I’m leaving the east side for a bit to check out what can be found sea side. The beach cities in Los Angeles are not only picturesque, unique and fun filled, they are a major mecca for foodies. It aint just hot dogs and pizza up and down the pacific! Lots of goodies abound so we’ll start with the kooky and artsy beach town called Venice! Home to a famous boardwalk packed with art, performers and all things freaky, Venice boasts a number of fabulous places to dine!
For delicious, macrobiotic, vegan comfort food, Seed Kitchen is your place. Healthy, vegan versions of favorites like a sirloin burger made of seitan or a creamy caesar salad are fantastic as are their pure macro plates such as their saisai donburi macro bowl. For vegans and non-vegans alike, Seed is super tasty and overall, guilt-free dining, perfect to keep you looking sexy in your bathing suit all year long!
Cafe Gratitude opened to rave reviews and lines around the block and continues to be one of LA’s most popular vegan restaurants. A half raw, have cooked, organic and fully plant based eatery, CG is the “spin-off” restaurant of it’s original in San Francisco. But I have to say the vibe and the menu are completely different than their bay area counterparts. It’s hip, airy and freakin’ fantastic. Every item on the menu is just divine from their raw pesto noodles to their nachos, veggie bowls to CG BLT. However, if you only have room for one thing, make it dessert. OMG! THE best dessert in town! Tiramisu, key lime pie, truffles…I’m salivating just thinking about it. I love the idea behind Cafe Gratitude, the atmosphere and the incredible food. 2 ginormous thumbs up and a must visit when in town.
Sometimes you just need pizza and Fresh Brothers, located in Marina Del rey, just south of Venice, has you covered. With gluten free crust options as well as vegan cheese and awesome toppings, you can’t go wrong with a slice, a whole pie, or even a personal sized pie from these guys.
If you are looking to spend your time on the boardwalk, Figtree’s Cafe is the spot for you. Right on the boardwalk, its the best place for people watching and fun beach grub. Perfect for mixed groups and all kinds of special diets, Figtree has plenty of veg-friendly options for beach side dining. I love the veggie dagwood, hold the cheese, as well as the spinach nut burger (again, sans cheese). And if you’re in the mood for breakfast, they have it all day so try the tofu rancheros, yum! The menu is vast so kick your feet up, soak in the sun and get your beach eats on!
Lots more to cover in LAla land so stay tuned!