Whether you have celiac disease, an allergy, or you simply aren’t into the wheat these days, there are plenty of GF vegan options in LA to keep you going. Below are some local favorites for finding hassle-free GF vegan food around the city.
Sage Bistro
Echo Park, Culver City, & Pasadena
As far as labeling allergens goes, Sage Bistro is one of the best. Sage offers an expansive and diverse menu that showcases various cuisines and flavor profiles. Each menu item lists whether the dish contains gluten, nuts, and/or soy, making it easier than ever for you to decide. They also offer a wide range of desserts that are gluten-free, such as their gluten-free brownie, and several ice cream flavors. With all of the options, you definitely won’t leave Sage feeling deprived or that you were an after-thought.
Pura Vita
West Hollywood
Going gluten-free means you have to give up your favorite Italian pasta dishes and be left with eating salad, right? Think again! When trailblazer Chef Tara Punzone decided to open the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant and wine bar in the U.S., she didn’t leave out the GF folks. Each and every menu item is labeled to show whether or not it includes gluten, and it notes which dishes can be made gluten free. The GF pasta does not skimp on taste or texture, and even their decadent Lasagna Pura can be made GF!
Flore Vegan
Silver Lake
A go-to brunch spot in Silver Lake, Flore Vegan has been serving the area delicious vegan food for years! From bowls and burgers to tacos and raw dishes, their menu boasts several GF options, all labeled on the menu. We really like Blueberry Buckwheat Bliss pancakes and the Tempeh Reuben (on the GF bread, of course).
Erin McKenna’s Bakery
Larchmont & Santa Monica
An entire bakery that’s dairy free, egg free, soy free, AND gluten free? Yeah, you aren’t dreaming. Their menu includes all the desserts you could possibly want, including cookies, cupcakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and soft serve.
Vegetable
Studio City
While this vegetarian restaurant is not entirely vegan, almost everything on the menu can be made both vegan and gluten free. Vegetable places an emphasis on guilt-free comfort food and uses entirely organic produce. You can’t go wrong here, but we recommend the “cheesy” fingerling potatoes with coconut sour cream or baked eggplant lasagna alfredo. Bon appetit!
Wild Living Foods
DTLA
Want to branch out and give raw foods a try? Wild Living Foods is an entirely raw vegan GF restaurant in the heart of downtown LA, offering a range of unique and flavorful dishes. Try the “tuna” sandwich, the kelp noodle pasta, or one of the delicious wraps or burgers.
Shojin
DTLA & Culver City
Disclaimer: Here you will not find your run-of-the-mill cucumber avocado sushi roll. Shojin offers dishes packed with flavor and unique combinations of ingredients, such as the “Crunchy Tiger”—an avocado-wrapped soy “chicken” and asparagus roll topped with crispy potato and served with wasabi mayo and sweet tamari sauce. Even better, the entire menu is vegan and gluten-free, and each item is labeled for other allergens. Try it out—we promise you will love it!
Real Food Daily
WeHo, Pasadena, & LAX
Besides serving breakfast all day (yes, please!), Real Food Daily clearly labels their menu to show which items are already GF or can be made GF. They have GF bread and buns so you won’t miss out on your favorite sandwiches. We’re partial to the breakfast sandwich, the build-your-own burger, and the pancakes (choose from chocolate chip, banana, or blueberry).
Cafe Gratitude
Arts District, Larchmont, & Venice
Cafe Gratitude is a well-known vegan joint in LA that emphasizes the importance of love, acceptance, and you guessed it – gratitude. Each of their menus labels the dishes containing gluten. You’ll have a lot of options to choose from, including the southwestern-style enchiladas (using jackfruit tinga) and the Sicilian Almond Pesto Pasta (you can sub the GF pasta at no additional charge). PSA: Cafe Gratitude just started implementing “Meatless Mondays,” where you can get certain menu items (that can be made GF) for 50% off every Monday.
Powerplant Superfood Kitchen
Pico-Robertson
A hidden gem in the middle of Pico, Powerplant Superfood Kitchen is 100% gluten-free and is very vegan friendly. If you’re craving something savory, try the Vegan Biscuits and Gravy. If you want something sweet, go for the Vegan French Toast. All of their veggie burgers are served on a delicious GF bun, and their burgers can be made vegan by swapping cheese out for avocado.
It’s easier than ever to be GF in LA, and no matter what part of the city you’re in, you’re sure to find something delicious!
