The City of Angels has something for everyone -- especially vegans. Here are five meat-free L.A. eateries that will get even the most devout bacon-lover to veg-out.
1. Stuff I Eat
Tourists don’t often venture to Inglewood, but this vegan soul food joint is worth the trek. Chef and owner Babette Davis gave up meat more than 20 years ago, and in that time, she’s perfected the art of living without it. Hearty dishes like mac and cheese, yam cakes, black-eyed peas, and smoky tofu are typically shared and range from $10 to $15.
114 N. Market Street, Inglewood
2. Govinda’s Restaurant
This humble vegetarian eatery is attached to a Hare Krishna temple, but the food will charm even the most secular of stomachs. Bone-sticking dhal, rice, and samosas are served buffet style for less than $10. The restaurant does serve dairy, but most options are vegan.
3764 Watseka Avenue, Los Angeles
3. Rahel’s Vegan
Forget the doro wat, you won’t miss chicken at this place. At Rahel’s, the lentils steal the show. Savory and spiced to perfection, they are served with curried vegetables atop injera, spongy buckwheat crepes (100-percent gluten-free versions are available). The lunch buffet is $12 on weekends, and entrees are comparably priced.
1047 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles
4. Powerplant Superfood Café
Veggie burger connoisseurs look no further; Powerplant Superfood Café has the best in all of Los Angeles -- and we’ve had a lot of veggie burgers. The bean-and-grains-based patty is hearty and filling without imitating the texture of meat. Other standouts include the gluten-free biscuits and gravy ($11) and the toasted coconut bliss smoothie ($8). The restaurant isn’t completely vegan (they also serve wild caught salmon and eggs), but their vegan options are some of the best in the city.
5671 W. Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles
5. Au Lac
Downtown L.A. eatery Au Lac serves high-end vegan food with a Vietnamese twist. Think fresh, flavorful, and spicy: raw sprouted curried rice ($16) pho made with an herbaceous broth and bean curd ($12) and “chicken” salad ($12) made from soy and mushrooms.
710 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles