California Dominates Yelp’s Top 100 List of Best Vegan Restaurants in the US
Top-Ranked Vegan Restaurant in the Nation Found in Los Angeles
Perhaps no city in the U.S. has the abundance and demand for vegan cuisine like Los Angeles. So, it’s not surprising to see that three of the top 10 best vegan restaurants in the nation can be found in the L.A. area. According to Yelp, the top-ranked vegan restaurant in the entire country is located in the South Bay.
lil’ Vegerie Takes the Top Spot
lil’ Vegerie in Redondo Beach has taken the number one spot on Yelp’s Top 100 list of best vegan restaurants in the US. The restaurant, opened in 2022 by chef and "former vegan skeptic" Jason Cervantes, offers bowls, salads, and juices that even non-vegans would enjoy. Yelpers have praised the restaurant’s clean menu and robust flavors, with one reviewer saying they would take on any other steak sandwich in the area and expect lil’ Vegerie’s "Philly Cheesesteak bowl" to hold its own.
Other Top-Ranking LA Vegan Restaurants
Hey, Sunshine Kitchen in Culver City came in at the number 4 spot on the Yelp list. The restaurant was opened last year by siblings Heather Golden Ray and Jenny Engel and features a variety of popular items, including jackfruit carnitas tacos and a Mediterranean Chickpea patty sandwich. Yelpers rave about the restaurant’s warm bowls, including vegan "beef" crumble and barbecue tofu. One reviewer wrote, "I am a major omnivore, but you wouldn’t miss the meat here."
Orange County’s Vegan Stops
Located in Garden Grove in Orange County, Vegan Stops is the no. 7 spot on the list. Unlike other vegan restaurants, Vegan Stops doesn’t create mock meats or fast-food dupes. Instead, the restaurant crafts authentic Mediterranean dishes from the owner’s Syrian roots. The menu is carefully crafted with attention to the veggies, legumes, and healthy oils used. Menu highlights include a roasted cauliflower dish drizzled with tahini sauce and a trio of bulgur pilafs topped with veggies.
The Full List of California’s Top 100 Vegan Restaurants
Here is the complete list of California’s top 100 vegan restaurants, according to Yelp:
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Conclusion
With nine California restaurants making the cut on Yelp’s Top 100 list, it’s clear that the state is a hub for vegan cuisine. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just trying out a new diet, there are plenty of options to suit every taste and preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is lil’ Vegerie’s most popular dish?
A: lil’ Vegerie’s "Philly Cheesesteak bowl" is a fan favorite among Yelpers.
Q: What makes Hey, Sunshine Kitchen unique?
A: Hey, Sunshine Kitchen creates unique, tasty, and Instagram-worthy plant-based dishes that will make you forget you’re eating vegan.
Q: What is special about Vegan Stops’ menu?
A: Vegan Stops offers authentic Mediterranean dishes crafted with care, using fresh veggies, legumes, and healthy oils.
