THE 10 BEST VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN LOS ANGELES

Eggless egg rolls | Photo: Au Lac Los Angeles, Facebook

Plant-based diets are spreading like agave, and Los Angeles is fortunate enough to have vegan hotspots in every neighborhood. Wherever you may find yourself in this expansive city, the best fruits, veggies and nuts are never far away. Whether you're celebrating World Vegan Month in November, or just scrolling for the best vegan restaurants nearby, here are our picks for the best vegan restaurants across Los Angeles.

1) AU LAC
Tucked away in the Promenade Plaza, Au Lac (710 W 1st St., Los Angeles 90012; 213.617.2533) is an upscale gem that offers imaginative raw and Vietnamese fusion dishes. The salt and pepper yam “shrimp” are eerily real, while the rich desserts are perfect for sharing. It's a good place for celebrity sightings, but the true star is Chef Ito, who has taken a vow of silence and just might grace you with a visit your table. Don’t forget to ask the server about the “secret menu.”

2) AZLA ETHIOPIAN EATERY
While Ethiopian food is generally very vegan-friendly, LA is fortunate enough to have two 100% vegan Ethiopian restaurants. Azla (4309 Leimert Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90008) offers a walk-up window outside of Little Ethiopia, in Lemeirt Park. Their Ful Bet serves up brunch every day, Ethiopian style with a touch of California. Wake up with a bowl of traditional ful, an Impossible Burger spiced with mittmitta mayo, or misir fries for a twist on the taste of the Horn of Africa. New Hours: 8 am - 4 pm.

3) BESTIES VEGAN PARADISE
Ok, so technically Besties (4882 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029) is a grocery store, one voted as Best Vegan Grocery Store in America in the VegNews Veggie Awards for good reason, but the food scene swirling around this East Hollywood spot makes it a popular local eating establishment, too. They pride themselves on being "the only ethical vegan grocery store in the world," their products being 100% manufactured by ethical vegan brands sharing their commitment to equality. They often spotlight Black-owned, woman-owned, LGBTQ-owned and local brands (and were early supporters of pop-ups like Compton Vegan, Raices KItchen, Wolfie's Hot Chicken and more).

Living up to their name, they offer their own $8 daily lunch special combo that includes a vegan 'Vrank' (hot dog), chips & soda and make some of the best vegan soft-serve in town, too.

4) BLACK FOREST BAKERY

Berliner. Courtesy of @Black Forest Bakery

Black Forest Bakery sells artisanal sourdough and other goodies out of their van in Los Feliz and Silver Lake, but you can catch their warm raspberry-filled Berliners at Besties Vegan Paradise in Hollywood if you time it right. Pick up a loaf of OG sourdough, some foccacia or a streusel kuchen (German apple pie) by watching their instagram for locations and pre-order info.

5) COMPTON VEGAN
A local food delivery phenomenon-turned-pop-up-turned-food-truck, Compton Vegan is all about creating delicious, nutritious comfort food. Look for the soul food on wheels rolling through the city, promoting Meatless Mondays at 4269 Crenshaw from 7pm - 11 pm and keep up on Instagram to get a plate full of baked beans, collard greens, mac-n-cheese, and jackfruit-based 'ribz.'

6) CROSSROADS
For celeb spotting or a swanky night out, Crossroads ( 8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046) is the place. Innovative menu by Chef Tal Ronnen. Professional waitstaff ready to help pair food with cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by the glass and bottle. Reservations are a must. Private dining room available for parties, too.

7) DOUBLE ZERO
No excuse for sad plant-based pizza ever again--Matthew Kenney's Double Zero (1700Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA) has solved the problem for good, making quality pies with homemade cheese and quality ingredients fit for anyone who loves a good wood-fired slice. It is among the best vegan pizzas in the world. Outdoor seating and extensive wine list make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

8) FLORE
You can’t beat the healthy home-style cooking at this little Silver Lake favorite. The best vegan biscuits and gravy in the West, consistently great service, and the gluten-free friendly menu make Flore (3818 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026 ; (323) 953-0611) a cozy place for a rendezvous. It's easy to see why Zagat has called Flore a “vegan lover’s dream.”

9) THE GOOD GOOD - VEGAN KITCHEN + BAKESHOP
More than a vegan bakery, The Good Good (4871 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029) offers award-winning avocado toast on Armenian matnakash among other sweet and savory delicacies. Chef Valerie Babayan and team are also known for their beautiful cake creations (24-hour notice required). Outdoor cafe seating makes this spot a weekend brunch fave.

Polenta lasagna. Courtesy of Green Table.

10) GREEN TABLE

Green Table (5998 W. Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90035) lives up to its name with 100% organic fresh, whole foods in the Fairfax District. Juices, smoothies, bowls, paninis and hot daily specials with an Italian touch make it perfect for any food-centered meet-up. Plenty of gluten-free options, a filler-free almond milk and a fully stocked pastry case guarantee something for every healthy mindset.

* Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.

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