The best plant-based and vegan-friendly upscale restaurants in LA

[UPDATED: JANUARY 2023] We've all seen the rampant ramp-up of vegan fast food. From Monty’s to Plant Power to Doomie's — there are tons of great options. But an upscale dining experience with plant-centric options can be harder to come by. So in Los Angeles — one of the meccas of plant-based eating— where can you go for some of the best upscale vegan dining options LA has to offer? This guide lays out BOTH some of the best 100% vegan restaurants AND mixed-menu inclusive dining that have solid plant-based options.

100% Vegan:

Plant Food + Wine

Beverly Hills [NEW LOCATION]

Plant Food + Wine is no longer in Venice...they have a new home at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hill. (In early 2023 they shut down the Venice locale; in August 2023 they opened at the new location at the base of the Four Seasons.) Yes, it's a different location, but still retains its sophisticated touches and 100% plant-based menu. Located on the fourth floor of the hotel, its garden-like surroundings and natural modern interiors complement the exquisite plant-based dishes.

It's a perfect place for a holiday dinner, celebration, date night, entertain a foodie...or simply enjoy when you are just in the mood for some thoughtful plant-based cuisine. Their obsession with quality food made from scratch has now seeped into their wine program. You may want to pair your meal with a botanical cocktail—or mocktail—or one of the many curated natural wines. (Curious about what makes wine not vegan? Check out this piece that explains.)

Of note, with the new location comes new hours; Plant Food + Wine is open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. so you can get your plant-based foodie fix any time of day!

Shojin

Culver City and DTLA

In an unsuspecting building off of Washington Blvd. in West LA you'll find Shojin. An intimate setting that serves made-from-scratch veganized Japanese dishes. The decore might not scream "fine dining," but the carefully composed food curation does. You'll find fancy and complex sushi rolls and other familiar Japanese-inspired dishes. For a unique, elevated experience, this will hit all the right tasting notes.

Crossroads Kitchen

Melrose

Crossroads is one of the original upscale plant-based dining outfits in Los Angeles. A trendy scene meets Mediterranean-Italian-American fusion with a diverse menu where surely any eater will find something to love. The vibe is cool with a splash of elegance, lots of comfortable booth seating, plus a bar. They also serve a late-night bar menu starting at 10 p.m. — so you’re catching a nightcap you'll find a good amount of eats to choose from. They also have private event spaces perfect for a large dining party or event be it for the holidays, a birthday or other occasion.

Nic’s on Beverly [CLOSED as of March 31, 2024]

Beverly Grove

[UPDATE: Nick's on Beverly, a beloved culinary institution in Los Angeles, has sadly permanently closed its doors AS OF MARCH 31, 2024. Opened in 2019, Nic's was known for its cozy ambiance and delectable dishes, the restaurant was a favorite among locals and visitors alike. While the exact reasons for its closure remain unclear, many patrons are mourning the loss of this iconic eatery, which served as a gathering place for friends and families for years. Nic's, you will be missed!]

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Gracias Madre

WEHO

Certainly worth including here as this all-vegan hotspot does incredible Mexican-inspired eats. A great place for hosting parties or an event too. They whip up a number of mean cocktails, and the scene is upbeat and trendy with Mexican fare that you won't be able to get enough of—and you'll want to do family style so you can try a little of everything.

(Also, a few additional 100% vegan restaurants to mention here, again, not fine-dining, but nice enough for a night out, are Au Lac, Viatnemaes-inspired cuisine in DTLA and Fountain Valley. And also Little Pine in Silver Lake which some people like.)

Donna Jean

Sherman Oaks

Hailing from San Diego, Donna Jean expanded to open a location in Sherman Oaks in 2022. Lucky for LA-bound foodies, the restaurant's menu features a variety of dishes, including pizzas, pastas, and salads. While the restaurant is not fine dining, it's cool, casual and elevated vibe-y food makes it a spot worthy of a birthday celebration with a group, or a date night.

If you are torn on what to order, the restaurant's pizzas are a must-try, and the rest of the menu is sure to please even the most discerning palate—wood-fired pizzas are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a house-made crust, for a unique flavor and texture. The FUNGAZI is out of this world, made with

cream sauce, mozzarella ricotta, mushroom,s red onions, spinach, and topped with truffle cream.

Vegan-Friendly:

Beauty & ESSEX

Hollywood

Many people might be surprised to learn that this beautiful upscale hotspot has a lot of delicious vegan options—and its own separate vegan menu. With sophisticated décor and impeccable style, the ambiance will make you feel like royalty as you sip on an expertly made cocktail. Make sure you dress to impress. A must-try dish is the Thai BBQ mushroom with features oyster and shiitake mushrooms atop a crispy rice cake with broccolini slaw.

Craig’s

West Hollywood

Craig’s is known for its classic, old-school Hollywood glam vibe where celebrities often dine. They have meat and veggie options, with a separate vegan section with all the Italian classics. It's a perfect spot if you're looking for some high-class comfort Italian food and good wine. They also make a rich and creamy vegan ice cream, Craig's, which is made in-house available for purchase by the pint.

Toca Madera

West Hollywood

For upscale Mexican food served against impeccably tasteful décor and an ultra-trendy vibe, visit Toca Madera. The dim lighting will get you in the mood for one of their craft cocktails to pair alongside any of the many vegan dishes. While Toca Madera is not an exclusively vegan restaurant, they do have a separate vegan menu. You will be in heaven with a plethora of dishes to choose from. Try the Vegan Ceviche, Chile Relleno, enchiladas, and more.

BOA Steakhouse

Santa Monica and West Hollywood

A steakhouse? Yes, because often these are the only types of restaurants that rise to a fine-dining occasion and vibe. I actually like steakhouses because I can make a meal by putting together a number of sides—and BOA even has a few dedicated vegan entree options which makes it even better. This is a recommendation IF your dining partner/s wants a proper, fine-dining steakhouse ... in which a veg eater will be able to find a few things of note. BOA offers a few dedicated vegan entrée sections to please its plant-based connoisseurs. It’s a modest selection, which rotates/changes. One dish I have had is the Nidi Bolognese is prepared with an almond ricotta “cheese,” rich and delicious. Please check the resturant menu to ensure they still have vegan options as reasturants are often adapting and changing their menus. A number of their sides are also vegan, but not labeled “V,” so just check with your server and they can help guide you.

You can also find my Instagram Guide which includes these restaurants with more photos -- and you can save and easily reference for later:

A version of this blog originally appeared as an article I wrote for VegOut LA.