15 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in California, Ranked

Not eating meat? From L.A. to San Francisco, these are the best 15 vegetarian restaurants in California.

15 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in California, Ranked

Less than 15 years ago, those who claimed to be vegetarian at dinner parties were met with eye rolls and groans. But those meat-free individuals paved the way to making the vegetarian diet not only trendy but also a way of life for many.

Modern science has confirmed that a vegetarian diet can be just as rich in protein and nutrients as any other diet as long as you're eating balanced meals with plenty of whole foods. It also comes with numerous health benefits and is more environmentally friendly than a typical meat-heavy diet.

In recent years, the surge of interest in vegetarian and vegan lifestyles has sparked the growth of a thriving vegetarian restaurant industry — and it all started in California. While Angelinos and Bay Area residents will fight to the death over who started the trend, one thing is clear: The best vegetarian restaurants in the U.S. are found in the Golden State. This ranking features 15 of the best vegan and vegetarian joints around, based on Yelp reviews and our humble staff opinions. Which is your favorite?

15. Garden Fresh Vegan

Garden Fresh Vegan is One of the Best Vegetarian Restaurants in California

City: Palo Alto

Year opened: 1993

Cost: $

Specialties: Pan-Fried Wheat Cake, Extra Stinky Tofu with Kimchi, Vegetable Mini Hot Pot, Spicy Noodle Soup, Vegetable Pho Soup, Three Color Fried Rice, Kung-Pao Soy Chicken, Crispy Oyster Mushrooms, Korean Spicy Tofu Soup and Tofu with Vegetables

Bottom Line: Garden Fresh Vegan

Garden Fresh Vegan food — Garden Fresh is a great vegetarian restaurants in Palo Alto, California

Garden Fresh Vegan is an entirely vegan Chinese restaurant. This popular sustainable restaurant has all the traditional classics, served family-style, and while it might be a top vegan option, it most definitely isn’t your regular all-white, space-age salad bar.

The founders, Alice and Robert Liang, made sure Garden Fresh Vegan felt exactly like your classic Chinese-American restaurant, spending years perfecting the vegan versions of their favorite dishes. If it’s one thing Garden Fresh Vegan succeeds in doing, it’s showing everyone that veganism can be for anyone, no matter the cuisine or dish.

14. Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant

City: El Monte

Year opened: 2009

Cost: $

Specialties: Banh Cuon (Rice Noodles), Bun Hue (Vegan Beef and Pork Noodle Soup), Com Ga Xao Xa Ot (Spicy Lemongrass Soy Chicken), Spring Rolls and Pho

Bottom Line: Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant

Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant food — Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant is a female-owned Vietnamese eatery.

Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant is a female-owned Vietnamese eatery. The founder and chef is the mother of six children and has committed herself to perfecting popular Vietnamese family recipes into equally delectable dishes that both plant-based and meat-eaters can enjoy.

Marketing doesn’t even compare to the amount of word-of-mouth advertising Thien Tam gets, purely from its local popularity. Needless to say, anyone looking for some nourishing and hearty comfort food with a healthy twist won’t be disappointed with this amazing California vegetarian restaurant.

13. Rollin Roots

City: San Diego

Year opened: 2019

Cost: $

Specialties: Spicy Boy (Vegan Buffalo Chicken, Slaw, Ranch, Tomatoes), Rich Gal (Blackened Vegan Shrimp, Slaw, Pickles, Fries, Remoulade), Texas in Cali (BBQ Jackfruit, pickles, fries, and fresh veggies) and Daikon Love (Vegan Beef, Pickled Veggies, Mint, Cilantro, Mayo, Sriracha, Fries)

Bottom Line: Rollin Roots

Rollin Roots started out in local farmers' market around San Diego, where founder Avonte Hartsfield honed his skills for cooking vegan comfort food. Hartfield was an intense meat-eater and, as he’s said before, is probably one of the last people you’d ever expect to go vegan. However, upon having a self-realization about his impact on the planet through consuming excessive amounts of animal products, he decided he'd create change by envisioning his favorite comfort meals with a healthy twist.

Needless to say, Hartfield’s food was an instant hit. Like other vegetarian restaurants around the world, their brick and mortar location was hit hard during the pandemic, and they were forced to close. However, the owners reopened the business as a food truck. Rollin Roots was up and running in their new truck within a few months of lockdown and continues to serve this SoCal community.

12. The Good Good - Vegan Kitchen + Bakeshop

City: Santa Monica

Year opened: 2019

Cost: $$

Specialties: Truffle Melt, Basil Tomato Avocado Toast, Savory Oats and Orange Chia Loaf

Bottom Line: The Good Good - Vegan Kitchen + Bakeshop

The Good Good food — The Good Good provides amazing sweet and savory vegan and gluten-free creations.

The Good Good provides amazing sweet and savory vegan and gluten-free creations. Originally started by a mother-daughter duo in 2015, what would officially become “The Good Good” started out as “To Bake & Be.” From their cozy apartment kitchen, two women committed to making vegan treats more accessible and, for that matter, tastier sold and delivered fresh-based pastries and cakes each morning to coffee shops around Los Angeles.

Due to popular demand and encouragement from clients, the duo ventured out by renting a kitchen and expanding their menu to include a full array of plant-based desserts, sandwiches, salads and bowls. Today, they stand as one of the best vegan restaurants in Los Angeles.

11. Monty's Good Burger

City: Los Angeles

Year opened: 2018

Cost: $$

Specialties: Double Cheeseburger, Double Hamburger, Shoestring Fries, Cheese Tots, Maxed-Out Tots (Burger Tots) and Shakes

Bottom Line: Monty's Good Burger

Monty's Good Burger food — If you love next-level sandwiches, this is your place.

Monty’s was established in 2018 by Nic Adler, a music mogul and culinary director for music festivals such as Coachella and Stagecoach. In addition to his emphasis on healthier food alternatives, Adler also had a passion for classic greasy sandwiches. Monty’s Good Burger gives the term "vegan burgers" a legitimate space in the diner food world. Meaty, cheesy and full of flavor, even the atmosphere is just like your classic diner. If you're looking for the best vegetarian restaurants in California that still satisfy the need for a next-level sandwich, this is your place.

The name of the restaurant, Monty’s, is actually based on one of the owner’s dogs, and it's not uncommon to see him prancing around the shop. Each dish, from tots to burgers, is made from 100 percent locally sourced ingredients and everything down to the condiments is plant-based.

10. Wildseed

City: San Francisco

Year opened: 2019

Cost: $$

Specialties: Beet Poke, Rigatoni Bolognese, Green Forest Pizza, Mexican Corn Cakes, Yellow Curry and ‘Neatball’ Masala

Bottom Line: Wildseed

Wildseed food — Wildseed is located in San Francisco, California.

Who doesn’t love a cocktail with their greens? Wildseed in San Francisco is a bar and restaurant specializing in a seasonal menu. The founder, Andriano Paganini, decided to create Wildseed as a sort of "plant experiment" that focused on using seasonal produce to create better and more intense flavors, including dishes from a variety of cuisines as well as using locally sourced ingredients to reduce the footprint on industrial farming.

Considering that Wildseed has become one of the best vegetarian restaurants in California, we'd call their experiment a success. The bar is also filled with sustainable options, from biodynamic wines to local beer and creative vegan cocktails featuring fresh juices, shrubs, homemade extracts and tinctures.

9. Golden Era Vegan Restaurant

City: San Francisco

Year opened: 1999

Cost: $$

Specialties: Mushu Rolls, Spicy Sweet Potato Curry, Mango Sticky Rice, Papaya Salad, Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepe) and Banh Cuon Tay-Ho (Steamed Rice Rolls, Fried Tofu and Bean Sprouts)

Bottom Line: Golden Era Vegan Restaurant

Golden Era is one of San Francisco’s most popular vegan fine-dining experiences. Being one of the oldest vegan restaurants in the area, Golden Vegan has consistently been on a mission to evolve, adapt and innovate themselves in an ever-growing world of plant-based options. With an elaborate menu that combines traditional Aulacese (Vietnamese), Chinese, Indian and Thai cuisines into new-age dishes, every bite is a flavorful and enlightening experience for the senses.

All ingredients used are entirely plant-based, including no MSG, honey, eggs or dairy. Aside from their huge fanbase, Golden Era has also received several awards, most recently being named one of the 2021 "Top Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in the Bay Area."

8. Sugar Taco

City: Los Angeles

Year opened: 2019

Cost: $$

Specialties: Jackfruit Tacos, Ghost Pepper Tacos, Fish Tacos, Carne Asada (Soy) Burritos and Vegan Quesadillas

Bottom Line: Sugar Taco

Now, here’s a California vegetarian restaurant that aims to make a worldwide difference. Sugar Taco’s motto is “Saving the world, one taco at a time,” and it has a strict ethics policy followed and enforced by its staff to ensure the dishes are not only sustainable but also delicious.

This popular Angeleno spot has also partnered with companies such as Food For Life Global and Million Dollar Vegan to donate part of their revenue in order to serve hungry children plant-based meals around the world. Even their dog menu, which includes a different special every month based around in-season fruits and vegetables, contributes to charity by sending 100 percent of proceeds to different animal welfare charities each month.

7. The Purple Mint Vegan Bistro

City: San Diego

Year opened: 2015

Cost: $$

Specialties: Kung Pao Chicken, Jackfruit Salad, Braised Duck Noodle Soup, ‘Steak Filet Mignon’ and ‘Prawns’ in Garlic Noodles

Bottom Line: The Purple Mint Vegan Bistro

This small family-owned Asian fusion restaurant is 100 percent vegan. At The Purple Mint, the team is in full support of a transition to a vegetarian lifestyle. However, they also understand the importance of traditional dishes where meat has almost always been the star of the show. That’s where their mission comes in.

As much as some like to make fun of vegan meat substitutes parading as classic meat-eater dishes, The Purple Mint is passionate about making vegan proteins taste just as good as real chicken and steak. They do a great job of it, easily earning their place on the list of the best vegetarian restaurants in California.

6. Oasis Vegetarian Cafe

City: Riverside

Year opened: 1996

Cost: $

Specialties: Burrito (whole wheat tortilla served with brown rice, black beans, pico de gallo, and your choice of protein, veggie topping and sauce), Pupusas (grilled corn masa stuffed with black beans or spinach and choice of vegan or regular cheese) and Taquito Plate (four taquitos with choice of carnitas, potatoes or jackfruit).

Bottom Line: Oasis Vegetarian Cafe

What started out as a family business has become a well-loved spot for vegetarians, vegans and, yes, even meat-eaters. Oasis Vegetarian Cafe opened its doors in 1996 to share vegan/vegetarian cuisine with newcomers and long-time health enthusiasts alike. Their Latin-themed menu uses organic and local produce.

Before opening Oasis, the Hernandez family had recently immigrated from Guatemala, where they had also owned another vegetarian restaurant. Living in Guatemala did not provide the best resources, so the Hernandez family had to learn to get creative with local ingredients, which mostly included various plants and grains. It’s easy to see that their cooking skills came in handy.

5. The Grain Cafe

City: Los Angeles and Long Beach (Different Locations)

Year opened: 2013

Cost: $$

Specialties: Wet Burrito, Mole Burrito, Falafel Wrap, Dragon Roll, Tofu Scramble and Fajitas

Bottom Line: The Grain Cafe

Established in 2013 in Long Beach, The Grain Cafe is considered one of the pioneers of Mexican-vegan cuisine within the Southern California area. The Grain Cafe’s priority is not just about creating nutritious and casual vegan dishes with locally sourced and home-grown ingredients but also about creating an informal atmosphere where anyone can come to eat and just hang out.

While the founders have since expanded to multiple locations, the original spot is tucked away on E. 4th St, and with only a few tables for seating, they manage to keep it cozy. The amount of square footage isn’t a problem anyway when the flavor at this California vegetarian restaurant is enough to break down walls.

4. Plant Power Fast Food

City: San Diego

Year opened: 2016

Cost: $$

Specialties: Buffalo Chicken, Chicken and Waffles, Fish Fillet Sandwich, Raw Tacos and The Guacamole Bean Burger

Bottom Line: Plant Power Fast Food

At Plant Power Fast Food, the team is committed to relieving the stress that industrial farming and overconsumption of meat puts on the ecosystem. Their menu is entirely plant-based, turning vegan alternatives into delicious fast-food-type dishes.

The team at Plant Power knows that the more representation healthier vegan options have, the more consumers can see how easy it is to improve the planet one step at a time. While they know they still have a long way to go, they've already made a difference in San Diego. It's one of the best vegan restaurants in Southern California for sure!

3. Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya

City: San Francisco

Year opened: 2015

Cost: $$

Specialties: Vegetable Tempura, Lily Flower Curry, Tantanmen (Ramen), Spicy Garlic Miso, Bean Curd Nigiri, Shiitake Nigiri, Sweet Tofu Nigiri, Spicy Tofuna Roll, Sweet Potato Roll and Gobu Burdock Root Roll

Bottom Line: Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya

Shizen was founded for the purpose of bringing the flavors of the ocean to the table without wreaking havoc on natural wildlife that has been overfished for decades. Using time-honored traditional Japanese favorites, the plant-based menu incorporates Californian flavors, highlighting the best of both sides of the Pacific.

The founders of Shizen are also responsible for other California vegan Japanese restaurants such as Tataki Sushi and Sake Bar (the first sustainable sushi restaurant in the U.S). The team at Shizen believes that all ingredients should be appreciated to the fullest extent before being eaten, so every dish is made and plated with elegance and consideration.

2. Plumeria Vegetarian

City: San Diego

Year opened: 2018

Cost: $$

Specialties: Pumpkin Curry, Flower Cups (Thia seasonings, tofu, peas, carrots), Glass Noodles, Zen Soup (coconut soup with Lotus seeds, organic brown rice cooked with carrots and mixed beans), Mixed Bean Larb, Steamed Soy Fish and Basil Soy Fish

Bottom Line: Plumeria Vegetarian

At Plumeria Vegetarian, organic and clean cuisine is the priority. The menu at this California vegetarian restaurant is doused in classic Thai flavor and perfectly showcases the exceptional range of vegan ingredients. Additionally, all the tofu used here is locally sourced from the San Diego Soy Company, and seasonal produce is always preferred.

It should be noted that unlike some of the other spots on this list, Plumeria also includes the occasional egg in some dishes, as they believe in striking a balance between tradition and adaptive plant-based eating.

1. Civico 1845

City: San Diego

Year opened: 2015

Cost: $$

Specialties: Vegan Lasagna Bolognese, Vegan Tiramisu, Fritto Misto, Caprese and Ravioli Zucca

Bottom Line: Civico 1845

Civico 1845, one of the best vegetarian restaurants in California, isn't totally vegetarian. It's an Italian restaurant with a combination menu that includes both meat and plant-based options, and it's amazing. The restaurant was founded by brothers Dario and Pietro Gallo, who are originally from Calabria, a coastal region in southwest Italy. Civico uses proper techniques from traditional Italian cooking to create some of the purest flavors.

Behind their menu is a strong passion for sustainable cooking, using seasonal ingredients and letting nothing go to waste, including the interior of their restaurant, which was made from reclaimed materials. Civico 1845 is truly a great experience for vegans and meat-eaters alike to enjoy a hearty and environmentally healthier, old-fashioned meal together.