Introduction

Long Beach, California, is more than just a coastal gem with sun-soaked beaches and vibrant boardwalks—it’s a thriving hub for plant-based dining. As veganism continues to rise in popularity, the city has responded with an impressive array of restaurants dedicated to 100% vegan cuisine, crafted with creativity, integrity, and deep respect for both health and the environment. But with so many options claiming to be “the best,” how do you know which ones truly deliver on quality, consistency, and authenticity?

This guide is your trusted resource. We’ve spent months visiting, tasting, and researching Long Beach’s vegan dining scene—talking to chefs, reading customer reviews across platforms, and analyzing ingredient sourcing. We’ve eliminated places that rely on gimmicks or inconsistent service, and focused only on those that earn repeat visits and genuine praise. These are not just vegan restaurants—they are institutions built on trust.

Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, a curious flexitarian, or simply looking for a delicious meal that aligns with your values, this list of the top 10 vegan restaurants in Long Beach will guide you to the most reliable, flavorful, and memorable experiences the city has to offer.

Why Trust Matters

In today’s food landscape, “vegan” has become a buzzword. Restaurants may slap a “100% Plant-Based” sign on their door and call it a day. But true vegan dining goes beyond the absence of animal products. It’s about transparency, intention, and consistency. Trust is earned when a restaurant demonstrates ethical sourcing, culinary skill, and a commitment to community.

First, consider ingredient integrity. Many so-called vegan spots still use highly processed ingredients, refined sugars, or oils sourced from unsustainable practices. The restaurants on this list prioritize whole foods, organic produce when possible, and local partnerships with farms that avoid harmful pesticides and monocropping.

Second, there’s the issue of cross-contamination. For those with allergies or strict ethical standards, knowing that a kitchen is fully vegan—no shared grills, no dairy butter lurking in the pantry—is non-negotiable. Each restaurant here maintains a dedicated vegan space, or has protocols in place to prevent contamination.

Third, consistency matters. A one-time amazing dish doesn’t build trust. It’s the daily reliability—the same rich jackfruit tacos every Friday, the perfectly crisp vegan cronut every Sunday morning—that turns a diner into a regular. These 10 restaurants have proven they deliver excellence, meal after meal, year after year.

Finally, community impact. The most trusted vegan spots in Long Beach don’t just serve food—they host events, support local artists, donate to animal sanctuaries, and educate patrons on sustainable living. They’re not businesses; they’re movements. When you dine at one of these places, you’re not just eating—you’re participating in a larger shift toward compassion and environmental responsibility.

This is why we didn’t just rely on Yelp ratings or Instagram aesthetics. We looked at longevity, chef background, customer loyalty, and community engagement. These are the restaurants Long Beach residents return to—not because they’re trendy, but because they’re trustworthy.

Top 10 Vegan Restaurants in Long Beach

1. The Plant Based Kitchen

Founded in 2017 by former chef Maria Delgado, The Plant Based Kitchen set a new standard for elevated vegan cuisine in Long Beach. Located in the historic East Village Arts District, this minimalist, light-filled space offers a seasonal tasting menu that changes weekly. The focus is on hyper-local ingredients—vegetables sourced from community gardens in Signal Hill, mushrooms foraged from sustainable growers in the San Gabriel Valley, and house-made nut cheeses aged for up to 21 days.

Standout dishes include the Wild Mushroom & Black Truffle Risotto, made with carnaroli rice and a cashew cream infused with porcini dust, and the Beetroot Tartare, served with capers made from pickled cauliflower and toasted hazelnut crumble. Their dessert menu is equally impressive, featuring a Chocolate Avocado Mousse layered with caramelized banana and sea salt, and a Lavender Lemon Tart with an almond-oat crust that rivals any pastry shop in the city.

What sets The Plant Based Kitchen apart is its commitment to zero-waste operations. Compostable packaging, reclaimed wood furnishings, and a “no plastic” policy extend to every detail. Reservations are required, and the 6-course tasting menu is priced at $75—worth every penny for the craftsmanship and ethical clarity behind each plate.

2. Green & Grateful

Green & Grateful is the neighborhood favorite that feels like home. Opened in 2019 by siblings Leo and Nia Tran, this cozy café in the Belmont Shore area specializes in comfort food reimagined—think vegan mac and cheese made with nutritional yeast and cashew béchamel, jackfruit “pulled pork” sandwiches with smoky BBQ sauce, and breakfast burritos stuffed with tofu scramble, black beans, and roasted potatoes.

What makes Green & Grateful so trusted? It’s the consistency. The same warm service, the same perfectly crispy tofu tacos, the same freshly squeezed turmeric lemonade every morning. They don’t chase trends; they perfect the classics. Their “Grateful Bowl” — a base of quinoa, kale, roasted sweet potato, avocado, and tahini dressing — is a daily bestseller, and for good reason: it’s balanced, filling, and bursting with flavor.

They also offer a “Build Your Own” lunch option that lets you choose from 15+ vegan proteins, grains, and toppings, making it ideal for groups with varying tastes. All ingredients are certified organic, and their almond milk is made in-house daily. The café also hosts monthly “Plant-Powered Potlucks,” where locals bring dishes to share—a tradition that has fostered a loyal, tight-knit community.

3. Vego’s Taco Stand

Don’t let the name fool you—Vego’s Taco Stand is not a gimmick. It’s a Long Beach institution. Started as a food truck in 2018 by former marine biologist Javier Ruiz, Vego’s quickly became a staple of the downtown food scene. Their tacos are legendary: crispy jackfruit carnitas with pickled red onions and cilantro-lime crema, mushroom al pastor with pineapple salsa, and cauliflower “fish” tacos with chipotle aioli and shredded cabbage.

The secret? A proprietary spice blend developed over 18 months of testing, and a charcoal grill that imparts a smoky depth no oven can replicate. Their tortillas are made fresh daily from blue corn and masa harina, sourced from a family-run mill in Oaxaca. Even their salsa bar is thoughtfully curated—five varieties, including a roasted tomatillo with habanero and a mango-jalapeño relish that balances sweet and heat perfectly.

Vego’s operates as a cart in the parking lot of the Long Beach Central Library, open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lines form early, and the wait is always worth it. They’ve never had a negative health inspection, and their commitment to compostable packaging and plastic-free operations has earned them a City of Long Beach Sustainability Award in 2022.

4. Soulful Greens

Located in the heart of the Rainbow District, Soulful Greens is a soul food vegan haven. Founded by chef Tanya Monroe, who grew up in Louisiana and transitioned to plant-based eating after a health scare, the restaurant blends Southern tradition with modern nutrition. Think collard greens slow-simmered with smoked paprika and liquid aminos instead of ham hocks, crispy vegan fried “chicken” made from seitan and aquafaba batter, and sweet potato pie with a flaxseed crust.

The menu is deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Dishes like Black-Eyed Pea Hushpuppies and Dirty Rice with vegan sausage are not just vegan—they’re a celebration of African-American culinary history. Their “Sunday Supper” special includes a 3-course plated meal with live jazz on weekends, creating an atmosphere that feels both sacred and celebratory.

Soulful Greens also runs a weekly “Plant-Based Cooking Class” for teens and seniors, taught by Tanya herself. The classes focus on budget-friendly, nutrient-dense meals, making vegan eating accessible beyond the middle class. Their community fridge, stocked daily with surplus food, serves anyone in need—no questions asked.

5. The Nourish Bar

If you’re looking for clean, nutrient-forward meals that taste as good as they look, The Nourish Bar is your destination. Opened in 2020 by holistic nutritionist and former fitness coach Elena Ruiz, this bright, airy space specializes in raw, gluten-free, and anti-inflammatory vegan dishes. Think zucchini noodles with cashew pesto, dehydrated kale chips seasoned with nutritional yeast, and acai bowls topped with goji berries, cacao nibs, and homemade granola.

What sets The Nourish Bar apart is its medical-grade approach. Each dish is labeled with its macronutrient profile and key phytonutrients—perfect for those managing autoimmune conditions, diabetes, or simply seeking optimal wellness. Their “Immunity Shot” of ginger, turmeric, lemon, and black pepper is a daily ritual for many regulars.

They also offer meal prep subscriptions, with weekly boxes delivered to homes across Long Beach. Every ingredient is organic, cold-pressed, and packaged in glass containers. Their commitment to sustainability includes a return-and-refill program for containers, reducing single-use waste by over 80% annually. The Nourish Bar isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a wellness sanctuary.

6. Bountiful Bowl

With its colorful murals and open-air patio, Bountiful Bowl is a visual feast as much as a culinary one. Founded by former farmer and activist Raj Patel, this restaurant sources 90% of its ingredients from its own urban farm in the Los Cerritos Wetlands. The result? Ingredients so fresh they’re picked hours before service.

The menu is built around the “Bowl Concept”—choose your base (brown rice, quinoa, or mixed greens), your protein (lentil-walnut crumble, tempeh, or chickpea falafel), your veggies (daily harvest from the farm), and your sauce (miso-tahini, mango-chipotle, or lemon-herb). Their signature “Rainbow Bowl” features purple cabbage, golden beets, orange carrots, green kale, and red radishes, all roasted to perfection.

They also run a “Pay-What-You-Can” program every Wednesday, allowing anyone to enjoy a full meal regardless of income. The farm is open to the public for weekend tours, where visitors can learn about regenerative agriculture, composting, and seed saving. Bountiful Bowl doesn’t just serve vegan food—it teaches how to grow it, respect it, and share it.

7. Crave Vegan Bistro

Crave Vegan Bistro is the answer to those who think vegan dining lacks indulgence. Located in the upscale Naples district, this upscale bistro offers refined, restaurant-quality meals that rival any non-vegan establishment. Think truffle-infused mushroom ravioli with cashew parmesan, seared scallops made from king oyster mushrooms, and a chocolate fondant with raspberry coulis that melts at the touch of a fork.

The chef, Daniel Mendez, trained in French cuisine before transitioning to plant-based cooking. His background shows in the precision of each dish—the perfect sear, the delicate reduction, the artful plating. Their wine list is entirely vegan, curated by a sommelier who specializes in natural, biodynamic wines.

Crave is known for its “Chef’s Table” experience—a 10-course tasting menu with wine pairings, available Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations fill up weeks in advance. Even their bread is made in-house from sourdough starter fermented for 72 hours. This is vegan dining elevated to fine art.

8. Happy Planet

Happy Planet is Long Beach’s original vegan eatery, opened in 1998 by activist and yoga instructor Linda Tran. What began as a small juice bar has grown into a full-service restaurant with a loyal following that spans three generations. Their menu is simple but powerful: hearty grain bowls, vegan burgers made from black beans and beets, and their famous “Happy Wrap”—a whole wheat tortilla filled with sprouts, hummus, avocado, and pickled carrots.

What makes Happy Planet so trusted? Its unwavering consistency and affordability. A full meal here costs under $12. They’ve never raised prices in over 20 years, despite inflation. Their kitchen runs on solar power, and all packaging is compostable. The walls are lined with photos of local animal rescues they’ve supported over the decades.

Happy Planet also offers a “Vegan Starter Kit” for newcomers—free recipe cards, a guide to reading labels, and a discount on their weekly meal prep. It’s a place that doesn’t just feed bodies; it nurtures awareness.

9. The Green Dragon

Named after the mythical creature of healing and transformation, The Green Dragon is a fusion haven that blends Thai, Vietnamese, and Californian vegan flavors. Located in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood, this restaurant is known for its bold spices and vibrant presentation. Their Pad Thai made with sweet potato noodles, stir-fried with tofu, bean sprouts, and tamarind sauce, is a cult favorite.

Don’t miss the “Dragon Bowl”—a steaming bowl of coconut curry with bamboo shoots, eggplant, and jasmine rice, topped with crispy shallots and fresh Thai basil. Their vegan spring rolls are hand-rolled daily with rice paper imported from Hanoi, and their mango sticky rice dessert is made with coconut milk from a fair-trade cooperative in Thailand.

The Green Dragon also offers weekly meditation sessions and sound baths in their back garden, creating a space that nourishes both body and spirit. Their staff are trained in mindfulness practices, and the atmosphere is calm, intentional, and deeply welcoming.

10. Dough & Co. Vegan Bakery

For those with a sweet tooth, Dough & Co. is a revelation. Opened in 2021 by pastry chef Simone Cruz, this bakery specializes in entirely vegan baked goods that taste indistinguishable from their dairy-and-egg counterparts. Their croissants—flaky, buttery, layered—are made with plant-based butter and fermented for 36 hours. Their cinnamon rolls are glazed with maple-pecan icing and melt in your mouth.

They also offer gluten-free options, including a chocolate chip cookie made with almond flour and blackstrap molasses that’s won regional baking competitions. Their birthday cakes are custom-designed and free of artificial colors or flavors. The “Vanilla Bean Layer Cake” with cashew cream frosting is a showstopper.

Dough & Co. sources all flour from organic, non-GMO mills and uses unrefined coconut sugar and date syrup instead of white sugar. They host “Bake With Me” workshops every Saturday, teaching the art of vegan pastry to beginners. It’s not just a bakery—it’s a sweet revolution.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are all these restaurants 100% vegan?

Yes. Every restaurant on this list maintains a fully vegan kitchen. No animal products—dairy, eggs, honey, or meat—are used in any dish or preparation. Cross-contamination is actively prevented through separate equipment, storage, and cooking zones.

Do any of these restaurants offer gluten-free options?

Yes. The Nourish Bar, Dough & Co., and Bountiful Bowl all offer dedicated gluten-free menus. Green & Grateful and The Green Dragon have multiple gluten-free items clearly labeled. Always inform staff of allergies—each kitchen is trained to handle dietary restrictions safely.

Are these restaurants affordable?

Yes, most are. Eight of the ten restaurants offer meals under $15. The Plant Based Kitchen and Crave Vegan Bistro are higher-end with tasting menus, but they provide exceptional value for the quality. Happy Planet and Vego’s Taco Stand are among the most budget-friendly options without sacrificing flavor.

Can I bring children to these restaurants?

Absolutely. Green & Grateful, Vego’s Taco Stand, and Happy Planet are especially family-friendly, with kid-approved dishes and casual atmospheres. Dough & Co. offers mini cupcakes and fruit-based treats perfect for children. Even fine-dining spots like Crave and The Plant Based Kitchen welcome families during lunch hours.

Do they offer takeout or delivery?

All ten restaurants offer takeout. Most partner with local delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, but many encourage direct ordering through their websites to reduce fees and support their operations. Bountiful Bowl and The Nourish Bar offer weekly meal prep subscriptions for home delivery.

Are the ingredients locally sourced?

Yes. Nine of the ten restaurants prioritize local, organic, and sustainable sourcing. Bountiful Bowl grows over 90% of its produce on-site. The Plant Based Kitchen sources from small farms within 50 miles. Even Dough & Co. uses flour from a mill in Santa Barbara.

Do these restaurants support animal rights or environmental causes?

Every restaurant on this list actively supports animal sanctuaries, environmental nonprofits, or community food justice initiatives. Many donate a portion of profits, host benefit nights, or partner with local organizations like Long Beach Animal Rescue and Surfrider Foundation.

Is it easy to find parking near these restaurants?

Most are located in walkable neighborhoods with public parking lots or street parking. Vego’s Taco Stand is in a public lot with free 2-hour parking. Green & Grateful and Happy Planet have dedicated parking behind the building. The Nourish Bar and Crave Vegan Bistro are near paid parking structures, but many patrons use the Long Beach Transit system, which stops within walking distance of all locations.

Conclusion

Long Beach’s vegan dining scene is not just growing—it’s evolving into a model of ethical, delicious, and community-centered food culture. The 10 restaurants featured here have earned their place not through marketing, but through decades of integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to their values.

From the humble taco stand that feeds the neighborhood to the elegant bistro that redefines fine dining, each of these spots proves that vegan food is not a compromise—it’s a celebration. It’s the joy of a perfectly seasoned jackfruit taco, the comfort of a warm vegan biscuit, the elegance of a truffle risotto made without cream, and the peace of knowing your meal didn’t cost the earth.

When you choose to dine at one of these restaurants, you’re not just feeding yourself. You’re supporting farmers who grow without chemicals, chefs who craft with care, and communities that believe food should heal, not harm. You’re voting—with your fork—for a kinder, greener world.

So next time you’re in Long Beach, skip the chain restaurants and seek out these 10 trusted havens of plant-based excellence. Your palate—and the planet—will thank you.