Seitan Worshippers: Eating Vegetarian and Vegan In LA

Pure Luck is many an animal lover’s fave spot for meat-free eats. The tofu pesto sandwich, pulled “pork” sandwich, “carnitas” burrito, and fries (both the garlic and the sweet potato) are supreme—all of the “pork” products are made from jackfruit (genius!). Plus, there are also gourmet beers for the drinking, so you can save planet AND get drunk at the same time (genius!).

Not only is this restaurant meat free, but it’s also organic! The menu offers veggie versions of standard favorites like Reubens, burritos, tacos, spaghetti with meatballs, and even Salisbury steak. The prices are a tad expensive, but that’s what happens when everything is organic.

This vegan spot has a pretty extensive menu, although most of the dishes are Thai or Thai-ish. You won’t miss out on anything you’d get at your standard Thai place: curries, noodle dishes, stir-fries, Thai ice tea, etc… But unlike your standard Thai place, your curry will be outfitted with your choice of soy chicken, tofu, seitan, soy pepper steak, soy fish, or soy steak (phew!).

While this vegan restaurant is the middle of Bruin territory, it’s a cut above the village’s cheap, frat boy-friendly eateries. The rather large menu is pumped full of veggies and soy products like: salads (the Ensalada Azteca!), burgers( the Bali Surf Burger!), tacos (the Baja Surf Tacos!), rice and noodle bowls (Bongo Congo!), and desserts (they’re all AWESOME).

This is THE place to eat vegetarian in LA (it’s been around since the ‘70s). Plus, this awesome meat-free haven is a great place to take your non-veggie friends (there are many vegan items on the menu, but the cafe does serve dairy products). The portions are BIG so don’t shy away from sharing. The Follow Your Heart Burger is a favorite, but don’t overlook the Braised Tempeh wrap—delicious.

This hipster spot is owned by a Silver Lake band (Viva K), so it has to be cool, right? (The answer is “yes.”) Not only does this cute, friendly cafe offer cheap corkage, but their vegetarian offerings are hardly your standard veggie fare (read: no tofu stir-fry). Instead there are Moroccan tagines, kale salads, and French-inspired vegetable tarts.