What is it about L.A. that makes it such a focal point and epicenter for plant-based dining? Okay, that was a rhetorical question…but there’s no doubt that the vegetarian lifestyle has advanced far beyond bricks of tofu sprinkled with nutritional yeast and the bikini-and-gym scene that permeates the city. Indeed, we’re now at the point where everything from vegan Vietnamese restaurants and pizza parlors to upscale dining experiences comprises a healthy dollop of the L.A. vegan foray.

Today, in L.A. enclaves like Woodland Hills, outstanding options for practically any plant-based craving – from vegan Reubens to egg-free egg sandwiches – are available, and that’s to say nothing of the longstanding vegan food found in Thai, Ethiopian, and Indian cultures. Below, we have rounded up our favorite vegan restaurants in Woodland Hills, and we can assure you that even omnivores will enjoy the meals as much as those who choose to avoid meat altogether.

The Vegan Joint, located at 980 South San Pedro Street in Los Angeles, was established in 2006 and has evolved from a long line of Thai-oriented restaurants. Owner Rattana P. has always been vegan by nature; she continues to push culinary boundaries, studying food and cooking in Europe and incorporating these flavors into the restaurant’s unique offerings. Serving breakfast all day, The Vegan Joint offers breakfast burritos, pancakes, hash browns, beef burgers, lentil burgers, sandwich wraps, soups, vegan dinners with rice/noodles/curries, and more – all served with Thai flavoring, spices and care. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm; closed Sunday.

Juicy Ladies, located at 22423 Ventura Boulevard, has created an evolving menu that focuses on nutrition without compromising food quality and taste – an admirable goal that’s achieved through thoughtful planning and innovative culinary approaches. This organic juice bar and café boasting vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and keto options is dedicated to sourcing only the freshest organic ingredients and serving the community with homemade or grab-and-go food full of healthy nutrients. Supporting Mother Earth and using sustainable and biodegradable products has never been more effortless or impactful. Open daily from 8 am to 7 pm.

Othello’s Plant-Based Kitchen, located at 21789 Ventura Boulevard, was established in 2023 to embark on a mission to bring delicious and nutritious vegan cuisine to Woodland Hills, its commitment to quality and sustainability shining through in every dish, from the famous Vegan Meatloaf to the signature chili varieties. Othello’s will soon become your destination for delicious vegan cuisine that satisfies the soul, what with the myriad of vegan entrees, salads, and smoothies, all served up fresh with bold flavors – come on down to “eat good and feel great” as you enjoy a health-conscious, plant-powered menu. Open daily from 11 am to 7 pm.

Crossroads Kitchen, located at 4776 Commons Way Suite A in Calabasas, opened in March of 2013 as the brainchild of chef Tal Ronnen, serving mouthwatering Mediterranean meals in a refined environment – but, most importantly, Crossroads is not what most people envision when they think of a “vegan restaurant.” With upscale décor and lighting, this is the first plant-based eatery in town to boast a full bar with an inspired cocktail program, with no apparent cues that this is a vegan hotspot; customers just know the restaurant is comfortable and the food is satisfying and delicious. Crossroads, defined not by what’s missing but by what it is, remains an intersection where vegans, flexitarians, omnivores, and meat eaters alike can cross paths to share a sumptuous meal and good time. Open for dinner Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday from 4 pm to 10 pm; and Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm; closed Monday.

Leo & Lily, located at 22420 Ventura Boulevard, fuses European and Mediterranean flavors to create healthy, unique, and delicious dishes, specializing in fresh, organic, and premium-quality ingredients – all made on-premises with all meats and seafood hormone-free, sustainable, and/or grass-fed and free-range. From their fresh and healthy spin on the classic Veggie Burger to customer favorites like Ben’s French Toast and Portobello Benedict, Leo & Lily will fulfill all your vegan fantasies…and then some. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 3 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm.

Plant-based dining in L.A. has come a long way from the days when Annie Hall parodied the Source, one of the city’s trendiest – and cult-iest – vegetarian restaurants in the ‘70s and ‘80s. We’ve seen an explosion in the city’s plant-based fast food options over the past few years, and in our humble (and vegan-vetted) opinion, the aforementioned Woodland Hills spots represent the very best of the best places for plant-based eats.