Santa Monica: A Paradise for Vegan & Healthy Cuisine
Among the cities in Los Angeles, California, Santa Monica stands out as a beachside town with a deeply rooted culture of organic and health-conscious living. Here, even those with dietary restrictions such as ‘vegan’ (strict vegetarianism) or ‘halal’ can enjoy creative and delicious meals without compromise.
This time, we’ve carefully selected five vegan and healthy gourmet spots in Santa Monica that are loved daily by long-term international students, short-term travelers, and local ‘locos’ (locals). We’re bringing you surprising flavors and the authentic local passion that goes beyond just eating vegetables.
Sushi Vegan
📍 Address: 2400 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States
Located along ‘Main Street,’ which connects Venice Beach to Santa Monica, this small, renowned restaurant specializes in plant-based sushi. It offers creative sushi rolls with a focus on fresh and perfectly ripe ingredients, impressing even travelers and long-term visitors who ‘had only eaten mediocre vegan sushi before.’
Classic vegetarian rolls with avocado and cucumber are a given, but the vegan ‘spicy tuna’ and ‘salmon’ that perfectly mimic the real thing are a must-try. Regulars among the locals often enjoy dipping them generously in the flavorful ‘spicy mayo sauce.’
The interior is kept clean, but the dining area is small and compact. Therefore, during busy times, it’s highly recommended to quickly use the outdoor terrace seating or grab takeout and enjoy it on the nearby beach, feeling the ocean breeze. The service is also fast, making it perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their time.
Thai Vegan
📍 Address: 2400 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States
Adjacent to the ‘Sushi Vegan’ building mentioned earlier, this is a specialist restaurant for vegan Thai cuisine. In the high-cost LA area, it’s passionately supported by local students and international students for its ability to serve hearty dishes packed with vegetables at reasonable prices.
A must-order is the green papaya salad, which regulars rave is ‘the best in LA.’ It’s fresh, not too sweet, and they’re happy to accommodate requests for extra spice. Furthermore, dishes featuring ‘Sai-O shrimp,’ which surprisingly resemble real shrimp in texture and taste, as well as spicy green curry and Pad Thai, offer a level of satisfaction that makes you forget it’s vegan.
An interesting local feature of this restaurant is the unique service of freely taking ‘jalapeño pickles’ from a drink dispenser tap. It’s one of the few restaurants open during off-peak hours like 3 PM, making it convenient for a late lunch after a tiring day at the beach. The unpretentious and friendly service is also one of the reasons it’s loved by locals.
Urth Caffe Santa Monica
📍 Address: 2327 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States
Urth Caffe is a super famous organic cafe originating in LA and has even expanded to Japan. While not exclusively vegan, it offers a rich selection of plant-based milk options and vegan-friendly dishes, making it a valuable spot where people with and without dietary restrictions can enjoy a meal together without hesitation.
Its signature item is the massive ‘Matcha Tapioca Boba.’ This creamy matcha latte contains a generous amount of boba (tapioca) and is a popular choice for locals to carry around as they stroll. The sweet organic Earl Grey Boba is also perfect for a sugar boost when you’re feeling tired.
The food menu is also extensive, with the exquisite smoked salmon open sandwich being very popular during breakfast hours. The extra-large pastries displayed in the showcase are perfect for sharing, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a half-price sale. With stable free Wi-Fi, you’ll often see long-term visitors working remotely on the open terrace where wild birds come to visit.
The Hive Superfood Eats & Organic Cafe – Santa Monica
📍 Address: 606 Broadway #102, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, this health-conscious cafe specializes in superfoods and organic ingredients. It opens early in the morning, making it a vibrant spot where commuters, early risers, and locals post-workout stop by to recharge their energy.
The menu features nutritious acai bowls and smoothie bowls, all vibrantly colored and generously portioned. The ‘Kale & Avocado Toast,’ with its slightly bitter, adult flavor, will quickly help you catch up on your vegetable intake during your travels. The drink selection is also abundant, with the gently sweet honey latte and carefully crafted iced coffee being absolutely delicious.
While the prices might be a bit higher, typical for Santa Monica, the quality is justified by the fresh ingredients and speedy service from order to delivery. This is undoubtedly a recommended spot for those who want a quick, easy, yet supremely healthy breakfast.
Samosa House
📍 Address: 2301 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States
Established in 1979, this long-standing restaurant has been serving authentic and wholesome vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by wonderful spice aromas and enveloped in a warm, relaxed atmosphere, much like being invited into a grandparent’s home. The calm space, free from loud music or TV noise, is perfect for unwinding after a long journey.
You choose your preferred curry from those displayed in a glass case, and for first-timers, asking for a ‘sample’ is a fantastic local tip. You can order with confidence once you’ve found your favorite flavor. The heartwarming ‘Chickpea Dal’ and the ‘Jackfruit Curry,’ which has a surprisingly meat-like texture, are particularly exquisite.
If you’re unsure what to get, the ‘Combo Thali’ (set meal) offers the best value, allowing you to choose multiple side dishes and including soup and a choice of bread (such as garlic naan baked right in front of you). The namesake Samosas are traditionally enjoyed dipped in the flavorful green sauce provided. They also make a great takeout snack before heading to the beach.
Tips for Enjoying Vegan Gourmet in Santa Monica
Santa Monica’s vegan and healthy restaurants are concentrated along ‘Main Street,’ slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown. This area is characterized by local boutiques and surf shops, is safe, and easy to walk around.
Most local restaurants clearly mark their menus with icons like ‘V (Vegan)’ and ‘GF (Gluten Free).’ Their understanding of allergies and dietary restrictions is very high, so they will happily accommodate menu customizations and ingredient changes without complaint.
On sunny weekend lunchtimes, all restaurants tend to get crowded. Therefore, going a little earlier or later, or doing ‘takeout and having a picnic on the beach or park lawn’ like the locals do, is the optimal way to fully enjoy Santa Monica. Savor the healthy and delicious cuisine along with the free-spirited atmosphere of California.
