With the wide array of fantastic vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants in the City of Angels, there’s no reason to settle for anything less than stellar, flavorwise. Get inspired by these plant-based dining go-tos that will keep you coming back for more.
Botanica
With a focus on colorful and creative food, incorporating both plant-based and sustainable omnivorous options, dining at Botanica is guaranteed to be a nourishing experience. Local ingredients make dishes like the heirloom melon salad stand out. Savor your meal knowing that the restaurant does not support industrial agriculture and spotlights local products chosen to taste—and make you feel—amazing. Silver Lake, botanicarestaurant.com
The Butcher's Daughter
This “vegetable slaughterhouse” features a daily-changing menu spotlighting their inventive cold-pressed juice blends, which you can even get spiked with your choice of liquor for a refreshing cocktail. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus feature plant-based takes on light eats like the acai bowl with house-made granola and seasonal berries as well as more filling options like the market pasta with fresh arrabiata sauce and cashew ricotta. Dairy free, vegan and gluten free options make these tasty meals accessible to all. Venice, thebutchersdaughter.com
Crossroads Kitchen
Menu staples like truffle mushroom bianca pizza, artichoke oysters and pumpkin seed tofu marsala prove that vegan food never has to be boring. Defined by the ingredients it highlights, not the ones it cuts out, this refined, Mediterranean dining experience ensures quality plant-based food for vegans, omnivores, and everyone in between. The fully stocked menu features appetizers, house-made pasta, pizza, and mouthwatering desserts. West Hollywood, crossroadskitchen.com
Flore
There’s something for everyone at this restaurant, featuring an extensive menu of vegan comfort food. Breakfast items, salads, tacos, burgers, pizza and smoothies are just a few of the plant based fares you can expect to savor at Flore, which recently moved to a new location on Sunset Boulevard after many years at Sunset Junction. Stop by on a weekend morning to nibble on brunch classics-made-plant-based like ‘chicken and waffles’, biscuits and gravy, and tofu benedicts. Silver Lake, florevegan.com
Fresh on Sunset
Wellness and nutritional needs are at the forefront of Fresh’s concept and menu. Its modern plant-based meals and drinks are packed with superfoods and incorporate the newest health food trends into tasty and imaginative recipes. Based around specific dietary goals and needs, Fresh’s raw and organic pressed juices offer a simple way to consume about 3 pounds of fresh produce per bottle. The menu even features an entire section devoted to house-made dips, sauces and dressings, so customers can rest assured that every dish served is crafted with care. West Hollywood, freshplantpowered.com
Gracias Madre
Inspired by a love for Mother Earth and all of her creations, dishes like ceviche, flautas, tacos, and gorditas get a plant-based twist at this vegan spot. Traditional Mexican cuisine is served alongside a stellar drink menu centered around ethical agave-based spirits like mezcal and tequila. Beverage director Maxwell Reis crafts cocktails like the Jalisco Highball and signature Purista Margarita to highlight Gracias Madre’s impressive selection of liquor, including some exclusive to the restaurant. West Hollywood, graciasmadre.co
Little Pine
Founded in 2015 by musician, producer and animal rights activist Moby, this restaurant serves up unique plant based dishes like mushroom duxelle and panko crusted piccata. Little Pine is dedicated to providing the best flavors for healthy-eaters who still crave fun and delicious meals. Finish off a satisfying dinner with a plate of its acclaimed chocolate chip cookies and milk. Make sure to pick up some treats to take home to your pets, too. Silver Lake, littlepinerestaurant.com
Monty's Good Burger
These artisanal burgers are just as impressive as the brand’s mission, which is centered around sustainability and animal rights. The menu is 100% plant-based and catered towards people looking for an ethical alternative to meat products with a steep environmental footprint. Using locally sourced ingredients, Monty’s serves house-made sauces, soy-based milkshakes including a Chamberlain Coffee flavor, craft soda sweetened with cane sugar, and their signature Impossible 2.0 hamburger patties. Make sure to try the new “chicken” sandwich, which was recently added to the menu. Multiple locations, montysgoodburger.com
Plant Food + Wine
Sacrificing the fine dining experience for health-conscious meals is something this Venice-based restaurant adamantly rejects. Its changing menu takes inspiration from seasonal produce and international cuisines to curate upscale vegan creations. Book a table on the gorgeous back patio and indulge in everything from a frittata to Cacio e Pepe. Finish off the meal with a slice of delicious coconut and banana cream pie, which is absolutely to die for. Venice, matthewkenneycuisine.com/plant-food-wine-venice
Plant Power
Fast food becoming plant-based is, as this brand puts it, “the future of fast food.” Burgers, fries and shakes that are environmentally conscious, made sustainably, free of artificial flavors or hydrogenated oils and still tasty are Plant Power’s specialty. Their entirely plant based burgers, fries, shakes and even compostable packaging are making strides to raise the bar for fast food. Other hits on their menu include floats, kombucha, fresh salads and various burger options as well. Long Beach, plantpowerfastfood.com
Shojin
Focused on community and considering the health of their customers, this plant based Japanese spot takes its ingredient selection seriously with no refined sugar, no artificial ingredients, and retains a “vegan, gluten free, macrobiotic” menu. Shojin features an impressive selection of vegan sushi, Japanese-style pasta, and classic entrees like orange ‘chicken’ and ramen as well as a premium spread of sake, sake cocktails, wine, and even some gluten-free and alcohol-free beers. DTLA, theshojin.com
SunCafe
From light to hearty, SunCafe’s menu is chock full of plant based versions of your favorites like zucchini lasagna, fig & tempeh bacon pizza or cauliflower steak. They serve superfood shakes as well as dairy-free cheesecakes and pies to satisfy your sweet tooth. Studio City, suncafe.com
Photography by: Jennifer Schmidt/Unsplash
