"When a special occasion calls for a vegan fine dining experience, Baroo’s plant-based tasting menu is the way to go. For $125 per person, the Arts District Korean restaurant offers a seven-course dinner that leans into the funk. The menu changes frequently, but one course might be tart fermented tomato gelee calibrated to make the side side of mouth water, followed by pickled hearts of palm in sweet-nutty ssamjang curry. The grand finale is an elaborate banchan set with rice, a nourishing radish leaf soup, and tangy nibbles like morels in strawberry-infused soy sauce, best enjoyed with Baroo's equally varied (and funky) rice wine and soju pairing. Heads up though: You'll need to request Baroo's vegan (or vegetarian) tasting menu at least 24 hours before your reservation." - sylvio martins, garrett snyder

"Vinh Loi Tofu maxes out on flavor with its vegan Vietnamese cooking. The menu at this strip mall spot covers a lot of ground, from giant bowls of sweet-spicy peanut soup with rice noodles and tofu “shrimp,” lemongrass “beef” banh mi on crunchy baguettes, and oriental “duck” spring rolls filled with caramelized teriyaki mushrooms. We’re yet to try something at Vinh Loi that disappoints, but if you’re indecisive, the owner will point to the mural behind the counter that reads, “I pick, you eat.”" - sylvio martins, garrett snyder

"Aunt Yvette’s Kitchen does make outstanding fried trout and a rich, gravy-like doro wat, but its vegan combo is the real star. Use it as the foundation for a casual dinner at this tiny Ethiopian spot in Eagle Rock. This spongy, table-sized injera feeds two to three people and is lined with a rainbow of seasoned salads and stews, including braised kale swimming in garlicky juices, berbere-stained misir wat, and tofu tibs that smell like warm spices. And if the vegan pot de creme special is available, ordering one is non-negotiable." - sylvio martins, garrett snyder

"​​Inglewood isn’t always the best neighborhood for vegans, but Stuff I Eat picks up a lot of the slack. This all-plant restaurant in the heart of Market Street is one of the most popular meet-and-eat places in the neighborhood, with lunchtime crowds to prove it. The broad menu is a mish-mash of California, Mexican, and Caribbean food with everything from enchilada pie to carrot-based "tuna salad." Our favorite is the soul food platter, loaded with yams, mac and cheese, kale greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and BBQ tofu. And if you see spicy chili on the specials board, get it." - sylvio martins, garrett snyder

"Hidden in that two-story strip mall on the corner of Westwood and Olympic that hasn’t changed its decor since 1987, Hijo De Su Madre is a counter-service vegan spot serving Yucatecan-style dishes, like spicy “loganiza and egg” tacos and mushroom pibil tortas with mustard and pickled habanero onions. Our only issue is that the plant-based meats in the tacos here are so juicy that the soft corn tortillas end up clinging to life by the time you finish. Still, we’d send anyone here for a satisfying and affordable meatless lunch in West LA." - sylvio martins, garrett snyder

"Crossroads Kitchen in West Hollywood is a vegan restaurant that (somewhat ironically) has the look of a fancy modern steakhouse. It’s also a place that swears it’ll change how you feel about plant-based food with its ability to transform eggplant into “beef short rib.” Most dishes at this vegan fine dining institution are tasty, and there’s no other place in Los Angeles that makes eating plant-based creations like artichoke oysters with kelp caviar feel as luxurious." - sylvio martins, garrett snyder

"Ethiopian cuisine is vegan-friendly in general, but Rahel on Fairfax is the only all-vegan restaurant in Little Ethiopia. This longtime neighborhood staple (with a well-deserved cult following) specializes in dishes like tender mushroom tibs and meat-free dulet. Expect a menu of vegetable and legume-focused dishes like shiro wot that’s been dusted with the perfect amount of sweet paprika and spicy cayenne. Stop by for a casual weeknight meal and order the Feast for Two, which includes ten vibrant stews on a massive platter, plus injera and crispy sambusa." - sylvio martins, garrett snyder

"This vegan Italian restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood does tremendous pastas like shiitake bacon-filled carbonara, and a “Black Magic Lasagna” with cashew ricotta, bechamel sauce, spinach, mushroom, pesto, and black truffle cream (which ties the dish together without overpowering). Beyond the plant-based food, Pura Vita works for a casual night out with excellent people-watching and potentially too much wine." - sylvio martins, garrett snyder

"Although Elf Cafe in Echo Park is no longer exclusively vegetarian (they make an excellent smoked trout brandade), this boutique-sized Mediterranean spot welcomes vegetarians with open arms—and by open arms we mean warm hummus and beautiful roasted produce. Every dish here is designed to share and sticks to the “whole foods” mantra: toasted carrots in a garlicky herb sauce, meatless tagine, and blistered shishitos finished with flaky salt." - sylvio martins, garrett snyder

"The fun, campy decor and interesting wine list are reasons we like hanging out at Justine’s, but the great vegan, Italian-leaning menu is why you should spend a full night here. This Frogtown wine bar does delicious plant-based spins on red sauce classics, like a basil-heavy Sunday lasagna, a spaghetti with juicy vegan meatballs, and oyster mushroom “calamari” that’s better than most restaurant squid in town. The owner also runs Just What I Kneaded (a vegan bakery we love), so leave room for whatever dessert is in rotation." - sylvio martins, garrett snyder