Angelenos have long been known to embrace the latest food trends, and veganism is no exception. With a diverse and constantly evolving plant-based dining scene, Los Angeles has staked its claim as a vegan mecca. And with the rise of celebrity vegans like Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, and Jessica Chastain, it’s no wonder that health-conscious Angelenos are flocking to plant-based diets.
A Vegan City of Angels
LA’s vegan scene is not limited to niche restaurants or specialty stores. From high-end vegan eateries to food trucks, you can find plant-based versions of almost any cuisine. Even many mainstream restaurants offer vegan options on their menus.
Where to Dine
Iconic Vegan Restaurants
You can’t talk about vegan dining in LA without mentioning these pioneering restaurants.
- Café Gratitude – This plant-based chain was an early adopter of the “conscious dining” movement, with a menu of raw, organic, plant-based dishes and a commitment to sustainability.
- Crossroads Kitchen – Opened in 2013 by chef Tal Ronnen, this vegan restaurant offers upscale dining with a menu that includes vegan takes on classic dishes like steak tartare and sushi rolls.
- Sage Vegan Bistro – This cozy Silver Lake spot serves up vegan comfort food like mac and cheese, burgers, and sandwiches.
Innovative Plant-Based Eateries
These vegan restaurants are doing something new and exciting with plant-based cuisine.
- Monty’s Good Burger – This food truck specializes in 100% plant-based burgers made with a proprietary blend of mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and beets.
- Ramen Hood – This vegan ramen shop in the Arts District uses plant-based broth and meat alternatives like seitan and tofu.
- Donut Friend – This donut shop offers vegan versions of all their donuts, with creative flavors like Churro, Maple Bacon, and Lavender.
Hidden Vegan Gems
These vegan-friendly spots may not be known for plant-based dining, but they offer delicious vegan options.
- Food Trucks and Pop-Ups – Keep an eye out for vegan food trucks and pop-ups in downtown LA or at events like the Vegan Beer Fest and Vegan Street Fair.
- Specialty Vegan Bakeries and Markets – Stop by one of LA’s many vegan bakeries for cakes, pastries, and breads, or visit a vegan market like the Hollywood Farmers Market for plant-based groceries.
Vegan Living in LA
LA’s vegan scene isn’t just about dining out. There are also plenty of opportunities to shop, work out, and connect with other vegans.
The Vegan Influencer Scene
LA is home to many prominent vegan bloggers, Instagrammers, and content creators, like Gabby Bernstein and Jessica Murnane.
And if you want to meet other vegans and attend events, check out groups like Vegan LA and LA Vegan on Meetup.
Shopping for Vegan Beauty and Fashion
LA has plenty of shops selling cruelty-free beauty and fashion products. Check out stores like Lululemon, which carries vegan-friendly yoga mats, and Cruelty-Free for vegan makeup, skincare, and hair products.
Fitness and Wellness
Stay fit and healthy with these vegan-friendly fitness studios and wellness centers.
- Equinox – All of the chain’s LA locations offer vegan meal options at their restaurants.
- SoulCycle – The cycling studio offers vegan-friendly classes and sells vegan energy bars at its shops.
- The Now – This wellness center offers vegan massage oils and has a vegan juice bar on site.
The Future of Vegan LA
As plant-based eating becomes more mainstream, we can expect to see even more vegan options and innovative menus in LA. Keep an eye out for these trends and developments.
LA is also home to many startups and companies developing plant-based meat alternatives, like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat. And as these companies continue to grow and expand, we can expect to see their products in more restaurants and grocery stores across the city.
With its thriving vegan scene, LA is poised to become a global hub for plant-based dining and living. And as more people discover the city’s vibrant vegan restaurants and shops, we can expect to see even more delicious and innovative plant-based options in the years to come.