Vegan restaurants aren’t always easy to come by, depending on where you live. As a vegan family, we love scouting out new places whenever we travel. From local gems (like the Victoria restaurants you can find online) to hidden spots in bigger cities, the journey is always worth it.
Our latest trip took us to California—and let me tell you, the vegan options were plentiful. From upscale dining in Los Angeles to casual family-friendly meals near Disneyland, here are some of our favorite vegan restaurants in California that you’ll definitely want to add to your list.
Crossroads Kitchen – Los Angeles
Located at the corner of Melrose and Sweetzer, Crossroads Kitchen is one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Los Angeles. Known for its upscale dining experience, it features mouthwatering dishes that satisfy even non-vegan palates.
It was our first stop after landing in L.A. Since we didn’t have reservations, we grabbed takeout. The calamari fritti, stuffed zucchini blossoms, Supreme Sicilian, and Truffle Mushroom Bianca pizza were so delicious that we made reservations for later in the week—and ordered the exact same items again.
This time, we also tried the brownie sundae. It was yummy, though a little heavy on ice cream compared to brownie. (Pro tip: you can add extra brownie for an additional three dollars!)
Sage Plant Based Bistro – Culver City & Los Angeles (NOW CLOSED)
We made stops at both the Culver City and Los Angeles Sage Plant Based Bistro locations, and each visit was a treat. What sets this restaurant apart is its commitment to sustainable farming practices that enrich soil, improve watersheds, and promote biodiversity. Any place that supports the planet while serving amazing food is a win in my book.
What to order:
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Buffalo cauliflower wings (a must!)
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Fried artichokes
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Eggplant barbacoa tacos (my husband’s favorite)
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Kids burrito with brown rice, black beans, and Daiya cheese
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Cali avocado pesto tempeh burger (the kids loved this even more)
As for me, the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit sandwich was fantastic. On our second visit, I tried the Street Tacos and Asian Kelp Noodle Salad—the salad ended up being my favorite with its mix of marinated tofu, almond butter ginger dressing, edamame, avocado, and crispy onions.
True Seasons Kitchen – Anaheim Hills
True Seasons Kitchen in Anaheim Hills offers a unique Asian-fusion dining experience with self-cook and self-serve hot pot options. You choose your broth, protein, and veggies, then cook everything at your table.
Each meal includes rice, noodles, and a veggie plate featuring local, sustainably grown produce. It’s interactive, fresh, and perfect for families who want to experience something different.
Vegan Pizza – Garden Grove
Looking for something quick and affordable? Vegan Pizza is a go-to spot, especially after a long day at Disneyland. We grabbed an extra-large veggie pie, which easily fed our family of four.
Other favorites included crispy vegan spring rolls, pad Thai noodles, and curry with organic vegetables in red curry sauce over rice. The portions were huge, leaving us with plenty of leftovers for the next day.
Au Lac – Fountain Valley & Los Angeles
Au Lac is a standout for anyone craving plant-based Vietnamese cuisine. They focus on a holistic approach to vegan dining with nourishing soups, grilled dishes, and flavorful sauces.
Don’t miss:
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Egg rolls made with mushrooms, jicama, taro, rice noodles, and almonds, served with vegan fish sauce
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Kung Pao soy “chicken” with black rice, peppers, carrots, onions, and peanuts
Urth Caffé – Orange
Dining with non-vegans? Urth Caffé is a great choice because it offers a wide variety of traditional and vegan-friendly dishes. Everything is made with organic, sustainable ingredients free from GMOs and artificial additives.
We visited the Orange location for an early dinner meeting. The outdoor seating gave us cozy, suburban New York vibes. The menu wasn’t fully plant-based, but there were plenty of vegan options and substitutions available.
Dolce Gelato – Laguna Beach
After a sunny day in Laguna Beach, we stumbled upon Dolce Gelato, which offers ten dairy-free vegan gelato options, including four almond milk flavors. Their Apple Crisp Cobbler gelato was vegan-friendly too—a refreshing way to cool off.
Final Thoughts: Vegan Dining in California
I was pleasantly surprised by just how many vegan dining options California has to offer. From upscale restaurants in Los Angeles to quick bites near Disneyland, it’s truly a plant-based paradise.
Pro tip: In addition to searching online for local vegan restaurants, the Happy Cow app was a lifesaver for finding vegan-friendly places close to us. Whether you’re fully vegan or just curious about a plant-based lifestyle, I highly recommend giving these California spots a try on your next trip.
