December 27, 2022

Living in Los Angeles, I have been introduced to many different vegan restaurants. Some are misses and will never live up to my expectations, and others are the best things that I have ever tried and delight my senses with new, delicious and imaginative ways of interpreting classic dishes. Below I have compiled a list of four must-try vegan restaurants from all over the city. Enjoy!

Café Gratitude

Venice, Arts District, Larchmont, San Diego, Newport Beach

First of all, I applaud whoever decided to name Café Gratitude’s dishes after affirmations like “I am giving,” “I am enchanting” and “I am confident” because it is so cute and empowering. You feel good about yourself while ordering or reading these lovely phrases. Café Gratitude offers plant-based bowls, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and wraps. I enjoy their “I am bountiful,” which is a pesto pasta with asparagus. I love Café Gratitude’s use of different types of veggies cooked in various ways and think that each vegetable really adds to whatever dish I am eating. Café Gratitude also has delectable teas, juices and smoothies. I love Café Gratitude’s positive messages and healthy, tasty options. 

Monty’s Good Burger

Koreatown, Culver City, 3rd Street, Echo Park, Riverside

Monty’s is the imaginative vegan In-N-Out. Monty’s Good Burger works to help save animals from becoming food while also finding dogs and cats that live on the street a forever home. I love Monty’s kind-hearted purpose. Going back to their food, their cheeseburgers have the mouthwatering outstanding burger taste that you are looking for. This place also has timeless but unique shakes like Chamberlain Coffee, Banana Split and seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or peppermint. Of course, their homemade sodas and fries also pair perfectly with their burgers. I love Monty’s because every ingredient used is authentic and environmentally friendly.

Crossroads Kitchen

West Hollywood, Calabasas

The last restaurant, Crossroads Kitchen by chef Tal Ronnen, is Mediterranean cuisine. Figs, feta, seasonal vegetables, pastas and seafood are central to their menu. Of course, everything they put forward is vegan, including their cheese plate and seafood, like their astonishing artichoke and mushroom oysters. This dish is next level unbelievable as it is helping out the sea creatures by creating something that has the same texture, and maybe an even better taste, out of vegetables. Other recommendations include their tagliatelle bolognese and fried olives. This restaurant has an elegant ambience with their artsy decor and beautiful plating. 

In conclusion, I highly recommend going to these vegan restaurants to experience something new. Ice cream and cheese are some of my favorite foods, so I was surprised to discover how much I love vegan food. These restaurants in particular provide quirky and clever dishes and delights. Not only does eating vegan food help the environment and animals, but it tastes delish.