12 California Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants That Surprise Even Meat Lovers
California has taken plant-based dining to a whole new level – long gone are the days of flavorless tofu and lifeless lettuce bowls. Chefs here are crafting plates so bold and satisfying that even die-hard meat lovers can’t help but come back for seconds.
Think sushi that channels the ocean’s essence, or Italian comfort food that could fool a Nonna. These 12 trailblazing spots show that eating green isn’t a sacrifice – it’s an adventure packed with flavor and creativity.
1. Crossroads Kitchen – Los Angeles
Celebrity chef Tal Ronnen transformed vegan dining with this upscale Melrose hotspot. The Mediterranean-inspired menu features dishes that celebrate vegetables rather than mimicking meat.
The artichoke oysters, topped with kelp caviar, deliver an oceanic essence without any seafood. Their spaghetti carbonara achieves creamy decadence through clever plant alchemy.
My skeptical steak-loving father actually ordered seconds of their spicy tagliatelle last Christmas!
2. Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya – San Francisco
Sushi without fish sounds impossible, yet Shizen creates plant-based nigiri that captures authentic Japanese flavors. The chefs transform vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms into artistic presentations that honor traditional techniques.
Their specialty rolls incorporate unexpected ingredients like pickled mango and smoked bean curd to create complex flavor profiles.
The ramen bowls feature rich, umami-packed broths that warm both body and soul. Small izakaya plates showcase seasonal California produce with Japanese precision.
3. Millennium – Oakland
Operating since 1994, Millennium stands as California’s pioneer in sophisticated plant-based cuisine. Chef Eric Tucker crafts globally-inspired dishes that prioritize depth of flavor over imitation.
The seasonal prix-fixe option offers the full Millennium experience, with perfectly paired wines enhancing each course.
When I brought my meat-loving uncle here last spring, he couldn’t stop raving about the mushroom Wellington for weeks!
Their cocktail program rivals any high-end restaurant, with innovative botanical infusions.
4. Greens Restaurant – San Francisco
Perched at Fort Mason with stunning Bay views, this vegetarian institution has delighted diners since 1979. The spacious dining room features reclaimed wood elements that complement both the scenery and the cuisine.
Mesquite-grilled vegetables take center stage, with intense smokiness balancing their natural sweetness. Hearty grain dishes satisfy with textures ranging from chewy to crisp.
Weekend brunch attracts locals who line up for seasonal fruit pancakes and savory bread pudding topped with poached eggs.
5. Pura Vita – West Hollywood
Italian cuisine without cheese seems sacrilegious, but Pura Vita pulls off this miracle with aplomb. The first fully plant-based Italian wine bar in the country serves comfort classics that transport you straight to Nonna’s kitchen.
Their carbonara achieves silky richness without eggs or dairy. The lasagna layers housemade cashew ricotta between tender pasta sheets.
I watched my Roman friend’s skepticism melt away with each bite of their perfectly charred margherita pizza during our girls’ night out last summer.
6. Donna Jean – San Diego
Named after chef Roy Elam’s mother, this North Park gem specializes in indulgent comfort food that happens to be plant-based. The restaurant’s patio, strung with lights, creates the perfect setting for their hearty fare.
Their sourdough pizzas feature bubbly, charred crusts supporting creative toppings. The mushroom “fried mozzarella” delivers crispy-gooey satisfaction that rivals any dairy version.
Mac and cheese gets an upgrade with smoky notes and breadcrumb topping that would fool any cheese connoisseur.
7. The Plot – Oceanside
Sustainability meets culinary innovation at this zero-waste restaurant in North County San Diego. Chefs Jessica and Davin Waite transform every part of their ingredients into delicious components, from root to stem.
Their menu changes with the seasons, featuring vegetables in their prime. Crispy mushroom “calamari” delivers satisfying chew and oceanic flavor without harming sea creatures.
When I visited during tomato season, their heirloom tomato stack with cashew cheese left me wondering why anyone would ever need dairy again!
8. Seabirds Kitchen – Costa Mesa
Starting as a food truck in 2010, Seabirds evolved into this beloved brick-and-mortar spot at The LAB Anti-Mall. The casual, creative atmosphere matches their playful approach to plant-based cooking.
Beer-battered avocado tacos provide a crispy-creamy contrast with pickled cabbage, adding bright acidity. Jackfruit nachos pile high with housemade queso, black beans, and fresh pico.
Their weekend brunch draws crowds for fluffy pancakes and tofu scrambles that put standard diner fare to shame.
9. Âu Lạc – Fountain Valley
Vietnamese cuisine shines at this family-owned restaurant where traditional recipes meet plant-based innovation. The menu balances raw “living foods” with cooked comfort dishes that honor heritage cooking techniques.
Garlic noodles deliver savory satisfaction with perfect chew. The bò lúc lắc–style soy “beef” with watercress features wok-seared pieces with caramelized edges.
Raw specialties like kelp noodle salads provide lighter options without sacrificing flavor complexity or textural interest.
10. Shojin – Culver City
Located on Washington Blvd in the Culver City area, this all-vegan Japanese restaurant creates sushi rolls and ramen that rival traditional counterparts. The intimate dining room provides a serene backdrop for their artistic presentations.
Signature specialty rolls incorporate unexpected ingredients like mango and avocado tempura. Their “ramen revolution” features broths ranging from creamy tonkotsu-style to clear, delicate shoyu.
The gyoza dumplings, filled with vegetables and mushrooms, achieve the perfect balance between crispy bottoms and tender pleats.
11. The Butcher’s Son – Berkeley
Nostalgia meets innovation at this plant-based deli and bakery on University Avenue. The counter-service spot recreates classic sandwiches and baked goods without animal products but with all the comfort.
Their fried mozzarella sticks pull apart with that Instagram-worthy cheese stretch. Hot cutlet sandwiches come piled high with housemade meats and special sauces.
The first time I brought my New York-born grandfather here, he couldn’t believe the pastrami wasn’t from his childhood deli in the Bronx!
12. Shangri-La Vegan – Emeryville
Simplicity reigns at this macrobiotic eatery, where daily-changing set plates celebrate whole foods. The unpretentious setting allows the pure flavors of organic ingredients to take center stage.
Each meal includes soup, grains, vegetables, and legumes in perfect balance. The “full plate” option satisfies the heartiest appetites, while the “moderate” suits lighter eaters.
Housemade kombucha provides tangy refreshment, and their seasonal fruit pies offer sweet endings without refined sugars.