Expressnews
The vegan food movement is alive and thriving in California! California’s local farmers, who offer the freshest produce, have long influenced the state’s culinary landscape known for its wide range of meatless, plant-based options. Here are some top recommendations offering the best of vegan and vegetarian meals in California for a delightful culinary experience for all!
Northern California
Blossom & Root Kitchen in the Tri-Valley- Blossom & Root Kitchen in Danville offers modern California cuisine using local, in-season produce and plant-based ingredients.
Tuolumne County Vegan Options– In Tuolumne County, vegan dining options include Diamondback Grill, Sonora Thai Cuisine, Local Collective, and Nature’s Whole Food Depot.
Little Saint in Healdsburg’s – Little Saint in Healdsburg excels in innovative vegan and plant-based cuisine, emphasizing sustainability and the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Morgan Hills’ Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill and Sushi Confidential– Locally owned Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill in Morgan Hill serves 100% plant-based dishes made with local ingredients while Sushi Confidential offers vegan options like teppan and donburi rice bowls and sushi rolls.
Oakland’s Vegan Trail– Oakland’s Vegan Trail showcases fusion cuisines with vegan versions of Creole, Filipino-Mexican, and more. Since 1994, Millennium Restaurant has remained a top vegetarian and vegan restaurant globally while Senor Sisig offers delicious Filipino Mexican dishes.
Twelvemonth, The SF Peninsula– Located in Burlingame on the San Francisco Peninsula, Twelvemonth highlights freshand local ingredients with a rotating plant-based menu. Its vegan bakehouse features irresistible treats, including a famous salted sourdough chocolate chip cookie.
North Garden Bakery in Del Norte County– North Garden Bakery specializes in vegan breads, cakes and sweets using local organic ingredients.
Vegan Dining in Chico– Chico offers vegan dining options like Live Life Juice Company’s cold-pressed juices, Tender Loving Coffee’s vegan drinks and Savor Ice Cream’s vegan coconut milk-based flavours.
Restaurant at Stanford Inn & Resort– Ravens Restaurant, at the Mendocino Coast’s beloved Stanford Inn & Resort, is an award-winning vegan restaurant in a 100% plant-based eco-resort where guests can learn the joy of plant-based living while experiencing the luxury of the inn at their Vegan Retreat.
South Lake Tahoe Vegan Options– South Lake Tahoe offers vegan-friendly restaurants like Sprouts Cafe, Maria’s Mexican Restaurant and Freshie’s.
Central California
Vegan Gastronomy in San Luis Obispo– Visit The Vreameryvegan cheese shop in Paso Robles, the third vegan cheese shop in the U.S., Ziggy’s for its plant-based items, Shine Cafe for the farm-to-table experience, and Center of Effort Wines for a plant-based lunch paired with wine tastings.
Vegan-Friendly Pismo Beach– Y Not Organic offers a vegan juice and smoothie bar using local and organic produce while Surfside Donuts offers vegan and vegetarian donuts.
Wild Ginger– Wild Ginger in Cambria blends flavours of Southeast Asia with California’s fresh ingredients from local farmers, offering vegan options like tofu satay and Thai basil tofu.
Solvang’s Vegan Bakeries– Solvang’s famous Danish bakeries like Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe offer vegan versions of its classic pastries, danishes, palmiers and squaw bread. More “modern” vegan options can be found at Good Seed Coffee, Ramen Kotori, and peasants FEAST.
The Good Life in Santa Ynez Valley– The Good Life offers local wines, craft beer, vegan cheese, and charcuterie. The hidden gem is the only bottle shop and underground tasting room to specialize exclusively in local, small production wines and independent California craft beer.
Southern California
SHOR in Los Angeles– SHOR in Los Angeles is an upscale plant-based Indian restaurant under Michelin-recognized Chef Imran ‘Ali’ Mookhi. Blending traditional South Asian flavoursand known for dishes like paper dosa and bhindi masala, SHOR also offers LA’s second non-alcoholic bar.
FERRO in Idyllwild– FERRO in Idyllwild offers elevated vegan Italian cuisine with dishes like spaghetti alla caponata, freshly baked pane di casa and a torta italiana all’acquaall’arancia for dessert.
La Vegana Mexicana in Santa Ana– Located in Downtown Santa Ana, La Vegana Mexicana is a woman-owned and family-run restaurant offering plant-based Mexican dishes.
SoCal Favorite Malibu Farm– Founded by chef Helene Henderson, Malibu Farm offers inclusive, vegetable-forward menus along the coast of California.
Chúla Artisan Eatery and A Beautiful Day in La Quinta– Inspired by her Mexican heritage, Chef Katherine Gonzalez offers locally sourced vegan options at Chúla Artisan Eatery, with dishes like quinoa bowls and pancakes. A Beautiful Day offers vegan-friendly brunch options, combining breakfast classics with cultural fusions like Indian, Chinese, and Hawaiian dishes, and more.
Buena Park Vegan Scene– Buena Park, a hub for vegan dining, features Ramen & Tsukemen TAO, Rock & Brews, The Broken Yolk Cafe, and Knott’s Berry Farm’s vegan options.
Long Beach Vegan Cuisine– Since 2011, Long Beach has grown its vegan scene with top spots like The Wild Chive for comfort food and Hug Life for dairy-free ice cream. Diverse vegan eateries range from Mexican at PlanTita’s Kitchen, to brunch at Hart N Soul Vegan Cafe.
The Plot in Oceanside– The Plot in Oceanside redefines plant-based dining with a zero-waste model and inventive, vegetable-centered dishes. The restaurant offers luxurious fine dining with monthly six-course dinners through its Plantscapeseries highlighting regeneratively grown ingredients.
Veggie Grill by Next Level– Veggie Grill by Next Level offers inclusive plant-based meals that cater to a variety of dietary preferences.
Vegan Sushi and Doughnuts in Huntington Beach– Sushi Tama serves an expansive vegan menu with speciality rolls, while The Donuttery offers a variety of vegan doughnuts.
Vegan Eats in Dana Point– New at The Ritz-Carlton following the success of executive chef Sanjay Rawat’s culinary program dedicated to Indian weddings, KAHANI explores authentic and Indian flavours featuring localingredients. Other options include LÚA Eatery, for its Vietnamese cuisine and vegan menu, and Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice, a fast-service restaurant serving plant-based options.
Ambrogio by Acquerello in La Jolla– Michelin-recognized Ambrogio by Acquerello is a top dining destination for vegans to experience fine dining in San Diego.
Encinitas Plant-Based Dining– Encinitas stands out for its vibrant plant-based dining scene with Lotus Café and Juice Bar, GOODONYA Organic Eatery, and Plumeria.
