“While New York may have a coffee shop on every corner, Los Angeles remains steadfast in providing its residents and visitors with ideal and healthy meals for every time of the day, like before or after the gym.”
Even though vegan spots like Sqirl might be "very LA," according to LA passerby and art director Cassi Gibson, for being aesthetically pleasing both on the plate and in ambiance, the taste of the food proves that the hype is all worth it. Some of these spots are also places to get some shopping done. Once you've finished with your low fat and low sodium meal at the Market Cafe in the famous Follow Your Heart, you may want to consider this kind of diet at home and go shopping for some healthy and organic items to take with you right there. It just shows that it's possible for vegans to have fun and splurge sometimes, and you might even take some non-vegan friends too.
Sqirl / Silverlake
recommended by jameela jamil, Angela Kohler, Whitney Fierce, Cassi Gibson & Victoria Hoff
LA passerby and DJ, Whitney Fierce, claims this place to be "hip AF," but alas, she says the food is delicious. With a menu catered to breakfast and lunch, their vegan bacon is served at all times of the day. Director and photographer, Angela Kohler, even said that during her pregnancy, Sqirl was the place she loved to eat at anytime.
Visit Sqirl at 720 N Virgil Ave #4, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Sage / Echo Park
Recommended by Zan Goodman & Nada Alic
Offered in three locations in California, Sage is entirely local and plant-based with its nut-free and soy-free menu options. Ninety percent of the produce comes from local farmers to ensure customers with food from pesticide free farming and regenerative agriculture.
Visit Sage at 1700 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Gracias Madre / West Hollywood
Recommended by jameela jamil, Glynn Connolly, Zan Goodman
Eating vegan doesn't have to be a strict diet for a specific time of day, like for LA passerby and entrepreneur, Glynn Connolly, who enjoys happy hour on the patio of Gracias Madre. Inspired by Mexican cuisine, this spot serves food that tells the stories of the mothers back home in Mexico and their relatives who work side by side in the kitchens of the U.S.
Visit Gracias Madre at 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Wild Living Foods / Downtown LA
Recommended by jeni ni
It's completely possible for a vegan to treat herself, but of course, it's going to be with some dairy-free ice cream and gelato with natural ingredients and no refined sugar. The pastry bar at Wild Living Foods even offers raw chocolate with flavors like "cheesecake bar" and "cinnamon roll."
Visit Wild Living Foods at 760 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Elf Cafe / Echo Park
Recommended by natalie fält & ariel roman
Organic and locally sourced, this meatless restaurant prides itself in serving clean food, clean water, and only natural wine. The cuisine is inspired by Moroccan, Indian and continental European traditions. The menu is so sophisticated and imaginative that the "meatless" part should not be a turn-off to anyone.
Visit Elf Cafe at 2135 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Follow Your Heart / Canoga Park
Recommended by ariel roman & jeni ni
Having started in 1970, Follow Your Heart transports shoppers to the era and atmosphere of Californian comfort and feelings of home. The eatery and market offers modest prices and generous servings as not to fool the smart and healthy shopper. Specializing in comfort food, the menus are customized for vegans while a gluten-free menu is available upon request.
Visit Follow Your Heart at 21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303
For more recommendations in los angeles, visit the Passerbuys Map
Words by Jessica Joyce Jacolbe