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Best Spots For A Vegetarian In Los Angeles

featured vegetarian2
(credit: http://www.mcafedechaya.com/)

With an abundance of produce from area farms, restaurateurs from veg-heavy cultures serving up their native cuisines, and of course a bevy of body-conscious locals, L.A. is a great place to be a vegetarian. Here are some of the best places to go meat-free.

Flore
A wrap from Flore Vegan Cuisine. (credit: www.florevegan.com)

Flore

3818 W. Sunset Blvd.
Silverlake, CA 90026
(323) 953-0611
www.florevegan.com/

Popular with the pretty people of Silver Lake, this petite vegan café offers a range of old school veggie favorites (cashew cheese anyone?) including refined salads like the avocado, fennel, and grapefruit and a range of vegan takes on diner classics, including five versions of meat-free burgers. The weekend brunch, particularly the giant breakfast burrito, is the neighborhood standard for veggie-friendly hangover busters.  

TheHummusBar
Something for the palate from the Hummus Bar. (credit: www.hummusbargrill.com)

Hummus Bar and Grill

18743 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 344-6606
www.hummusbargrill.com

It's worth the drive to Tarzana for huge platters of crisp, pungent Israeli salad, velvety baba ghanoush, sizzling platters of egg and tomato shakshuka, and some of the richest, creamiest hummus this side of Tel Aviv, all scooped up with freshly baked laffa bread. And for the carnivores among us, the chopped liver and meat skewers aren't bad either.  

M Cafe de Chaya
Carolina-Style BBQ Seitan Sandwich from M Cafe de Chaya. (credit: www.mcafedchaya.com)

M Café de Chaya

7119 Melrose Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 525- 0588

9343 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 838-4300

9433 Brighton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 858-8459
www.mcafedechaya.com

A celebrity favorite, this trio of contemporary macrobiotic cafes is the brainchild of famed Chaya chef Shigefumi Tachibe and Gwyneth Paltrow's former personal chef, Lee Gross. The result is a creative, satisfying menu of whole grains, seasonal veggies, and delicious desserts. The big macro burger – a virtuous vegan patty topped with pickles, onions, and of course, a special sauce – is a must try.  

Rahel
A special combo from Rahel. (credit: www.rahelveggiecuisine.com)

Rahel

1047 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 937-8401
www.rahelveggiecuisine.com

Emitting the aromatic magic of fragrant berbere spice mix, the huge platters of vegan Ethiopian stews prove that meat is not necessary for an incredibly filling, flavorful meal. Try the hearty yefasolia wot for a textural medley of string beans and carrots or the piquant yemisir kik wot, a stew of split lentils in a red pepper sauce. Or better yet, dip your spongey injera (available in a gluten free version) into one of the restaurants massive combo plates.  

Real Food Daily
Not-chos from Real Food Daily. (credit: www.realfood.com)

Real Food Daily

414 N La Cienega Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 289-9910

514 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-7544
More Info

Though they offer a range of hearty, filling salads and other classic veggie dishes, this duo has made its name for dishing up a herbivore's paradise of vegan versions of meaty dishes like tempeh reuben, a spicy BLT wrap, and a miraculously egg and dairy-free Benedict, complete with a corn hollandaise. Decadent vegan (and some gluten-free) desserts and an extensive menu of juices and smoothies round out the meal.  

Tirupathi Bhimas
One of the delights at Tiupathi Bhimas. (credit: www.tirupathibhimas.com)

Tirupathi Bhimas

Little India Village
18792 Pioneer Blvd
Artesia, CA 90701
(562) 809-3806
More Info

In an inauspicious mini-mall in Artestia, Tirupathi Bhimas first makes an impression with its odd baby blue, saucer-shaped dining room. But a taste of the searingly hot vegetarian dishes that come on the Andrah (a region known for some of the hottest food in India) thali plate soon burn their way into your memory.  

Veggie Grill
Grillin' Chickin' from the Veggie Grill. (credit: www.veggiegrill.com)

Veggie Grill

Multiple locations, for more information see their website:
More Info

This local chain of bright, clean, efficient spots offers a vegetarian take on quick service American. The crispy Chillin' Chickin sandwich (really a marinated veggie protein blend) and a side of killer sweet potato fries with a subtle kick make for a classic fast food treat. 

Katie Robbins is an L.A.-based freelance journalist, focusing on food and culture. For more information, check out her website www.katiesallierobbins.com.
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