Come out to the coast, try the vegan life, have a few laughs.  Vegan food is to LA, what Bagels and Pizza are to NYC.  It’s easy to eat delicious here; with so many options and depending on the vibe you want, look no further than this list to help you along the way.

Jewel – Silverlake – @eatatjewel

Jewel is a creative genius when it comes to eating vegan.  Their Carrot “Lox” Toast is a delightful alternative to traditional lox and capers!  All of their cashew forward dips, cheeses, and schmears are an absolute dream!  The Chicken and Waffles (oyster Mushrooms with an onion gravy) and the Meyer Lemon Cakes (Sat/Sun only) are an absolute must!  For all our sober friends, check out their mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages for your drinking pleasure!  The Gold Fashioned (Orange Bitters, dandelion and Chocolate thai terpenes) is my eternal favorite!

Gracias Madre – West Hollywood & Newport Beach – @graciasmadresocal

An instant LA classic, Gracias Madre is THE vegan hangout in West Hollywood.  With a tequila and mezcal bar that truly shines, Gracias Madre is perfect for birthdays, date nights, and always has a fantastic Dine LA menu.  Gracias Madre also has perfect pre-fix menus for lunch, dinner, and even weekend brunch.  Choose your own adventure for a starter, main, and a dessert;  $35 for lunch & $55 for dinner!  With their $7 bites and drinks under $9 for happy hour, Gracias Madre is a place for all to enjoy!

Kitchen Mouse – Highland Park – @kitchenmousela

Mint dreams are made of these, who am I to disagree?  From classic vegan breakfast pancakes, to their exceedingly clever lunch menu, everything is vegetarian and most of the menu is vegan. (But you can order regular chicken eggs here.) Kitchen Mouse has the vibe of visiting your grandparents house for a loving meal made with care. Cozy on up with their Dandy Latte, a tasty mix of chicory and dandelion, and sit back and enjoy their outdoor patio or dining room with free wi-fi!

Burgerlords – Chinatown & Highland Park – @burgerlords

Hands down the best Vegan burger I’ve ever had.  Their handmade patties with fresh sliced and diced veggies will melt in your mouth every time.  Hate the fries from In-N-Out?  Burgerlords take their string fries to the next level!  Their tofu nuggets are super yummy. (Pro tip: During Valentine’s day they make them heart shaped!)  Don’t leave without ordering their Vegan Oreo Milkshake to top off your delectable meal.  

De Buena Planta – Venice – @de_buena_planta

Flawless beach and chill vibes make De Buena Planta the perfect West Side Hang. With their small but mighty menú, De Buena Planta has a beet tostada that will make your head spin!  The roasted corn salsa and “ceviche” are a true delight!  Drinks abound here, from amazing wine selections, to cocktails, tequila and mezcal, and even cold pressed juices (brought in from The Butcher’s Daughter).  Come sit outside, soak up the sun, and sling back an Oaxacan Old Fashioned and thank your lucky stars that you live in sunny LA!

Seabirds – Los Feliz/Costa Mesa/Long Beach – @seabirdskitchen

Seabirds came in HARD and has been crushing and keeping things fresh for a while now.  With multiple locations around the Los Angeles area, Seabirds has a unique and innovative vegan menu.  I’m a big fan of their Beer Battered Avocado Taco, Jackfruit Nachos, and closing out with their Whiskey Peach Crumble!  Stunning patios and dining areas are perfect for dates, birthdays, and quiet afternoon lunches with a good book!

Beelman’s – DTLA – @beelmansdtla

Soups, salads, tacos, you want it, Beelman’s in Downtown LA has got it!  Get the vegan party started with the crispy chickpeas that are fried in togarashi and graduate on up with the Tachos – tater tot nachos. Yeah you heard me, right.  Still hungry?  Grab some of their fantastically class buffalo cauliflower or elote skillet and wash it down with any of their fantastic cocktail options.  The Smoked Walnut Old Fashioned and the Excitable Boy are tried and true favorites!  

Just What I Kneaded – Frogtown – @justwhatikneaded.la

This outstanding vegan cafe was born in the Highland Park home of its owner/chef, Justine Hernandez, in 2017.  With a fantastic little location in Frogtown, Justine makes everything from grab and go pastries, to coffee, to specialty cakes for any occasion!  Bright and happy, with a sunny patio for relaxing, Just What I Kneaded is just what LA ordered for an amazing vegan food experience!

 Sun Cafe – Studio City  – @suncafela

Sun Cafe was my first vegan experience in Los Angeles back in 2008, and to this day, it’s still some of the best Mac and Cheese that I’ve ever had.  Whether you sit indoors or outside, Sun Cafe will not disappoint. They are consistently named one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles by Opentable.  Not only is their menu entirely vegan, but a majority of it can be made gluten free!   Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, Sun Cafe is a perennial favorite!