A Vegan's Guide to Los Angeles
When you’re in an unfamiliar city, deciding what to eat can be daunting. You want to try the best food the city has to offer, but with all the vegan options, it can be hard to whittle down the list. That’s why HappyCow has created a Top Vegan Cities page and “Best of” pages to help you navigate the most delicious eats these metropolitan areas have to offer.
When in Los Angeles, a scroll through our Top 10 Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in LA guide is a must. The eateries are ranked by HappyCow community member reviews. For a deeper dive, keep reading to discover our community’s favorite vegan restaurants, bakeries, date spots, and more!
Iconic musician and activist, Moby, has gone on record stating that Los Angeles is the most vegan-friendly city in the U.S. Several other major media sites and celebrities agree, along with the locals, of course. With over 200 vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants (and growing), it’s no wonder why the City of Angels has become the unofficial City of Vegans. From fine dining restaurants to enormous farmers markets and even all-vegan grocery stores, a quality vegan option is always just around the corner in LA. Navigate the best eats and activities the city has to offer with the HappyCow Guide to Los Angeles.
Top 3 Vegan Restaurants
1. Au Lac DTLA
Comforting pho, creative rice dishes, and incredible raw entrees, Au Lac DTLA is a local favorite and tourist must-try. Enjoy a wide range of healthy, pan-Asian cuisine in a chic, lounge-like atmosphere for a night well spent in the heart of Los Angeles.
2. Little Pine
Brunch, dinner, or dessert, Little Pine excels at every meal of the day. Owned by famed electronic musician and activist, Moby, all proceeds from the restaurant go toward animal non-profits. So go ahead, order an extra appetizer and a pain au chocolat; it’s for a good cause.
3. My Vegan Gold
For a wide range of options in a fast-casual setting, My Vegan Gold is a go-to. From a vast selection of Asian dishes to burgers, burritos, and pasta, you’re guaranteed to find something you’re in the mood for.
Top 3 Vegan-friendly Restaurants
1. Wild Living Foods
Think you don’t like raw food? This nearly all-vegan bohemian spot in DTLA will change that. From the incredible raw kelp noodle pastas to belly-warming quinoa bowls, Wild Living Foods will keep you coming back for every meal.
2. Kitchen Mouse
It’s hard to top the daytime eats at this quaint yet constantly crowded Eagle Rock cafe. From full veganized English Breakfasts and gluten-free Snickerdoodle pancakes to mini desserts and hearty bowls, Kitchen Mouse attracts diners all the way from the West Side. It’s well worth the wait—the coffee is refillable, free of charge.
3. Hasiba
For truly authentic Israeli cuisine (and possibly the best hummus you’ve ever had), put Habisa on your list. This quick service eatery offers all the basics—hummus, falafel, pita, veggies sides, and traditional Israel accoutrements—all perfectly executed and completely irresistible.
Most Popular Dish to Try in Los Angeles
Slow-Roasted Carrot & Heritage Stew at Vegetable
Spicy, sweet, creamy, warming, lucious, and utterly delightful, this comfort food bowl will make you swoon. The dish is comprised of a three-bean and chickpea stew with a definite (but not overwhelming kick), topped with sticky-sweet maple roasted carrots, perfectly cooked kale, and a generous hunk of the fluffiest cornbread imaginable, smothered in a pool of decadent vegan gravy. This dish is not one to pass up.
Best Place to Bring a Date for a High End Dinner
Gracias Madre
Los Angeles offers several white table cloth, candlelit, fine-dining vegan restaurants, but none can outdo Gracias Madre’s excellent combination of romance, fun, and outstanding vegan Mexican food. Order from a cocktail menu that rivals the best bars in the city, and find a table outside surrounded by foliage, soft mood lighting, and probably a few adorable well-behaved dogs. Split the Aged Truffle Cheese Plate, the Quesadillas de Calabaza, and the Enchiladas Verde. Finish with another round of cocktails and the Fudge Brownie with salted mezcal caramel.
Best Vegan Bakeries
1. Erin McKenna's Bakery
All are welcome inside Erin McKenna's unapologetically pink vegan bakery in Larchmont Village. No matter what one's dietary limitations, allergies, or personal preferences are, all can find something to enjoy at this certified gluten and soy-free bakery. Stock up on the cake donuts, crumb cake slices, bagels, sweet loaves, and brownie cupcakes. Can’t decide? Order the Kitchen Sink cups, filled with layers of donuts, frosting, and cupcakes.
2. Donut Friend
This is not your average donut shop. Don’t expect a basic bear claw or plain glazed pastry when you finally get to the front of the line; this tiny Highland Park bakery is full of frostings, fillings, and Instagram-worthy sweet creations. Choose from the “Signature Compilations,” such as the Polar Berry Club, X-Ray Speculoos, or Youth Brulee, or become the master of your own donut creation by choosing everything from the donut base, filling, glaze, and topping(s). Yes, you can even put vegan ice cream inside of your donut. That kid in a candy store feeling? Donut Friend offers something far better.
Things to Do in Los Angeles
Go for a hike
Make a quick escape of the urban sprawl in one of the city’s natural parks. Whether it’s a rigorous climb or an ocean view you’re after, you’ll find a trail perfect for you. For complete guides to the best hikes in Los Angeles, from parking to detailed directions, check out the Modern Hiker to get started. Hungry from all that hiking? Check out The Trails Cafe in Griffith Park for a thick slice of berry vegan pie!
Shop ‘til you drop
Rodeo Drive isn’t the only place to shop in Los Angeles. Visit one of the city’s open-air malls like the Grove, Americana, or 3rd Street Promenade. This city has it all—from designer boutiques to trendy thrift store. You’ll find plenty of vegan-friendly eats wherever you are. At The Grove, find vegan-friendly chains like Chipotle and Blaze Pizza, or check out The Original Farmer’s Market for a variety of bread bakers and fresh produce. Before you leave, grab a vegan red velvet cupcake from the Sprinkles Cupcakes kiosk at both the Grove and Americana.
Visit a museum
The Los Angeles Museum scene is as diverse as its population. From the massive art collections at LACMA to the focused, ever-rotating exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography, there is bound to be something to catch your eye. End the day with dinner or a pot of tea at the vegan-friendly Urth Caffe in Beverly Hills.
Get lost in a bookstore
Los Angeles’ independent book stores offer an intimate experience for readers; it’s like stepping into someone’s expansive personal library. Try The Last Bookstore in DTLA to find solace amongst the shelves. After, grab a beer at one of the two all-vegan bars/restaurants in DTLA: Modern Times and Beelman’s.
See a show
Los Angeles might be known for movies, but its theater game is equally strong. Visit the Pantages, Ahmanson, or Kirk Douglas theaters for the latest Broadway touring shows and smart independent plays. (Au Lac DTLA is the perfect pre-show restaurant for Ahmanson theater-goers).
Hit the beach
Venice. Santa Monica. Malibu. Each beach has its own personality. Slather on the SPF and spend the day finding out which is your favorite. Stock up with vegan goods at New Deli Venice before you hit the sand.
Embrace your inner child
Get lost in the wizarding world of Harry Potter and take a selfie with a Minion at Universal Studios. Or, if Mickey is more your style, head south to neighboring Orange County and delight in the magic of Disneyland and California Adventures. For thrill-seekers, Six Flags isn’t far off. When your feet start to ache, head down the hill from Universal Studios to Vegetable, or drive just a few miles from Disneyland to Healthy Junk for amazing vegan food that a theme park can’t beat.
*Note: Several vegan restaurants, vegan-friendly restaurants, and bakeries received equal ratings by HappyCow users. Those listed above are only three of these highest-ranked establishments on HappyCow Los Angeles. View the Top 10 List of Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in LA and all of LA’s vegan-friendly options.
Featured image provided by Adoramassey [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]