Best Vegan Restaurants in Los Angeles: A Plant-Based Paradise
Introduction
Los Angeles is more than the entertainment capital—it’s also a trailblazer in plant-based dining. Agreeing to PETA, LA stands as the “most vegan-friendly city” in the world Wikipedia. Whether you’re completely vegetarian, plant-curious, or simply craving incredible flavors without the animal products, LA’s vegan scene has something for everyone—from artisanal sushi to Italian classics, vibrant tacos, comforting bowls, and decadent pastries. Here’s a deep dive into some of the best vegan restaurants in Los Angeles.
1. Crossroads Kitchen (West Hollywood, Beverly Grove)
This upscale veggie lover diamond, established by Chef Tal Ronnen, revolutionized plant-based eating back in 2013 WikipediaLife’sAlternateRoute. Expect Mediterranean-inspired dishes like artichoke “oysters,” a dramatic seafood tower, house-made pasta, and small-plate creativity served in a sleek, date-night ambiance. Oprah even dubbed Tal Ronnen “America’s best vegan chef” Discover Los AngelesWikipedia.
2. Pura Vita (West Hollywood & Redondo Beach)
Home to Southern California’s first 100% vegan Italian wine bar, this charming restaurant reimagines Italian favorites with cashew cream carbonara, mushroom-lentil meatballs, truffle-black magic lasagna, and Neapolitan-style pizza—paired with biodynamic wines ObserverI Am Going VeganVegpreneur.
3. PLANTA (Marina del Rey & Brentwood)
Sophisticated, globally inspired vegan dining with a coastal twist. Highlights include truffle mushroom pizza, cauliflower tots, sushi rolls like unagi eggplant and watermelon “ahi,” plus stylish cocktails—perfect for brunch or an elegant night out GO Bigblue CountryLife’sAlternateRouteModern Luxury.
4. Shojin (Culver City)
An intimate spot for macrobiotic, gluten-free Japanese cuisine. Perfectly gathered sushi rolls, miso ramen, large scale exhibitions, and exquisite introduction make this a standout. The Downtown location closed, but the Culver City location remains open and thriving ObserverLife’sAlternateRouteEater LA.
5. Gracias Madre (West Hollywood)
A merry cantina serving dynamic vegetarian Mexican admission made with natural produce—think barbecued lion’s mane asada tacos, cauliflower mole, pimento flautas, and cashew queso fundido. Pair it with mezcal or tequila under the stars on a chic patio Modern LuxuryInsideHook.
6. Men & Beasts (Echo Park)
A recent addition to the scene (opened in 2025), this modern vegan Chinese restaurant and tea lounge is run by a husband-and-wife team. Try dim sum, kung pao tofu, seitan wings, and enjoy a Gong Fu tea ceremony in a stylish, serene space Eater LA.
7. Lil’ Vegerie (Redondo Beach)
Yelp’s top vegan restaurant in America—lauded for its nourishing bowls, plant-based cheesesteaks, fresh juices, and the “Philly Cheesesteak bowl” that competes with the best sandwiches in town KTLA.
8. Hey, Sunshine Kitchen (Culver City)
Shinning, playful, and women-owned, this café conveys dynamic bowls, jackfruit carnitas tacos, BBQ tofu, and Mediterranean chickpea patties. It’s Yelps’ #4 vegan spot in the US and loved for its wholesome flavors GO Bigblue CountryKTLA.
9. Ramen Hood (Grand Central Market, DTLA)
The only all-vegan ramen stand in the iconic downtown food hall. Try spicy garlic ramen with vegan “pork” katsu in sunflower-broth, or opt for the OG ramen and vegan egg—rich and inventive comfort food InsideHookI Am Going Vegan.
10. Monty’s Good Burger & Vegan Hooligans (Multiple Locations)
Cruise-in for casual, satisfying vegan fast food. Think elevated Impossible burgers, loaded fries, fried “chicken” sandwiches, shakes, and tater tots—great for indulgent cravings GO Bigblue CountryDiscover Los Angeles.
11. Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher Shop (Highland Park)
A tiny vegan deli offering sandwiches like Reubens, pesto melts, and Italian subs—all made with in-house faux meats and cheeses. Grab a seat at the sidewalk tables or take some provisions to go InsideHook.
12. Green Table (Fairfax District)
100% organic and plant-powered, this café delights with falafel quiche, classic lasagna, bowls, smoothies, and gluten-free pastries. A healthful yet satisfying meal awaits Discover Los Angeles.
13. Mr. Charlie’s (Mid-Wilshire)
A playful take on fast food dubbed the “vegan McDonald’s.” Try the “Not a Hamburger,” “Not a Cheeseburger,” or the Double Not—and enjoy nostalgic flavors vegan-style Discover Los Angeles.
14. Bakers Bench (LA-wide bakery)
A plant-based bakery recognized by The New York Times among the top U.S. bakeries. Their croissants, muffins, pies, and pastries are all vegan and crave-worthy Wikipedia.
15. Ubuntu & Vegan A.F. (Melrose Avenue food highlights)
- Vegan A.F.: A bright pink food truck serving loaded fries and vegan egg rolls, including Nashville hot fries with vegan shrimp Eater LA.
- Ubuntu: West African–inspired plant-based dishes like jackfruit yassa, jollof arancini, charred okra salad, and plantain tart Eater LA.
Community Favorites (via Reddit)
A client on r/vegan shared: “Gracias Madre (West Hollywood, Mexicanish), Shojin (Small Tokyo or Culver City, sushi), … Pura Vita, Crossroads.” They moreover suggested others like SunCafe, Cafe Appreciation, and Ethiopian joint Rahel—highlighting LA’s differences and quality in vegetarian food Reddit.
A sushi-lover added:
“Niku Nashi nailed it and he’s shocked it’s plant‑based.” This new spot delivers vegan shrimp tempura maki, ceviche tacos, and spicy tuna hand rolls with authentic texture and flavor Reddit.
LA: A Plant-Based Powerhouse
From upscale omakase-style sushi and rich Mediterranean admission to generous tacos, store sandwiches, ramen, and pastries—LA’s veggie lover scene is sweeping, imaginative, and persistently advancing. Whether you’re on a romantic night out or a casual cheat-day mission, the city’s plant-powered possibilities are endless.
