When it comes to vegan restaurants, Los Angeles is hard to beat. With such an abundance of diverse, flavorful offerings you can easily find almost any type of cuisine, and yet Mexican food continues to be a local favorite – and with good reason.
Just 137 miles north of the Mexican border, Los Angeles takes this already plant based cuisine (guacamole, rice and beans, tortilla chips!) to a new level offering a variety of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants throughout the city to please any palate and budget.
GRACIAS MADRE
Nestled on the edge of West Hollywood, Gracias Madre is entirely vegan, locally sourced, and organic. This plant-based restaurant and bar is a favorite among vegans and non-vegans alike with a relaxed, bright, minimalist design and a brunch that will leave you counting the days until the next weekend. Reservations are recommended.
RECOMMENDATION: Weekday Happy Hour, 3pm – 6pm for discounted appetizers and organic cocktails
ADDRESS: 8905 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069
PLANT FOOD FOR PEOPLE
The local vegan food truck, Plant Food For People can be found parked outside Johnny’s bar, at the farmer’s market, or roaming around the festival circuit. With a simple but flavorful menu at affordable prices, there’s always a crowd waiting for their signature jackfruit tacos or hearty tortas. They also offer breakfast on Tuesday mornings.
RECOMMENDATION: Jackfruit Nachos
ADDRESS: Follow them on Instagram to find out where they’ll be next
MALO
For hip Mexican dining in Silverlake, you can’t go wrong with Malo. With a small but mighty list of both vegan and friend-friendly options including Vegan Menudo and Sugar Pumpkin Flower Soft Tacos (just hold the cheese), their organic margaritas and flavorful menu are bound to please just about anyone.
RECOMMENDATION: Made-To-Order Guacamole, and request the off-the-menu Chewy Chips
ADDRESS: 4326 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
TREJOS TACOS
For a more “Hollywood” experience, there’s actor Danny Trejo’s organic eatery Trejos Tacos. The menu is simple but very vegan and vegetarian friendly and carefully marked as such. While there’s usually a line – and plenty of tourists – it offers a casual outdoor setting, communal tables, and affordable prices.
RECOMMENDATION: Organic Street Corn
ADDRESS: 1048 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019
DISHONORABLE MENTION
Los Angeles is full of Mexican restaurants and many are able to easily veganise their menus, but just make sure to double-check if their beans use lard, their rice uses chicken stock, and that the term “non-dairy” means it is free of both cheese and butter.
