Fine Vegan Dining in Los Angeles

vegan gnocchi with walnuts

Vegan chefs are known to be very clever...the MacGyvers of food. Whether you are eating a vegan diet to be healthier or you are doing it for humane or environmental reasons, we applaud you. While it's easy to be an omnivore, being vegan takes some thought and effort. So, what do you do when you want to do dinner with a mixed group of friends? Fine dining in Los Angeles has your vegan answer that will not disappoint the meat-eaters in the crowd. Here are some suggestions from two of our favorite vegans:

Crossroads Kitchen, 8284 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90048

Oprah's former private star-chef Tal Ronnen opened this hip and elegant restaurant. He and Chef Scot Jones serve up Mediterranean cuisine that will make you swoon. You can easily bring your omnivore friends here and try not to fan-girl too much when your favorite celeb shows up.

Shojin, 12406 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90066

You have to look carefully to find this elegant, organic vegan restaurant with a Japanese influence. It's in a low-slung unassuming building with subtle lotus root painted on it, but there's nothing subtle about the food. The menu features organic, vegan and gluten-free dishes that are exciting and satisfying.

Plant Food & Wine, 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291

Matthew Kenny can serve up a very pretty plate full of locally sourced ingredients. The house-made vegan cheese is amazing, but really, you can't get a disappointing dish in this place. The outdoor patio is lovely and there is a small wine cottage for private dinners.

Fresh on Sunset, 8768 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90069

Fresh on Sunset is the first U.S. location for this chic Canadian plant-based restaurant chain, with founder Ruth Tal partnering with former "Top Chef Canada" judge and restaurateur Shereen Arazm (Terroni).

Little Pine, 2870 Rowena Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90039

Little Pine serves up Mediterranean-inspired California cuisine. The food leans to Italy, the wine lists to France and the deserrts are all California. Visit this little woodsy cabin inspired spot in Silverlake.

Gracias Madre, 8905 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood, CA 90069

Head to trendy Melrose for organic, vegan, Mexican cuisine and fine organic tequilas and mezcals. Boozy snow cone, anyone? The Spanish-style architecture shows of the beautiful dishes and patrons alike.

Satdha, 2218 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405

Chef Gunn Pankum has a flair for innovation with bold flavors and 100% vegan ingredients. A real local favorite, Satdha is a plant-based Thai eatery in Santa Monica with a friendly atmosphere and simple setting.

That's it for the fine dining, but what about lower-key options? Our vegan friends hooked us up with the following list that they love as well:

  • Cafe Gratitude (Venice & Larchmont locations)

  • Double Zero - Pizza (Venice - Also by Matthew Kenney)

  • Honeybee Burger (West Los Angeles)

  • LA Vegan (Cypress Grove)

  • Margo's Plant Based Santa Monica (on Montana)

  • Mas Veggies Vegan Taqueria (Mid-City Santa Monica)

  • Monty's Good Burger (Culver City & Beverly Grove)

  • Nic's on Beverly (Beverly Grove)

  • Pura Vita (Italian, near Melrose)

  • Sage Plant Bistro (Echo Park)

  • Sestina (Culver City)

  • That Vegan Joint (Palms)

  • Thai Vegan (Santa Monica and Beverly Hills)

  • The Butcher's Daughter (Vegetarian)

Thanks to Shauna and Stephanie for giving us your recommendations!

Lifestyle, NeighborhoodsCecilie Korst//