The Best Vegan Food Outside Of Los Angeles' 'Hipster Zone'

Mollie Engelhart, owner and founder of Sage Vegan Bistro and Kindkreme says, ‘Sage is an opportunity to make organic, local farm-fresh food more accessible; a chance to support small local farmers getting the best price for their hard work. It is a call to action that will let children with food allergies experience ice cream with nothing missing in taste but without dairy, gluten and refined sugars. And it is a whisper to do right by our mother earth as a way of business.’ Enjoy one of their most popular dishes, the buffalo cauliflower appetizer, sitting either inside next to their dessert bar – which includes a plethora of vegan ice cream and other delectable desserts – or on their beautiful outdoor patio. Check out the full menu here.

If you are looking for great vegan Thai food at a reasonable price in a low key cozy restaurant setting, look no further than LA Vegan Thai. Their vast menu spans breakfast food, wraps, burgers, curries, noodles and veggie meat specials. Some of their top menu items include the spicy and tangy hot wings (especially appealing for those who miss the act of sinking their teeth into real meat) and the hearty coconut-based tom kah kai soup. Its top-selling items include crispy mango chicken and the spicy pan-fried drunken noodle with choice of ‘meat’ option. Be sure to save room for the delicious mango sticky rice dessert.

According to Ryland Engelhart, Chief Inspiration Officer of Gracias Madre, the restaurant ‘offers diners a 100% organic, plant-based menu and agave-based beverage program crafted by Chef Chandra Gilbert and Beverage Director Jason Eisner. Each dish incorporates authentic flavors and local ingredients inspired from traveling around Mexico, and each cocktail showcases artisanal tequila, mezcal and other agave spirits from producers in Mexico to create a dining experience that celebrates daily nourishment.’ Two popular dishes here include the Flautas de Camote – sweet potato and caramelized onion-filled tacos, and Sopes con Piña –masa cakes topped with pineapple habanero salsa and other veggies. Diners may either sit inside next to the beautifully bright bar, or outside at shared or single tables next to the outdoor fireplace.

Finally, don’t tell the owners of Shojin Organic & Natural that sushi can’t be vegan. This elegant, organic vegan and macrobiotic Japanese restaurant features creative vegan sushi rolls that look tempting and taste incredible. From the Baked Scallop Roll, which is torched at the table, to the Spicy Dynamite Roll 2.0, guests will be mesmerized by the presentation of each dish. Find Shojin’s full menu here.