These Are Some Great Vegan & Vegetarian Dining Options in LA

Veggie Grill is a delightful fast-casual vegan restaurant chain offering nearly 30 locations throughout the United States, including a location in Santa Monica.

The chain, which was founded in 2006 by T.K. Pillan and Kevin Boylan, focuses on plant-based entrees that are aimed at encouraging the general public to explore the delicious possibilities of vegetarian diets. Today, it is the country's largest vegetarian-vegan restaurant chain, appealing to a customer base of more than 70% non-vegetarians. Plant-based Beyond Meat burgers are served up in deluxe burgers and patty melts, paired with Nashville hot mock-chicken sandwiches, mock pulled pork barbecue, and plant-based crab cakes.

Entree salads and protein bowls are also served up, along with tacos, burritos, and comforting favorites like vegan mac and cheese.

2025 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403, Phone: 310-829-1155

There is unexpected elegance to this small Thai vegan place that brought vegan food to the West Coast in 1987. Dark-colored walls, gleaming wood, and discreet, very tasteful Asian art pieces create a sophisticated atmosphere. Family owned, Araya's Vegetarian Place has a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes prepared with seasonal local produce from local farms.

They don’t use any MSG and cater to many different nutritional preferences; nevertheless, the flavors are exquisite. There is nothing unexpected and adventurous, just good old Thai favorites such as tom yum and other soups, curries (try the pineapple curry!), stir-fries, and delicious appetizers. They also serve a range of interesting teas and coconut water in a coconut shell.

8101½ Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, Phone: 323-900-0557

Cafe Gratitude Larchmont in Larchmont Village is a 100% vegan restaurant with a quiet and relaxed atmosphere and distinct hippy vibe – when did you last see macramé on the wall? The menu "promotes consciousness and sustainability for the planet" and the names of dishes continues the hippy theme with the "Transformed Tacos" and the "Grateful" bowl of black beans, kale, quinoa, and garlic-tahini sauce.

The food is excitingly flavorful and beautifully presented and the menu is extensive, with a nice range of wraps, bowls, sandwiches, and main dishes.

They serve organic beers and wines, a range of interesting cocktails, and several "cleansing" shots – the most popular, with good reason, being the Chill / CBD Oil Antioxidant Shot with cannabidiol oil, lime, turmeric, greens, and rosemary essential oil. Gratitude also sells popular natural beauty products from Beauty Corners.

639 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004, Phone: 323-580-6383

Located in a strip mall with modern, upscale décor, it is difficult to imagine that Au Lac serves superb Vietnamese organic plant-based food until you get the menu.

This eatery, the second owned by Mai Nguyen, opened in LA in 2001 after her restaurant in Fountain Valley became so popular. Spurred by a health scare, she decided to promote healthy plant-based nutrition in LA. With Chef Ito, who brings an inventive twist to traditional Vietnamese vegan and vegetarian dishes, Au Lac is a great destination for those looking for an interesting, flavorful, and healthy meal. Don’t get confused with the names of dishes such as yam shrimps: these "shrimps" are made of yams. The meat is made from soy and cheese from macadamia nuts.

Whether you are eating wraps, salads, soups, or appetizers, you will be so preoccupied with the complex flavors, crispy texture, vivid colors, and artistic presentation that you won’t miss meat at all.

710 W 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Phone: 213-617-2533

Green Leaves Vegan in Los Feliz is a small, unassuming restaurant that developed its serious following because of its giant, very diverse vegan menu of Thai and Thai-inspired vegan dishes.

Their goal is to have something for everyone, whether you are a true vegan or eat meat but are willing to try something different. And different it is, from exotic spicy Thai curries to sweet tropical pancakes, you will forget that there is no meat in these fragrant, flavorful, and nicely presented dishes.

They have managed to overcome something that keeps so many people from turning vegan even when they know their health needs it – their dishes are never boring and never bland. Their "fake meat" burgers actually taste like meat and are juicy and delicious, and even their tofu actually has flavor and texture. Their drinks, teas, and juices are as healthy as the food, although – sorry – no alcohol.

1769 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, Phone: 323-664-2345

LA Vegan is one of those small, modest, and unpretentious places that produce such spectacularly good food that people flock to it, and keep coming back.

Even better, you can order online and eat anytime, anywhere. Their menu, predominantly Thai and Thai influenced, is pure vegan and massive, with a diversity, flavors, colors, and fragrances that will convince even the staunchest meat eater to at least try it.

Their sushi rolls look like pieces of art – wonderfully edible art. Their stir-fries are crunchy and fresh and you would not even think that there is meat missing. The noodles are also wonderful and flavorful. They also serve burgers, but if you are new to veganism, you might want to stay away from fake meat to avoid disappointment.

4507 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066, Phone: 310-574-9888