Vegetarian Journal's Guide to Natural Foods Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

California

Alamo

High Tech Burrito

120-A Alamo Plaza, Alamo, CA 94507

(925) 820-9006

Mexican. The food at High Tech Burrito is fast, fresh, and custom-made for each customer. There is no lard, trans fats, or MSG and vegetarian and vegan items are noted on the menu. Veggies or tofu can be substituted for meat on any menu selection. Try the Braised Tofu Burrito or Fresh Veggie Burrito. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Alhambra

•• Loving Hut

621 W. Main St., Alhambra, CA 91801

(626) 289-2684

Vegan/Asian/American. Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." They offer gourmet vegan cuisine "for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet." Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Mighty Vege House

1400 E. Valley Blvd., Alhambra, CA 91801

(626) 293-8189

Vegetarian/Chinese. Enjoy mock "meat" dishes and traditional Chinese vegetable dishes at Mighty Vege House. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, $$.

Aliso Viejo

•• Native Foods  §

26705 Aliso Creek Rd., Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

(949) 831-1926

Vegan/natural foods/organic. Native Foods uses tempeh, seitan, and textured vegetable protein (TVP) to make many of the dishes found at this all-vegan restaurant. Try the Jerk Burger made with spicy grilled seitan, a mock fish sandwich called the Moby Dick, Indonesian tempeh chips, or Japanese buckwheat noodle stir-fry called Yakisoba. Native Foods in Aliso Viejo can be found next to Edwards Theater in the Aliso Viejo Town Center. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, catering, macrobiotic options, beer/wine, $$.

Altadena

•• O' Happy Days

2283 N. Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001

(626) 797-0383

Vegan. This self-described "vegan homestyle restaurant," located inside a natural foods store, offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and entreés in an informal atmosphere. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch through early dinner. Closed Sunday. Cafeteria, soymilk, $.

Anaheim

Gandhi Palace

515 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802

(714) 808-6777

Indian. This restaurant, located inside the Ramada Plaza Hotel and within walking distance from Disneyland and the Convention Center, offers many vegetarian options. The menu includes Samosas, Pakoras, Bhindi Masala (okra), Chana Masala (chickpeas), Tawa Vegetables (eggplant, cauliflower, and okra), Bagan Bharta (eggplant with tomatoes and onions), and traditional Indian breads. They offer a daily all-you-can-eat lunchoen buffet and a champagne brunch on Sundays. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Rasthal Vegetarian Cuisine

2751 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801-6332

(714) 527-3800

Vegetarian/Indian. Far from your typical vegetarian South Indian restaurant, Rasthal's menu includes veggie stews, kaju karela (cashews, bitter gourds, and coconut oil), upma (chili-laced farina), tomato-stuffed uttapams, kachori (donut-hole sized fritters stuffed with brown lentils), and thali. This restaurant offers lunch and evening buffets. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Yogiraj

3107 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801

(714) 995-5900

Vegetarian/Indian. With a relaxed atmosphere, Yogiraj specializes in North Indian, Gujarati, and South Indian foods, including sada mysora dhosa (rice crepes with chutney), masala paper dhosa (rice crepes with potato and onion), and pau bhaji (mashed vegetables marinated in a spicy garlic sauce). Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, VISA/MC, $.

Arcadia

•• Bean Sprouts Vegetarian Restaurant

103 E. Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA 91006

(626) 254-8708

Vegetarian/Asian. Bean Sprouts is known for great food at an affordable price and wonderful service. Some dishes to try include the Taiwanese Chow-Mein, Fried Rice with Soy Ham, and the House Special Pan-Fried Udon. Most dishes are vegan. They have incredible weekday lunch specials. Bean Sprouts is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, beer, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Arcata

Day Break Café

768 18th St., Arcata, CA 95521

(707) 826-7543

Natural foods. Enjoy a wide range of natural foods served at this café. Local organic products are used when available. Open Sunday through Thursday for breakfast and lunch. Open Friday and Saturday for three meals. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, take-out, MC, $.

Spoons Take-Out Kitchen, Arcata Co-Op

811 I St., Arcata, CA 95521

(707) 822-5947

Natural foods deli. Spoons is a deli-style kitchen in a natural foods co-op supermarket. Ethnic foods, salads, and entrées are offered, most of which are meatless. Locally grown organic foods are used whenever possible. Open daily. Deli-style, vegan options, fresh juices, wine/beer, take-out, $.

•• Wildflower Café and Bakery

1604 G St., Arcata, CA 95521

(707) 822-0360

Vegetarian/macrobiotic. Wildflower features gourmet vegetarian and macrobiotic foods, using local organic fruits and vegetables when possible. Feast on the Nut Loaf Sandwich, West Indian Curry, Mushroom Stroganoff, or one of the many other vegetarian selections. The fresh-baked breads and sweets are excellent. Open seven days for three meals.. Full service, vegan options, macrobiotic/vegan options, fresh juice, catering, no credit cards, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Artesia

•• Jay Bharat

18701 Pioneer Blvd., Artesia, CA 90701

(562) 924-3310

Vegetarian/Indian. Jay Bharat offers a menu of Gujarati, South Indian, and Punjabi dishes for very reasonable prices. Some to try include the Onion & Tomato Uttappa, Veggie Spring Dhosa, and Chili Paneer. Open Tuesday through Sunday for brunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Tirupathi Bhimas

18792 Pioneer Blvd., Artesia, CA 90701

(562) 809-3806

Vegetarian/Indian. Tirupathi Bhimas is a South Indian vegetarian restaurant specializing in Andhra cuisine, with a few North Indian and Indo-Chinese options. Please note that both locations are closed between lunch and dinner so call ahead for hours. Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Closed Saturday through Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

•• Udupi Palace

18635 Pioneer Blvd., Artesia, CA 90701

(562) 860-1950

Vegetarian/Indian. Udupi Palace's authentic South Indian dishes include iddly (steamed rice and lentil patties), rasam (spicy soup), a variety of dosai (crepes), uthappan (Indian pancakes), thali, and curries. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, informal atmosphere, reservations recommended, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

•• Veggie's Delight, Co.

11736 166th St., Artesia, CA 90701

(562) 860-4789

Vegetarian/Chinese. This deli and bakery offers box lunches prepared daily with steamed brown or white rice, deli-style Chinese foods, Chinese cookies, and an eggless sponge cake. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Take-out, vegan options, $.

•• Woodlands Indian Cuisine

11833 Artesia Blvd., Artesia, CA 90701

(562) 860-6500

Vegetarian/Indian. Specializing in dosai. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, catering.

Auburn

David's Thai Cuisine

13338 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603

(530) 888-6444

Thai. David's Thai Cuisine has specialized in southern Thai dishes for more than a decade at this location. Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for late lunch through dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Full service, vegan options, special drinks, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Latitudes

130 Maple St., #11, Auburn, CA 95603-5035

(530) 885-9535

Vegetarian/natural foods. Offering multicultural cuisine with an excellent vegetarian selection, Latitudes features a tropical décor with indoor and outdoor dining, an extensive microbrewery, and California wine selection. Family dining is welcome. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Tuesday and Saturday for dinner only. Open Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$-$$$.

Bear Valley

BaseCamp Lodge

148 Bear Valley Rd., Bear Valley, CA 95223

(209) 753-6556

Natural foods. When you are hungry after skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, come to BaseCamp Lodge. Located in the small alpine village of Bear Valley, this restaurant offers vegetarian options such as pasta, veggie burgers, vegetable pot pie, and a portabella mushroom entrée. It is suitable for business entertaining also. Open daily for dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, non-smoking, soymilk, non-alcoholic beverages, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC, $$.

Berkeley

•• Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702

(510) 525-5054

Vegetarian. Ashkenaz's atmosphere is highlighted by live music and dancing six nights a week with sumptuous foods, such as vegetarian stew, tofu sandwiches, chips and salsa, fruit, and bagels. Open Tuesday through Sunday for late evening service only. Closed Monday. Limited service, fresh juices, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer, $$.

Blue Nile

2525 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 540-6777

Ethiopian. The Blue Nile serves authentic Ethiopian cuisine in a warm and inviting environment. Vegetarian dishes are clearly indicated and described. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Café Gratitude

1730 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709

(510) 725-4418

Vegetarian/raw foods/organic. This earthy restaurant, which is 95 percent raw and mostly organic, offers an array of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, snacks, and desserts. With the exception of honey, Café Gratitude is vegan. An interesting note is that every dish on the menu has a name that begins with "I Am." For example, the "I Am Bright-Eyed" is seasonal fruit with young coconut, apple, & pecan porridge, the "I Am Graceful" is quinoa with basil pesto, the "I Am Passionate" is a raw pizza made with buckwheat crust & nut cheese, and the "I Am Surrendering" is walnut, date, fig, & cacao fudge squares. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Open Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, organic beer/wine, special drinks, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Café Intermezzo

2442 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 849-4592

Natural foods. This restaurant serves mostly vegetarian food, including soups, salads, and sandwiches. Open daily. Full service, fresh juices, wine/beer, take-out, $.

•• Cha-Ya

1686 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709

(510) 981-1213

Vegan/Japanese. Cha-Ya uses centuries-old cooking traditions to prepare their authentic Japanese meals. Menu items at this all-vegan restaurant include sushi rolls, noodle dishes, soups, salads, rice bowls, and desserts. This popular restaurant is located near the UC-Berkeley campus. Open Monday for dinner. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Limited service, take-out, beer/wine, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Chick-O-Peas

1926 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 540-8880

Vegetarian/Middle Eastern. Chick-O-Peas features a falafal and salad bar with a variety of toppings and condiments. The shoestring fries also come with an option of several spices. The restaurant uses organic ingredients and biodegradable packaging where possible. Outdoor seating is available. Chick-O-Peas is in the East Bay area. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Elmwood Natural Foods

2944 College Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705

(510) 841-3871

Natural foods deli. This organic grocery offers soup, sandwiches, and take-out macrobiotic meals. Non-dairy, whole-grain desserts and baked goods made without refined sugar are also available. Open daily. Counter service, macrobiotic, take-out, VISA/MC, $.

Fellini Ristorante

1401 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702

(510) 841-5200

Italian. Fellini Ristorante, while not a vegetarian restaurant, is very veg-friendly. Enjoy pastas, pizza, salads, and desserts including Vegan Chocolate Cake. They make it very easy to substitute ingredients to make non-vegetarian dishes either vegetarian or vegan and vegan dishes are prepared in vegan-only pans. Fellini is known for its vegan brunch items, which include a variety of tofu scrambles. Located at Acton, Fellini also has a separate coffeebar which is open daily from early morning until evening for special beverages to-go or to enjoy on their garden patio. Open Monday through Friday for dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, soymilk, espress/cappuccino, beer/wine/alcohol, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$-$$$.

•• Govinda's

2334 Stuart St., Berkeley, CA 94705

(510) 644-2777

Vegetarian. Govinda's offers a vegetarian all-you-can-eat buffet. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. $.

•• Herbivore

2451 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 665-1675

Vegan/international. Herbivore is an inexpensive, hip, vegan restaurant with a variety of ethnic dishes and a huge beverage selection with something for everyone. Their lentil loaf with sides of Swiss chard and mashed potatoes and their carrot cake alone are worth the trip! The San Francisco locations only accept Visa and Mastercard. Open daily for three meals. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beer, beer/wine/alcohol, smoothies, soymilk, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

High Tech Burrito

2352 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 841-4700

Mexican. See description under Alamo, CA.

Lanesplitter Pizza & Pub

2033 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702

(510) 845-1652

1051 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94706

(510) 527-8375

Pizza. Lanesplitter offers Neapolitan thin-crust and Sicilian thick-crust pizza. Vegan cheese is available. Vegetarian options include Vegan Calzone, Hearty Vegetarian Lasagna, and Vegan Eggplant Bake. They have a large selection of local microbrewed beer on tap. (1051 San Pablo Ave. location is delivery-only.) Open Sunday through Thursday for early dinner through late night. Open Friday and Saturday for lunch through late night. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, beer/wine, delivery, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Long Life Vegi House

2129 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 845-6072

Chinese. Though Vegi House does serve a few fish dishes, its menu has more than 100 vegetarian entrées, including mock chicken, beef, or pork; tofu and vegetarian soups; and appetizers like Pot Stickers and Fresh Garlic Seaweed Salad. Even the pickiest of eaters should find something they like here! No MSG is used. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Maharani India Restaurant

1025 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710

(510) 848-7777

Indian. This Indian restaurant has an extensive vegetarian menu. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Raw Energy Organic Juice Café

2050 Addison St., Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 665-9464

Vegetarian juice bar. In addition to juices, smoothies, and nut milks, the menu here includes muesli, soups, salads, sandwiches, raw pizzas, and desserts. Open Monday through Friday for three meals. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Counter service, vegan options, fresh juices, smoothies, special drinks, take-out, no credit cards, $.

•• Smart Alec's Intelligent Fast Food

2355 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 704-4000

Vegetarian. A fast food atmosphere encapsules Smart Alec's veggie burgers, gourmet salads, and low-fat French fries. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer, $$.

•• Udupi Palace

1901 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

(510) 843-6600

Vegetarian/Indian. See description under Artesia, CA.

•• Vegi Food, Inc.

2083 Vine St., Berkeley, CA 94709

(510) 548-5244

Vegetarian/Chinese. Enjoy this all-vegetarian establishment. Open daily. Open Monday for dinner only. Full service, $$.

Vital Vittles

2810 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702

(510) 644-2022

Bakery. This certified organic and kosher bakery offers breads that vary from 12 Grain to Sesame Millet. Open daily. Take-out, $.

Whole Foods Market

3000 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705

(510) 649-1333

Natural foods store/deli. You will find both vegetarian and vegan options in this deli. Open daily. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Blackhawk

High Tech Burrito

3452 Camino Tassajara, Blackhawk, CA 94506

(925) 736-7779

Mexican. See description under Alamo, CA.

Blue Lake

•• Green Life Evolution Center

410 Railroad Ave., Blue Lake, CA 95525

(707) 668-1781

Vegan/raw foods/organic. The Green Life Evolution Center offers raw, vegan, organic foods. Their menu changes daily since they use what local produce is available. Interested in being a vital part of the community, they have a space for yoga classes and live entertainment.They also sell fresh produce along with art from local artisans. Cash only. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, fresh juices, smoothies, $.

Boulder Creek

New Leaf Market

13159 Hwy. 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

(831) 338-7211

Natural foods store. While dining outdoors, you can enjoy approximately 20 sandwiches, plus hot foods, cold deli salads, soups, and green salads. Open daily. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $.

The Common Way Café

13070 Hwy. 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006

(408) 338-2105

Natural foods. Located in True Nature Foods, this café offers a large selection of vegan food and organic baked goods. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, $-$$.

Burbank

•• Nature's Pantry

3917 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91505

(818) 841-0123

Vegetarian/natural foods. Nature's Pantry is a great place to get a healthy and tasty meal. Among the offerings are several veggie burgers, vegetarian soups, various vegetable plates, and salads. For breakfast, try their tofu burrito. Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC, $$.

Burlingame

•• Que SeRaw SeRaw

1160 Capuchino Ave., Burlingame, CA 94010

(650) 400-8590

Vegan/raw foods/organic. Need a quick bite to go? Then you've come to the right place! Que SeRaw SeRaw, a take-out restaurant only, offers healthy pre-packaged food that is vegan as well as wheat and gluten free. Some items not to be missed are the vegetable lasagna, mock tuna paté, and cream of celery soup. Desserts include cinnamon rolls with pine nut frosting, chocolate truffles, and blueberry scones. When Que SeRaw SeRaw is closed, you can purchase their food at Earthbeam Natural Foods which is next door. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch. Closed Sunday. Take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Calistoga

Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery

12150 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, CA 94515

(707) 942-4101

California. This restaurant features vegetarian black bean chili, two veggie sandwiches, as well as vegetarian appetizers and entrées. Open daily for three meals. Full service, catering, vegan options, beer/wine, $$-$$$.

Camarillo

China Palace

341 Arneill Rd., Camarillo, CA 93010

(805) 987-4234

Chinese. Ask for China Palace's separate vegetarian menu, and you'll be a very happy diner. Enjoy both soy- and gluten-based dishes, as well as noodle and vegetable delights. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Campbell

Bread of Life

1690 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, CA 95008

(408) 371-5000

Health foods store deli. Bread of Life offers a salad bar with more than 40 items, including sushi, quiche, and cakes. Also available are more than 30 salads, 20 desserts, and 20 sandwiches. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Limited service, fresh juices, take-out, VISA/MC/DISC, $.

Royal Taj India Cuisine

1350 Camden Ave., Campbell, CA 95008

(408) 559-6801

Indian. Thirteen vegetarian specialties are available at this restaurant offering authentic Indian cuisine at five locations. Royal Taj also offers pakoras, samosas, dahl soup, salads, and many Indian breads. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

•• Tasty Vegetarian Cuisine

2455 S. Winchester Blvd., Campbell, CA 95008

(408) 374-9791

Vegan/Chinese. Patrons here can enjoy a wide variety of vegan Chinese dishes, some of which use tofu or gluten. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, VISA/MC, $$.

Canoga Park

•• Follow Your Heart Natural Foods & Café  §

21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

(818) 348-3240

Vegetarian. This restaurant offers an excellent selection of natural vegetarian foods made without eggs, sugar, or harmful additives. Dishes include salads with a creative selection of dressings, sandwiches, entrées with vegetarian (rennet-free) cheese, tofu dishes, burritos, and other vegetarian favorites. Beverages include juices, teas, and shakes. They also offer a full breakfast menu and weekend brunch. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, BYOB, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

Capitola

Book Café

1475 41st Ave., Capitola, CA 95010

(408) 462-4415

Natural foods. The Book Café features lasagna, soups, deli salads, and pastries. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Counter service, $.

•• Dharma's Restaurant

4250 Capitola Rd., Capitola, CA 95010

(831) 462-1717

Vegetarian/natural foods/organic. A smiling cow wearing dark sunglasses graces the front of Dharma's menu. This is followed by statistics on the number of rainforest acres and cows saved by eating Dharma's vegetarian burgers. No bull! This serious mission with a sense of humor and excellent food is a combination worth exploring. Dharma's offers a wide range of international vegetarian dishes, including Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai, in addition to the old American standbys, great muffins, and desserts. The majority of the food is organic. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, $-$$.

New Beet Café & New Leaf Market

1210 41st Ave., Capitola, CA 95010

(831) 479-7987

Natural foods store/café/juice bar. Located inside New Leaf Market, New Beet Café offers rice plates, wraps, and salads. Their "Morning Scramble" is made with vegetables, tofu, roasted potatoes, and toast. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, soymilk, $.

Carmel

Café Stravaganza

241 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel, CA 93921

(831) 625-3733

Café. Café Stravaganza has many vegetarian options, such as Veggie Melt, Eggplant Sandwich, Dolmas, Homemade Gaspacho, Veggie Fusili, Pasta Puttanesca, and Pasta Primavera. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX.

The Power Juice and Food Company

173 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel, CA 93921

(831) 626-6577

Juice bar/café/bakery. The Power Juice and Food Company offers veggie-friendly fare in a casual atmosphere. Open daily for three meals. Counter service, macrobiotic/vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, $.

Carmichael

Honey Bee Asian Restaurant

6301 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael, CA 95608

(916) 483-0341

Chinese. This restaurant is a real gem hiding in a suburban strip mall. Ask for their huge listing of vegetarian (mostly vegan) options, many made from vegetable-based mock meats. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Cerritos

•• Vasantha Bhavan

11321 E. 183rd St., Cerritos, CA 90701

(562) 802-1600

Vegetarian/Indian. This South Indian vegetarian restaurant offers samosas, pakoras, poories, crepes, and stuffed patties. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $.

•• Vegi Wokery

11329 183rd St., Cerritos, CA 90703

(562) 809-3928

Vegetarian/Chinese. Vegi Wokery has more than 80 different menu items with prices that just can't be beat! Dishes include Lemon Grass Tofu Pot, Bean Curd Feast, Sautéed Mustard Greens with Sweet Peas, and Kung Pao Vegetarian Shrimp. With the exception of one dish that contains whey (& noted as such on the menu), Vegi Wokery is completely vegan. Please note that they are closed between lunch and dinner so call ahead for hours. The restaurant is located inside the Cerritos Triangle Center. Cash only. Open for Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, $-$$.

Chatsworth

•• Woodlands

9840 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Ste. A, Chatsworth, CA 91311

(818) 998-3031

Vegetarian/Indian. Woodlands specializes in pure vegetarian South Indian cuisine. They have an extensive menu along with a weekday lunch buffet and weekend brunch buffet. Make sure to stop by on a Wednesday evening for "Unlimited Dosa Night." Woodlands is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch buffet and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch buffet and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, beer, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

Chico

Chico Natural Foods

818 Main St., Chico, CA 95923

(530) 891-1713

Natural foods store. In addition to a selection of local organic produce, vegetarian grocery items, and organic beer and wine, vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, burritos, wraps, salads and a vegetarian soup of the day are available in the refrigerator case. Limited outside seating is available. Open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Take-out, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Colton

Maharajah India Cuisine

1091 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., Ste. G, Colton, CA 92324

(909) 824-5493

Indian. Maharajah offers a wide selection of vegetarian entrées. Be sure to sample some the Indian breads as well. Open Wednesday through Friday, Sunday, and Monday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for dinner only. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, non-alcoholic beer, beer, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Concord

Swagat Indian Cuisine

1901 Salvio St., Concord, CA 94520

(510) 685-2777

Indian. Swagat offers traditional northern and southern Indian dishes during its lunch buffet and for dinner. Try a Dal Curry (lentils made with spinach and tomatoes), Aloo Saag (spinach and potato cooked with mild spices), and Navratan Koorma (nine vegetables in a mild cream sauce). Reservations recommended. Swagat also hosts tango, swing, and social dance lessons in the evenings. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, beer/wine/alcohol, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

Corona del Mar

Mayur

2931 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, CA 92625

(714) 675-6622

Indian. Mayur offers several vegetarian entrées, including vegetable jalfrezi, dahl, roasted eggplant, and creamed spinach with cheese. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

•• Zinc Café & Market

3222 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, CA 92625

(949) 719-9462

Vegetarian. Zinc Café offers soups, salads, and mini- and full-sized pizzas. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Call for hours. Counter service, take-out, catering, beer/wine, $.

Coronado

Viva Nova

1138 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118

(619) 435-2124

Health foods store deli. Enjoy salads, daily soups, burritos, healthy sandwiches, vegetable juices, and smoothies at Viva Nova. At the time of publishing, this establishment was for sale, so call ahead for more details. Open daily for breakfast through early dinner. Limited service, vegan options, fresh juices, smoothies, take-out, $.

Costa Mesa

•• 118 Degrees

2981 Bristol St., Ste. B5, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(714) 754-0718

Vegan/raw foods/organic. 118 Degrees is completely vegan, offering raw foods made with organic and locally-grown ingredients. Their cheese is made from a variety of seeds and nuts; almond and hemp milks are offered for coffee and tea. Colorful and beautiful dishes are prepared to please both your body and mind at this fashionable restaurant. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Open Sunday for brunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Avanti Café

259 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627

(949) 548-2224

Vegetarian/natural foods/organic. Avanti Café offers creative vegetarian and vegan cuisine. They use organic and locally-grown produce and food products as much as possible. Among their handcrafted meals of pasta, salads, pizza, and sandwiches, you'll find the Shiitake Artichoke Pesto Pizza, Avanti Golden Tofu Bruschetta, and Tofu Tempeh Bolognese. The weekend brunch is not to be missed. They also have an extensive tea list. Open Monday through Friday lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Mother's Market & Kitchen

225 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627

(949) 631-4741

Natural foods deli. Mother's menu is vegetarian, except for tuna. Located within a natural foods store, the restaurant offers a wide assortment of homestyle and organic meals including appetizers, salads, entrées, pastas, sandwiches, and ethnic and side dishes. A children's menu is also available. Open daily for three meals. Full service, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic wine/beer, take-out, $.

•• Native Foods  §

2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(714) 751-2151

Vegan/natural foods/organic. This location is at The CAMP. See description under Aliso Viejo, CA.

Covina

•• Covina Tasty

1063 N. Citrus Ave., Covina, CA 91722

(626) 332-8816

Vegetarian. Serving all vegetarian "fast food" since 1961, Covina Tasty offers burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, burritos, tacos, and desserts. Careful, though, since some of the smoothies do contain egg whites. Open daily for lunch through late night. Limited service, vegan options, juices, smoothies, take-out, $.

Crescent City

Good Harvest Café

700 N. Crest Dr., Crescent City, CA 95531

(707) 465-6028

Natural foods deli. Good Harvest Café has a vegetarian-friendly bakery and vegetarian items for every meal, including veggie burgers, club sandwiches, and veggie links. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch. Open Sunday for brunch. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, special drinks, beer/wine, $$.

Culver City

•• Annapurna Cuisine

10200 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232

(310) 204-5500

Vegetarian/Indian. Annapurna Cuisine has an extensive menu including dosas, curries, and uthappams. Prices are very reasonable and a lunch buffet is offered. Enjoy free wireless Internet access and a giant plasma television while dining at Annapurna's. The restaurant is closed between lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Cupertino

Hobee's Restaurant

21267 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014

(408) 255-6010

American. Hobee's features a variety of Mexican favorites, veggie patties, black bean chili, and a salad bar to accompany any meal. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Kokila's Kitchen

20956 Homestead Rd., Cupertino, CA 95014

(408) 777-8198

Vegetarian/Indian. Located near Hwy. 85 and 280, this restaurant was twice voted "Best Indian Vegetarian Restaurant" by "Veg News Magazine of San Francisco." Its predominately Gujarat and Thali menu is 80 percent vegan. Specialties include a great navratan kurma (with potatoes, raisins, carrots, homemade cheese, and cashews), undhiyu (vegetable stew), ginger-spiked potatoes, kadhi (a soupy, yogurt-based dish thickened with chickpea flour), traditional breads, and gulab jamun (deep-fried fritters soaked in sugar syrup). Call ahead to make sure specific dishes will be available that day. Kokila's Kitchen is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Buffet, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, soymilk, reservations recommended, VISA/MC, $$.

Whole Foods Market

20955 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014

(408) 257-7000

Natural foods store/deli. See description under Berkeley, CA.

Danville

High Tech Burrito

202 Sycamore Valley Rd. W., Danville, CA 94526

(925) 838-2333

Mexican. See description under Alamo, CA.

Davis

Noodle Express

301 G St., Davis, CA 95616

(530) 753-7755

Chinese. Noodle Express carries an extensive vegetarian menu with items such as Szechuan Tofu, Kung-Pao diced vegetable, and Hong Kong-Style Vegetarian Chow Mein. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, take-out, no MSG, $.

El Segundo

•• Papillon Vegetarian Cuisine and Grill

408 Main St., El Segundo, CA 90245

(310) 640-0408

Vegetarian/Asian. Papillon serves a variety of Chinese and Filipino dishes, including Vegetarian Pork Adobo and Vegetarian Escabeche, which tastes like salmon in sweet and sour sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, smoothies, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

•• The Veggie Grill

720 Allied Way, El Segundo, CA 90245

(310) 535-0025

Vegan sandwich shop. The Veggie Grill serves "classic American sandwiches & burgers with an exotic twist." There are so many great items to choose from including All Hail Kale, Papa's Portobello, and Bean Me Up Chili. Gluten-free items are available. The El Segundo location is in the Plaza El Segundo. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, take-out, catering, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

Encinitas

Kim's Restaurant

745 1st St., #103, Encinitas, CA 92024

(760) 942-4816

Vietnamese/Chinese. Although the menu is mostly meat-based, more than 40 items are listed in the vegetarian section, such as Napa cabbage with mock chicken soup and tofu chop suey. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, take-out, wine/beer, $$.

Roxy Restaurant and Ice Cream

517 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

(760) 436-5001

Natural foods. International fare is featured. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Swami's Café and Juice Bar

1163 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

(760) 944-0612

Vegetarian. This vegetarian restaurant offers salads and a wide variety of entrées, including curried vegetables, black bean burritos, and mock meat dishes. Open daily for three meals. Counter service, vegan options, fresh juices, smoothies, catering, take-out, $.

Eureka

  (For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Arcata.)

Gabriel's

216 E St., Eureka, CA 95501

(707) 445-0100

Italian. Gabrielés, located in Old Town Eureka, serves spinach pies, vegetarian soups, salads, whole-wheat pizza, and various vegetarian entrées. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Tomo Japanese Restaurant

2120 4th St., Eureka, CA 95501

(707) 444-3318

Japanese. Tomo serves Japanese country-style whole food as well as traditional and non-fish sushi. Most entrées are available without meat. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, wine/beer, macrobiotic/vegan options, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Fair Oaks

•• Sunflower Natural Food Restaurant

10344 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA 95628

(916) 967-4331

Vegetarian/natural foods. Sunflower Natural Food Restaurant serves vegetarian and vegan fast food with a focus on natural foods. Offerings include burgers, burritos, chili, and sandwiches, and the prices cannot be beat! Don't miss their Nutburger, a highly recommended favorite of customers. Their "drive-in" is actually a walk-up window where you place your order. Once you get your food, you can dine outside on the picnic tables or go to the park next door where chickens and roosters freely roam. Sunflower is a very popular restaurant, which explains why they have been around for over 30 years. Theyére located in Fair Oaks, a suburb of Sacramento. Open Sunday through Tuesday for lunch and early dinner. Open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, smoothies, fresh juices, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Felton

New Leaf Market

6240 Hwy. 9, Felton, CA 95018

(831) 335-7322

Natural foods store. See description under Boulder Creek, CA.

Fort Bragg

  (For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Mendocino.)

Viraporn's Thai Café

500 S. Main St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437

(707) 964-7931

Thai. This café, located in a converted streetcar, offers vegetarian curry dishes, Pad Thai, fried rice, Coconut Lemongrass Soup, and Thai salads. It can be quite crowded in the evenings. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, non-alcoholic wine/beer, wine/beer, $$.

Fountain Valley

•• Au Lac Vegetarian Restaurant

16563 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708

(714) 418-0658

Vegetarian/Asian. Specializing in Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, Au Lac offers such delights as vegetarian "salmon" and clay pot tofu sensation. All dishes are prepared without eggs, wine, or MSG. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, reservations recommended, fresh juices, soymilk, non-alcoholic wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Fremont

Hobee's Restaurant

39222 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538

(415) 796-4779

American. See description under Cupertino, CA.

•• Krishna Restaurant

40645 Fremont Blvd., Ste. 1, Fremont, CA 94538

(510) 656-2336

Vegetarian/Indian. Krishna is where you go when you want a simple, home-cooked, Indian meal. Their food is 100% vegetarian, but vegans will need to request their meal be prepared without milk or ghee. Also, the seating is limited, so Krishna is not recommended for large groups. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Fresno

•• Mehek Punjab de

3173 W. Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93711

(559) 226-0512

Vegetarian/Indian. Mehek Punjab de or Fragrance of Punjab is a vegetarian restaurant and sweet shop that specializes in northern Indian cuisine. Their menu is extensive and the prices are incredible, especially for the amount of food you get. For vegans, talk to your server before ordering to make sure your meal is free of ghee (clarified butter) and other milk products. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.

•• New Stars Vegetarian

1134 E. Champlain Dr., Ste. 108, Fresno, CA 93720

(559) 434-6363

Vegetarian/international. New Stars Vegetarian offers a diverse menu infused with flavors from Asian, American, and Italian cuisines. Most items are vegan or can be made vegan and are labeled as such on the menu. Try the Carmelized Chicken, Lemon Grass Beef over Vermicelli, Sweet Chili Bok Choy and Tofu, or the Eggplant Salmon Tofu Claypot. Some menu descriptions use the words beef, chicken, and ham but rest assured that they are meat substitutes and no meat is used. Please note that New Stars' hours change seasonally and may be different at each location. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, soymilk, fresh juices, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Fullerton

Rutabegorz

211 N. Pomoma Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832

(714) 738-9339

International. Specializing in homemade food, this restaurant provides ample portions to fill everyone's needs. Vegan and vegetarian options include a variety of burritos, pastas, veggie dishes, stew, sandwiches, wraps, daily soups, and salad bowls large enough to hold a Buick! Daily desserts include cheesecake, carrot cake, cookies, brownies, and daily surprises. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, cappuccino, special drinks, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Sidney's Café

108 W. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832

(714) 525-5111

Vegetarian café. This little café named after a beloved dog, Sidney, offers vegetarian and vegan choices. Anything vegetarian can be made vegan if you ask when ordering. Some tasty sandwiches include tempeh rubin, not-chicken salad sandwich, and not-ham and swiss on rye. They also have a nice selection of salads, and you don't want to miss their wonderful breakfast menu. They also sell some items that are animal-related. Located in downtown Fullerton, Sidney's has a few tables outside so you can bring your dog. They provide a water bowl and offer homemade vegan peanut butter dog biscuits. These are definitely animal people! Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Garberville

Woodrose Café

911 Redwood Dr., Garberville, CA 95440

(707) 923-3191

Natural foods. This café's many vegetarian options contain cheese and eggs. Organic and local ingredients are used. Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch. Open Saturday and Sunday for breakfast only. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer, take-out, $.

Garden Grove

•• Thuyén Vién

11080 Magnolia St., Garden Grove, CA 92841

(714) 638-8189

Vegetarian/Asian. The menu here features Asian-style vegetarian cuisine, including Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese dishes. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, no credit cards, $$.

Glendale

•• Glendale Adventist Medical Center

1509 Wilson Terr., Glendale, CA 91206

(818) 409-8090

Vegetarian. The vegetarian menu changes daily. Open daily for three meals. Cafeteria, take-out, $.

Granada Hills

•• Vegetable Delight

17823 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills, CA 91344

(818) 360-3997

Vegan/Chinese. This Chinese restaurant's entirely vegan menu offers exotic dishes, such as vegetarian squid with celery and mock hot braised veggie shrimp made from gluten or soy products. Vegetable dishes, including Crisp Fried Chinese Mushrooms and Szechuan Broccoli, are also available. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Full service, non-alcoholic wine/beer, beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Hacienda Heights

•• Garden Fresh Restaurant

16034 Gale Ave., Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

(626) 968-2279

Vegetarian/Chinese. This informal restaurant offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes, including Kung Po Tofu, Spicy Tofu, Family Tofu (with broccoli, mushrooms, and cabbage), and Yuba with tomatoes, celery, mushrooms, or other vegetables. They offer lunch specials consisting of two to four items and a choice between white and brown rice, as well as special stir-fries for dinner. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Closed first Sunday of every month. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, soymilk, take-out, $.

Half Moon Bay

New Leaf Market

150 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

(650) 726-3110

Natural foods store. See description under Boulder Creek, CA.

Harbor City

Chan Thai Cuisine

1605 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., #106, Harbor City, CA 90710

(310) 325-0844

Thai. A beautiful dining room complements delicious Thai curry, stir-fried entrées, and various specials. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for dinner only. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, catering, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Healdsburg

•• Café Gratitude

206 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, CA 95448

(707) 723-4461

Vegetarian/raw foods/organic. This location is inside the Olive Leaf. See description under Berkeley, CA.

Hermosa Beach

•• The Spot Natural Food Restaurant

110 Second St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

(310) 376-2355

Vegetarian. This friendly "local" beach restaurant offers only vegetarian fare with many vegan items. Specialties include burritos, veggie burgers, and "Steamers" (steamed vegetable plates) with tasty sauces. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

Hollywood

•• Truly Vegan Restaurant

5907 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028

(323) 466-7958

Vegan/Thai. Truly Vegan offers an extensive menu including soups, salads, wraps, sushi, noodles, curries, sandwiches, and burgers. Breakfast is served all day. This all-vegan eatery is very inexpensive and is located near a Chinese theater. Open daily for three meals. Full service, take-out, delivery, catering, soymilk, smoothies, fresh juices, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Vegan House 2

1717 N. Wilcox Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028

(323) 962-6195

Vegan/Thai. See description under Vegan House in Los Angeles, CA.

Huntington Beach

•• Bodhi Tree Vegetarian Café

501 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648

(714) 969-9500

Vegan/Vietnamese. Located near the Huntington Beach Pier, this restaurant offers authentic Vietnamese dishes made with organic ingredients. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Good to Go Restaurants

5930 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92649

(714) 840-6400

Vegetarian/raw foods. Good to Go offers vegetarian raw foods that are mostly vegan. They call it "Vibrant Food for Vibrant Living!" and hope you'll stop by for some of their creative menu selections. They offer salads, sandwiches, pizzas, wraps, soups, and breakfast items. Try the Kinky Kale Salad, Zucchini "Pasta," Coconut Curry Soup (raw), or Tuna de Not (made from seed paté). No matter what, make sure to leave room for dessert. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Open Sunday for breakfast and lunch. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Mother's Market and Kitchen

19770 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92648

(714) 963-6667

Natural foods. See description under Costa Mesa, CA.

Inglewood

•• Stuff I Eat

114 N. Market St., Inglewood, CA 90301

(310) 671-0115

Vegan/Soul/Mex. The dishes at the all-vegan Stuff I Eat have a Tex-Mex vibe, with many variations on burritos and soy-cheese quesadillas. They are eco-friendly and use organic ingredients whenever possible. They do not use refined sugar, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Desserts are wheat-free; they're made with barley flour and sweetened with agave syrup. Cash only. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Limited service, take-out, catering, smoothies, $$-$$$.

Irvine

Clay Oven

15435 Jeffrey Rd., Irvine, CA 92714

(949) 552-2851

Indian. Clay Oven takes a healthy approach to Indian cooking, offering nine vegetable entrées. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Mother's Market & Kitchen

2963 Michelson Dr., Irvine, CA 92715

(949) 752-6667

Natural foods. See description under Costa Mesa, CA.

•• The Veggie Grill

4213 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA 92612

(949) 509-0003

81 Fortune Dr., Irvine, CA 92618

(949) 727-9900

Vegan sandwich shop. The Campus Drive location is across from UC Irvine in the University Center next to Trader Joe's. The Fortune Drive location is in the Irvine Spectrum Center. See description under El Segundo, CA.

•• The Wheel of Life

14370 Culver Dr., Ste. 2G, Irvine, CA 92604

(949) 551-8222

Vegan/Thai. The Wheel of Life is a warm, inviting informal restaurant with Thai and Chinese dishes. Entrées include stuffed tofu delights, Pad Thai, curries, Thai salads, a variety of veggie "fish" dishes, and dishes made from soy meats created from their own recipes. No MSG is used. The Wheel of Life is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, take-out, catering, soymilk, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

La Jolla

•• Ché Café

Ucsd, 9500 Gilman Dr., Student Ctr. 0323-C, La Jolla, CA 92093

(858) 534-2311

Vegetarian. This is a not-for-profit vegetarian collective on the UCSD campus. Ché Café serves mostly vegan foods and hosts live music shows on most weekends. Open on Wednesday. Call for others times. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, $.

Daily's Fit and Fresh

8915 Towne Center Dr., La Jolla, CA 92122

(858) 453-1112

Natural foods. All items on the menu contain 10 grams of fat or less per serving, and many are vegetarian. Thai Noodle Salad, Three-Bean and Corn Chili, fresh veggie pizza, grilled eggplant and zucchini, and a garden vegetable burger are among the tasty but lean vegetarian options you'll find here. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, smoothies, take-out, catering, VISA/MC, $.

•• Galoka Gallery Restaurant

5662 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 551-8610

Vegetarian/Indian. This restaurant, gallery, jazz venue, and full bar lounge offers a fine dining menu of traditional Indian dishes and foods epitomizing their signature Indo-fusion style. They offer mock meat dishes, as well as vegan entrées and desserts. In addition to the restaurant, this establishment hosts live music, from jazz to dance to hip-hop. Open Thursday through Sunday for dinner. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$-$$$.

Royal Thai Cuisine

737 Pearl St., La Jolla, CA 92037

(858) 551-8424

Thai. Offers a variety of vegetarian Thai dishes made with soy or mushrooms, according to your preference. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, catering, espresso, $$-$$$.

La Mesa

Casa de Pico

5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942

(619) 463-3267

Mexican. Located in LaMesa’s Grossmont Center, Casa de Pico offers many vegetarian options. A special menu for the health-conscious lists foods low in salt, fat, and cholesterol. Enjoy live mariachi music nightly on an open-air patio. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, catering, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Ladera Ranch

•• Loving Hut

27522 Antonio Pkwy., Ste. P2, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694

(949) 365-1077

Vegan/Asian/American. Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." They offer gourmet vegan cuisine "for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet." Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. The Ladera Ranch location is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, fresh juices, non-alcoholic beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Laguna Beach

•• Gauranga's

285 Legion St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

(949) 494-7029

Vegetarian. If you're hungry, Gauranga's all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet might be just what you need. The steam table includes two soups, brown and basmati rice, steamed veggies, pasta and sauce, mixed Indian-style veggies, and entrées that vary daily. All entrees are prepared vegan on Tuesday and Thursday. No eggs are used. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch. Closed Sunday. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $.

Natraj Cuisine of India

998 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

(949) 497-9197

Indian. Natraj offers 13 vegetable dishes, including Bainghan Aloo and Channa Masala. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, $$-$$$.

•• The Stand

238 Thalia St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

(949) 494-8101

Vegan/natural foods/juice bar. The Stand, as its name implies, is a food stand, but this all-vegan spot offers a large menu of delicious food and beverages at reasonable prices. Enjoy salads, pitas, sandwiches, burritos, tamales, and smoothies. The Stand is very popular and has been around for over 30 years; stop by to find out why. Outdoor patio seating only. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Limited service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, special beverages, $.

•• Zinc Café & Market

350 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

(949) 494-6302

Vegetarian. See description under Corona del Mar.

Laguna Woods

Mother's Market & Kitchen

24165 Paseo de Valencia, Laguna Woods, CA 92653

(949) 768-6667

Natural foods. See description under Costa Mesa, CA.

Lakeport

•• Nature's Bounty Vegan Restaurant

495 N. Main St., Lakeport, CA 95453

(707) 263-4575

Vegan. Nature's Bounty serves healthy fast food, and organic fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts are used whenever possible. Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Limited service, smoothies, fresh juices, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Loma Linda

Kool Kactus Café

24957 Redlands Blvd., Loma Linda, CA 92354

(909) 796-1545

Mexican. Enjoy a wide variety of Mexican dishes from the vegetarian menu at Kool Kactus. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/DISC, $.

•• Loma Linda University Medical Center Café

Anderson and Barton Rds., Loma Linda, CA 92354

(714) 824-4365

Vegetarian. The cafeteria offers soups, salads, casseroles, and mock meat dishes. Open daily. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, $.

Lomita

•• House Of Vege

2439 Pacific Coast Hwy., Lomita, CA 90717

(310) 530-1180

Vegan/Chinese. House of Vege has a regular menu and an all-you-can-eat menu. Everything is prepared fresh, and there are many unique entrées. Suitable for business entertaining. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, $$-$$$.

Long Beach

Star of Siam

2109 E. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803

(562) 439-1564

Thai. This traditional Thai restaurant has a vegetarian menu that includes veggie egg rolls, coconut milk soup, hot and sour soup, spicy eggplant, vegetable tempura, garlic or sweet and sour tofu, vegetable pad Thai, pineapple vegetable fried rice (with or without eggs), seasonal vegetables, and much more. They also offer vegetarian versions of their other entrées, including noodle dishes, rice dishes, and curries. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, beer/wine, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $-$$$.

The Original Park Pantry

2104 E. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803

(562) 434-0451

California. The Original Park Pantry offers vegetarian light fare, including a steamed fresh vegetable plate, vegetarian chili, and pasta of the day with marinara sauce. Open daily for three meals. Full service, counter service, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

•• Zephyr Vegetarian Café

340 E. 4th St., Long Beach, CA 90802

(562) 435-7113

Vegetarian/raw foods. Zephyr Vegetarian Café offers sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts, most of which are vegan and organic. At least two specials daily are raw. Popular dishes include Raw Pesto with Vegetable Noodles, Tofu Steak Plate, and Corn Chowder. Zephyr plays music, sometimes live, in a comfortable atmosphere. Among their special beverages are a vegan root beer float and vegan Kombuch drink. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch. Closed Monday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, soymilk, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Los Angeles

  (For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Alhambra, Altadena, Anaheim, Artesia, Canoga Park, Cerritos, Chatsworth, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Covina, El Segundo, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Glendale, Granada Hills, Hacienda Heights, Harbor City, Hermosa Beach, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Lomita, Long Beach, Meiner Oaks, Monterey Park, Newport Beach, North Hollywood, Northridge, Norwalk, Orange, Pasadena, Redondo Beach, Reseda, Riverside, Rosemead, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, San Gabriel, Santa Ana, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, South El Monte, South Pasadena, Studio City, Tarzana, Topanga Canyon, Tustin, Upland, Venice, Ventura, West Covina, West Hollywood, Westminster, Westwood, and Whittier.)

Angeli-Caffe-Pizzeria

7274 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046

(323) 936-9086

Italian. This is one of the best Italian restaurants in Los Angeles. About half the light, healthy, and tasty menu is vegetarian, and many dishes can be made vegan. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. Full service, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$-$$$.

•• Beverly Hills Juice

8382 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 655-8300

Vegetarian/juice bar. They offer fresh juices and some foods prepared from local organic produce. Shakes and wheatgrass drinks are made to order. Tahini, sauerkraut, hummus, sushi, applesauce, dairy-free ice cream, and other treats are prepared on the premises. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast through early dinner. Closed Sunday. Take-out, vegan options, fresh juices, VISA/MC, $.

•• Bulan Thai Vegetarian Kitchen

7168 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046

(323) 857-1882

4114 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029

(323) 913-1488

Vegetarian/Thai. At Bulan, ingredients are fresh and aimed at promoting good health. They do not use any refined sugars, MSG, or saturated fats in the cooking process. Special dietary needs can be accommodated as all entrées are cooked to order. Some dishes to try include Mock Duck Curry and Spicy Spaghetti. There are many vegan items and they are clearly indicated on the menu. Bulan offers cozy indoor and sidewalk seating. The Santa Monica Boulevard location is in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

•• Café Flourish

5406 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

(323) 939-3932

Vegan café/organic. Café Flourish serves a variety of American classics with a vegan twist. Favorites include a cheeseless quesadilla filled with vegetables, a tempeh Rueben sandwich, and a BBQ pizza. Ingredients are organic whenever possible and food waste is composted. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, espresso, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• California Vegan

7300 W. Sunset Blvd. #A, Los Angeles, CA 90046

(323) 874-9079

12113 Santa Monica Blvd. #207, Los Angeles, CA 90025

(310) 207-4798

Vegan/Thai. California Vegan offers appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, noodle and rice dishes, curries, burgers, wraps, and desserts. Choices include raw spring rolls, BBQ Tofu, Spicy Vege Chicken Salad, Cowboy (seitan) Dinners, Soy Fish with Sweet & Sour Sauce, California Fried Rice (with pineapple, raisins, and cashews), Lentil Burgers, and wheat-free pancakes. They also offer lunch specials, such as lentil loaf, vegetables, or curries with your choice of tofu, soy chicken, veggie pepper steak, seitan, or soy fish. All items are organic and free of white sugar and MSG. Open daily for lunch through late dinner. Full service, take-out, delivery, fresh juices, soymilk, smoothies, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Casa de Tree

3741 Motor Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034

(310) 559-8183

Vegan/deli/bakery/organic. Casa de Tree offers a unique blend of Japanese and French recipes. You can choose from an extensive buffet (pay by weight), or order off the menu. Their breads are yeast-free and some are wheat-free as well. No artificial ingredients are used and they offer sugar-free desserts. Along with regular catering, they make cakes that can be customized for various dietary needs. Cash only. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Limited service, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, $$.

•• Cinnamon Vegetarian Restaurant

5511 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park, CA 90042

(323) 982-9480

Vegetarian/international. Cinnamon Vegetarian Restaurant features traditional Latin American foods and other international dishes with a vegetarian twist. Most items can be made vegan upon request. Their extensive menu includes 'Shrimp' Quesadillas, 'Chicken' Fajitas, California Tofu & Rice, and 'Pork' Pozole Soup. Open Wednesday through Monday for three meals. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, smoothies, fresh juices, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Cru

1521 Griffith Park Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026

(323) 667-1551

Vegan/raw foods/organic. Cru, which means raw in French, serves vegan, organic, and gluten-free raw foods in an intimate setting. Enjoy a fusion of flavors from Italian, Japanese, Tunisian, Thai and Indian cuisines, along with fresh and seasonal produce. Cru is located in the heart of Silver Lake. Open Sunday through Thursday for dinner. Open Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

Eat a Pita

465 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

(213) 651-0188

Mediterranean. Eat a Pita offers many vegetarian selections, including tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghanouj, and falafel. Seating is outdoors in a casual, friendly environment. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, $.

Electric Lotus

4656 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026

(888) 565-6887

Indian. Electric Lotus offers a good selection of vegan entrées, such as tofu curry, vegetable pakora (deep-fried batter dipped vegetables), and malai kofta (vegetable balls in curry sauce), as well as many vegetarian appetizers and soups. Valet parking during dinner service. Open daily for lunch through late evenings. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Fatty's & Co.

1627 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041

(323) 254-8804

Vegetarian. Fatty's is a great place to enjoy a great meal. Try the roasted vegetable salad, hummus, vegan pizza, great sandwiches, or one of the two daily soups, one of which is always vegan. All of their cheeses are rennet-free. Fatty's has an extensive wine selection. All the white wines have been confirmed as fish free. Suitable for business entertaining. They say that most of their dishes can be prepared vegan-style! Open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, beer/wine/alcohol, reservations recommended, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$-$$$.

Fiddler's Bistro

6009 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90036

(323) 931-8167

Bistro. Fiddler's Bistro offers several dishes for vegetarians. They have a vegetarian burrito, sautéed spinach, and a bistro caliente made with vegetables, beans, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and tabbouleh. You might also try the Fresno Vegetarian Grape Leaves and baba ghanouj. Open daily for three meals. Full service, take-out, reservations recommended for Sunday brunch, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

•• Flore Vegan Cuisine

3818 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026

(323) 953-0611

Vegan café/organic. At Flore, you can eat at the deli counter, dine in the full service restaurant, or even outside on a beautiful day. Their all-vegan menu includes pizza, soups, salads, raw items, desserts, and more. There are many wheat- and gluten-free dishes as well. Located at Hyperion in Silver Lake, Flore is an organic vegan paradise. Open Tuesday through Friday for three meals. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, take-out, delivery, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

Go Veggie

5462 S. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066

(310) 577-0167

Juice bar. Menu items include self-service vegetarian salad bar and soups, though the salad bar also has some fish and chicken dishes as well. They also offer sandwiches, like a tofu burger and their grilled veggies with basil and feta. Open daily for lunch and early dinner. Limited service, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, take-out, catering, VISA/MC, $.

•• Govinda's

3764 Watseka Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034

(310) 836-1269

Vegetarian. Located at a Hare Krishna temple, Govinda's offers a salad bar; freshly baked whole wheat bread; sandwiches; Mexican dishes; hot entrées such as tofu filet, nut loaf, and vegetable lasagna; Indian dishes; and pizza. This establishment prides itself on catering to vegans and serves many dairy-free items. On Sunday evenings they offer a special free dinner. Govinda's is located near Sony Studios in Culver City. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Buffet, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

•• Green Leaves

1769 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 664-2345

Vegetarian/Thai. Green Leaves offers soups, organic salads, wraps, burgers, and sandwiches. Breakfast foods are available all day, including breakfast burritos, scrambled 'egz' and pancakes. This restaurant is mostly vegan, however, some items may contain whey or casein. Open daily for three meals through late night. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Inaka Natural Foods Restaurant

131 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

(213) 936-9353

Macrobiotic. No eggs or dairy products are used, and foods are vegetarian except for some fish dishes. Brown rice and different beans are featured with vegetables. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for dinner only. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $.

India's Tandoori

5947 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

(213) 936-2050

Indian. India's Tandoori has a vegetarian section on the menu, plus vegetarian appetizers like samosas and onion balls. Fresh clay-oven-baked breads are a specialty here. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $.

Infusion Café

808 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90014

(213) 327-2255

Coffeehouse/café. Infusion Café is a mostly vegetarian café and coffeehouse (there are a few tuna and salmon dishes). Their menu features vegetarian paninis, wraps, pizza, salads, desserts, and European-style coffee drinks. Enjoy lunch, a specialty beverage and free Wi-Fi in a relaxed and mellow atmosphere in the heart of downtown LA. Infusion Café is located on the ground floor of the NCT Lofts. Open Monday through Friday for three meals. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and lunch. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, smoothies, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

•• LA Vegan

4507 S. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066

(310) 574-9888

Vegan/Thai. This modern Los Angeles restaurant offers burgers, noodle and rice dishes, curries, pancakes, wraps, and more! Try the Chu Chee Salmon, which is grilled mock salmon with spicy red curry sauce, or the Thai fried rice. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, delivery, catering, soymilk, fresh juices, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Leaf Cuisine

11938 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066

(310) 390-6005

Vegan/raw foods. Leaf Cuisine prepares meals that are certified as organic, raw, and vegan. Regular items include pizza, pasta, leaf loaf, "fish" sticks, and rawsagna. They offer varied selections of wraps, salads, and burritos, as well as mock salmon nori rolls, miso carrot ginger soup, and strawberry mousse torte. Leaf Cuisine also serves tasty smoothies. The restaurant offers raw food preparation classes, private rooms for parties, and deliveries. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, take-out, delivery, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Mr. Wisdom Hari Krishna Restaurant

3526 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90043

(323) 295-1517

Vegan deli in a natural foods store. This organic café in a health foods store features salads, soups, veggie burgers, a bean dish served over brown rice and steamed vegetables, and more. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Closed Sunday. Limited service, fresh juices, take-out, $-$$.

•• Native Foods  §

1110 1/2 Gayley Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024

(310) 209-1055

Vegan/natural foods/organic. This location is in Westwood Village. See description under Aliso Viejo, CA.

Newsroom Café

120 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048

(310) 652-4444

Natural foods. Mingle with the stars, college kids, and families in this comfortable, healthy restaurant, which takes its name from its many TVs broadcasting CNN and silent radios printing out newsworthy information constantly. Try the fat-free, sugar-free, dairy-free hotcakes for breakfast, a freshly-made veggie burger or daily vegetarian soup for lunch, or vegan tamales for dinner. There is also a vegan frozen dessert. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso, non-alcoholic beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Osteria Romana Orsini

9575 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

(310) 277-6050

Italian. Osteria features a large selection of meatless items. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$-$$$.

•• Paru's Indian Vegetarian Restaurant

5140 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 661-7600

Vegetarian/Indian. Paru's Indian Vegetarian Restaurant offers classic South Indian cuisine that is entirely vegetarian and mostly vegan. Paru's does not use eggs and most of the main dishes are non-dairy, however, beverages and desserts are likely to contain dairy products. Enjoy Masala Dosa, Idli, Uppuma, and Sambar at this authentic and very popular restaurant. Open Monday through Friday for dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, wine/beer, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

•• Rahel Veggie Cuisine

1047 South Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90019

(323) 937-8401

Vegan/Ethiopian. This Ethiopian restaurant offers fresh and original recipes. All dishes are made with olive oil or grape seed oil and are served with either whole grain Injera or rice. The menu includes soup, salad, stews, mixed greens, and wheat-free/organic flour dessert options. Also an assortment of authentic Ethiopian juices and teas are available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, fresh juices, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Santé La Brea

345 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

(323) 968-0412

Natural foods. Santé La Brea offers pizza with vegan cheese and many other entrées. Almost all items on the menu can be modified to be vegetarian or vegan. An outdoor patio is available for year-round dining. Open daily for three meals. Full service, take-out, catering, reservations recommended, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

•• Shojin

333 S. Alameda St., Ste. 310, Los Angeles, CA 90013

(213) 617-0305

Vegan/Japanese/organic. Shojin offers an extensive menu of organic and natural vegan cuisine including salads, pastas, noodle dishes, curries, and soups. They have even developed three types of seitan, each with its own recipe and cooking method, to correspond with the tastes and textures of chicken, pork, and beef. Their lunch specials are a great value. Make sure to save room for dessert! They even offer vegan birthday cakes (order at least 2 weeks in advance). Shojin is located in downtown Los Angeles in the Little Tokyo Shopping Center. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, take-out, catering, soymilk, VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

The Trails Outdoor Café

2333 Fern Dell Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068

(323) 871-2102

Eclectic. The Trails Outdoor Café is a converted old shack located in the mountains of Griffith Park near the Observatory. This mostly vegetarian eatery features breakfast and lunch items like Multigrain Belgium Waffles, Vegan Black Bean Chili, SnackDogs (Veggie Hot Dogs in Cornbread), and an assortment of baked goods. The Trails is dog and kid friendly. Enjoy your meal outdoors with free wi-fi under the trees. Cash only. Open Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Monday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, $.

•• The Vegan Joint

10438 National Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034

(310) 559-1357

Vegan/Thai. The Vegan Joint serves everything on its menu all day. So get pancakes and tofu scramble egz for dinner or the pepper steak dinner (grilled soy beef with jalapeno sauce) to start off your day. Although Thai food is their specialty, they offer other vegan cuisine such as burgers, wraps, and sandwiches. Reasonable prices and delicious vegan food -- what more can you ask for? The Vegan Joint is located in the Palms area of Culver City (west Los Angeles). Open daily for three meals. Full service, take-out, delivery, smoothies, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Tokyo Teriyaki

2518 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90007

(213) 747-6880

Vegetarian/Asian. Tokyo Teriyaki serves vegetarian Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisine, including vegan teriyaki, veggie beef, and veggie orange chicken. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Vegan Express

3217 Cahuenga Blvd., W., Los Angeles, CA 90068

(323) 851-8837

Vegan/Thai. This restaurant offers vegan Thai-American cuisine and uses organic ingredients whenever available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, smoothies, almond milk, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

•• Vegan Glory

8393 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 653-4900

Vegan/Thai. Vegan Glory is 100% vegan and mostly organic. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the food being carefully prepared. Many dishes are inspired by Thai or Thai fusion cuisine. Some menu items include lentil loaf, tofu satay, glass noodle salad, and miso soup. Make sure to save room for the vegan carrot cake. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, delivery, smoothies, soymilk, fresh juices, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Vegan House

2703 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026

(213) 483-2105

Vegan/Thai. Vegan House offers an extensive menu of vegan Thai cuisine. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, take-out, delivery, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Vegan Village Internet Café

4061 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019

(323) 766-9773

Vegan/Soul/Mex. Formerly Soul Vegetarian, Vegan Village Internet Café offers vegan soul and Mexican cuisine, using organic ingredients when available. Try the Tofu with Black-Eyed Peas & Brown Rice, Taco with Rice & Beans, or the Nutmeat Chili Wrap with Salad. Delicious sides include Macaroni & Cheese, Raw Ratatouille, Greens of the Day, Cornbread, and Spanish Rice. There is limited seating outside in the gazebo and free parking in the rear of the building. Don't miss "Eclectic Tuesday" when Vegan Village invites the local community to express themselves artistically with spoken work, poetry/open mic, book readings, talent performances, and more; this is held every Tuesday evening. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, catering, soymilk, smoothies, fresh juices, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

•• Vegisoul

1436 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007

(323) 731-8344

Vegetarian/soul food. Within walking distance of the University of Southern California, Vegisoul is a take-out restaurant offering vegetarian and vegan soul food. Menu items include "See Food" Gumbo, Blackened Tofu, Stuffed Yamm! (house specialty), and a variety of cooked greens. Soy-free options are available for most entrées. They only accept cash, but an ATM is nearby. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Take-out, vegan options, special beverages, $-$$.

•• White Memorial Medical Center

1720 Brooklyn Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025

(213) 268-5000 x1318

Hospital cafeteria/vegetarian. This cafeteria is in a Seventh-day Adventist hospital. Open daily. Cafeteria, take-out, $$.

Los Gatos

High Tech Burrito

790 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, CA 95032

(408) 356-5677

Mexican. See description under Alamo, CA.

Meiner Oaks

The Farmer and The Cook

339 W. El Roblar Dr., Meiner Oaks, CA 93023

(805) 640-9608

Café. This organic market café offers organic produce grown on our own farm, as well as soups, sandwiches, salad bar, smoothies, juice bar, and more. Open daily for three meals. Open Sunday for brunch through dinner. Limited service, vegan options, $.

Mendocino

Lu's Kitchen

45013 Ukiah Rd., Mendocino, CA 95460

(707) 937-4939

Mexican. Lu's Kitchen offers courtyard seating next to an old church that is now a health foods store. They use organic ingredients when available and never use lard in their beans. Try the sautéed portabello mushrooms, quesadillas, burritos, tacos, and more. We've been told that the vegan pesto is fantastic! Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $$.

Mendocino Café

10451 Lansing St., Mendocino, CA 95460

(707) 937-2422

California. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available at this café. Be sure to sample the Thai burrito. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Ravens' Restaurant at Stanford Inn by the Sea

44850 Comptche Ukiah Rd., Mendocino, CA 95460

(707) 937-5615

Vegetarian/organic. Dishes at the Ravens' are inspired by the restaurant's California-certified organic farm. The dining room offers a beautiful view of the ocean. For breakfast they serve such items as buckwheat waffles and eggs portobella, and the dinner menu includes Creole vegetables with blackened tofu. Open Monday for breakfast and dinner. Open Tuesday and Wednesday for breakfast. Open Thursday and Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, soymilk, wine/beer/alcohol, non-alcoholic wine/beer, reservations recommended, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$$.

Menlo Park

Flea Street Café

3607 Alameda de Las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025

(415) 854-1226

Natural foods. The chef at this casually elegant restaurant will improvise to accommodate vegetarian requests. Organic produce is used. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Open weekends for brunch. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $$$.

Merced

•• New Stars Vegetarian

3518 G St., Merced, CA 95340

(209) 725-3232

Vegetarian. See description under Fresno, CA.

Middletown

Stonefront Restaurant

18424 Harbin Springs Rd., Middletown, CA 95461

(707) 987-9012

Natural foods. This restaurant is located in Harbin Hot Springs Resort. Daily dinner specials, salads, and soups are prepared with organically grown produce when available. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Cafeteria, vegan options, non-alcoholic beer, $-$$.

Mill Valley

High Tech Burrito

118 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley, CA 94941

(415) 388-7002

Mexican. See description under Alamo, CA.

Milpitas

•• Loving Hut

516 Barber Ln., Milpitas, CA 95035

(408) 943-0250

Vegan/Asian/American. Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." They offer gourmet vegan cuisine "for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet." Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. The Milpitas location has a large dessert and beverage menu that includes vegan ice cream, cakes, coffees, and teas. Try the Caramel Flan or Tapioca Tea. They also have great lunch specials and offer office catering. This location is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Monday for lunch. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, non-alcoholic beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Lu Lai Garden

210 Barber St., Milpitas, CA 95035

(408) 526-9888

Vegetarian. Enjoy delicious Hong Kong-style Chinese vegetarian cuisine, such as appetizers like Pot Stickers, Seaweed Bean Curd Rolls, and Veggie Egg Rolls. Also try one of 11 different types of soup offered, and a wide variety of entrées, including Chinese vegetables, bean curd, noodles, rice, and much more. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, no credit cards, $$.

•• Milan Sweet Centre

296 S. Abel St., Milpitas, CA 95035

(408) 946-2525

Vegetarian/Indian. Feast on many traditional Indian items, as well as tofu kabobs and sweet and sour kabobs. Open Monday for lunch. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $.

•• Tirupathi Bhimas

1208 S. Abel St., Milpitas, CA 95035

(408) 945-1010

Vegetarian/Indian. See description under Artesia, CA. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday.

Monterey

Ama Rin Thai Cuisine

807 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

(831) 373-8811

Thai. Authentic Thai cuisine is presented with contemporary Thai ambiance. Sample a wide variety of Thai vegetarian dishes using organically grown local produce. Tofu can easily be substituted for meat in any dish. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Chef Lee's Mandarin House

2031 N. Fremont St., Monterey, CA 93940

(408) 375-9551

Chinese. Several vegetarian dishes, including Mushrooms with Chinese Greens, Spicy Bean Curd, and Mu Shu Vegetables, are offered at this restaurant. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, catering, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

Monterey Park

•• Happy Family Vegetarian Restaurant

608 N. Atlantic Blvd., 2nd Fl., Monterey Park, CA 91754

(626) 282-8986

Vegetarian/Chinese. Happy Family Vegetarian Restaurant is completely vegetarian and mostly vegan. Though the menu features many dishes containing mock meats, their specialty is the vegetarian deep fried "chicken," which is made from mushrooms. They do not use MSG. Stop in for their great daily lunch specials. Happy Family is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Moreno Valley

Dragon House Restaurant

22456 Alessandro Blvd., Moreno Valley, CA 92507

(714) 653-1442

Chinese. Dragon House features a complete vegetarian menu. Don't be surprised when you see chicken, beef, and scallop dishes on the vegetarian menu since these options are made from soybean protein. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Mount Shasta

Lily's

1013 S. Mt. Shasta Blvd., Mount Shasta, CA 96067

(530) 926-3372

California. Set in an old, refurbished house and displaying a view of Mt. Shasta, Lily's offers several vegetarian dishes, although very few vegan meals. Open daily for three meals. Full service, take-out, reservations recommended for Sunday brunch, alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$$.

Mountain View

•• Amarin Cuisine

156 Castro St., Mountain View, CA 94041

(650) 938-8424

Vegetarian/Thai. This restaurant offers vegetarian salads, soups, noodle dishes, and a host of curry dishes. Brown rice is available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC, $$.

Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

790 Castro St., Mountain View, CA 94041

(650) 961-6666

Italian. It's difficult to find an Italian restaurant that caters to vegetarians, but Amici's is one delicious exception. You can choose from various pasta dishes, salads, and sandwich options, but do not miss the thin crust, brick-oven baked pizzas, available with non-dairy cheese substitutes and fresh veggies. Try the Cholesterol Council's National Bake-off choice, the new Asante Pizza, topped with soy mozzarella, spinach, broccoli, red onions, tomatoes, and fresh basil (no tomato sauce). Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $-$$$.

Country Gourmet of Mountain View

2098 El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040

(650) 962-1700

Natural foods. Country Gourmet serves veggie burritos, taco salad, and pasta dishes. Open daily. Counter service, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Deedee's Indian Fast Food

2551 W. Middlefield Rd., Mountain View, CA 94043

(650) 967-9333

Vegetarian/Indian. This primarily vegan restaurant offers highly affordable food through its lunch buffet, counter service, and Sunday brunch. Choose from samosas, pakoras, rice dishes, vegetable entrées, traditional Indian breads, a veggie burger, desserts, and snacks. It also houses an Indian store. Open daily for lunch. Counter service, vegan options, special drinks, take-out, delivery, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

•• Garden Fresh Vegetarian Restaurant

1245 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040

(650) 254-1688

Vegan/Chinese. Garden Fresh Vegetarian Restaurant offers a variety of vegetable, tofu, and wheat-gluten dishes on their all-vegan Chinese menu. Try Grilled 'Salmon' Filet, Hundred-Layer Tofu, Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Deluxe, Black Mushroom with Bok Choy, or Vegi Chicken Chow Fun. Save room for some vegan chocolate cake or non-dairy soy ice cream. Garden Fresh is located in Mountain View, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, soymilk, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

Hobee's Restaurant

2312 Central Expy., Mountain View, CA 94043

(650) 968-6050

American. See description under Cupertino, CA. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $$.

Murphys

•• Mineral

419 Main St., Murphys, CA 95247

(209) 728-9743

Vegetarian/contemporary. Mineral is an upscale eatery which prides itself on using local organic produce, when available. Specialties include Ginger Snap Seitan and Fried Chocolate Cannoli. Mineral is located in wine country, not far from Sacramento. Hours change seasonally so please call ahead. Open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, catering, soymilk, wine, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Napa

High Tech Burrito

641 Trancas St., Napa, CA 94558

(707) 224-8882

Mexican. See description under Alamo, CA.

•• Ubuntu

1140 Main St., Napa, CA 94559

(707) 251-5656

Vegetarian/natural foods. Ubuntu is a community-focused restaurant and yoga studio in beautiful Napa Valley. With a celebration of local farms and biodynamic gardens, the menu changes depending on the produce available. This is true farm-to-table cuisine. They have many vegan options as well as items that can be made vegan. Please note that Ubuntu is closed between lunch and dinner so call ahead for hours. Open Monday through Thursday for dinner. Open Friday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Newark

•• Udupi Palace

5988 Newpark Plz., Newark, CA 94560

(510) 794-8400

Vegetarian/Indian. See description under Artesia, CA.

Newport Beach

Royal Thai

4001 Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA 92663

(714) 650-3322

Thai. Royal Thai offers nine vegetarian entrées, plus appetizers, soups, and salads. Open Monday through Friday for lunch. Open Saturday for dinner only. Open Sunday for brunch and dinner. Full service, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Sage

2531 Eastbluff Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660

(949) 718-9650

American. Sage offers a wide variety of options, from specialty pizzas to sweet potato fries. Among the vegetarian selections are Chinese saimin noodles with vegetables, grilled vegetable pizza, and Sage salad (roasted asparagus, leeks, scallions, maui onions, corn, summer squash, tomatoes, mixed greens, and red wine dijon vinaigrette). Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, reservations required, $$.

North Hollywood

Leonor's Mexican Food

11403 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606

(818) 980-9011

Mexican. Leonor's offers tostadas, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and burritos made with soy cheese and soy "meats." It also serves pizza, sandwiches, and salads. This location is about 90 percent vegetarian, while their Studio City and Valley Village locations are completely vegetarian. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, $-$$.

Northridge

•• Karma Vegetarian Cuisine

9043 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, CA 91324

(818) 998-6900

Vegetarian/Indian. Located inside a grocery, this buffet serves some of the tastiest Northern and Southern Indian food in the L.A. area. Their combination dinners are an outstanding value. Open Monday through Friday for three meals. Open Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. Counter service, vegan options, $.

Norwalk

•• Our Daily Bread Bakery

12201 Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650

(562) 863-6897

Vegetarian/deli. The entrée menu rotates every 21 days, and there are 12 different soups, breads, cookies, macaroni and cheese, stuffed peppers, enchiladas, and quiche. Open Monday through Thursday from late breakfast through early dinner. Open Friday for breakfast. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Counter service, vegan options, $.

Novato

High Tech Burrito

942 Diablo Ave., Novato, CA 94947

(415) 897-8083

Mexican. See description under Alamo, CA.

Oakland

•• Café Gratitude

230 Bay Pl., Oakland, CA 94612

(510) 250-7779

Vegetarian/raw foods/organic. This location is inside Whole Foods Market. See description under Berkeley, CA.

•• Golden Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant

1301 Franklin St., Oakland, CA 94612

(510) 893-0383

Vegetarian/Vietnamese. Golden Lotus is a vegetarian and mostly vegan restaurant. Enjoy spring rolls, Vietnamese veggie pancakes, carmelized "chicken," pot stickers, fried wontons, and more. Be sure to sample one of the numerous soups as well as a wide variety of creative entrées, many of which use wheat gluten and soy products. Golden Lotus is in the East Bay in downtown Oakland. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, soymilk, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.

Granny Feels Great

5020 Woodminster Ln., Oakland, CA 94602

(510) 530-6723

Natural foods. Granny's primarily offers sandwiches, but vegetarian options using cheese or dairy are also available. The menu also lists a salad plate, potato salad, and carrot-raisin salad. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Counter service, fresh juices, take-out, $.

Holyland Kosher Foods

677 Rand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610

(510) 272-0535

Kosher. Enjoy salads, hummus, tabbouleh, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves while sitting indoors or enjoying the sun outside. Open Sunday through Thursday for late lunch and dinner. Open Friday until noon. Closed Saturday. Full service, fresh juices, wine/beer, catering, take-out, $.

•• Layonna's Kitchen

358 11th St., Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 628-0350

Vegan/Chinese. Located in Oakland's Chinatown, the "East Bay Express" voted this Buddhist establishment the best vegetarian restaurant on the East Bay. Layonna's offers appetizers, soups, entrées, rice or noodle dishes, and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Unique items include ginger 'fish' soup, twice-cooked 'pork,' Hainan 'drumsticks,' pan-fried 'codfish steak,' mustard green pickles and bean curd, and seaweed pinenut fried rice. No MSG, onion, or garlic is used. Also, the owners operate a Chinese vegetarian grocery with many exotic gourmet items at 443 8th St. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, special drinks, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Manzanita Restaurant

4001 Linden St., Emeryville, CA 94608

(510) 985-8386

Vegan/organic/macrobiotic. Manzanita Restaurant offers gourmet macrobiotic and vegan food, prepared with organic ingredients. Check their website for their daily menu. They also offer vegan baked goods and a terrific weekend brunch buffet. The restaurant encourages you to be eco-friendly (& avoid their eco-packaging charge!) by bringing your own containers for take-out orders. They are closed between lunch/brunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Manzanita, formerly called the Macrobiotic Center & Organic Café, is located on the corner of 40th & Linden in the East Bay. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch buffet and dinner. Full service, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Nan Yang Rockridge

6048 College Ave., Oakland, CA 94618

(510) 655-3298

Burmese. The wide variety of vegetarian dishes includes Hot and Sour Soup, Fried Tropical Squash, Stir-Fried Brussel Sprouts and Baby Corn, Stir-Fried Jicama, Burmese Cold Noodles, and more. Also, savor curry, black, coconut, or chili rice. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Pizza Plaza

6211 Shattuck Ave., Oakland, CA 94609

(510) 420-1433

Vegetarian pizzeria. Pizza Plaza allows you to "create the vegetarian pizza you like." Toppings are numerous and include fake meat such as chicken, ground beef, ham, sausage, salami, and pepperoni -- all vegan. They also have unique toppings like baked tofu caper, fresh ginger, pine nuts, sesame seeds, sweet peas, sweet corn, artichoke hearts, and green beans. If you don't feel like pizza, you can enjoy salads, vegan calzones, and vegan lasagna. Desserts include vegan ice cream, vegan chocolate cake, and vegan cheesecake. Wow! Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

•• Souley Vegan

301 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 393-9186

Vegan/soul food. Souley Vegan truly makes food for the soul and, best of all, it's completely vegan! This gem offers such delights as BBQ tofu, collard greens, candied yams, and mac & cheese. Enjoy live music every Friday evening. Souley Vegan is at 3rd Street in Oakland's historic Jack London Square. Cash only. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Limited service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, $$.

Orange

Rutabegorz

264 N. Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866

(714) 633-3260

International. See description under Fullerton, CA.

Oxnard

Chai's Thai Cuisine

2178 Saviers Rd., Oxnard, CA 93033

(805) 240-2462

Thai. Chai's Thai Cuisine has a separate vegetarian menu. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

Pacific Grove

•• Central Avenue Bakery

173 Central Ave., Pacific Grove, CA 93950

(831) 373-2000

Vegetarian bakery. Near Monterey Bay Aquarium, Central Avenue Bakery is a kosher bakery and coffee shop serving vegetarian gourmet sandwiches, salads, and soups. Most of their products are organic. They grind their own flours on the premises for their pastries and make their own soymilk. A great place to just relax and hang-out; you can play a game of Scrabble, sip organic coffees and teas, use their free wireless Internet, or just read a book. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, soymilk, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Tillie Gort's Café and Restaurant

111 Central Ave., Pacific Grove, CA 93950

(831) 373-0335

International. Tillie Gort's has California-style offerings, including hot and cold sandwiches, pasta, and two kinds of veggie burgers with your choice of toppings, and other vegetarian specialties. The café has an earthy, informal coffeehouse atmosphere that is suitable for business entertaining. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, non-smoking, vegan/macrobiotic options, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Palm Desert

•• Native Foods  §

73890 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260

(760) 836-9396

Vegan/natural foods/organic. See description under Aliso Viejo, CA. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday.

Palm Springs

•• Café Totonaca

Nature's Rx Natural Health Food Market, 555 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264

(760) 323-9487

Vegetarian/natural foods store deli. Located inside Nature's Rx Natural Health Food Market, Café Totonaca boasts a jungle décor and great service. Offerings include Whole Grain Pancakes, Super Sprout Salad, Tofu Mock Egg Sandwiches, Tempeh Burgers, B.B.Q. Soy Chicken with Veggies, a Tofu Steak Platter, Soy Shrimp & Broccoli, and Veggies Azteca (steamed veggies with rice, beans, and salsa). Dairy-free shakes and smoothies are also available in flavors like Almond Pecan and Date. Near Living Desert Animal Park and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, fresh juices, special drinks, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Native Foods  §

1775 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264

(760) 416-0070

Vegan/natural foods/organic. This location is in Smoke Tree Village. See description under Aliso Viejo, CA. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday.

Palo Alto

Country Sun Natural Foods Deli

440 California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306

(415) 328-4120

Health foods store deli. The Country Sun deli offers breakfast and lunch every day with a variety of vegetarian options. Organically grown grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables are used whenever possible. The menu features homemade vegetarian pizza, a wide variety of salads, hot entrées, vegetarian burgers, and sandwiches. Open daily. Limited service, macrobiotic/vegan options, fresh juices, limited seating, take-out, $.

Hobee's Restaurant

4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

(650) 493-7823

85 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 327-4111

American. See description under Cupertino, CA.

•• Loving Hut

165 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 321-5588

Vegan/Asian/American. Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." They offer gourmet vegan cuisine "for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet." Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. The Palo Alto location uses organic ingredients and their bread is baked fresh locally each morning. They are located near Stanford University and offer office catering. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, take-out, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

•• Meekk's Dinner Tree

3750 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94024

(650) 424-3900

Kosher/vegetarian. Meekk's offers vegan, organic fare with inspiration from all over the world. Try the salads, soups, entrées, appetizers and, definitely, the desserts! Open Sunday through Thursday for three meals. Open Friday for lunch. Open Saturday for dinner. Full service, vegan options, catering, take-out, $$$.

Ming's

1700 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303

(650) 856-7700

Chinese. Offering an extensive vegetarian menu, Ming's is a fine dining experience for a reasonable price. Options include Sautéed Vegetarian lettuce wrap with diced vegetables, tofu, and pine nuts, and Vegetarian Cashew "Chicken" with soy gluten, roasted peanuts, bamboo shoots, carrots, celery, and bell pepper in chili and garlic sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, delivery, $-$$.

Molly Stone's

164 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 365-8300

Natural foods. Located across from the train station, Molly Stone's is a gourmet grocer with high quality produce, specialties, and natural foods. They have outdoor seating for those who wish to people-watch while they dine. Open daily. Limited service, vegan options, $-$$$.

Rojoz Gourmet Wraps

60 Town and Country Village, Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 324-9727

Mexican. Rojoz serves only the finest beans, vegetables, spices, and sauces prepared quickly, without compromising taste. The menu offers an array of vegetarian burritos, such as the Classic Veggie, stuffed with black beans, Aztec rice, sun-ripened tomato salsa, and homemade chunky guacamole; and the Taj Mahal, a vegan blend of curried red potatoes, julienne carrots, cabbage salsa, and jasmine rice. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, beer, $.

The Good Earth

1520 Page Mill Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304

(650) 813-1524

Natural foods. See description under Northridge, CA.

Whole Foods Market

774 Emerson St., Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 326-8676

Natural foods store/deli. This gourmet natural foods deli offers 35 all-natural and organic salads. Specialty items include homemade vegetable knishes, pizzas, and vegetable sushi. There are also hot food selections, including vegan entrées, vegetable lasagna, and two daily soups. Breakfast is served and box lunches to-go are available. Open daily. Deli-style, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $-$$.

World Wraps

201 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301

(415) 327-9777

International. World Wraps offers a variety of sandwiches and smoothies. Try The Bombay with curried vegetables and mango salsa, or the Mexican-style Sautéed Tofu wrap. Open daily. Limited service, vegan options, fresh juices, smoothies, $.

Zao Noodle Bar

261 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 328-1988

California. Zao Noodles offers several vegetarian Spicy Black Bean with Vegetable Stir Fry, Rice Noodles with Five Vegetables and Tofu, and Vegetable Pho. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC, $$.

Palomar Mountain

•• Mother's Kitchen

Junction S. 6th & S. 7th, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060

(760) 742-4233

Vegetarian juice bar. Any visitor to San Diego who drives up to see the famous Mt. Palomar telescope will pass Mother's. It's the only eatery on the mountain. Within this rustic mountaintop cabin, you'll find soups, salads, sandwiches, and nutburgers. Open Thursday through Monday. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Full service, fresh juices, smoothies, wine/beer, take-out, $$.

Paradise

•• Feather River Hospital Cafeteria

5974 Pentz Rd., Paradise, CA 95969

(916) 877-9361

Vegetarian/cafeteria. Sample the Spinach Tortellini or Spaghetti, Mushroom Loaf, Zucchini Quiche, Enchilada, or Garbanzo Casserole. Or visit the salad bar, pizza bar, and veggie burger bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Cafeteria, take-out, $.

Pasadena

•• My Vegan Restaurant

633 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Ste. 3, Pasadena, CA 91105

(626) 578-9017

Vegan/Thai. My Vegan Restaurant offers an extensive menu of vegan Thai cuisine. Try the Seitan Wrap, Pumpkin Fried Rice, Pineapple Curry, or the Spicy Bamboo Shoot dinner. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, delivery, catering, fresh juices, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Orean . . . The Health Express

817 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104

(626) 794-0861

Vegetarian. This vegetarian fast food restaurant offers meatless burgers, tacos, burritos, tamales, chili dogs, shakes, "air fries," and more. Outdoor seating available. Open daily for three meals. Take-out, smoothies, $-$$$.

Pinole

The New Deli

624A San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564

(510) 724-5335

Natural foods/California-style. The New Deli offers many items made from scratch. Homemade salad dressings and vegetarian soups are prepared daily. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Limited service, smoothies, $-$$.

Pleasant Hill

Thai Village Restaurant

670-I Gregory Ln., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

(510) 256-0289

Thai. This cozy restaurant will substitute bean curd in many of its authentic Thai dishes. Several different curries and vegetable sir-fries are served daily. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, non-alcoholic wine/beer, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Pleasanton

High Tech Burrito

349 Main St., Ste. 120, Pleasanton, CA 94566

(925) 462-2323

Mexican. See description under Alamo, CA.

Quincy

Pangaea Café & Pub

461 Main St., Quincy, CA 95971

(530) 283-0426

Organic café/juice bar. Pangaea Café & Pub serves a variety of different drinks, sandwiches, wraps, and more. Try the Spicy Fiesta Tempeh Wrap, the Coconut Milk Black Bean Burrito, or the Spicy Tofu Nori Roll. Wash it down with a custom-made smoothie or juice from the juice bar. Pangaea's food comes from local, organic farms and the menu changes according to season. They are located in downtown Quincy next to the Town Hall Theater. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine, non-alcoholic beer, VISA/MC, $$.

Redondo Beach

•• Green Temple

1700 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90277

(310) 944-4525

Vegetarian/international/organic. The Green Temple serves a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Italian, and classic American, all vegetarian. Their menu features soups, salads, quesadillas, sides, and sandwiches. Entrées include Tofu Steamers (brown rice, tofu & veggies) and Shepard's Gold (a baked Yukon Gold potato topped with vegetables, crumbled veggie burger & mushroom gravy). They care about sustainability and use organic, local, and seasonal ingredients as much as possible. Many dishes can be ordered as a Jr. portion which is less food and less expensive. The restaurant is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for three meals. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

•• Happy Veggie

709 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach, CA 90277

(310) 379-5035

Vegan/Asian. Happy Veggie is a family-owned and operated establishment with a casual, family-friendly environment. They use soy meat in many dishes which they make from whole grains & vegetables that are marinated in their own special blend of hand ground spices. Entrées include Lemongrass "Chicken," Grilled "Fish" Dinner, Pad Thai, Curry Vegetable Masala, and Clay Pot Tofu (tofu, potatoes, taro & carrots braised in a special clay pot). Happy Veggie is located in the Albertson Shopping Center at the corner of 190th & N. Pacific Coast Hwy. The restaurant is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, take-out, catering, smoothies, fresh juices, soymilk, non-alcoholic beer, VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

Redwood Shores

Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

226 Redwood Shores Pkwy., Redwood Shores, CA 94065

(650) 654-3333

Italian. See description under Mountain View, CA

Hobee's Restaurant

1101 Shoreway Rd., Redwood Shores, CA 94002

(650) 596-0400

American. See description under Cupertino, CA.

Reseda

•• Garden Wok

6117 Reseda Blvd., Reseda, CA 91335

(818) 881-8886

Vegetarian/Chinese. The menu at this small, family-owned restaurant makes good use of mock meats, tofu, mushrooms, and other vegetables prepared wok-style. Offerings include Chicken Drum Sticks, Curry Veggie Beef, Veggie Meat Balls, Kung Pao Veggie Squid, and for dessert, Soy Delicious ice cream. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for dinner only. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Vinh Loi Tofu

18625 Sherman Way, #101, Reseda, CA 91335

(818) 996-9779

Vegan/Vietnamese. Vinh Loi Tofu is a café as well as a tofu factory. The fresh soymilk, tofu, and tofu custard made daily are reason enough to come here and yet there are delicious dishes to try as well. From curry to Vietnamese soup, each dish is made with care. Although it's mostly take-out, there are a few tables if you want to eat in. Only cash is accepted, however, there is an ATM on site. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, take-out, soymilk, $.

Riverside

Dragon House Restaurant

10466 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92505

(714) 354-2080

Chinese. See description under Moreno Valley, CA.

•• Oasis Vegetarian Food

11550 Pierce St., Riverside, CA 92505

(951) 688-5423

Vegetarian. Oasis serves all vegetarian burgers and Latin American cuisine. It adjoins a vegetarian food market. Menu items include the Garden Supreme burger, pupusas (corn tortillas filled with vegetables), carnitas (soy "pork" burritos), tamales (stuffed corn husks), French fries, and many vegetarian sandwiches. Open Sunday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Closed Saturday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, smoothies, VISA/MC, $.

Rosemead

Chameli

8752 Valley Blvd., Rosemead, CA 91770

(626) 280-1947

Indian. Listen to classical Indian sitar music while you enjoy ethnic food. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

•• Happy Family Vegetarian Restaurant

8632 E. Valley Blvd., Ste. E, Rosemead, CA 91770

(626) 288-5786

Vegetarian/Chinese. See description under Monterey Park, CA.

Rowland Heights

•• Happy Family Vegetarian Restaurant

18425 E. Colima Rd., 2nd Fl., Rowland Heights, CA 91748

(626) 965-9923

Vegetarian/Chinese. See description under Monterey Park, CA.

Sacramento

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Auburn, Carmichael, Davis, and Fair Oaks.)

•• Andy Nguyen's Buddhist Vietnamese Restaurant

2007 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818

(916) 736-1157

Vegetarian/Vietnamese. Andy Nguyen's prides itself on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. They offer many mock meat dishes. The owner underwent a spiritual transformation after visiting the tree in India where Buddha found enlightenment. After this, she changed the restaurant to be completely vegetarian. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$-$$$.

Ernesto's Mexican Food

1901 16th St., Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 441-5850

Mexican. Helpful servers will point out vegetarian options, such as Frida's Fajitas, the Navajo Bonanza Burrito, and Navajo Quesadillas. Also, the refried beans are vegan. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$$.

Fox and Goose Public House

"The Building", 1001 R St., Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 443-8825

Pub. This authentic British pub serves a plentiful array of vegan and vegetarian breakfast and lunch items, including pastries, vegetarian black bean chili and many homemade desserts. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine, non-alcoholic beer/wine, special drinks, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

Henry Nguyen Restaurant

1537 Howe Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825

(916) 927-1014

Vietnamese. This restaurant offers more than 25 delicious and affordable vegetarian entrées, and they state that they do not use MSG. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Juliana's Kitchen

1401 G St., Sacramento, CA 95814-1503

(916) 444-0966

Middle Eastern. Juliana's Kitchen is a family-run business that specializes in a variety of vegetarian pita bread sandwiches from the Middle East. Salads, desserts, and organic juice selections are also on the menu. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Ricci's Restaurant

705 J St., Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 442-6741

Italian. The chefs at Ricci's are capable of creating any meal vegan or vegetarian. If you want something other than what is on the menu, just let the server know. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday. Open Saturday for dinner only. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, special drinks, beer, wine, alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $$.

Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op

1900 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 455-2667

Deli. Sacramento Co-op features a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods. Open daily. Limited service, vegan options, VISA/MC/DISC, $.

San Bernardino

Lotus Garden

111 E. Hospitality Ln., San Bernardino, CA 92408

(909) 381-6171

Chinese. This Chinese restaurant offers many vegetarian options, including sizzling bean curd, diced vegetables with nuts, sautéed Chinese bok choy, mock meat and chicken dishes, and pan-fried noodles. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

San Carlos

Fon Yong

1065 Holly St., San Carlos, CA 94070

(650) 637-9238

Chinese. Fon Yong offers a large selection of vegetarian soups, appetizers, entrées, and rice and noodle dishes, some made with mock meats. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

San Diego

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Coronado, Encinitas, and La Jolla.)

Bombay Exotic

3960 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 297-7777

Indian. Bombay Exotic is a beautiful restaurant offering Indian cuisine with many vegetarian and vegan appetizers, soups, and salads, as well as a long list of entrées. Try Dizzy Noo Shak (Banana Curry) for a unique dish, or the Aloo Gobi for a traditional favorite. If you're looking for a place to hold a special event, Bombay Exotic also offers a private dining room. Reservations are recommended on weekends. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$$.

Café Athena

1846 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109

(858) 274-1140

Mediterranean. This Greek-style restaurant offers plenty of vegan options, and they're clearly marked with a "V" symbol. Try Skordalia (a spread made of potato and garlic blended with cilantro), Manitaria (smoked mushrooms blended with sweet peppers), lentil soup, marinated artichoke salad, or Iman Bayaldi (eggplant stuffed with raisins, walnuts, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and cilantro, topped with tomato sauce). Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $-$$.

Café India

3760-5 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110

(619) 224-7500

Indian. Café India offers a vegetarian buffet daily. It is located in a shopping strip close to the arena. Open Tuesday thorugh Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, catering, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Charlie's Best Bread

1808 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109

(858) 272-3521

Vegetarian bakery. This bakery prepares some vegan breads and some vegetarian breads made with cheese or honey. Charlie's uses organic and stone-ground Montana wheat to make flour for the baked goods. They also sell their products at farmers' markets around the area. Open daily. Take-out, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

•• Gelato Vero Café

3753 India St., San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 295-9269

Vegetarian/coffeehouse. The menu is limited at this coffeehouse and gelato shop, but soups, salads, and fresh breads are available daily. Open daily for breakfast through late night service. Counter service, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, AMEX, $.

•• Jimbo's Vegetarian Restaurant

12853 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130

(858) 793-7755

Vegetarian/natural foods. The menu offers items including enchiladas, Jamaican wraps, vegan cakes, and cookies. Open daily. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, soymilk, special drinks, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.

Jyoti Bihanga

3351 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116

(619) 282-4116

Natural foods. Jyoti Bihanga offers excellent vegetarian and macrobiotic foods in a serene atmosphere with a fountain, high arched ceiling, and 15-foot windows. Sample daily specials, homemade soups and desserts, and an all-you-can-eat Saturday breakfast buffet. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Full service, macrobiotic/vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, $-$$.

•• Kung Food Express Café

2949 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 298-7302

Vegan café. In a hurry but still wanting a burger and fries? Then go to Kung Food's drive-thru. The drive-thru is open daily into late evening and everything offered is cholesterol-free, meat-free, and dairy-free. Kung Food is located across from Balboa Park and features an intimate dining room and garden patio that seats about 100. Their 100% plant-based menu includes favorites such as tofu pesto wrap, basil mozzarella & tomato salad, "chicken" parmesan, and soups like pumpkin stew and carrot cashew. Don't forget to try a delicious dessert of pie, mousse, tartlets, or soy soft serve ice cream among others. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, catering, drive-thru, soymilk, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Lotsa Pasta

1762 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109

(858) 581-6777

Italian. This restaurant offers 12 different flavors of pasta cut to order and served with 18 different sauces, 15 of which are vegetarian, for more than 500 combinations. Wheat-free pasta is available. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Loving Hut

1905 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104

(619) 683-9490

Vegan/Asian/American. Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." They offer gourmet vegan cuisine "for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet." Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. The San Diego location is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Cash only at this location. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, take-out, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, special beverages, $$.

•• Madras Café

9484 Black Mountain Rd., San Diego, CA 92126

(858) 695-6229

Vegetarian/Indian. This authentic South Indian vegetarian restaurant offers a menu of samosas, roti, masala dosa, idli, vada, curry dishes, and much more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

Monsoon

729 4th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 234-5555

Indian. This upscale restaurant offers India cuisine in a beautiful atmosphere. Their vegetarian menu items are extensive. Try Eggplant Bhartha, Mushroom Masala, or Tofu & Peas. Reservations are recommended on weekends. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$$.

•• Nature's Express

2949 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 550-1818

Vegan/natural foods/organic. Nature's Express offers fast food that is vegan! Enjoy burgers, fries, wraps, and shakes, all at great prices. In addition, they have a changing buffet that includes a hot bar, salad bar, and cold case. They show their commitment to sustainability and their community by sourcing local products, using organic ingredients as much as possible, recycling their cooking oil into bio-fuel, and using biodegradable packaging. Eat inside or use their convenient drive-thru for vegan food to-go! Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Buffet, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

•• Ocean Beach Organic Food Market & Deli

4765 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107

(619) 224-1387

Vegetarian/natural foods store deli. This deli in a health food store features vegan and raw foods. There is also a great selection of organic produce, cold salads, soups, entrées, sandwiches, baked goods, and desserts. Open daily. Take-out, vegan options, fresh juices, VISA/MC/DISC, $.

•• Pokez Mex Vegetarian Restaurant

947 E St., , San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 702-7160

Mexican. Great vegan options, live music, and spiritual and artistic awareness. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, non-alcoholic beer/wine, beer/wine, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Ranchos

1830 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., , San Diego, CA 92107

(619) 226-7619

Mexican. Great Mexican food in a very pleasant environment, with whole-wheat tortillas, no lard, and soy cheese as options. The vegan items are marked on the menu. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, smoothies, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine, VISA/MC, $$.

Shmoozers

6366 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115

(619) 583-1636

Kosher. The menu is mostly vegetarian, with a few fish dishes. Offerings include pizza, Italian dishes, and Mexican dishes, all made with rennetless cheeses. Veggie burgers and side dishes available. Open Sunday through Thursday for lunch and dinner. Closed Friday. Open Saturday after sundown. Limited service, cafeteria, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/DISC, $.

•• Stephanie's Organic Bakery

4879 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107

(619) 221-0285

Vegan/bakery/organic. Stephanie's Organic Bakery is famous for their delicious baked goods. You won't be able to resist their cakes, strudels, brownies, cookies, muffins, and cheesecakes. But best of all -- everything is vegan! Stephanie's also offers light fare in their café including pizzas with vegan versions of toppings such as ham, pepperoni, and salami. Don't forget Stephanie's when you need the perfect vegan wedding or special occasion cake. They're located in the Ocean Beach area of San Diego. Open Wednesday and Friday for dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for three meals. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Limited service, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

•• The Hare Krishna Temple Buffet & Boutique

1030 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109

(858) 483-2500

Vegetarian. Each night is a different kind of cuisine, including Mexican, Indian, or Italian, at the Hare Krishna Temple Buffet. Though your first visit is free, the temple asks for a $5.00 donation each time you visit the Buffet thereafter. Open Monday through Friday for dinner. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Buffet, no credit cards, $.

San Dimas

•• Veggie & Tea House

641 Arrow Hwy., San Dimas, CA 91773

(909) 592-6323

Vegetarian/Asian. The produce served at Veggie & Tea House is since most of it is grown from their own organic farm, Formosan Farm. All meals are served with two house salads and steamed rice in an elegant bamboo container. Sample entrée selections such as Vegetable Tempera, Vegetable Sushi, Spicy Tofu Veggies, and Soy Crepes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, VISA/MC, $-$$$.

San Francisco

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Berkeley, Campbell, Concord, Cupertino, Fremont, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Oakland, Palo Alto, Pleasant Hill, Redwood Shores, San Carlos, San Mateo, San Rafael, Soquel, and Sunnyvale.)

All You Knead

1466 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94117

(415) 552-4550

American. Located in Haight-Ashbury, All You Knead truly prepares all you need with homemade soups, salads, veggie sandwiches, veggie lasagna, tofu scramble, and veggie burritos. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, $.

Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

2033 Union St., San Francisco, CA 94123

(415) 885-4500

Italian. See description under Mountain View, CA.

•• Ananda Fuara

1298 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 621-1994

Vegetarian/international. Ananda Fuara is a Sri Chinmoy vegetarian restaurant that offers sandwiches, pizza, wraps, salads, and a full breakfast menu. Some items to try include the BBQ tofu burger, Neatloaf sandwich, or roasted vegetable ravioli. They also have an extensive baked goods selection with many vegan desserts. Although normally closed on Sunday, once a month they have a special Sunday brunch; you can call or check the website for the date. Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday for three meals. Open Wednesday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, soymilk, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.

•• Bok Choy Garden

1820 Clement St., , San Francisco, CA 94121

(415) 387-8111

Vegetarian/Chinese. Bok Choy Garden specializes in freshly prepared authentic regional Chinese vegetarian cuisine without garlic, onion, or eggs. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, soymilk, reservations recommended, take-out, catering, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Café Gratitude

2400 Harrison St., San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 830-3014

Vegetarian/raw foods/organic. See description under Berkeley, CA.

•• Cha-Ya

762 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 252-7825

1386 9th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122

(415) 731-2388

Vegan/Japanese. Cha-Ya on Valencia is in the Mission district. The hours are listed below, but please note that they are closed between lunch and dinner. Cha-Ya on 9th is in the Inner Sunset and is open daily for dinner. Both San Francisco locations, unlike the Berkeley one, accept cash only. See description under Berkeley, CA. Open Monday and Tuesday for dinner. Open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.

•• Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant

754 Kirkham St., San Francisco, CA 94122

(415) 682-0826

839 Kearny St., San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 956-7868

Vegan/Chinese. Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant offers an extensive menu of vegan Chinese cuisine at great prices. Their many mock meats are made of soy products, yam, mushroom, or wheat gluten. Their dishes do not contain onion, garlic, or MSG. The Kirkham St. location is at 12th Ave. in the Inner Sunset district. The Kearny St. location is at Washington St. in Chinatown and is open daily. Both Enjoy locations are closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

Fleur De Lys Restaurant

777 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 673-7779

French. Enjoy the feeling of dining in "an immense garden tent set in the French countryside," while feasting on dishes from the separate vegetarian menu. Such offerings include Ecuadorian Quinoa, light Cauliflower Mousseline served with watercress sauce, and Ragout of Wild Mushrooms in a potato shell. Open Monday through Saturday for dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$$.

Gaylord India Restaurant

1 Embarcadero Ctr., San Francisco, CA 94111

(415) 397-7775

Ghirardelli Square, 900 N. Point St., San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 771-8822

Indian. Gaylord offers world-renowned Indian cuisine with bread baked fresh in clay ovens. Vegetarian appetizers and meatless specialties are listed on the menu. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Golden Buddha

832 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 668-4888

Vegetarian/Asian. Formerly called Golden Era 2 Vegetarian Restaurant. See description under Golden Era Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, CA. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday.

•• Golden Era Vegetarian Restaurant

572 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 673-3136

832 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 668-4888

Vegetarian/Vietnamese. Golden Era is completely vegetarian and mostly vegan. They offer a great menu of appetizers, soups, noodles, rice dishes, entrées, and desserts. Try the Vietnamese crepes, carmelized "chicken," or pineapple "salmon." Finish your meal with Vegan Mocha Chocolate Cake, Caramel Flan, or a Salted Plum Lemonade. Golden Era on O'Farrell St. is in the Tenderloin neighborhood. Golden Era 2 on Clement St. is in Richmond and is open on Tuesday but closed on Monday. Both Golden Era restaurants are sister restaurants to Golden Lotus in Oakland. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.

•• Greens Restaurant  §

Fort Mason, Bldg. A, San Francisco, CA 94123

(415) 771-6222

Vegetarian. Located in an old army warehouse, Greens offers beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay and the Coastal Mountain Range. Their menu includes salads, soups, appetizers, sandwiches, entrées, pizza, pasta, breakfast items, pastries, and desserts. Try some of their more unique dishes, such as the Sri Lankan Curry, Eggplant Gratin, and the Greens Asian Scramble. Reservations recommended. Open Monday for dinner. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, wine/beer, espress/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beverages, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$$.

•• Herbivore

983 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 826-5657

531 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94117

(415) 885-7133

Vegan/international. See description under Berkeley, CA.

•• Joubert's

4115 Judah St. At 46th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122

(415) 753-5448

Vegetarian. Features authentic South African dishes like bredies (herbed baked beans) and potjiekos (mixed vegetables with varying sauces) and numerous entrées, chutneys, and desserts, some of which are vegan. Open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner. Open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, formal atmosphere, reservations recommended, non-alcoholic beer/wine, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$$.

•• Lombard Coffee Shop

1972 Lombard St., San Francisco, CA 94123

(415) 923-1052

Vegan/raw foods. This café offers a ethnically diverse menu of all raw options, except for the coffees, black and herbal teas, and soups. Appetizers include Zucchini Hummus, Sorta-Like Salmon Paté, Kimchi, and Daikon and Dried Apricots with crackers, and entrées include Asian Congee, Soba Noodles, Spinach Quiche, and a very filling Vegetable Marinated Lasagna. Make sure that you save some room for the desserts or snacks, though. The convincingly cheesy Lemon Cheesecake and the Black Forest Carob Brownies are highly recommended. Also, the works of rising young artists are often displayed at this café. Open Tuesday and Wednesday for lunch. Open Friday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday and Thursday. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, special drinks, no credit cards, $-$$.

•• Loving Hut

1365 Stockton St., San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 362-2199

Vegan/Asian/American. Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." They offer gourmet vegan cuisine "for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet." Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, smoothies, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Lucky Creation Vegetarian Restaurant

854 Washington St., San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 989-0818

Vegan/Chinese. Lucky Creation serves only vegetarian food because it is concerned about customers' health. The phrase "Health is Wealth" is even featured on the menu. Entrées include Sautéed Black Mushrooms with Chinese Greens and Meatless Diced Almond Chicken, plus 23 other healthy items. Cash only. Open Thursday through Tuesday for lunch and dinner. Closed Wednesday. Full service, take-out, $.

•• MaggieMudd

903 Cortland Ave., San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 641-5291

Vegetarian/ice cream parlor. MaggieMudd is an ice cream parlor that is extremely vegan-friendly. They have an extensive list of dairy-free ice creams that are made from soy, almond, hazelnut, or coconut milk as the base. Enjoy flavors such as Raspberry Blackout, Cookies & Cream, Rocky Road, and Peanut Butter Palooka. Everything that can be made vegan is noted on the menu and there are many such items. Try a Root Beer Freeze shake or Waffle Bowl Banana Split. If all this wasn't enough, they also can make vegan ice cream cakes! MaggieMudd is located in Bernal Heights. Open daily. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, soymilk, smoothies, espresso, special beverages, VISA/MC, $.

Maharani India Restaurant

1122 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 775-1988

Indian. See description under Berkeley, CA.

•• Millennium Restaurant  §

580 Geary St., San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 345-3900

Vegan organic. For upscale dining, try Millennium, which features healthy meals prepared mainly with organic vegetables. The vegan menu includes creations like Grilled Smoked Portobello Mushrooms, Thai Curry Torte, Turkish Tempeh, and Madras Tofu. Millennium is located in the Hotel California. Open daily for dinner. Full service, macrobiotic options, espresso/cappucino, non-alcoholic wine/beer, wine/beer/alcohol, catering, VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

New Eritrea

907 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 681-1288

Ethiopian. Located near the Sunset, New Eritrea offers vegetarian entrées and appetizers served with injera (Ethiopian bread), as well as friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, beer/wine, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

•• New Ganges Vegetarian Restaurant

775 Frederick St., San Francisco, CA 94117

(415) 661-7290

Vegetarian/Indian. New Ganges' offerings are exotic, with distinct flavors from Gujarat, India. You can go é la carte, or choose a special combination plate from the menu, which features dahl, curries, saffron rice, and other classic Indian appetizers. They have vegan desserts and, on Thursday through Saturday, live Indian music. Located near San Francisco State University. Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Quetzal

1234 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 673-4181

International. Quetzal carries an extensive variety of teas from all over the world. Vegetarian sandwiches and desserts also available. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, smoothies, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$-$$$.

Rasoi

1037 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 695-0599

Indian. Rasoi offers traditional Indian entrées with a good vegetarian selection. Open daily for dinner. Full service, $$-$$$.

•• Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant

2026 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122

(415) 731-2548

Vegetarian/Chinese/kosher. Shangri-La offers dairy-free, kosher cuisine, including a large selection of soups, appetizers, mock meats, and some American dishes, in a peaceful Buddhist-inspired atmosphere. Try their Mongolian Beef for lunch or dinner and their delicious fried banana balls for dessert. Note that this restaurant is closed every first and third Wednesday of the month. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, reservations recommended, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

Tai Chi

2031 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 441-6758

Chinese. Tai Chi features Chinese pancakes, spring rolls, vegetable stir-fry, hot and sour cabbage, and dry braised green beans. Open daily. Full service, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

Taiwan Restaurant

445 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 387-1789

Chinese. Enjoy vegetarian dishes such as steamed dumplings, hot and sour fried rice, sweet and sour mock pork, and other mock meat dishes at this quaint Chinese restaurant. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Tortola

3640 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 929-8181

Crocker Galleria, 50 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 986-8678

Ucsf, 500 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122

(415) 731-8670

Stonestown Galleria, 3521 20th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94132

(415) 929-8181

Mexican. Tortola features vegetarian tacos, burritos, and tostadas daily. No lard is used in the beans. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday. Full service, wine/beer, full bar, take-out, $$.

•• Vege House

309 6th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 668-0608

Vegetarian/Vietnamese. Vege House makes all of their tofu and meat alternatives as well as soymilk fresh every day in the restaurant. Try the spicy tofu or Szechuan "Shrimp" with onions, carrots, and green beans, as well as many other delicious vegetarian and vegan options. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Take-out, vegan options, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $.

San Gabriel

•• Veg Table

841 W. Las Tunas Dr., San Gabriel, CA 91776

(626) 282-2282

Vegetarian/Chinese. Located near Cal Tech, this restaurant serves vegetarian Chinese cuisine, including a variety of tofu dishes. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, no credit cards, $$.

•• Vegetarian Wok

529 E. Valley Blvd., #128, San Gabriel, CA 91776

(626) 288-6069

Vegetarian/Chinese. This completely vegetarian Chinese restaurant offers creative dishes using gluten, yams, or mushrooms in place of meat, chicken, and fish. Vegetarian Wok is located in Sunny Plaza. The restaurant is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

San Jose

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Boulder Creek, Milpitas, and Santa Clara.)

•• Dandelion Vegetarian Café

322 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113

(408) 288-6788

Vegetarian/Asian. Dandelion Vegetarian Café features Asian food with a primarily Vietnamese theme. They also serve American favorites, such as 'chicken' nuggets and spaghetti. The majority of the appetizers and entrées are vegan. The café also has sizable dessert and drink menus. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, VISA/MC, $.

•• Di Da Vegetarian

2597 Senter Rd., San Jose, CA 95111

(408) 998-8826

Vegan/Vietnamese. Located in a strip mall, Di Da Vegetarian offers a homey menu that includes Vietnamese-style soups, vegetable rolls, noodle dishes, and curry dishes. The jackfruit salad, sided with a chile-tamarind sauce, comes highly recommended. Cash only. Open daily for three meals. Full service, take-out, $$.

•• Di Lac Cuisine, A Vegetarian and Tofu Restaurant

1644 E. Capitol Expy., San Jose, CA 95121

(408) 238-8686

Vegetarian/Asian. Di Lac offers an extensive menu of Asian dishes made without eggs, meat, or MSG. The menu features such items as Vietnamese Veggie Crepes, Veggie Shark Fin Soup, Thai Sweet & Sour Veggie Seafood Soup, Veggie Minced Crab & Shrimp Meat Vermicelli Soup, Veggie Kung Pao Chicken over Rice, Veggie Roasted Duck, Salted Pepper Veggie Squid, Eggplant with Veggie Beef, Sizzling Veggie Eel with Sweet Basil, and a Tofu Lovers' section. Also, save room for desserts like Non-Dairy Flan, Almond Tofu Jelly, or Pudding Tofu. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, non-alcoholic beer, special drinks, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Good Karma Vegan Café

37 S. 1st St., San Jose, CA 95113

(408) 294-2694

Vegan deli. Good Karma Vegan Café offers sandwiches, wraps, sandwiches, munchies, and more. Their inexpensive menu changes daily but may include BBQ 'Chicken' Drumsticks, Sweet Ginger Tofu, 'Steak' & Taters, or Pineapple 'Tuna' -- and it's all vegan. On some evenings, they host art show receptions or live acoustic music performances. Good Karma is located in downtown San Jose between San Fernando and Santa Clara Streets. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, catering, beer, VISA/MC, $.

Hobee's Restaurant

680 River Oaks Pkwy., San Jose, CA 95134

(408) 232-0190

American. See description under Cupertino, CA.

•• Loving Hut

925 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose, CA 95123

(408) 229-2795

Vegan/Asian/American. Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." They offer gourmet vegan cuisine "for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet." Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. The San Jose location is in the Oakridge Mall and has its own seating area separate from the food court; servers will bring your food out after you order at the counter. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, take-out, catering, fresh juices, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

•• The Happy Bamboo Vegetarian Café

1711 Branham Ln., Ste. A9, San Jose, CA 95118

(408) 694-0740

Vegetarian/Vietnamese. The Happy Bamboo Vegetarian Café serves vegetarian cuisine with no egg or MSG. Enjoy the Au-Lac Veggie Fish or the spicy Lemon Grass Veggie Chicken. Desserts are all-vegan so save room for some Caramel Flan. The Happy Bamboo is located in the Branham Shopping Center. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Vegetarian House

520 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95112

(408) 292-3798

Vegetarian/international. This mostly vegan, gourmet restaurant offers a huge array of vegetarian offerings reflecting Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Middle Eastern, French, and other international cuisines. Choices include soups, spring rolls, vegetable tempura, hummus, vegetable quiche, shish kabobs, pizzas, pasta dishes, and mock chicken, beef, and fish entrées. In addition, this establishment is home to a beautiful art gallery featuring the work of Ching Hai. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

San Luis Obispo

Big Sky Café

1121 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

(805) 545-5401

California. Big Sky Café offers a variety of ethnic and original dishes including many vegetarian items (noted on menu). A wide range of spices and sauces are used to create unique, fresh California cuisine. Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, Big Sky Café is just a block from the Mission Plaza. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Hobee's Restaurant

1443 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

(805) 549-9186

American. See description under Cupertino, CA.

Jewel of India

2115 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

(805) 543-3558

Indian. Enjoy many vegetarian selections, including Samosas, Malai Kofta, Channa Masala, Gobbi Aloo, and Dahl Moong while sitting on the outdoor patio. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch. Open daily for dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

Taj Palace

795 Foothill Blvd., Ste. A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

(805) 543-0722

Indian. Dine on several options, like Aloo Mutter, Dahl, Okra Masala, and Vegetable Korma at this vegetarian-friendly restaurant. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

San Mateo

Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

69 Third Ave., San Mateo, CA 94401

(650) 342-9392

Italian. See description under Mountain View, CA.

•• Annapoorna Vegetarian Restaurant

2299 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 345-4366

Vegetarian/Indian. Enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine at Annapoorna Vegetarian Restaurant. Their popular lunch buffet is a great value. Annapoorna is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

San Rafael

Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

1242 Fourth St., San Rafael, CA 94109

(415) 455-9777

Italian. See description under Mountain View, CA.

Bongkot Thai Express

857 4th St., San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 453-3350

Thai. The Bongkot Thai Express features superior vegetarian dishes on the "Vegi Deluxe" menu section, including curries, noodle dishes, and veggies with various Thai seasonings. The setting includes hand painted mural walls reflecting the beauty of Thailand. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, buffet, take-out, delivery, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

•• Café Gratitude

2200 4th St., San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 578-4928

Vegetarian/raw foods/organic. See description under Berkeley, CA.

High Tech Burrito

2042 Fourth St., San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 485-0214

484 Las Gallinas Ave., San Rafael, CA 94903

(415) 526-2188

Mexican. See description under Alamo, CA.

Santa Ana

Niki's Tandoori Express

3705 S. Bristol St., Santa Ana, CA 92704

(714) 838-7615

2031 E. 1st St., Santa Ana, CA 92705

(714) 542-2969

Indian. Niki's is a new concept in Indian cuisine with a fast food appeal. Some vegetarian options are available. Open daily. Cafeteria, wine/beer, take-out, $-$$.

Santa Barbara

Galanga Thai Restaurant

507 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 899-3199

Thai. Dine on more than 20 different vegetarian Thai dishes at this restaurant. Some dishes contain oyster sauce, though. Ask your waitperson for help in avoiding such items. Open Thursday through Tuesday for lunch and dinner. Closed Wednesday. Full service, vegan options, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer, take-out, $-$$.

Sojourner Restaurant and Coffeehouse

134 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 965-7922

Natural foods. Vegetarian options are scattered throughout the menu. Some international themes are favored, such as the Mediterranean Plate, Mexican fare, and curries. The Sojourner is now using vegetarian (rennetless) jack and cheddar cheese. Non-alcoholic specialty drinks, such as Mocha Frosted and Carob Supreme, are offered. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, espresso/cappucino, wine/beer, take-out, $$.

The Natural Café and Juice Bar

508 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 962-9494

Natural foods. The Natural Café is located in downtown Santa Barbara, five blocks away from the Pacific Ocean. Dine on items such as vegetarian chili, guacamole with chips, spinach salad, falafel pita, veggie stir-fry, tempeh tacos, and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, $-$$.

Santa Clara

•• Dasaprakash

2636 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara, CA 95051

(408) 246-8292

Vegetarian/Indian. Specializing in authentic South Indian cuisine, Dasaprakash is a completely vegetarian restaurant in the South Bay. Enjoy traditional dishes like Thalis, Samosas, Dosai, and Pakodas. Dasaprakash is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Pasand India Cuisine

3701 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051

(408) 241-5150

Indian. Authentic South Indian food is prepared with spices and herbs imported from India. Almost half of the menu lists various kinds of vegetarian dishes. Live classical Indian music is featured on Friday and Saturday evenings. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

Santa Cruz

•• Alfresco

1130 Pacific Ave., Ste. K2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 429-1765

Vegetarian/kiosk. Alfresco is a little kiosk located on the corner of Pacific and Soquel in downtown Santa Cruz. They offer vegetarian and vegan meals with prices that allow you to still shop afterwards. Try their North African Bowl (eggplant & chickpea stew with raisins & Moroccan spices served over couscous) or create your own wrap or salad. All of their seating is outdoors, which is great for warm days and nights. Cash only. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, special beverages, $-$$.

•• Jumping Monkey Café

418 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 466-0168

Vegetarian/Indian. The samosas at the Jumping Monkey Café will have you jumping for joy. This cozy café offers a small, but delicious, menu featuring Indian delights such as samosas and dosas. The vegetables used are always fresh and organic when possible. The staff is familiar with veganism, so don't be afraid to ask if you have any questions. Cash only. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, $.

Linda's Seabreeze Café

542 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

(408) 427-9713

American. Linda's is a charming place for breakfast and lunch on the way to the Santa Cruz beach. Breakfast features pancakes, tofu scramble, and home fries. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, $.

New Leaf Market

1101 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 426-1306

1134 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 425-1793

Natural foods store. See description under Boulder Creek, CA. vegan options.

Royal Taj India Cuisine

270 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

(408) 427-2400

Indian. See description under Campbell, CA.

•• Saturn Café

145 Laurel St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 429-8505

Vegetarian/diner. Saturn Café is an all-vegetarian diner serving soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and more in an inviting and eclectic atmosphere. Vegan items are noted on the menu along with items that can be made vegan upon request. Brunch is always available which is pretty convenient when you are craving a Vegan Breakfast Burrito at 2am (yes, they are open then). Open daily for brunch, lunch and dinner through late night. Full service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, beer, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Staff of Life Natural Foods Market

1305 Water St., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

(408) 423-8041

Vegetarian/natural foods store deli. This market includes a deli that offers burritos, falafels, sandwiches, and soups. The featured entrée changes daily and is usually rice- or pasta-based. Various salads and other items may be purchased separately. Open daily. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, $.

The Bagelry

320 Cedar St. #A, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 429-8049

1636 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

(831) 425-8550

Bagel shop. This establishment bakes 20 kinds of bagels daily and can use them for a variety of both dairy and non-dairy sandwiches. There are also salads, vegan soups, vegan cookies, and a full selection of hot and cold beverages. Outdoor dining is available. Open daily for three meals. Counter service, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, $.

Whole Earth

1156 High St., Santa Cruz, CA 95064

(831) 459-3066

Natural foods. Partake of muffins, scrambled tofu, soups, and salads. Open daily. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, $.

Santa Maria

Healthy Palate

2015 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454

(805) 346-1506

Organic/natural foods. Healthy Palate is an organic café that is very veg-friendly. They serve a variety of juices, teas and smoothies, as well as salads and sandwiches. It's easy to relax in this contemporary restaurant as you enjoy music from different parts of the world in the background. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Santa Monica

Anastasia's Asylum

1028 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 394-7113

California. In addition to their menu, Anastasia's Asylum features specialty coffee drinks, unique décor, rotating art exhibits and a wide variety of nightly music performances. Open daily. Limited service, vegan options, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, soymilk, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Bistro of Santa Monica

2301 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404

(310) 453-5442

Italian. The Bistro is a European-style restaurant featuring northern Italian cuisine. All items are prepared from scratch without salt, sugar, or preservatives. Vegetarian selections are offered in addition to items for guests with special dietary requirements. Fifteen types of pasta can be combined with numerous sauces listed under tomato, cream, olive oil, and specialty headings. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappucino, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

•• Chandni Vegetarian Cuisine of India

1909 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403

(310) 828-7060

Vegetarian/Indian. This vegetarian restaurant offers a wide range of Northern Indian appetizers, soups, breads, and entrées. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, $-$$.

•• Euphoria Loves Rawvolution

2301 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405

(310) 392-9501

Vegetarian/raw foods/organic. Euphoria Loves Rawvolution (ELR) believes in "Peace, Harmony and Raw Food." Offering organic, local, and sustainable raw food, ELR is 99.9% vegan; the only exception is bee pollen. Their menu includes an assortment of soups, salads, entrées, and vegan sushi rolls. Try Greek Pizza, Cucumber Watercress Soup, Zucchini Pasta, or the Sea Dragon Roll. ELR is located between Yoga Works & Urth Caffe. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

•• Golden Mean Vegan Café

1028 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 393-6500

Vegan café/organic. Golden Mean Vegan Café offers all-vegan food in a comfortable setting with free Internet access. Try a Veggie Burger with "The Works" (avocado, tempeh bacon & vegan cheese), "Chicken" Caesar Wrap, or their Almond Butter Nutter Panini. Also available are soups, salads, pizza, baked goods, and shakes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, take-out, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Juliano's Raw

609 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 587-1552

Vegetarian/raw foods. Juliano's is mostly vegan; honey and bee pollen are in some items. The menu here includes pizzas, sandwiches, vegan sushi, burritos, sangria, shakes, cookies, puddings, and pies. Sample dishes such as the Sea Witch soup with avocado and different sea weeds, the Rawvioli made with a pine-nut cheese, and the Strawberry Mousse Carob Tart. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, smoothies, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, special drinks, $$$.

Newsroom Café

530 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 319-9100

Natural foods. See description under Los Angeles, CA.

•• Real Food Daily

514 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 451-7544

Vegan organic. Real Food Daily's philosophy is that plant-based food prepared with gourmet style and hands-on care improves not only the health of the individual but also that of the planet. You can dine on appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrées, daily specials, and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. The West Hollywood location is also open for Sunday brunch. Full service, take-out, catering, delivery, fresh juices, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Santa Rosa

East West Restaurant

2323 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95405

(707) 546-6142

Natural foods. East West Restaurant serves international cuisine with a sumptuous Middle Eastern flavor. It also offers non-dairy shakes and desserts. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, macrobiotic options, fresh juices, smoothies, take-out, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

High Tech Burrito

909 Village Ct., Santa Rosa, CA 95405

(707) 284-3791

Mexican. See description under Alamo, CA.

•• Seed Restaurant

463 Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401

(707) 546-7333

Vegan/raw foods/organic. Seed Restaurant features live and cooked organic, vegan cuisine. The menu is ever-changing but has included Moroccan Spring Rolls, Cashew Egg Salad, Pad Thai, and Zucchini Eggplant Lasagna. Save room for desserts like Chocolate Caramel Pie, Fall Stuffed Pears, and Cheezcake. Seed is located on the east side of 101. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Full service, take-out, catering, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

Sebastopol

•• Slice of Life

6970 McKinley St., Sebastopol, CA 95472

(707) 829-6627

Vegetarian. Slice of Life serves organic whole-wheat crust pizza with creative toppings, veggie burgers, sandwiches, ethnic cuisine, soups, salads, delicious desserts, plus much more. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, macrobiotic/vegan options, fresh juices, non-alcoholic wine/beer, $-$$.

Whole Foods Market

6910 McKinley St., Sebastopol, CA 95472

(707) 829-9801

Natural foods store/deli. See description under Berkeley, CA.

Sequoia National Park

Montecito-Sequoia Lodge Restaurant

King's Canyon National Park, 8000 General Hwy., Sequoia National Park, CA 93633

(800) 843-8677

California. Country club buffet with vegetarian options, though the menu varies. Located between King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Open daily for three meals. Buffet, reservations recommended, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine/alcohol, non-alcoholic beer/wine, smoothies, soymilk, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$-$$$.

Sherman Oaks

Grandma's Thai Kitchen

13230 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

(818) 785-9036

Thai. Grandma's Thai Kitchen offers 10 vegetarian entrées, including pad Thai noodles, mock chicken fried rice, spicy green beans, sweet and sour vegetables, and a tofu/rice medley. They also serve two vegetarian soups and five curry dishes using tofu or wheat gluten. Be sure to tell them not to use fish sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

•• Leaf Cuisine

14318 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

(818) 907-8779

Vegan/raw foods. See description under Los Angeles, CA.

Leda's Bake Shop

13722 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

(818) 386-9644

Bakery. Leda's Bake Shop, while not a completely vegan bakery, offers an extensive vegan menu. Their vegan cupcakes include chocolate, vanilla, chocolate raspberry, chocolate espresso, carrot, pumpkin, and more. Leda's also offers a variety of vegan cakes, cookies, and scones. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Take-out, vegan options, catering, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$-$$$.

Solana Beach

•• Zinc Café & Market

132 S. Cedros, Solana Beach, CA 92075

(858) 793-5436

Vegetarian. See description under Corona del Mar.

Soquel

The Bagelry

4763 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA 95073

(831) 462-9888

Bagel shop. See description under Santa Cruz, CA.

Tortilla Flats

4616 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA 95073

(408) 476-1754

Mexican. Rice, beans, or the "Flatland Mix" (made from a nut mixture) can be substituted for meat in the burritos and tostadas. Open daily. Full service, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

South El Monte

•• Veggie Life Restaurant

9324 E. Garvey Ave., Ste. B, South El Monte, CA 91733

(626) 443-8687

Vegetarian/Vietnamese. Veggie Life prepares authentic Vietnamese dishes, the majority of which are vegan. Various soy products are used in place of meat. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.

South Lake Tahoe

Sprouts

Hwy. 50 & Alameda Ave., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96153

(916) 541-6969

Natural foods. This small café offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, including sandwiches, bagels, rice and beans, burritos, quesadillas, tempeh burgers, tostadas, soups, and salads. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, fresh juices, espresso/capuccino, $.

South Pasadena

Grassroots Natural Market and Kitchen

1119 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030

(626) 799-0156

Natural foods store/café. With an unusual variety of salads, dairy-free soups, tasty hot entrées, sandwiches, and a tempting selection of homemade muffins, Grassroots is a good choice. Please note that the store has different hours than the café so call ahead for specific times. Open Monday through Friday for lunch. Open Saturday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Sunday. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

St. Helena

•• St. Helena Health Center Dining Room

650 Sanitarium Rd., St. Helena, CA 94576

(707) 963-6214

Vegetarian. The food service is for participants at the health center, but non-participants can be accomodated with reservations. Open daily for three meals. Cafeteria, reservations required.

Studio City

•• Leonor's Mexican Food

12445 Moorpark St., Studio City, CA 91604

(818) 762-0660

Vegetarian/Mexican. See description under North Hollywood, CA. This location is 100% vegetarian. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday.

•• Playfood

11118 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604

(818) 784-4444

Vegan/raw foods. Playfood is a fun, diner-style restauraunt that specializes in vegan cheese dishes and also vegan soft-serve ice cream. They are an environmentally conscious company and use recycled and biodegradeable products for take-out items whenever possible. Open Sunday through Friday for lunch through late night service. Call for Saturday hours.. Full service, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $$.

•• SunPower Natural Café

3711 Cahuenga Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604

(818) 308-7420

Vegan/natural foods/organic. Located across from Universal Studios, SunPower Natural Café offers organic vegan meals including many raw foods selections. Popular menu items include cashew shakes, lettuce tacos with sunflower seed "chorizo sausage," raw pizza with cashew cheese, and their own freshly-made sunflower seed burgers. Open Sunday through Wednesday for lunch. Open Thursday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, delivery, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

The Good Earth

12345 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604

(818) 506-7400

Natural foods. See description under Northridge, CA.

•• Vegan Plate

11943 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604

(818) 506-9015

Vegan/natural foods. Vegan Plate serves wraps, burgers, salads, noodles, curry, and soups. Some of their delicious offerings include PET (pumpkin, eggplant & tofu in garlic sauce), Praram's Plate (soy chicken fried with peanut sauce on spinach), and Chu Chee (soy shrimp in coconut pureé). For dessert, try the banana spring rolls, lycheese in light syrup, or the coconut ice cream. Check out their daily lunch special, too. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Vegan World

11044 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604

(818) 985-9544

Vegan/Thai. Vegan World offers completely vegan Thai cuisine at great prices. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, delivery, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Sunnyvale

•• Annapurna Snacks

1112 Elko Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94089

(408) 745-1373

Vegetarian/Indian. Annapurna Snacks serves authentic Indian cuisine that is vegetarian. Their all-you-can-eat lunch is a great deal but come early -- once the food is sold out, they close. Annapurna Snacks is in the South Bay area of Sunnyvale. Open Monday through Friday for lunch. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Limited service, vegan options, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Bhavika's

1053 E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

(408) 243-2118

Vegetarian/Indian. Specializing in North Indian cuisine, this small, casual restaurant offers appetizers, entr?es, and desserts. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for three meals. Closed Monday. Counter service, take-out, no credit cards, $-$$.

•• Chaat House

839 E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

(408) 733-9000

Vegetarian/Indian. Chaat House offers soups, samosas, dahls, thalis, and an assortment of Indian breads. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Counter service, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

•• Great Vegi Land

562 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086

(408) 735-8040

Vegan/Chinese. Great Vegi Land specializes in mock meat dishes, such as smoked vegetarian fish and vegetarian meatballs. The dumplings and the vegetarian sushi come highly recommended. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sundays for dinner only. Full service, fresh juices, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Hobee's Restaurant

800 Ahwanee Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086

(408) 524-3580

American. See description under Cupertino, CA.

•• Komala Vilas

1020 E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

(408) 733-7400

Vegetarian/Indian. Komala Vilas' menu includes idli, dosais, vadai, pongal, and much more. Open Wednesday through Monday for three meals. Closed Tuesday. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC.

•• Panchavati

460 Persian Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 95089

(408) 734-9335

Vegetarian/Indian. Choose from a large variety of traditional Indian dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Royal Taj Indian Cuisine

889 E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

(408) 720-8396

Indian. See description under Campbell, CA.

•• Saravanaa Bhavan

1305 S. Mary Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94087

(408) 616-7755

Vegetarian/Indian. Specializing in South Indian cuisine, Saravana Bhavan offers soups, Indian breads such as naan and roti, dosai, uttapham, curries, mushroom chops, channa cutlets, desserts, and a children's menu. Please note that Saravanaa Bhavan is closed between lunch and dinner so call ahead for hours. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

The Country Gourmet & Co.

1314 S. Mary Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94087

(408) 733-9446

Natural foods. The Country Gourmet features baked goods, an extensive salad collection, and entrées that change daily. Everything is prepared from fresh ingredients with no preservatives or MSG. A couple of vegetarian entrées are featured nightly in addition to the regular menu selection, and there is a children's menu. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, fresh juices, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Udupi Palace

976 E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

(408) 830-9600

Vegetarian/Indian. This restaurant's menu includes dosas, masala dosa, iddly, sambar, and rice. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Tarzana

India's Tandoori

19006 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, CA 91356

(818) 342-9100

Indian. See description under Los Angeles, CA.

•• Madeleine Bistro

18621 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, CA 91356

(818) 758-6971

Vegan organic. Madeleine Bistro is an upscale vegan restaurant in the San Fernando Valley. Enjoy unique offerings such as Waffles & Seitan 'Chicken,' Tea-smoked Tofu Salad, and 'Ham' Risotto with asparagus & black kale. Please note that Madeleine Bistro is closed between lunch/brunch and dinner so call ahead for hours. Open Wednesday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Full service, take-out, catering, fresh juices, soymilk, wine/beer, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

•• Vegan Factory

19014 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, CA 91356

(818) 342-3286

Vegan/Thai. Vegan Factory offers an all-vegan menu of Thai cuisine using mostly organic ingredients. Their extensive selections include curries, noodles, soups, salads, burgers, and rice dishes. For many meals, you choose your favorite meat substitute such as chicken, pepper steak, shrimp, fish, squid, mixed seafood or tofu; they are all vegan! Check out their weekday lunch specials. Vegan Factory is a great place to get delicious vegan food at really good prices. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, delivery, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

Topanga Canyon

Inn Of The Seventh Ray

128 Old Topanga Rd., Topanga Canyon, CA 90290

(310) 455-1311

California. Located near Topanga State Park and featuring creek-side dining, this restaurant offers gourmet American/French dishes in a romantic atmosphere. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for breakfast. Full service, vegan options, formal dinners, reservations recommended, macrobiotic options, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic drinks, beer/wine, soymilk, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$$.

Tustin

Rutabegorz

158 W. Main St., Tustin, CA 92780

(714) 731-9807

International. See description under Fullerton, CA. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Whole Foods Market

2847 Park Ave., Tustin, CA 92782

(714) 566-7650

Natural foods store/deli. See description under Berkeley, CA.

Upland

•• Loving Hut

903-B W. Foothill Blvd., Upland, CA 91786

(909) 982-3882

Vegan/Asian/American. It's the same chef, the same food, and the same location, but Veggie Era has become Loving Hut! Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." They offer gourmet vegan cuisine "for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet." Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Valley Village

•• Leonor's Mexican Food

5217 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607

(818) 769-6315

Vegetarian/Mexican. See description under North Hollywood, CA. This location is 100% vegetarian.

Venice

Fig Tree Café

429 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

(310) 392-4937

Natural foods. Any dish can be made vegetarian to accommodate the customer, or choose from spinach nutburger, roasted eggplant and peppers, Santa Fe tostadas, and stir-fry pizzete (chapati pizza). Open daily. Full service, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• J's Kitchen

1239 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

(310) 450-5119

Vegan/organic/macrobiotic. J's Kitchen focuses on organic and macrobiotic vegan foods. While the menu changes to reflect the seasons, it may include Miso Soup, Teriyaki Tempeh Sandwich, Pumpkin & Grains Croquette, or J's Original Curry. Save room for their vegan sweets! Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Sunday. Limited service, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Seed

1604 Pacific Ave., Venice, CA 90291

(310) 396-1604

Vegan/organic/macrobiotic. Seed offers wholesome, vegan, and minimally-processed food that is always freshly prepared according to macrobiotic principles. They use locally-grown, organic produce whenever possible and their varied menu features sandwiches, paninis, hot bowls, salads, pastries, and Japanese teas. Their dedication to ecological sustainability is shown in the use of energy-efficient lighting, reclaimed wood furniture, and biodegradable containers and paper products. Seed is located just steps from the Venice Beach boardwalk. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Counter service, take-out, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Whole Foods Market

225 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

(310) 566-9480

Natural foods store/deli. See description under Berkeley, CA.

Ventura

•• Mary's Secret Garden

100 S. Fir St., Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 641-3663

Vegan/natural foods/organic. Mary's Secret Garden is an organic vegan bistro. They offer many raw foods items and use organic and locally-grown produce. Save room for a delicious vegan dessert such as coconut jasmine rice pudding or chocolate mint cake. Enjoy outdoor dining on their patio. Reservations recommended. Open Tuesday and Wednesday for lunch. Open Thursday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Full service, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, beer/wine, VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

Tipps Thai Cuisine

512 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 643-3040

Thai. Tipps has a full vegetarian menu featuring more than 20 entrées, plus appetizers, soups, and salads. Entrées include standard vegetable dishes, mock meats, curries, and noodle and rice dishes. No MSG is used in their food preparation. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Walnut Creek

High Tech Burrito

1815-B Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, CA 94596

(925) 938-3888

Mexican. See description under Alamo, CA.

West Covina

•• One World Vegetarian Cuisine

178 S. Glendora Ave., West Covina, CA 91790

(626) 917-2727

Vegetarian/international. This mostly vegan restaurant offers an interesting international menu of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, rice and noodle dishes, and much more. Unique choices include grilled veggie beef teriyaki, barbequed veggie chicken drumsticks, eggplant with veggie ground meat, steamed veggie fish, a veggie smoked pepper ham sandwich, veggie turkey burgers, and a vegan banana-walnut cake. All dishes are egg-free and prepared with filtered water. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday from afternoon through dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, non-alcoholic beer/wine, smoothies, VISA/MC, $$.

West Hollywood

Flowering Tree

8253 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046

(323) 654-4332

Natural foods. The Flowering Tree has a large selection of vegetarian soups, burgers, appetizers, and specialties, as well as breakfast foods and desserts. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, espresso/cappuccino, fresh juices, smoothies, special drinks, take-out, catering, $$.

•• Green Leaves

8351 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

(323) 848-2345

Vegetarian/Thai. See description under Los Angeles, CA.

•• Real Food Daily

414 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048

(310) 289-9910

Vegan organic. See description under Santa Monica, CA.

•• Sprout Café

8410 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

(323) 848-2195

Vegetarian. This comfortable, informal restaurant is right on the Sunset Strip. It offers an extensive menu, including Steak au Poive, a Hickory Smoked Burger, Tabbouleh, and the Tangy Tofu Rice Bowl. Almost everything on the menu can be made vegan. Add a Chocolate Shake for an extra special treat. Open Monday through Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Westminster

•• Bo De Tinh Tam Chay

15131 Moran St., Ste. 417, Westminster, CA 92683

(714) 891-5809

15352 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683

(714) 891-4455

Vegetarian/Vietnamese. Bo De Tinh Tam Chay offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine that is completely vegetarian and mostly vegan. They are a local favorite with an extensive menu and prices that can't be beat. Both locations are in Little Saigon. The original location on Moran St. is in the Asian Garden Mall and may be a little difficult to find as it's hidden from the main road of Bolsa Ave. Cash only. Their 2nd location on Beach Blvd. is in the Thuan Phat Supermarket Plaza and does accept credit cards.. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, smoothies, special beverages, $-$$.

•• Chez Rose Vegetarian Restaurant

7360 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683-4253

(714) 890-9711

Vegetarian/French Vietnamese. The mostly vegan menu at this restaurant includes more than 100 different dishes made with vegetables, tofu, and mock meats. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, no credit cards, $$.

•• Van-Hanh Restaurant

9455 Bolsa Ave., #D, Westminster, CA 92703

(714) 531-4661

Vegetarian/Vietnamese. Van-Hanh offers spring rolls, a wide array of rice dishes, house specials made with steamed or fried tofu, and hearty noodle soups. Unique fare includes Bitter Melon Soup and Vermicelli with Tofu Skin. The establishment also offers Family Tables, prix fixe meals for 4 to 10 people. Open daily for three meals. Full service, fresh juices, special drinks (soybean milk, Vietnamese coffee drinks), take-out, $-$$.

•• Zen Vegetarian Restaurant

9329 Bolsa Ave., Westminster, CA 92683

(714) 895-3637

Vegetarian/Vietnamese. Zen Vegetarian Restaurant, also known as Thien Quan Com Chay, is located in Little Saigon. They serve a variety of mock meats and traditional Vietnamese dishes, including several variations of Pho. Open Tuesday through Sunday for three meals. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

Whittier

•• Veggie Bistro

6557 Comstock Ave., Whittier, CA 90601

(562) 907-7898

Vegetarian/Asian. This vegetarian eatery assures us that "all of our dishes including the ones with names such as 'beef, chicken, pork, fish and shrimp', etc. are healthy vegetarian entrées made from soy, wheat gluten, and other natural herbal ingredients." These include beef with pineapple, braised duck, steamed fish, and sweet and sour chicken. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, $$.

Willits

Tsunami

50 S. Main St., Willits, CA 95490

(707) 459-4750

Asian. Dinner and lunch menu headings include sushi, salads, side orders, grilled, Cajun, colache, and tempura. All categories list vegetable and tofu selections, and vegetarian specials are also offered. Dishes are all carefully prepared from scratch with natural ingredients, and most vegetables are locally and organically grown. Some dessert selections are prepared without dairy, sugar, or eggs. Beverages include local microbrewery beers, coffee, and wine. Dine on the patio amidst Japanese maple trees, plum trees, and flowers. Open daily. Full service, wine/beer, take-out, reservations recommended, $$.

Yreka

Nature's Kitchen

412 S. Main St., Yreka, CA 96097

(530) 842-1136

Natural foods. Nature's Kitchen is located inside a health food store. Try the veggie chiliburger with the apple and walnut salad. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, cappuccino, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

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