Discover why Los Angeles is the ultimate vegan and vegetarian destination in 2024

In a groundbreaking study by WalletHub, Los Angeles has been crowned the best city for vegans and vegetarians in the United States for 2024. This accolade is not just a testament to the city’s diverse culinary scene but also reflects a broader trend towards plant-based diets across the nation. According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, about 6% of American adults adhere to vegetarian or vegan diets. While this may seem like a small percentage, the interest in plant-based lifestyles is growing, and Los Angeles is at the forefront of this movement.

Why Los Angeles Tops the List

WalletHub’s study analyzed the 100 largest cities in the U.S. across 17 key indicators, including the cost of groceries, the average meal price, the share of restaurants serving vegetarian/vegan options, and the number of salad shops and juice bars per capita. Los Angeles emerged victorious as the leading city for vegetarians and vegans, achieving an impressive score of 61.26 points. The city features the second-largest number of budget-friendly eateries with highly-rated vegan and vegetarian options. Additionally, the average L.A. resident is 187% more likely to follow a plant-based diet than people in other towns.

The city’s extensive network of farmers’ markets, organic farms, and community gardens further enhances its appeal. Los Angeles is ranked ninth for farmers’ markets, 11th for organic farms, 12th for community gardens, and 19th for vegetable nurseries and gardening shops per capita. These factors make it easier for residents to access fresh produce and maintain a plant-based diet.

The Vegan Capital: A Culinary Haven

Los Angeles is a haven for plant-based cuisine, featuring an impressive lineup of vegan restaurants. Some of the most popular spots include Crossroads Kitchen, Gracias Madre, and Cafe Gratitude. Crossroads Kitchen, founded by Chef Tal Ronnen, is a high-end Mediterranean restaurant that has been a favorite among vegans and non-vegans alike for over a decade. Located in the historic Grand Central Market, Ramen Hood offers an entirely vegan menu with a luscious, creamy base broth and plant-based boiled eggs.

Gracias Madre dishes out authentic Mexican fare made entirely from scratch, using organic, non-GMO, plant-based ingredients from local, regenerative farms. Cafe Gratitude, founded by Chef Seizan Dreux Ellis, serves a 100% organic, vegan menu with dishes like “I Am Thriving” and “I Am Grateful.” Other notable mentions include Shojin, an all-vegan Japanese restaurant, and Pura Vita, the first-ever completely plant-based Italian restaurant and wine bar in the U.S.

Events and Community Engagement

Aside from its dining scene, Los Angeles also plays host to numerous vegan-focused events, such as the Vegan Exchange, Vegan Playground, and the Vegan Street Fair. These gatherings foster a sense of community among attendees, allowing them to share experiences and discover new plant-based products. The city’s commitment to promoting a vegan lifestyle is evident through various vegetarian festivals, meet-ups, and cooking classes.

Orlando, Florida, and Portland, Oregon, follow closely behind Los Angeles in WalletHub’s rankings. Orlando scored 60.60 points, primarily due to its abundance of juice and smoothie bars, salad shops, and vegetable nurseries. Portland, which held the top spot for five consecutive years, remains a strong contender with a score of 59.63 points. The city is known for its sustainability initiatives and has 52 completely vegan restaurants and 17 vegetarian eateries.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to visit Los Angeles, we recommend exploring the city’s diverse vegan and vegetarian dining options. Start your culinary journey at Crossroads Kitchen for a high-end Mediterranean experience, then head to Ramen Hood for a comforting bowl of vegan ramen. Don’t miss Gracias Madre for an authentic Mexican meal, and wrap up your day with a visit to Cafe Gratitude for a wholesome, organic dinner.

For expert travelers, consider timing your visit to coincide with one of the city’s many vegan festivals or events. These gatherings offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local vegan culture and discover new products and recipes. Additionally, take advantage of the numerous farmers’ markets and organic farms to stock up on fresh produce for a more personalized culinary experience.

In conclusion, Los Angeles is not just a city; it’s a vibrant community that embraces and celebrates a plant-based lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about the lifestyle, L.A. offers an abundance of options to explore and enjoy. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to experience the best vegan and vegetarian city in the U.S.