5 Spots for Veganuary in Los Angeles
New year, same you, and that’s ok! Let’s all be grateful we’ve made it for another turn around the sun, and instead of focusing on being dry and healthy, let’s be indulgent; with fruits and vegetables in colors, you can’t get anywhere but nature. Here are 5 spots for Veganuary in Los Angeles that are truly delicious – with #1 being my absolute favorite.
5. PLANTA (Marina Del Rey)
This stunning waterfront location specializes in Vegan Sushi and seriously delicious Bang Bang Broccoli and Dan Dan Noodles. Visit during lunch to take advantage of a $28 two-course prix fixe, with options like Crispy Rice with ahi, watermelon, and avocado to start, and Quesabirria or a House Burger as your main.
Also fun for Dry January is their Spicy Not a Rita Cocktail, available for just $7 during Happy Hour. It melds the flavors of cranberry, jalapeño-cilantro syrup, and lime into one satisfying libation.
4. Gracias Madre (West Hollywood/Newport Beach)
When you want to be seen digging into those Ceviche Tostadas and Jackfruit Carnitas, you head to Gracias Madre. The outdoor patio is almost more beautiful than your pure meat-free body. Visit during Happy Hour weekdays from 3 to 5 p.m. for bites and Margaritas, all under $10 – with the exception of the $14 Gracias Burger with Fries.
3. Veggie Grill (Various)
It’s hard to hate on a fast-food chain whose mantra is plant-based food accessibility for all, and with over 30 locations and counting, it’s just perfect for Veganuary in Los Angeles. Menu favorites include the Classic Romaine Caesar, Tuna Melt, and the Double BBQ Mac Burger. Plus, you can download their app for easy-to-go ordering that skips the line.
2. Men & Beasts (Echo Park)
Men & Beasts in Echo Park, from husband-and-wife team Chef Alex Falco and Minty Zhu, is known for modern Chinese cuisine using plant-based artistry whenever possible. Delicacies include Sweet and Sour Mushrooms made with crispy oyster mushrooms in place of pork and Beancurd Enchiladas with soy tinga, kabocha, chipotle, and cotija cheese.
1. True Food Kitchen (Pasadena)
True Food Kitchen, from founder Dr. Andrew Weil, creates menu items based on the anti-inflammatory food pyramid. While not exclusively vegan, the menu is littered with V‘s, like the Butternut Squash Pizza, Edamame Dumplings, Korean Noodle Bowl, and a Plant-Based Double Cheeseburger.
The menu changes with the seasons, so you don’t need to wait until next January to find something delicious.
Homage: Real Food Daily (Pasadena/West Hollywood)
Real Food Daily is credited with being the first 100% vegan restaurant in the 90s, and dishes like their Caesar Salad and Lasagna are why it was one of the best. The lasagna was crafted with ricotta, cremini mushrooms, marinara, and oil, with a taste so close to the original that you might question why you’ve been eating dairy in the first place.
Real Food Daily closed its doors in January 2025 due to crippling bank fraud. The plant-based community is still mourning the loss of this L.A. icon, which was my #1.
