Dubbed as “The Pearl of L.A.’s South Bay”, Manhattan Beach in California has a beautiful stretch of around 115 acres of golden sandy beaches and great spots for some memorable surfing experiences.
But this area is not only limited to surfing trips, sunbathing and long walks along the pristine beaches, but is also acclaimed for its excellent brunch cafes, pubs, affordable eateries, as well as upscale dining experiences.
So whether you’ve worked up an appetite after hiking and exploring the area, are looking for a great dinner choice to enjoy with your loved one, or just want a post-surf snack, this shortlist will show you the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Manhattan Beach – places that will make your experience here that much better.
Expect super affordable options from food trucks to more upscale dining with great service, as well as restaurants in between. But the one thing they all have in common is that they will create an unforgettable Manhattan Beach experience.
Five Exceptional Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In Manhattan Beach: Food Worth Waiting For!
1. Lettuce Feast
100% Vegan food truck serving comfort food in big portions and with good service.
We did promise to include a food truck in this shortlist, and it just so happens to be vegan! Located just a short walk from two athletic fields – Begg Field and Premier Field – as well as close to Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, Lettuce Feast is an ideal spot to grab excellent vegan food in Manhattan Beach.
Although not open everyday at the same location (as it serves the Greater Los Angeles area), this 100% vegan food truck is well worth a try when in town. The super friendly and accommodating service is also something worth mentioning as the staff are willing to answer your questions.
One of the popular favorites among regulars here has to be the Nashville Sando which is prepared with their signature Southern fried chick’n patty and topped with pickle chips, tangy slaw, and a vegan ranch dressing. Another must-try is their delicious Tender consisting of Chick’n-Strips marinated in special seasonings and served with cajun fries, pickles and your choice of dipping sauce.
Craving for something sweet? Lettuce Feast has a scrumptious and creamy Banana Pudding layered with cookies, whipped cream, and fresh banana slices – you won’t regret it.
Keep an eye out on their social media to know their weekly schedule so you can get your hands on some of the best exclusively vegan food in Manhattan Beach.
Address: 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
2. Sweetgreen
Contemporary restaurant with a super enticing outdoor patio that serves wholesome bowls, full of colors.
But what if you want to eat something more healthy and nutritious? Sweetgreen is the ideal stop as this restaurant is known for including rainbow colors and wholesome ingredients in each of their bowls.
This eatery has a modern, bright interior where you can enjoy a laidback atmosphere while digging into your vegan or vegetarian bowl. But the enticing outdoor patio has to be the highlight of this chain restaurant. With a spacious and open terrace and fairy lights dangling from above, as well as beautiful plants adorning the area, we think enjoying the views of the towering palm trees while enjoying a wholesome lunch or dinner is a must!
When it comes to the food, the team at Sweetgreen make sure that quality is not sacrificed for convenience – so expect bright, lively colors and fresh, crisp vegetables in each bite you take. Although not solely vegan, this pick on our list of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Manhattan Beach has some tempting options at reasonable prices too!
So if you prefer warm bowls over salads, then we recommend the vegan Shroomami as this dish is prepared with roasted sesame tofu, warm portobello mix, raw beets, cucumbers, basil, sunflower seeds, warm wild rice, shredded kale and miso sesame ginger dressing. It’s often a popular choice.
However, the standout vegan dish among regulars has to be the Hummus Crunch Salad California for the variety of colors and tastes you get from it. From olives to chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers and shredded cabbage to za’atar breadcrumbs, expect plenty of crunch to go with the smooth and creamy texture of the hummus.
As for vegetarians, you’ve got to get hold of the mouth-watering Farmhouse Caesar packed with super tasty roasted sweet potatoes, spicy broccoli, tomatoes, raw beets, shaved parmesan, parmesan crisps, shredded kale, chopped romaine, lime and caesar dressing. As you can see, you get quality ingredients so no wonder that’s a high quality choice!
Sweetgreen is open everyday from 10:30am to 9pm.
Address: 3200 N Sepulveda Blvd Space #E18, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
3. Veggie Grill
A 100% plant-based restaurant serving internationally-inspired cuisines, as well as American classics in a vibrant atmosphere.
Veggie Grill is situated less than 5 minutes drive from Manhattan Beach, but believe us when we say that this 100% plant-based restaurant is well-worth the drive due to its abundance of choices, incredible flavors and globally-inspired dishes.
This restaurant has a great outdoor area, spacious interior with lots of light from the large windows, all of which makes it a pleasant place to dig into some handhelds and many more options. The lively atmosphere, good customer service and exceptional vegan options will please even the most challenging of eaters.
This vegan chain’s counter-service setting, menu, atmosphere and types of food can be compared to a fast-food chain, but don’t be put off by that. The quality of this chain is well renowned and you’ll get to indulge in not only American classics, but also cuisines from all around the world, such as Korea, Japan, France, Mexico, Morocco, and many more!
Visiting with a friend? Why not start with the delicious Japanese Katsu Sliders which are prepared with seasoned crispy fried Impossible mini burgers, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs and sesame aioli?
As for mains, for a taste of Korean cuisine, we think you’ll love the Korean Kimchi ‘Beef’ Bowl consisting of sesame marinated bulgogi mock ‘beef’ served over, Kimchi, brown rice, marinated power greens, roasted butternut squash, avocado, pickled cucumber and Korean BBQ sauce.
For an American classic with a great twist, we recommend their Double BBQ Mac Burger which is a brioche bun topped with double Beyond Burger patties, lettuce, creamy ranch, BBQ sauce and topped with mac and cheese.
Veggie Grill is open Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 11am to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 10:30pm.
Address: 720 S Allied Way, El Segundo, CA 90245
4. RICE Healthy Japanese Dining
Authentic Japanese cuisine in a cozy setting and plenty of tasty vegan options.
Situated just a short walk from Manhattan Beach and less than a 10 minute walk from Roundhouse Aquarium, RICE is a great stop to refuel after your beach trip.
The snug interior is modern and has incorporated neutral colors and dim lighting, without compromising the natural light from the large windows. You’ll also find a charming little patio for a more intimate dining experience.
Although not solely vegan or vegetarian, this choice on our shortlist of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Manhattan Beach serves a large selection of plant-based dishes, without compromising on taste. With plenty of a la carte dishes, as well as a set menu, this place is popular among vegans in Manhattan Beach thanks to their Sample Prix Fixe Course where you’re not limited to just one choice.
With that, you’ll get to choose 3 starters and a main of your choice. As a first starter, we recommend trying the authentic Japanese Miso Soup, which is not only full of flavor, but is also packed with healthy vitamins and minerals. As your second starter, try the Brussel Sprouts and as third starter, you just can’t go wrong with their Crispy Rice Spicy Tofu. For the mains, you’ll get to choose between a sushi roll or ramen.
A popular favorite sushi has to be the Buffalo Cauliflower which consists of crispy spicy cauliflower, as well as avocado, cucumber and asparagus. When it comes to the ramen, a warming and filling choice is the Mellow Miso Ramen which is prepared with crispy lotus root, corn, cabbage, bean sprout, garlic chip and a tasty miso broth.
RICE Healthy Japanese Dining is open Monday and Tuesday from 5pm to 9pm, and Wednesday and Thursday for lunch from 12pm to 2:30pm and for dinner from 5pm to 9pm. As for Friday, they’re open from for lunch from 12pm to 2:30pm and for dinner from 5pm to 9:30pm, Saturday from 12pm to 9:30pm and on Sunday from 12pm to 9pm.
Address: 820 Manhattan Ave STE 105, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
5. True Food Kitchen
Famous chain restaurant serving mouth-watering classics alongside exceptional seasonally-inspired dishes, all served in a modern and spacious setting.
Located less than 5 minutes outside of Manhattan Beach, True Food Kitchen is one of our most beloved vegetarian-friendly and vegan-friendly restaurants thanks to the large variety of classic vegetarian and vegan dishes you can find there, as well as the touch of creativity you’ll often find in the seasonally-inspired dishes.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian you’ll likely have stepped foot in one of the many locations they have throughout the US. So you may know all too well that the food here doesn’t disappoint thanks to the steady rotation of seasonal plates prepared by the creative chefs who True Food Kitchen employ that strive to create a taste of the unexpected, as well as strive to serve up classics that always hit the right spot.
When it comes to their location in Manhattan Beach, this facility has a super spacious outdoor patio and indoor area which feels modern and has loads of comfortable booth seating and beautiful wooden interiors.
We think you’ll be impressed by the combination in their vegan Butternut Squash Pizza as this unique pizza is topped with garlic purée, organic kale, roasted butternut squash, caramelized onion and house-made vegan almond ricotta. A popular vegan favorite has to be the Vegan Double Cheeseburger consisting of portobello mushroom, walnut, beet, lettuce, pickled onion, organic tomato, vegan cheddar and jalapeño remoulade.
If you want something lighter, then we recommend going for the nutritious and fresh vegan Seasonal Ingredient Salad or their Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl which is prepared with broccoli, rainbow carrot, bok choy, green bean, snap pea, mushroom, brown rice, avocado and toasted sesame.
True Food Kitchen also serves up an excellent brunch (more suitable for vegetarians than vegans) on weekends, and it’s of course not a full brunch without the cocktails! So we recommend choosing the brunch option called the Sunrise Bowl, which consists of organic sunny side up eggs, ancient grains, sweet potato, grilled portobello, avocado, hemp seed, cilantro pumpkin seed pesto and then pair it with an Apple Spritz, Prairie Mary or Hibiscus Spritz. What a way to start you day!
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, make sure to leave some room for their famous cookies, more specifically the vegan Cookies & Ice Cream which are delicious chocolate chip cookies served with vanilla ice cream.
True Food Kitchen is open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 9pm, Friday from 11am to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 10pm, and on Sunday from 10am to 9pm.
Address: 860 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 100, El Segundo, CA 90245
