
Located in the middle of L.A.’s Little Ethiopia block, Rahel offers the best of what East African cuisine has to offer, and luckily you don’t have to choose just one dish. Their veggie combos allow you to indulge in everything from their flavorful lentils and medley of cooked veggies to their signature Ethiopian tomato stew (ask about spice level!) — all served on a bed of injera, a tortilla-like sour bread. Keep in mind that one combo is enough to serve four. Favorites include the Vegan Feast and Veggie Paradise. If you’re feeling especially brave (and hungry!), stop by during lunch for the all-you-can-eat buffet.
Best for: Dining in, Groups
Alcohol served: Limited
Other locations: No
5. Gracias Madre
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
Type of food: Mexican
Gracias Madre is a gourmet Mexican restaurant located in the trendy neighborhood of West Hollywood, with a clientele to match. The expansive patio is conducive to a romantic dinner for two or a lively group. So get comfortable, order one of their fancy cocktails, then dive into their colorful menu. Favorites include the cauliflower tacos, the Enchiladas Con Mole, and El Plato (which includes a flavorful combination of butternut squash, chorizo mushrooms, and black beans). Reservations are highly recommended.
Alcohol served: Yes
Best for: Groups, Date Night, Outdoor Seating
Other locations: No
6. The Grain Cafe
Neighborhood: Mid-City
Type of food: Sandwiches, Salads and Baked Goods
The Grain is the kind of place that should be a lot busier than it is. Every dish is consistently good, but the best thing they’ve got going for themselves is their baked goods, especially the vegan cakes, which are both delicious and beautiful. The carrot cake is a customer favorite and there’s definitely something special about its delicious frosting. Even if you eat dinner somewhere else, make sure to stop by The Grain for a guilt-free slice (or two) or cake.
Alcohol served: No
Best for: Dining in, To-go orders
Other locations: No
7. Real Food Daily
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Type of food: American
Real Food Daily's Santa Monica location takes pride in being one of the first vegan restaurants in L.A. It continues to be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike — including singer/songwriter Moby, who recently told L.A. Weekly that the vegan lasagna was among his favorite dishes.
Alcohol served: No
Best for: Dining in, To-go orders
Other locations: West Hollywood; Pasadena
8. Little Pine
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
Type of Food: Mediterranean-inspired
Speaking of Moby, the longtime vegan just opened up his first restaurant last month in the hipster neighborhood of Silver Lake. It offers Mediterranean breakfast, lunch, and dinner — so it only makes sense that the Mediterranean Salad is already getting positive reviews.
Alcohol served: Yes
Best for: Dining in, Small groups, Moby sightings (maybe)
Other locations: No
9. Doomie’s Home Cookin’
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Type of food: American/Diner
Let’s be clear: Doomie’s is not selling you a healthy vegan dream. This is comfort food — minus the meat. Case in point: their vegan version of the Big Mac, smothered “Animal” fries (an ode to In-N-Out), and the BBQ pulled pork. Arrive with a big appetite, an adjustable waistline, and no judgement.
Alcohol served: No
Best for: Groups, Casual Dining In
Other locations: No
10. Araya’s Place
Neighborhood: Beverly Grove (Beverly Hills adjacent)
Type of food: Thai
There are a lot of vegan Thai places in L.A., but what makes Araya’s standout is their attention to the vegetables. While others rely too heavily on fake meats to fill you up, Araya’s gives you satisfying veggie-based dishes like Drunken Mushroom and Avocado Curry. Bonus: The quiet, lowkey establishment allows for a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city outside.
Alcohol served: No
Best for: Small parties of 2-4
Other locations: No
11. Simply Wholesome
Neighborhood: View Park-Windsor Hills
Type of food: Caribbean and more
Simply isn’t solely a vegetarian restaurant, but their vegetarian options standout above the rest. The spinach version of a traditional Jamaican patty is great for a starter. And their full veggie burrito is enough to serve two! And if you have a little extra time, get The Masala Spice, a caribbean inspired dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You can use that time to explore the adjoining store, which carries all-natural food items and health products.
Best for: To-go orders; Live music on Saturdays
Alcohol served: No
Other locations: No
12. Native Foods
Neighborhood: Culver City
Type of food: Varies
Here’s another place that is sure to be a hit with even your non-vegan/vegetarian companions. The Scorpion burger is a solid go-to, as are the Bangkok and Moroccan bowls if you’re craving some lighter fare. Everything here is made in-house, even the sauces!
Alcohol served: Yes
Best for: Outdoor seating; Groups
Other locations: Santa Monica; Westwood/UCLA
Visit Los Angeles to Try These Amazing Restaurants!
This article was written by Lede Mariam.
Hero Image Credit: Brooke Cagle