Best Vegan Restaurants in the LA Area

The most guilt-free diet is not about fat content or calories, it is the one that does not harm animals: a vegan diet. Perhaps the most common question vegans hear is, "What do you eat?!"

There are endless delicious vegan dishes out there, and if you're lucky enough to be in the LA area, you'll be eating like vegan royalty in no time.

Without further ado, here are the best vegan restaurants in the LA area:

1. Madeleine Bistro: 18621 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, California 91356
Reservations strongly recommended: 818-758-6971.
Current Hours: Saturday Dinner from 5pm-10pm; Sunday Brunch 10am-3pm, Dinner 5pm-9pm

Madeleine Bistro is the best vegan restaurant in the LA area. Chef David Anderson is a true artist and his love of creating inventive cuisine is apparent in every aspect of his seasonally-driven menu.

This is the perfect place to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. You may also commission the staff for weddings and other private parties.

Red Beet Tartare is their signature appetizer, and multitudes of individuals who typically do not enjoy beets rave about the subtle genius of the dish, complete with a warm tofu "cheese" crouton that melts in your mouth. This slice of vegan heaven makes regular appearances in my dreams.

The Chicken-fried Seitan is vegan comfort food at its best, reminiscent of Mom's home-cooked chicken dinners with scrumptious mashed potatoes, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and the tastiest gravy you can imagine.

Tip: ask your server for an extra side of gravy when ordering-- you'll thank me later!

2. California Vegan: 7300 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046, 323-874-9079
Open Daily: 11am-10:30pm

Another favorite vegan restaurant in LA is California Vegan, where sweet staff members provide tantalizing dishes, including lunch and dinner specials that will fill you up without breaking the bank.

I cannot enter California Vegan without ordering their Chicken Satay, which immediately takes me back to the days of eating actual chicken from the grill, except it's even better with its rich peanut sauce.

My sister, Elisabeth, introduced me to the amazing California Orange Chicken, which is lightly fried and served with a sweet citrus glaze. The Pad Thai is another favorite, as their vegan shrimp is even better than the real deal.

3. Vegan Plate: 11943 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, California 91604, 818-506-9015
Open Daily: 11am-10pm

If you're liking what you've heard about California Vegan, but wish to dine in the San Fernando Valley, check out Vegan Plate. Chef Pi Cookie brings all sorts of favorites to life with delectable meat substitutes in another beautiful establishment.

My favorite is the Chow Mein, and their Chicken Satay is nearly as unbelievably good as California Vegan's rendition.