LA dwellers love looking good, and this health-conscious hot spot is no stranger to delectable vegetarian cuisine. No matter where you find yourself within the city, a delicious veggie-friendly meal is always close by. From downtown to the beaches, vegetarians and vegans are never left hungry in the city of angels. We scoured LA’s sprawling splendor and uncovered the tastiest options for any price range. Even carnivores will find something to love at these fresh and fantastic eateries.
California Vegan 7300 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046 323.874.9079 AND 12113 Santa Monica Blvd., Unit #207 Los Angeles, CA 90025 310.207.4798
California Vegan now has two locations – one in West Hollywood and a new location in Santa Monica. They feature a huge range of Thai dishes, sandwiches, and other vegetarian staples. With over six pages of options and a 100% vegan-friendly menu, the hard part is narrowing the field. All their Asian specialties offer a choice of tofu, soy chicken, soy fish, seitan, pepper steak or soy shrimp. Don’t miss the massive meatless burgers (the lentil is divine) or the killer fries. Enjoy every bite in a no-fuss, totally chill atmosphere.
Happy Family Restaurant 18425 E. Colima Road, 2nd Floor Rowland Heights, CA 91748 626.965.9923
With a sign out front that proudly asks “Please do not bring meat into our establishment”, Happy Family is a vegetarian’s dream come true. Though the menu reads like a typical Chinese haven with musts like Shredded Pork with Bean Curd and Kung Pao Shrimp, every dish is completely vegetarian. Your best bet is the flat fee all-you-can-eat feast, with mouth-watering options like House Chicken with Sesame and Fish with Sweet and Sour Sauce. And the vegetarian Shark’s Fin Soup? So velvety good and humane. What’s not to love?
Hugo’s 12851 Riverside Dr. Studio City, CA 91607 818.761.8985 AND 8401 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 323.654.3993
Although Hugo’s does offer meat options, the huge list of truly scrumptious veggie selections puts both locations on the vegetarian map. Choose Hugo’s as your brunch hot spot – they offer unique and outstanding dishes like Strawberry Chai Spice Pancakes and an incredible Breakfast Burrito. If you’re feeling adventurous, say yes to the Oatmeal Frittata – it’s got organic steel cut oats, kamut and rye flakes with almonds, all folded into an egg white frittata and finished with cottage cheese, strawberries, and apple sauce. Divine, healthy, perfection!
Inn of the Seventh Ray 128 Old Topanga Road Topanga, CA 90290 310.455.1311
This is the ultimate high-end, date destination for veggies craving atmosphere and amazing eats. Although not a strictly vegetarian spot, the Inn’s offerings can’t be beat, and neither can the ethereal garden setting. The big draw here is the mind blowing vegetarian brunch buffet, showcasing delicacies like Broccoli Almond Quiche, Oyster Mushroom and Fennel Salad, and heavenly Carob Brownies.
Native Foods 1110 1/2 Gayley Ave. Westwood, CA 90025 310.209.1055
A mainstay for UCLA students, Native Foods uses organic vegan ingredients to create a huge selection of delicious meals. They feature amazing salads (try the Iron Yam), burgers (the spicy Scorpion Burger reigns supreme), and fantastic wheat crust pizzas (every selection rocks.) There are lots of soups and snacks to sample too, and a nice array of vegan desserts. This kid-friendly locale even sports mini-meals for your veggie-loving youngster.
Newsroom Café 120 N. Robertson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 310.652.4444 AND 530 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401 310.319.9100
For a side of celebrity sightings with you tofu, hit the Robertson Boulevard branch of this healthy eating destination. The Newsroom cooks up killer breakfasts, salads, sandwiches, and their greatest offering, quesadillas (try the Green Chile Pesto). Both locations are hot beds of activity, great food, and a true LA ambiance,
Paru’s Indian Vegetarian Restaurant 5140 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90027 323.661.7600
Paru’s offers a completely vegetarian menu featuring the cuisine of South India. The service here is impeccable and friendly, and the food is full of unique spices and flavors. Favorites include the Yogi’s Delight dinner with curried chickpeas and a whole host of seasoned vegetables, or the Queen Paru, which includes roast curry Dosa, Sambar, Coconut Chutney, and an incredible Raitha. Whatever you do, don’t forget the Paratha – the best Indian flatbread you’ll ever taste.
Real Food Daily 514 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401 310.451.7544 AND 414 N. La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90048 310.289.9910
Another mecca for veggies and celebs alike, Real Food is the real thing. The meals here are impressively varied and substantial, with seasonal specials, marvelous teas and juices, and the best vegan desserts in town. Entrée standouts include the Salisbury Seitan, the RFD Tacos, and the ultra-healthy Real Food Meals, which include brown rice, beans, land and sea vegetables, and refreshing salads.
Truly Vegan 5907 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028 323.466.7958
Tucked into a non-descript spot off Hollywood Boulevard, Truly Vegan is a new addition to LA’s veggie scene. Although the space is small, the menu is expansive - every option here is tasty, healthy, and perfect for a leisurely bite or a lunch on the go. Try the Pad Thai Me or the Shitake Mushroom Curry, and pair it with a fresh made juice or refreshing Lemongrass Tea.
Vegan Glory 8393 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048
If you’re looking for Thai spice infused in your vegetarian fair, Vegan Glory is the spot. This centrally located city café features all manner of Thai dishes, highlighting organic goodies and a relaxed vibe with an open kitchen. The standouts here are the Papaya Salad, Curries (Red, Green, or Yellow varieties), and the incredible Chu Chee – soy shrimp in a coconut puree topped with kafir mint leaves and bell pepper.