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Best Vegetarian Sandwiches In LA

vegetarian sandwich 610 header
(credit: istockphoto)

Los Angeles is a hot spot for vegans and vegetarians, which is why there is a large community of restaurants and cafes that serve the perfect vegetarian sandwiches in town. While sandwiches prepared with tofu, tempeh and other soy derivatives are tasty (and serve a purpose), the vegetarian sandwiches and wraps created with the real deal, locally sourced, fresh veggies tend to be more popular options. Check out these best vegetarian sandwiches in the LA area.

Cafe Gratitude
(credit: courtesy of Chloe Coscarelli)

Café Gratitude
639 Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 580-6383
www.cafegratitudela.com

Café Gratitude is one of LA's hot spots for gourmet vegan cuisine and tasty veggie sandwiches. The menu's clever wrap and sandwich names fit right into the mission of Café Gratitude. Best sandwich picks here include the Happy Mediterranean raw wrap made of spinach, local tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, red onions, cashew feta and organic yogurt tzatziki rolled up in a sun-dried tomato flatbread; the Magical veggie burger, a homemade black bean patty with a mustard sauce and spicy chipotle ketchup on a whole wheat bun; Awesome herb, cornmeal-crusted eggplant parmesan (Brazil nut) grilled panini with marinara sauce and cashew ricotta; and the popular Yo Soy Fuerte Mexican torta made of tempeh chorizo, cilantro pumpkin seed pesto, heirloom tomato, lettuce, avocado, chipotle cashew cream and a spicy red pepper sauce on grilled panini bread.

kreation kafe
(credit: Joan S./Yelp)

Kreation Kafe
1023 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 458-4880
www.kreationkafe.net

Kreation Kafe is a rustic Persian café where all of the produce is organic, local and purchased from the Santa Monica Farmers' Market. Promoting good health and the healing power of traditional Persian food, Kreation Kafe's grilled vegetable kabob sandwich is made from the restaurant owner's handed-down recipes from her family. Grilled red peppers, zucchini and eggplant sit in a baguette with a secret house dressing, roasted tomato, spinach and red onion. Gluten-free baguettes are available upon request.

happy veggie
(credit: Chaz G./Yelp)

Happy Veggie
709 N. Pacific Coast Highway
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 379-5035

Happy Veggie's namesake wrap is one of the café's signature house specialties. The wrap is made of a soy shrimp and tofu crepe filled with lightly stir-fried vegetables and served with a flavorful but tangy lemon vinegar dipping sauce. Every dish served at Happy Veggie is free of meat, poultry, fish, eggs and MSG, keeping in line with its respect for all animal lives. Additional delicious dishes worth tasting include the curry vegetable masala, vegetable dumplings cabbage and the farmers' market veggie salad.

Related: Best Indian Food In Los Angeles

larchmont wine cheese
(credit: Frances C./Yelp)

Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese
223 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 856-8699
www.larchmontvillagewine.com

Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese is a neighborhood family owned and operated specialty retailer and is considered one of the best in the city. What makes this store stand out from others is its full deli service and its sandwiches. Try the vegetarian which is made with avocado, roasted red and yellow peppers, tomato and mixed greens, an olive tapenade, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Or go with the fresh mozzarella with basil, tomato, olive oil and balsamic. All sandwiches are made on freshly baked French baguettes or Italian ciabatta, and served with cornichons and olives. The deli also serves artisan-made cheeses and imported meats.

SF Crispy Chickin on Slate veggie grill
(credit: Veggie Grill)

Veggie Grill
8000 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 822-7575
www.veggiegrill.com

Veggie Grill assures its customers that food served is 100-percent plant based and free of meat, dairy, eggs, cholesterol, animal fat and trans fat. While the Veggie Grill menu offers "clean protein" dishes made of tempeh, Chickin' and Veggie-Steak, the restaurant's veggie-only dishes are the true highlights. Papa's Portobello burger is a filling lunch or dinner choice. Made with a grilled Portobello mushroom, the sandwich also features traditional burger fixings including tomato, caramelized onions and lettuce. Flavor comes from the basil and garlic pomodoro, cilantro pesto and chipotle ranch sauces. Another favorite is the Santa Fe Crispy Chickin' sandwich which is always a great choice.

Related: Best Vegan Restaurants In And Around LA

Sheryl Craig is a writer with a passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. She has a background in journalism and public relations. A mother of two daughters, Sheryl integrates her healthy lifestyle into raising her children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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