The menu at True Food Kitchen in Santa Monica features local ingredients sourced from sustainable producers
Café Gratitude
The menu of both raw and cooked dishes at this friendly Hancock Park café is 100 percent organic vegan, and the items on it—the I Am Magical homemade veggie burger and I Am Humble Indian curried lentils over brown rice or quinoa with sautéed spinach and roasted yams drizzled with sweet tamarind chutney and cilantro—are meant to evoke mindfulness and spirituality in diners. The café even has a special cleanse program crafted by holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman, if you’re really looking to get back in top form. 639 Larchmont Blvd., LA, 323-580-6383; cafegratitudela.com
Leaf Organics
Though you can find some cooked dishes on the menu at Leaf Organics, its founder and executive chef, Rod Rotondi, focuses the health-conscious cuisine at his casual Westside counter on raw-vegan offerings such as the Mushroom Rawsagna made with layers of squash noodles, spinach, portobellos, and “rawmesan” and “rawcotta” cheese substitutes; and a Bombay Burrito made with sprouted lentil croquettes and coco-curry sauce. Rotondi also gives raw-food cooking classes for foodies in search of a healthier lifestyle. 11938 W. Washington Blvd., LA, 310-397-0700
M Café
Many of the gourmet dishes at this Melrose mainstay are vegan, but the overriding philosophy behind the cuisine is macrobiotic, so everything is organic whenever possible and unprocessed. However, you will find fish options, such as various sushi rolls, as well as a grilled tuna burger glazed with teriyaki and piled with avocado, pickled red onions, daikon sprouts, fresh shiso leaf, and spicy yuzu mayo on a house-baked, whole-wheat bun. Leave room for the strawberry shortcake and fruit tarts for dessert. 7119 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323-525-0588; mcafedechaya.com
Real Food Daily
Real Food Daily creator Ann Gentry is both a trend spotter and a trendsetter as she brings more mainstream California culinary trends like organic seasonal cooking and gourmet vegetarian cuisine to her landmark La Cienega restaurant. We love to start with the butternut squash, yam, and sea vegetable “sea cake” before enjoying the TV Dinner (tempeh vegetable loaf with mashed potatoes, veggies, and golden gravy). For dessert, a gluten-free cupcake is sublime. 414 N. La Cienega Blvd., LA, 310-289-9910
Sage Organic Vegan Bistro
Some of the city’s healthiest spots are on the Eastside, including this newcomer in Echo Park, whose name pretty much sums up its menu. Everything here is organic and vegan, including the savory sweet potato, corn, and cilantro pancakes with blueberry-chipotle jam and chili-lime yogurt we order for brunch. 1700 W. Sunset Blvd., LA, 213-989-1718; sageveganbistro.com
Seed Bistro
We already loved Venice’s casual Seed Kitchen for using sustainable, locally grown, organic produce on its menu, but we were even more thrilled when its owners decided to open a second restaurant in West LA. Like the original, the new kitchen is organic, macrobiotic, and vegan, but with more of a fine-dining ambience that makes it irresistible for sitting and enjoying such dishes as the flageolet bean cassoulet with celery, carrot, and apple “sausage.” 11917 Wilshire Blvd., LA, 310-477-7070; seedbistro.com
True Food Kitchen
The menu at the Santa Monica location of this small chain of health-focused bistros is neither strictly vegan nor macrobiotic, but executive chef Michael Stebner’s watchword in creating the menu is sustainability. He sources seasonal ingredients locally and from sustainable producers whenever possible, so order specialties like the edamame dumplings and the panang curry with a clear conscience. And while you’re at it, treat yourself to a glass of biodynamic wine to accompany your meal. Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310-593-8300; truefoodkitchen.com
