Vegetarian & Vegan Eats in LA

This funky but comfortable vegan cafe in Long Beach will keep your mouth stuffed full of delightful offerings such as corn chowder, tofu steaks, and grilled portobello … mushroom burgers. Their cooked and raw dishes are made with mostly organic ingredients from local farmer's markets, and their living food offerings include various Vietnamese spring rolls and vegan sushi. [link]

Desperate vegetarians who find themselves in downtown LA can seek refuge at this diminutive lunch counter, though regulars complain that both the food quality and service … declined after its original chef -- now manning Flore Cafe in Silver Lake -- sold it. [link]

Vegan-friendly vegetarian restaurant The Spot has been doing its thing in Hermosa Beach for a long, long time. In fact, it's LA's self-proclaimed "oldest natural health … food restaurant." Everything is tasty and filling, a majority of items can be prepared nondairy, and the bill won't break the bank. No matter what you order, make a point of trying their "world famous" savory sauce, and try to save room for dessert. [link]

The Redondo Beach vegetarian restaurant The Green Temple offers a host of simple vegan options, including hot bowls, organic spelt pastas, enchiladas, sandwiches, and … salads. Just steps from the beach, portions are healthy and prices are low. [link]

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Once a Korean restaurant and now a purely vegan paradise of microbrews and bar grub, this relatively new cafe in East Hollywood relies heavily on jackfruit as its meat … substitute. They offer savory sandwiches such as the "pulled pork," which is stuffed into a hot-dog bun and garnished with barbecue sauce, vegan mayo, and pickles. Other interesting items include the carnitas torta and Glasgow sandwich, as well as various salads, pasta dishes, tacos, and spring rolls. [link]

This Pasadena fast food joint is not only totally vegetarian, but they actually have a drive-through. It's pretty much a meatless take on the classic McDonald's fare, … replete with a "Filet-O-Soul" tofu burger and a minimal breakfast menu that includes a "Soysage-O-Muffin." Also on the menu are a handful of burritos, an "African" tostada, miso soup, and falafel. Vegans should beware: though there's no meat here, there's plenty of eggs and cheese, so make sure to ask before you order. [link]

This longtime Westwood Village favorite has expanded from its cramped quarters on Gayley Avenue into the space next door, and not a moment too soon. Brainchild of the … jovial and talented Tanya Petrovna, the totally vegan cafe is always packed with fans of the reliable and globally-inspired menu, which features items ranging from the Chinese "Save the Chicken" Salad to the portobello sausage burger. Diners of every ilk should find something satisfying on the extensive menu, which includes a number of hot dishes, pizzas, and finger foods like chili cheese fries and "Save the Chicken" wings. [link]

Disclaimer: This is the one restaurant on our list that isn't totally vegetarian or vegan. This lovely cafe at Melrose and La Brea is macrobiotic and utilizes absolutely … no chicken, beef, dairy, or eggs. However, there are a handful of fish items on the menu. That said, the strictest of vegans will have tons of delightful options here. Breakfast offerings include tofu scrambles, breakfast panini, and blueberry pancakes, while lunch and dinner are made up of wraps, burgers, hot sandwiches, bento boxes, salads, soups, and more. The deli case is always full of fun stuff, from tea sandwiches to side salads, and their various vegan sushi options are a unique touch. [link]

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Don't be fooled: Among this menu of chili cheeseburgers, BBQ chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs, you'll find no actual animal flesh. This Venice Beach burger shack is … situated smack on Ocean Front Walk, just across from Muscle Beach, and offers 100% plant based, vegan fast food at its finest. It's cheap, it's delicious, it's cruelty-free, and they've even got shakes. What more could a vegan beach bum ask? [link]

Breakfast and lunch and dinner, oh my! This organic, vegan eatery in Silver Lake does it all, and they do it well. From frittatas to French toast, tu-no melts to tacos, … Flore provides satisfying satiation for even the most sensitive palates. Dine in, or pick up a premade sandwich or salad from their divine deli case. [link]

This classy Eagle Rock restaurant is an oasis of handcrafted dishes like moussaca, homemade ravioli, and savory strudel, with nary a piece of chicken or beef in sight. … Finicky vegetarians will be pleased to know that even their various fondues are made with rennet-free cheese, and vegans can take heart in Fatty's offer to prepare almost any of their dishes "vegan style." [link]