I get asked a lot about my favorite vegan restaurants. As you can see here on the website I like to focus my restaurant reviews on how to eat vegan at a “normal” restaurant. Maybe some are mad I’m not focussing more on the plethora of amazing veg restaurants we have here in our city. So here is a list of my cannot live without vegetarian/vegan and or raw restaurants in Los Angeles. Please note, that I do not like fake meat so all my reviews will be based on dishes besides those. Look for formal restaurant reviews to follow soon.
1. 
This place is where it’s at! Almost entirely raw and absolutely perfect in every way! Just to prove how much I love it: I hardly ever eat out (duh, I’m always trying to come with recipes 
) but I’ve eaten at Sun Cafe twice this week so far… Their pizzas, sandwiches, salads are little pieces of art. The restaurant is cute and a place I would not be ashamed to bring a date (more than I can say for most veg. restaurants) And most importantly they win the award for best vegan raw dessert I’ve ever had, the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake!
2.
Veggie Grill does vegetarian food right! It’s clean, casual dining at it’s best. Almost all the food is “cooked” here, but that’s fine with me. The menu is extensive and delicious. They have sweet potato fries that are to die for! They seem to be expanding at a rapid pace, so look for one heading to your neighborhood soon. Bonus: if you sign up for their mailing list you get a coupon for a free dinner for your birthday
3.
The new kid on the scene is making a big splash! Originating in San Francisco, Cafe Gratitude opened a great location on Larchmont Blvd. Their menu has adorable names for all the items starting with an “I am” to go with the “gratitude” theme. They serve raw and cooked food as well as a selection of vegan wine and beer possibly making this spot the best vegetarian place for a date in town…
4.
Home to the best raw and vegan ice cream ever! I personally love the soft serve. (I do a chocolate/vanilla swirl) Many locations popping up so definitely stop by to satisfy that sweet tooth without destroying your diet!
5.
This is the kind of place you can feel completely comfortable bringing a meat eater. The traditional Thai dishes done vegetarian proves to me that Asian was intended to be made without fish sauce. Two locations are up already and let’s hope for more!
So those are my top 5. How do you feel about these?? Don’t see your favorite on the list? Let me know about it. Chances are I may have not been yet.
Happy Eating!
Bulan has been one of my favorites since day 1 when they were called Busaba
And as for Kind Kreme, I have no words – ok one Uh-mazing. Have you tried Sage yet?
I haven’t tried Sage yet, it’s definitely on the list. What should I get from there?
I love veggie grill and have been dying to get over to sun cafe!
I have to admit…these are all fantastic choices. The suncafe pizza with chorizo is amazing and all of the fake meat dishes at Bulan taste close to the real thing. The only other restaurant I would add is Vegan World in Studio City — try their “Cowboy Burger”. I feel so much healthier after dining at any of these establishments.
great list! i haven’t been back to sun cafe since they were called something else! i’d also add “doomie’s” and “m cafe” to the list, though the latter does have fish…
Lynn, I’ve never been to Doomie’s… Looks fantastic though, I’ll have to give it a try!
Thanks for the list Leslie! I have been working on adding more vegetarian dishes to my lifestyle so it showed up at a great time. I really enjoy the Veggie Grill. The All Hail Kale salad is a delight. I also love their Chipotle BBQ sandwich – Zesty with just the right amount of kick.
Looking forward to your formal reviews.
Sincerely, Michael
Leslie, Get the Soul Bowl at Sage, it is Rediculous! 5 words: Deep Fried Mac and Cheese. And if you didn’t already know, there is a Kind Kreme in the restaurant (same owner)…
Susan, I just looked at Sage’s menu and I cannot wait to go!! Looks so good!
OMG all these posts are making me hungry! I can’t wait to try the vegan ice cream.
You’re making me want to high-tail it back to LA ASAP!
The other day, I went to Au Lac in Fountain Valley, and it was AMAZING raw vegan food! I know that’s beyond the geographic scope of this post, though!
Thanks Julie, that’s good to know. I don’t often make it to Fountain Valley, but I may have to just to go to Au Lac!