The best vegan restaurants in Los Angeles

What is it? A high-end vegan eatery on Melrose that has helped ease the transition to plant-based eating for countless Angelenos.

Why we love it: For the last decade, Tal Ronnen’s Crossroads has wowed vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike with crowd-pleasing dishes like carbonara pasta (topped with a sungold tomato “egg yolk”); fried mushrooms that resemble calamari in both taste and texture; and delicious artichoke “oysters.” A favorite among celebrities, including the Kardashians, the upscale comfort food menu runs a tad casual for fine dining, but the well-appointed dining room makes for an excellent vegan (or vegetarian) white tablecloth meal. Throw in other splurge-worthy options like a truffle-forward tasting menu ($175), and you’ve got the ideal place for special occasions that will leave everyone happy. 

Time Out tip: If you need a vegan-friendly option in Las Vegas, Crossroads also has a location inside Resorts World.

Address: 8284 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11am–3pm, 5–10pm; Sat, Sun 10am–3pm, 5–10pm

What is it? After closing in 2018, Kwang Uh’s critical darling has made a triumphant return in the form of a vegan-friendly Arts District tasting menu spot. 

Why we love it: This modern Korean restaurant in the Arts District now offers one of the best plant-based tasting menus ($125) in Los Angeles. Though Baroo’s Kwang Uh also serves meat and seafood, the world-trained South Korean chef puts as much thought and detail into his vegetarian and vegan options. Both require 24 hours’ advance notice, but each includes thoughtful substitutes like smoked hearts of palm, fermented radish and seasonal vegetables. The star of the show, however, is the bansang, a collection of different types of pickled and fermented vegetables served alongside a bowl of rice. It’s a direct import from predominantly plant-based Korean Buddhist temple cuisine, which Uh says Baroo derives significant inspiration from. The plant-based menu also includes a bowl of seaweed-topped buckwheat noodles you’ll want to enjoy over and over. Whether you’re vegan or not, Baroo is one of the best fine dining meals in the city right now—so if you’re looking for a place to splurge on a special occasion, this is it. 

Time Out tip: If you’re a fan of kombucha, order the alcohol-free pairing ($45). Otherwise, I’d steer clear—the nonalcoholic beverages included in the pairing don’t really mimic the taste of alcohol.

Address: 905 E 2nd St #109, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5:30–9pm

What is it? A vegan fast-casual restaurant in Culver City from Heather Golden Ray and Jenny Engel, the sisters behind Spork Foods, a plant-based catering and cookbook empire.

Why we love it: Since opening in 2023, Hey, Sunshine Kitchen has become one of the highest rated independent restaurants on Yelp. After one bite of food here, you’ll quickly realize why. The warm, vibrantly colored grain bowls, particularly the Mediterranean chickpea option, pack major flavor in humble packages and can be modded out to your exact specifications. The hot sandwiches and tacos made with plant-based fish, jackfruit carnitas and Impossible beef crumble hit the spot for a tasty lunch or comfort food craving. The attention to detail and overall deliciousness is on par with one of my favorite plant-based restaurants of all time: Chef Tanya’s Kitchen in Palm Springs. Grain bowls, tacos and sandwiches might not sound all that exciting, but Hey, Sunshine Kitchen is proof that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel—you merely need to perfect it.

Time Out tip: The housemade lemonade options here are also fantastic. 

Address: 3863 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90232

Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm

What is it? A vegan Japanese restaurant in Culver City and a hidden gem for anyone who can appreciate flavorful, creative plant-based cuisine.

Why we love it: At Shojin (named after the Shinto Buddhist vegan diet), you’ll find a range of inventive, all-organic dishes served in an intimate, upscale-casual setting with lightly playing jazz music and relaxed clientele. The well-appointed back patio is also ideal for special occasions, thanks to adept servers and white tablecloths. Highlights include Shojin’s spicy “tuna” dynamite roll, made with tofu and avocado, as well as their Purple Treasure, which swaps out raw fish for pieces of buttery eggplant on top of asparagus and carrot maki rolls.

Time Out tip: I love the house gyoza here. Stuffed with shiso leaves and vegetables, they’re deliciously eclectic—like almost everything else at Shojin.

Address: 12406 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90066

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5:30–10pm, Fri 5–10pm, Sat noon–2pm, 5–10:30pm, Sun noon–9:30pm

What is it? A mostly plant-based ramen shop in Studio City next to the viral Easy Street Burgers.

Why we love it: Chef Shanshan Liu Estacio is serving some of L.A.’s most flavorful, affordable vegan sushi and ramen. Aside from the optional egg add-on, everything at Gokuku is 100 percent plant-based. Creations like the Salmon Lover (made with a tapioca-based fish substitute), Dynamite Shrimp and Gokoku’s take on a classic California roll would fool even the biggest sushi roll fan, and the rich, sunflower seed-based broth here is one of the best bowls of ramen in the city, vegan or not. Estacio rounds out her menu with rice plates, a killer take on garlic noodles and plenty of appetizers—and while the dizzyingly large menu might offer dozens of options for your meal, no need to worry: Everything’s pretty great.

Time Out tip: There’s a narrow, modestly sized parking lot right next to Gokoku, which customers can use. 

Address: 4147 Lankershim Blvd, Studio City, CA 91602

Opening hours: Daily noon–9:30pm

What is it? A vegetarian Chinese Buddhist restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley.

Why we love it: Long before plant-based meat substitutes became mainstream, the San Gabriel Valley has maintained a small but compelling collection of Chinese and Vietnamese eateries catering to the traditionally vegetarian Buddhist diet. Among them is Vege Valley, a vegan-friendly restaurant in a San Gabriel strip mall serving excellent soy-based mock meats and all manner of stir-fried Asian vegetables, including hard-to-find long xu cai (chayote shoots). Most items on the menu are vegan and some of those that aren’t can be made vegan; just ask your server. Other menu highlights include the mock fish in bean paste sauce, mock kung pao shrimp and the shredded “pork” with bamboo shoots. 

Time Out tip: During lunch hours, Vege Valley also offers a trio of reasonably priced combo meals, all of them well under $20. 

Address: 250 W Valley Blvd, Unit B-2, San Gabriel, CA 91776

Opening hours: Daily 10:30am–2:30pm, 5–8pm

What is it? A vegan (originally vegetarian) market and café in Canoga Park from the same people behind Follow Your Heart cheese, mayo, salad dressings and other dairy substitutes. 

Why we love it: If you’re vegan in 2025, you probably already know and love Follow Your Heart, one of the best plant-based cheese options available at major supermarkets. But did you know the brand started as a vegetarian sandwich counter in Canoga Park that’s still around today? Founded in 1970, Follow Your Heart Market & Café serves some of the best hippie-style vegan cuisine I’ve had anywhere in Los Angeles. The well-stocked aisles alone render it a worthwhile destination for plant-based home cooks, but the excellent café makes FYH a worthwhile pit stop for anyone in search of a great meal. Menu highlights include the baked mac and cheese, the “chicken” pot pie and the Nutburger, which features the increasingly elusive housemade veggie patty. To visit the café, head to the back of the market, where you can grab a table or sit at FYH’s original wooden counter, or ask to be seated on the spacious outdoor patio. 

Time Out tip: Save room at the end of your meal for the delicious baked goods, including a delectable whoopie pie.

Address: 21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Opening hours: Daily 9am–9pm (café 11am–9pm; last seating 8:30pm)

What is it? A (mostly) plant-based Chinese restaurant in Echo Park serving modern takes on dim sum and traditional tea ceremony in the old Cosa Buona space.

Why we love it: Married co-owners Alex Falco and Minty Zhu have distilled essential Chinese flavors into one neat, plant-based package right in the heart of Echo Park. While I’ve heard a few reports from trusted sources of inconsistent cooking and service, the valiant attempt to veganize dim sum essentials like char siu bao—listed on the menu as “monkey buns”—and other staple dishes translate into a slightly quirky Chinese eatery and a veritable dining destination for plant-based diners. The zhajiangmian made with seitan offers all the flavors of the northern Chinese classic, minus the meat, though some might turn up their noses at the thick udon-like noodles (the traditional version normally uses a far thinner variety). The weekend brunch menu (11am–4pm) includes optional egg add-ons to a “Binglish” muffin and an avocado bao, plus plant-based versions of soufflé pancakes and beignets. 

Time Out tip: Note that the dining room is fully outdoors—the interior of the restaurant is reserved solely for tea ceremony bookings.

Address: 2100 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 5–10pm; Sat, Sun 11am–4pm, 5–10pm

What is it? A longtime Thai restaurant in Silver Lake that’s beloved by vegetarians and vegans across the city.

Why we love it: Located across the street from the Silver Lake Erewhon, Bulan Thai has attracted fans across Los Angeles for its massive, meat-free menu and rich, bubbling curries. Soy-based chicken, beef or duck substitutes pepper the soups, stir-fries and noodle dishes, and the deep-fried orange chicken is perfect for anyone craving a cruelty-free taste of Panda Express. When it comes to classic takeout, this is some of the best Thai food I’ve had in Los Angeles, vegetarian or otherwise. While most of the menu is vegan, a few signatures contain egg, like the signature snap pea salad, which combines the thinly sliced veggies, cashews, onions and carrots in a chili tamarind dressing and tops everything off with coconut cream, crispy shallots, dried chilies and a fried egg. 

Time Out tip: Bored of pad thai and drunken noodles? Order the green curry spaghetti or the veganized version of khao mok gai, a hard-to-find Thai Muslim dish that’s remarkably similar to South Asian chicken biryani.

Address: 4114 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–9pm

What is it? A longtime plant-based Vietnamese restaurant in Reseda and Cerrito known for its housemade tofu and hundreds of menu items.

Why we love it: Vinh Loi hits all of the high notes of the Southeast Asian country’s vibrant cuisine, minus the need for animal products. You can barely taste the difference, aside from some textural shifts, in Vinh Loi’s selection, including delicious “shrimp” and lemongrass grilled “duck” rolls. Chef-owner Kevin Tran delivers the same beautiful blends of aromatic herbs and long-simmered meaty flavor (courtesy of plenty of mushrooms) in Vinh Loi’s bun bo hue and “beef” pho. The Reseda outpost also doubles as a tofu factory—which means Vinh Loi’s soy milk and creamy tofu custard served with ginger-infused simple syrup are just as delicious as the savory menu offerings, which include plenty of fusion items.

Time Out tip: In Reseda, Tran will probably try to steer your order in a particular direction. Unless you’re particularly adamant about trying a specific item, just let him.

Address: Reseda: 18625 Sherman Way Ste 101, Reseda, CA 91335; Cerritos: 11818 South St #101, Cerritos, CA 90703

Opening hours: Reseda: Mon, Wed–Sun 11am–9pm; Cerritos: Daily 11am–8pm

What is it? A vegan Middle Eastern restaurant with locations in Eagle Rock and Palms serving the only plant-based kebabs I’ve found in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: At most of L.A.’s Middle Eastern restaurants, the only substantial, filling vegetarian option is falafel, the deep-fried balls of herb-and-chickpea dough that often come out dry and tasteless. (You can also make a meal of rice, bread, sides and dips, but that’s not always what you’re in the mood for!) The only place in Los Angeles you’ll find plant-based “lamb” and “beef” kebabs is this homey Eagle Rock eatery located in a former diner. Served with creamy hummus, cucumber salad, a whole roasted green pepper, basmati rice and naan, the soy-based imitations capture all of the flavor and 90 percent of the texture of the real deal. BeeWali’s menu also features a handful of straightforward curries, a well-executed Daring chicken shawarma and excellent cheeseburgers that use their housemade “lamb” patties. The reason to make a trek here, however, is the kebab, whether you’re opting for the generously portioned plates, the lunch-friendly bowls or a handheld wrap.

Time Out tip: If you’re craving sweets, BeeWali’s also churro strips and a “BeeZookie,” a plant-based take on a skillet chocolate chip cookie. 

Address: Eagle Rock: 4862 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041; Palms: 10825 Venice Blvd. Suite 1a, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Opening hours:  Eagle Rock: Tue–Fri 5–10pm, Sat 1–10pm, Sun 1–6pm; Palms: Tue–Sat noon–9pm, Sun noon–6pm

What is it? The newly all-vegan location of Ipuddo, an international ramen chain with roots in Fukuoka, Japan. 

Why we love it: Los Angeles is no stranger to vegan ramen, but Ipuddo V distinguishes itself with six unique noodle bowls, an array of delicious plant-based maki and other tasty appetizers. During my visit, I enjoyed the vegan tonkotsu made with soy milk and the rainbow-hued spicy tsukemen, which pairs bright pink carrot fettuccine noodles with a rich mushroom broth that’s simmered for at least 48 hours. The shoyu broth was tasty but a little less successful, with more of a one-note saltiness compared to the seafood-based version, but the springy noodles and crunchy onion tempura ultimately saved the dish—as did the grilled tomato and light drizzle of truffle oil. The gyoza and sushi rolls are more than serviceable; aside from Shojin and Gokoku, Ipuddo V is probably my third-favorite vegan sushi option in the city. An array of thoughtfully constructed mocktails and plus several beer, wine and sake options further elevate the experience, transforming Ipuddo V into a worthwhile plant-based dining destination.

Time Out tip: The regular Ipuddo location in Culver City also serves the vegan tonkotsu and another variation of the vegan miso available at Ipuddo V. 

Address: 8352 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Mon–Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–9:30pm

What is it? A vegan Cal-Italian restaurant in Sherman Oaks with a tight but well-executed menu.

Why we love it: Located in a former Chinese restaurant (you can spot it by the entrance’s unique circular archway), Donna Jean comes by way of San Diego. The pizzas and pastas here make for top-notch plant-based comfort food, but there are a few healthier options like the “really good” salad made with roasted garlic vinaigrette and shaved housemade mozzarella. Vegan or not, you’ll want to drink the sunflower seed-based garlic butter, which comes with Donna Jean’s house bread, and you can’t go wrong with any of the desserts, some of which use coconut cream for that oh-so-dreamy dollop of whipped cream on top. 

Time Out tip: Donna Jean also offers gluten-free pizzas and pastas for anyone with gluten-related dietary restrictions.

Address: 4720 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Opening hours: Daily 5–9pm 

What is it? A no-frills strip mall spot in Van Nuys selling the most impressive vegan tacos in L.A. 

Why we love it: At most taco joints, plant-based fillings are typically limited to mushrooms or nopales. Both are acceptable, if not entirely texturally fulfilling, options. For truly standout vegan tacos, head to El Cocinero in Van Nuys. The no-frills strip mall joint uses jackfruit and a handful of old-school soy products to successfully imitate the crunch of chicharrón, the pull-apart nature of carnitas and even the juicy chewiness inherent to al pastor. Pile your choice of plant-based protein into tacos, a burrito or even a basket of nachos topped with vegan cheese. A newer quesabirria taco made with jackfruit offers the same spicy, rich flavors of traditional birria without any of the meat, plus an excellent consommé on the side.

Time Out tip: If you’re feeding a crowd, El Cocinero’s affordable catering menu includes trays of “meat,” taco platters, burrito trays and more. Just be sure to place your order at least a day in advance.

Address: 6265 Sepulveda Blvd UNIT 12, Van Nuys, CA 91411

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 11am–8pm

What is it? A vegetarian (and vegan-friendly) bakery and café in Highland Park with reasonable prices and delicious cuisine. 

Why we love it: With its affordable price point, flavorful cooking and charming dining room, it’s no surprise that Kitchen Mouse has stuck around in Highland Park for so long. Run by punk-singer-turned-chef Erica Daking, the vegetarian café and bakery—with a separate walk-up window in Mount Washington—serves delicious buckwheat pancakes, a selection of grain bowls and other thoughtfully executed brunch fare. While eggs are still available as an add-on, the entire menu is meat- and dairy-free. Popular items include the Buffalo Bowl (which tops black beans, mashed yams and braised greens with buffalo sauce and cashew cheese) and the Psychedelic Daalipop (red lentil daal paired with curried mushrooms and garlic herb chapati). 

Time Out tip: On Friday and Saturday nights, Kitchen Mouse also offers dinner service (5–9 pm) with a limited menu featuring cocktails and small plates.

Address: 5904 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 8am–3:45pm; Fri, Sat 8am–3:45pm, 5–9pm; Sun 8am–3:45pm

What is it? A longtime Vietnamese Buddhist restaurant in El Monte.

Why we love it: For a flavorful, plant-based Vietnamese lunch in the San Gabriel Valley, look to Thien Tam. Aside from egg noodles, almost everything on the menu is vegan (and marked as such), and the animal product-free “fish” sauce dressing will impress even those familiar with traditional nuoc chấm. On our visit, we enjoyed the summer rolls made with mock shrimp, mushroom-based pho and imitation Hainan chicken made with bean curd. Other highlights of the menu include the bun bo hue—a lemongrass-rich soup—and any vermicelli bowl or rice plate that features the surprisingly satisfying imitation ham.

Time Out tip: The daytime hours mean that you can only really stop by here before sundown, but the (possible) need to arrange your schedule in order to come here is well worth it.

Address: 10345 Garvey Ave, El Monte, CA 91733

Opening hours: Mon, Thu–Sun 8am–5pm

What is it? A Black-owned daytime spot in South L.A. serving nutrient-dense, fully plant-based cuisine. 

Why we love it: Run by chef and vegan activist Wo’se Kofi, Baba’s Vegan Cafe serves flavorful mixed plates and other creative items that’ll keep you coming back for more. The plant-based Jamaican-style patties that first put Kofi on the map back in Baba’s catering days are generally only available by the dozen and via preorder, but they’re well worth the advance planning for dinner parties and family gatherings. Walk-ins can savor the Welcome Plates, which come with fried cauliflower, rice and beans, curried vegetables, kale salad, steamed purple cabbage and your choice of macaroni salad or (my recommendation) hot mac-and-cheese. Nutrient-dense and homey, it’s the kind of meal that won’t weigh you down afterwards. Other options include tacos, smoothies, sandwiches and “bachos,” which consist of thick corn chips topped with chopped mushrooms, beans, salsa, kale salad and cashew cheese.

Time Out tip: Order ahead if you’re in a hurry—the food here can take awhile.

Address: 6619 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047

Opening hours: Tue–Fri 11am–7pm, Sat 11am–3pm

What is it? The only fully vegan restaurant in Little Ethiopia.

Why we love it: Ethiopian cuisine is quite vegan-friendly to begin with, but Rahel is the only place along Fairfax’s Little Ethiopia stretch to offer 100 percent plant-based cuisine. The vast majority of the dishes are also gluten-free, and the painstakingly braised vegetable stews and other legume-based dishes don’t skimp on flavor. Pinch off portions of spongy injera bread to sop up some shiro wot (chickpea stew) or the foul (fava bean stew). For a little bit of everything, order the Millennium special—a rainbow-colored array of stews and vegetables atop injera that includes a side salad and a mouthwatering piece of baklava for dessert.

Time Out tip: Rahel also offers traditional Ethiopian coffee service, if you’d like a jolt of caffeine.

Address: 1047 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Opening hours: Daily 11am–10pm

What is it? An upscale chain originally from Toronto’s Yorkville neighborhood. 

Why we love it: This plant-based Canadian juggernaut has landed in L.A., bringing the same resort-chic design and pressed watermelon nigiri that’s made Planta a hit in Toronto, NYC and elsewhere to Marina del Rey. While the MDR location is ostensibly more Latin-focused (hence the Cocina modifier), the truffle kamameshi and tasty sushi and yakitori offerings are still the strongest items on the menu. How does Planta compare to other major players in L.A.’s vegan dining scene? While not groundbreaking by any means, the tasty cuisine and sophisticated ambience add up to an excellent Westside dinner destination—and a great vegan special-occasion eatery.

Time Out tip: Stop by during happy hour (weekdays 3–6pm and Friday to Sundays, 8:30pm to close) for steeply discounted cocktails and snacks like queso fundido and chicken-fried mushrooms.

Address: 4625 Admiralty Way Suite 104, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm, Fri 11:30am–11pm, Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? A casual strip mall gem in Santa Monica that serves some of the most flavorful and unique vegan cuisine on the Westside.

Why we love it: In part of town with plenty of plant-based dining options, Satdha still manages to stand out. You’ll find mild versions of takeout staples here, including massaman curry, green papaya salad and various stir-fries, but I think where chef-owner Gunn Pankum truly shines is with the more creative dishes like beet-dyed noodles and cashew-“tuna” endive cups. Rather than cater to every diner, the former head of Silver Lake’s Bulan Thai—which is also featured on this list—serves a curated menu of refined Southeast Asian specialties that just happen to be completely plant-based. Other crowd favorites include the catfish eggplant and the Southern Thai fried chicken (made with lion’s mane mushrooms).

Time Out tip: Ask your server for any daily and seasonal specials, which is where the chef really flexes her creative muscles.

Address: 2218 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 4–9pm