I just got back from my third trip to Los Angeles this year and I keep thinking I should just pack up and move there. This visit combined work and pleasure — “work” being the kind that feels more like play: making videos, meeting creative people, and enjoying inspiring conversations. The trip was planned around one of my best friend’s weddings. She and her husband were married on August 1st at a beautiful house on a hill, and we danced late into the night beneath a nearly full moon. It was an unforgettable evening. As always, Los Angeles delivered plenty of excellent vegan and vegan-friendly dining options.
My mom flew in for the celebration, and from Friday through Monday afternoon we explored the city together. We ate at a variety of restaurants, wandered through neighborhoods, admired houses and cars, and got outdoors for beach time and hiking. My mom is energetic and loves to stay active, which made the trip feel lively and fun. I tried to capture as much of our adventuring as possible, and I loved every minute of hanging out with her.
We ate very well. One standout for me was Satdha in Santa Monica — a 100% vegan Thai spot with bold, creative dishes that left me craving more. Other favorites included Real Food Daily for a satisfying Mediterranean bowl and Café Gratitude for the decadent I am Irresistible Coconut Chocolate Swirl Pie. Mohawk Bend in Echo Park also made a big impression; it’s one of those places I’m excited to return to. Below I share a few of the highlights from this trip along with the dishes I loved.
On this visit I focused on restaurants that either specialize in vegan food or offer strong vegan options. Los Angeles is such a great city for plant-based eating — the variety and creativity across neighborhoods is impressive. If you’re planning a trip or live locally and want new vegan places to try, these spots are definitely worth a visit.
Mohawk Bend
Mohawk Bend in Echo Park is a cool, spacious restaurant housed in a former theater, which gives it a bright, roomy feel. It’s not entirely vegan, but the menu is very welcoming to plant-based diners — instead of labeling vegan items, they mark non-vegan dishes with an NV. That small reversal feels inclusive and clever. The food is inventive and approachable: I ordered the Bahn Mi Pizza and we shared a Coconut Ice Cream & Brownie Sundae for dessert. The atmosphere and menu make Mohawk Bend a perfect spot for groups with mixed diets or anyone who wants creative, hearty dishes.
Gjelina
Gjelina on Abbott Kinney in Venice is a popular choice for wood-fired pizzas and vegetable-driven plates. It’s not a vegan restaurant, but there are excellent vegan-friendly options everywhere you look. I was lucky to get a table without a reservation and dug into a mushroom pizza that was vegan as-is, while my brother had a pizza blanco. We also shared wood-roasted cauliflower and za’atar zucchini — dishes that showcase vegetables with thoughtful seasoning and technique. This is a pricier spot but worth it for a special meal.
Satdha Thai
Satdha Thai in Santa Monica is a fully vegan Thai restaurant that quickly became one of my favorite finds. I’ve been working my way through the menu and everything I’ve tried has been outstanding: crispy garlic tempeh with broccoli, green curry, beet-dyed noodles, Tom Kha soup, a seasonal special, and the black sticky rice dessert. Even their hot teas are memorable. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, which makes Satdha the kind of place I think about long after I leave. I could easily return on every trip to LA.
Other places I enjoyed on past trips include Real Food Daily for consistently tasty plant-based classics and Café Gratitude for indulgent dessert moments. Next time I’m in town I’m excited to try Sage, Flore Bistro, and Make Out, and I’m always open to recommendations. If you have favorite vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, tell me where I should go next.
Liked learning about vegan eating in Los Angeles? Leave a comment below and share your favorite LA spots!