Northern California
Blossom & Root Kitchen in the Tri-Valley
Blossom & Root Kitchen in Danville offers modern California cuisine using local, in-season produce and plant-based ingredients. Executive chef Chris Johnson infuses a Michelin award-winning approach into the restaurant’s visually stunning and flavorful dishes.
Tuolumne County Vegan Options
In Tuolumne County, vegan dining ranges from Sonora’s Diamondback Grill and Sonora Thai Cuisine, to vegan soft serve at Local Collective. Nature's Whole Food Depot, with Blue Zone Project approval, also offers a variety of vegan options.
Little Saint in Healdsburg's
Little Saint in Healdsburg excels in innovative vegan cuisine, emphasizing sustainability and the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers a memorable plant-based dining experience in Sonoma County.
Morgan Hills’ Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill and Sushi Confidential
Locally owned Craft Roots Vegan Bar and Grill in Morgan Hill serves 100% plant-based dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The family-owned restaurant offers a seasonal menu, alongside a curated selection of craft beers and cocktails, highlighting local breweries, including kombucha. Sushi Confidential offers vegan options like teppan and donburi rice bowls, complemented by sushi rolls. Chef Randy Musterer’s, also known as Sushi Randy, fun and daring dining experience extends across three Bay Area locations and concession pop-ups.
Oakland's Vegan Trail
Oakland’s Vegan Trail showcases diverse cuisines with vegan versions of Creole, Filipino-Mexican fusion and more. Since 1994, Millennium Restaurant remains one of the top vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the world. Senor Sisig offers delicious Filipino Mexican fusion dishes. The variety of vegan restaurants is an example of the city’s Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and LGBTQ owned businesses.
Twelvemonth, The SF Peninsula
Located in Burlingame on the San Francisco Peninsula, Twelvemonth highlights fresh, local and sustainable ingredients with a rotating seasonal plant-based menu. Its vegan bakehouse features irresistible treats, including a famous salted sourdough chocolate chip cookie.
North Garden Bakery in Del Norte County
North Garden Bakery specializes in vegan breads, cakes and sweets using local organic ingredients. Julie's vegan creations, such as mousse and cakes that mimic Del Northe’s nature landscapes, are popular at local markets and stores, offering treats for those with dietary restrictions.
Vegan Dining in Chico
Chico offers diverse vegan dining options like Live Life Juice Company’s cold-pressed juices, Tender Loving Coffee’s vegan drinks and Savor Ice Cream’s vegan coconut milk-based flavors.
Restaurant at Stanford Inn & Resort
Ravens Restaurant, at the Mendocino Coast’s beloved Stanford Inn & Resort, is an award-winning vegan restaurant in a 100% plant-based eco-resort. Their dishes are based on locally harvested and foraged items, including produce from the inn’s organic farm, delicacies such as mushrooms from the surrounding forests and seaweed from the ocean. They also boast a full bar and an outstanding wine list featuring wines from surrounding vintners. Guests can learn the joy of plant-based living while experiencing the luxury of the inn at one of its Vegan Retreats, with one retreat taking place per season.
South Lake Tahoe Vegan Options
South Lake Tahoe offers vegan-friendly restaurants like Sprouts Cafe, Maria's Mexican Restaurant and Freshie's. Each venue provides plant-based dishes that cater to adventurous eaters and vegans alike.
Central California
Vegan Gastronomy in SLO CAL
With its abundance of fresh produce and thriving local farms, SLO CAL boasts diverse plant-based dining options, showcasing its dedication to sustainable agriculture and culinary innovation. Visit The Vreamery vegan cheese shop in Paso Robles, the third vegan cheese shop in the U.S. and the first west of Texas. Enjoy small-batch, plant-based cheeses from across the country, along with made-to-order paninis and curated grazing boxes. Ziggy's in San Luis Obispo offers plant-based burgers, tacos, fries and shakes. In Morro Bay, Shine Cafe embraces farm-to-table principles with ingredients from local farmers markets. For a refined experience, visit Center of Effort Wines in Edna Valley for a plant-based lunch paired with wine tastings.
Vegan-Friendly Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach offers vegan-friendly dining at Y Not Organic, a vegan juice and smoothie bar using local and organic produce, and Surfside Donuts offering all vegan flavors on Fridays and all vegetarian donuts all week.
Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger in Cambria blends flavors of Southeast Asia with California's fresh ingredients from local farmers, offering vegan options like tofu satay and Thai basil tofu.
Solvang's Vegan Bakeries
Solvang’s famous Danish bakeries like Birkholm's Bakery & Cafe now offer three vegan versions of its classic pastries – danishes, palmiers and squaw bread. More "modern" vegan options can be found at Good Seed Coffee, Ramen Kotori and peasants FEAST.
The Good Life in Santa Ynez Valley
The Good Life in Solvang offers local wines, craft beer, vegan cheese and charcuterie. The hidden gem is the only bottle shop, underground tasting room and tasting room to specialize exclusively in local, small production wines and independent California craft beer. Its commitment to plant-based dining is supported by partnerships with vendors like The Vreamery in Paso Robles.
Southern California
SHOR in Los Angeles
SHOR in Los Angeles is an upscale plant-based Desi restaurant under Michelin-recognized Chef Imran 'Ali' Mookhi. Blending traditional South Asian flavors and known for dishes like paper dosa and bhindi masala, SHOR also offers LA’s second non-alcoholic bar with a variety of fruity mocktails.
FERRO in Idyllwild
FERRO in Idyllwild offers elevated vegan Italian cuisine with dishes like spaghetti alla caponata, freshly baked pane di casa and a delightful torta italiana all'acqua all'arancia for dessert.
La Vegana Mexicana in Santa Ana
Located in Downtown Santa Ana, La Vegana Mexicana is a woman-owned and family-run restaurant offering plant-based Mexican dishes that remain true to traditional recipes, emphasizing sustainability and authenticity.
SoCal Favorite Malibu Farm
Founded by chef Helene Henderson, Malibu Farm offers inclusive, vegetable-forward menus along the coast of California (Malibu, San Diego, Newport Beach and Tiburon). With nearly half its menu being vegetarian or vegan, Malibu Farm has grown into a beloved plant-based dining destination.
Chúla Artisan Eatery and A Beautiful Day in La Quinta
Inspired by her Mexican heritage, Chef Katherine Gonzalez offers fresh, locally sourced vegan options at Chúla Artisan Eatery, with dishes like quinoa bowls and pancakes. The eatery gained recognition on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” A Beautiful Day offers vegan-friendly brunch options, combining breakfast classics with cultural fusions like Indian, Chinese and Hawaiian dishes, alongside fresh salads and sandwiches.
Buena Park Vegan Scene
Buena Park is becoming a hub for vegan dining, featuring restaurants like Ramen & Tsukemen TAO, a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant; Rock & Brews, co-founded by KISS legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, serving vegan Beyond tacos and burgers in a rock-and-roll setting; The Broken Yolk Cafe vegan breakfast and even Knott’s Berry Farm with vegan choices like soyrizo burritos and vegan pizzas.
Long Beach Vegan Cuisine
Since 2011, Long Beach has grown its vegan scene with top spots like The Wild Chive for comfort food and Hug Life for dairy-free ice cream. Diverse vegan eateries range from Mexican at PlanTita’s Kitchen, to brunch at Hart N Soul Vegan Cafe.
The Plot in Oceanside
The Plot in Oceanside redefines plant-based dining with a zero-waste model and inventive, vegetable-centered dishes. The restaurant offers a luxurious fine dining experience with monthly six-course dinners through its Plantscape series that highlight regeneratively grown ingredients.
Veggie Grill by Next Level
Veggie Grill by Next Level offers inclusive plant-based meals that cater to a variety of dietary preferences. Founded on sustainability and environmental impact, the restaurant appeals to both vegans and meat-eaters alike.
Vegan Sushi and Doughnuts in Huntington Beach
Sushi Tama serves an expansive vegan menu with specialty rolls like vegan spicy tuna and shrimp tempura, while The Donuttery offers vegan doughnuts such as matcha tea cake, PB&J and vanilla bean confetti. Serving classic and specialty doughnuts in Huntington Beach since 1970, it’s open 24/7 and their menu is updated seasonally.
Vegan Eats in Dana Point
New at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel following the success of executive chef Sanjay Rawat's culinary program dedicated to Indian weddings, KAHANI explores authentic and familiar Indian flavors featuring locally sourced ingredients. At LÚA Eatery, diners can enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with a dedicated vegan menu. For a quick bite, Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice is a fast-service restaurant serving plant-based bowls, burgers, wraps, tacos, smoothies and a variety of breakfast staples.
Ambrogio by Acquerello in La Jolla
Michelin Guide recognized Ambrogio by Acquerello as a top dining destination for vegans to experience fine dining in San Diego. Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi crafts an exquisite multi-course menu, “A Walk In The Garden,” that draws from global culinary inspirations.The menu is vegetarian and vegan by request.
Encinitas Plant-Based Dining
Encinitas stands out for its vibrant plant-based dining scene, with eateries like Lotus Café and Juice Bar, beloved for its extensive vegan menu featuring fresh, organic dishes like the Tempeh Reuben and the Buddha Burrito. GOODONYA organic eatery blends sustainability with flavor, serving up nutrient-dense, organic bowls, sandwiches and smoothies. Plumeria, with its Thai-inspired cuisine, serves up delicious vegan curries, noodle dishes and refreshing salads. With several more options to choose from, Encinitas offers a mix of organic, vegan and gluten-free options in diverse cuisines.