From Plant-Based Burgers to Vegan Tacos, These LA Restaurants Will Have You Dining Like A Champ
Being that Los Angeles has been at the helm of making a plant-based diet not only easier but more enjoyable, it should come as no surprise that some of the most delicious and creative vegan restaurants reside in the City of Angels. We’ve put together this list of 11 vegan and vegetarian restaurants that you need to visit ASAP! Plant-Based Restaurants near me
nomoo | New American Burger
Must-Order: BBQ Facon Burger & Oreo Cookie Milkshake
Located in a retro diner right off of Melrose (which used to be the site of the original Johnny Rockets), Nomoo serves up some of the tastiest and most sustainable fast food in Southern California. Though their mouthwatering burgers are enough to convert you, their innovative items such as fried oyster mushroom “Nomoo wings” and “Out-n-In Fries” really complete your meal. “I believe fast-food favorites like better burgers, wings and shakes can and should be completely vegan without sacrificing flavors or experience,” explains owner George Montague Brown. “Nomoo is an instrument aiding the shift for a more sustainable, healthy future of food.” With neon signs and beachy accents, this hip and colorful diner sets the space as you chow down on guiltless comfort food, ensuring that you can feel good about your indulgence.
Local Insight: A sort of secret off-menu crowd pleaser is Nomoo’s Truffle Cheeze breakfast sandwich, which is served all day. Many guests claim it’s better than the real thing!
Location: Melrose
@nomooburger
Plant-Based Restaurants near me
Gracias Madre
Must-Order: Tower of Spuds
From their famous jackfruit tacos to their refreshing watermelon “slushie” cocktail, Gracias Madre has a reputation for being one of the most popular vegan spots in LA. Its light and airy space is connected to a massive patio, ensuring that even if you sit inside, you feel a part of the outdoors. Gracias Madre also boasts a zero-waste cocktails program that helps to drastically reduce its carbon footprint. “We also make canned cocktails with an extended shelf life, giving customers a long chance to enjoy it rather than tossing it out,” adds COO Cary Mosier.
Location: West Hollywood
@graciasmadresocal
Monty’s Good Burger
Must-Order: Max’d Out Tots
With locations all over Los Angeles, Monty’s Good Burger has been known to make some incredibly realistic burgers that remain on the more traditional side. Using Impossible patties, Monty’s has managed to recreate this American classic without losing its flavor or charm. The restaurants themselves tend to be relatively small and hole-in-the-wall style, making it a great place to stop for a quick bite and some shoestring fries to-go!
Local Insight: Every dipping sauce, from their sriracha aioli to their BBQ sauce, is made in-house.
Location: Third St, Echo Park, Koreatown
@montysgoodburger
Plant-Based Restaurants near me
Burgerlords
Must-Order: Sourdough Garlic Melt
Rather than using Impossible or Beyond patties, Burgerlords creates their tasty treats with a proprietary blend of 30 vegetables, grains, nuts and spices that are prepared in-house every day. Everything at this down-to-earth eatery is made from real ingredients, and their food can be eaten either on-site on a classic lunch tray or simply ordered at the counter for fresh takeaway. Don’t forget to indulge in their iconic 2,000 Island Sauce!
Location: Downtown Los Angeles, Highland Park
@burgerlords
EXP 2/12
Crossroads
Must-Order: Spicy Rigatoni Vodka
Crossroads is one of the best spots to dine at when looking for a more upscale plant-friendly dinner. The decor and setting is very traditional with white linen tablecloths and hanging chandeliers throughout the dining room, making it the perfect date spot for vegan lovers (pun intended)! If you’re feeling extra fancy, go for their seasonal tasting menu, which includes a free glass of champagne.
Location: Melrose
@crossroadskitchen
Shojin
Must-Order: Shojin Dynamite Roll & Shojin-Style Sashimi
Love being vegan but tired of missing sushi? Let us introduce you to Shojin! This quaint and somewhat simple-looking restaurant—located in both DTLA and Culver City-—has mastered the art of plant-based sushi. Branch out from boring avocado and cucumber rolls and try their best-selling Shojin Dynamite Roll, which features spicy tofu and avocado with torched spicy mayo and dynamite sauce. Don’t forget to wash it down with some Honjozo sake!
Location: Culver City, Downtown Los Angeles
@shojinlove
Plant-Based Restaurants near me
De Buena Planta
Must-Order: Roasted Corn & Avocado Salsa
Set on a colorful and sandy palm-covered patio, De Buena Planta transports you to a beach in Mexico before giving your taste buds a wild ride! Though it is technically classified as a pop-up restaurant, De Buena Planta has truly made itself at home on Abbot Kinney. Their unique Pear Vida Mezcalita shows just how innovative their drinks can be in terms of flavor, and their Cauliflower Esquites provides the perfect kick.
Local Insight: Stop by on a Margarita Monday for $10 margs all night!
Location: Venice
@de_buena_planta
Plant-Based Restaurants near me
The Butcher’s Daughter
Must-Order: Fried Artichoke Hearts
The Butcher’s Daughter is one of Venice’s most versatile and beloved restaurants. From breakfast foods and smoothies to refined dinner options, this white and airy restaurant can serve as a stellar plant-based spot for a variety of occasions. The large array of greenery and plants throughout the space sets the tone as you browse the impressive menu. For starters, sip on their chipotle pineapple margarita and order the white bean hummus as an app!
Location: Venice
@thebutchersdaughter_official
Cafe Gratitude
Must-Order: Crispy Fried Coconut Calamari
Under the same ownership as Gracias Madre, Cafe Gratitude is a more laid-back eatery that serves refreshing salads, sandwiches and superfood smoothies. With special mantras that are paired with each dish, this restaurant will leave you glowing from the inside out as it fills your body with healthy and nutritious ingredients. “Cafe Gratitude composts all food scraps and utilizes as many dish ingredients as possible,” explains Mosier. “Unwanted vegetable parts are juiced and served in smoothies and fresh-pressed juices, while all bread scraps are saved to make croutons or bread crumbs!”
Location: Arts District, Larchmont, Venice
@cafegratitude
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
