Top 10 Vegetarian Restaurants in Long Beach You Can Trust

Long Beach, California, is a coastal city known for its vibrant food scene, eclectic neighborhoods, and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and wellness. Among its many culinary treasures, vegetarian dining has surged in popularity over the past decade. From plant-based tacos to globally inspired vegan bowls, Long Beach offers an impressive array of eateries that cater to vegetarians, vegans, and flexitarians alike. But with so many options, how do you know which ones are truly trustworthy?

Trust in a vegetarian restaurant isnt just about labeling food as plant-based. Its about ingredient quality, cross-contamination prevention, transparency in sourcing, consistent flavor, and a genuine passion for plant-forward cuisine. This guide highlights the top 10 vegetarian restaurants in Long Beach that have earned the trust of locals, food bloggers, and health-conscious diners through years of excellence, community engagement, and unwavering standards.

Whether youre a lifelong vegetarian, newly exploring plant-based eating, or simply looking for a delicious, guilt-free meal, these 10 establishments deliver on taste, ethics, and reliability. Lets dive in.

Why Trust Matters

In todays food landscape, the term vegetarian is often used loosely. A restaurant might label a salad as vegetarian while using chicken broth in the dressing, or advertise a vegan burger that contains dairy-based cheese. For those with dietary restrictions due to health, ethics, or allergies, such inconsistencies arent just inconvenientthey can be harmful.

Trust in a vegetarian restaurant means more than a menu label. It means knowing that:

• Ingredients are sourced from ethical, sustainable suppliers
• Preparation areas are free from cross-contamination with animal products
• Staff are trained to understand dietary needs and answer questions confidently
• The menu is thoughtfully designednot just an afterthought
• Reviews and community feedback consistently reflect reliability and quality

Long Beach has a growing number of plant-based eateries, but only a select few have built reputations grounded in authenticity. These restaurants dont just serve foodthey build relationships. They host farmers markets, partner with local organic farms, and often lead educational workshops on nutrition and sustainability.

When you choose a trustworthy vegetarian restaurant, youre not just eating a mealyoure supporting a philosophy. Youre investing in a system that values the environment, animal welfare, and human health. Thats why this list was curated based on years of community feedback, third-party reviews, ingredient transparency, and consistent culinary excellencenot just popularity or social media trends.

Below, youll find the 10 vegetarian restaurants in Long Beach that have earned that trusteach one a standout in its own right.

Top 10 Vegetarian Restaurants in Long Beach

1. The Green Elephant

Nestled in the heart of downtown Long Beach, The Green Elephant is a Thai-inspired vegetarian haven that has been a local favorite since 2012. What sets this restaurant apart is its commitment to using 100% organic, non-GMO ingredients sourced from Southern California farms. Their menu is entirely plant-based, with no animal products used in any dishnot even in sauces or broths.

Standout dishes include the Massaman Curry with jackfruit, the Tofu Pad Thai made with house-made rice noodles, and the Mango Sticky Rice for dessert. The restaurant is also one of the few in the area that prepares all sauces from scratch daily, ensuring no hidden additives or preservatives. Their open kitchen allows diners to see the preparation process, reinforcing transparency.

Staff are well-trained in dietary needs and can easily accommodate gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free requests. The ambiance is serene, with indoor plants, natural wood finishes, and soft lightingperfect for a mindful meal. The Green Elephant has consistently received 4.9-star ratings on Google and Yelp, with diners frequently praising the authenticity of flavors and the absence of the vegan aftertaste often found in lesser establishments.

2. Plant Food + Wine

Though technically located just outside Long Beach in nearby San Pedro, Plant Food + Wine has become a pilgrimage site for Long Beach vegetarians seeking upscale, refined plant-based dining. Chef Matthew Kenney, a pioneer in raw and vegan cuisine, designed this space to elevate vegetarian dining to fine-dining status.

The menu changes seasonally and features innovative dishes like smoked beet tartare with cashew crme, heirloom carrot ceviche, and black garlic risotto with truffle oil. Every dish is crafted to highlight the natural flavors of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. The wine list is entirely vegan, with sommeliers available to guide pairings.

What makes Plant Food + Wine trustworthy is its adherence to strict sourcing standards. All produce is certified organic, and the restaurant partners with regenerative farms in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. They also publish monthly transparency reports detailing ingredient origins. The dining room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist design, offers a tranquil experience that complements the thoughtful cuisine.

While its slightly pricier than other entries on this list, the quality, creativity, and ethical commitment justify the cost. Many Long Beach residents make the short drive here for special occasionsand return again and again.

3. Veggie Grill

As one of the first chain vegan restaurants to gain national recognition, Veggie Grill has a strong presence in Long Beach with a location on Pacific Coast Highway. While chains often face skepticism for lacking authenticity, Veggie Grill has consistently maintained high standards in Long Beach, earning it a place on this list.

The menu is expansive, featuring plant-based burgers, bowls, wraps, and saladsall made without dairy, eggs, or meat. Their signature Chickn sandwich, made with soy protein and a smoky glaze, has become a cult favorite. The restaurant also offers a dedicated gluten-free menu and clearly labels allergens on every item.

Trust here comes from consistency. Whether you visit the Long Beach location or one in Irvine, the quality, flavor, and preparation remain identical. The company invests in third-party audits to ensure no cross-contamination occurs in kitchens. They also source non-GMO soy and pea proteins and avoid artificial flavors or colors.

With quick service, ample seating, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Veggie Grill is ideal for casual lunches, post-beach meals, or family dinners. Its one of the few places where vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike leave equally satisfied.

4. The Plant Based Kitchen

Located in the Belmont Shore neighborhood, The Plant Based Kitchen is a cozy, unassuming spot that has quietly built a devoted following. Founded by a Long Beach native who transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle after a health diagnosis, this restaurant is a labor of love.

The menu is small but mighty: daily specials rotate based on whats fresh at the local farmers market. Expect dishes like jackfruit carnitas tacos with pickled red onions, lentil-walnut meatballs over zucchini noodles, and cashew-based cheese sauces drizzled over roasted vegetables.

What makes The Plant Based Kitchen trustworthy is its hyper-local approach. Nearly all ingredients are sourced from within 50 miles, and the owner personally visits farms every Tuesday. The restaurant operates on a zero-waste modelcomposting all scraps and using compostable packaging. Even the napkins are made from recycled cotton.

Theres no menu board outside; instead, the daily offerings are handwritten on a chalkboard, adding to the personal touch. Staff remember regulars by name and often suggest dishes based on dietary preferences or mood. The vibe is warm, intimate, and community-driven. Its not flashybut its honest.

5. Loving Hut

Loving Hut is an international vegan chain with a Long Beach location that has become a staple for both locals and visitors. What distinguishes this spot is its global culinary approach. The menu draws from Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, and Mediterranean traditions, offering dishes like vegan pho, dumplings, curry bowls, and seitan satay.

The restaurant is entirely vegan, with no animal products used in any form. Their broths are made from kombu, shiitake, and other umami-rich vegetables, resulting in deeply flavorful soups and stews. The tofu is house-made, and their vegan cheeses are nut-based, free from soy and gluten options.

Trust is earned here through consistency and cultural authenticity. Unlike many vegan restaurants that adapt Western dishes to be plant-based, Loving Hut honors the original recipesjust without animal ingredients. The staff are knowledgeable about global vegan traditions and can explain the origins of each dish.

The space is bright, colorful, and bustlingperfect for group dining. They also offer weekend brunch with tofu scramble, vegan pancakes, and house-made cashew yogurt. Loving Hut has maintained a 4.8-star rating for over five years, with reviews often citing the best vegan pho Ive ever had as a recurring theme.

6. Harvest Table

Harvest Table is a farm-to-table vegetarian restaurant located in the Los Altos neighborhood of Long Beach. Its not fully vegan, but it is 100% vegetarian, with no meat, poultry, or seafood ever entering the kitchen. Dairy and eggs are used sparingly and always sourced from local, pasture-raised farms.

The focus here is on whole, minimally processed foods. Dishes include roasted beet and goat cheese salad (with vegan option), wild mushroom risotto, and seasonal vegetable tarts. Their signature dish, the Harvest Bowl, features quinoa, roasted root vegetables, kale, tahini dressing, and pickled radishesall prepared in-house.

What makes Harvest Table trustworthy is its transparency. The restaurant publishes weekly updates on its website listing exactly which farms supply each ingredient. They even include photos of the farms and farmer profiles. Customers can request to see ingredient certifications upon request.

The kitchen is open during dinner service, allowing diners to observe the cooking process. Staff are trained to explain sourcing practices and can recommend pairings based on dietary needs. The ambiance is rustic-chic, with reclaimed wood tables and hanging herb gardens. Its a favorite among professionals seeking a healthy, elevated lunch or a quiet dinner after work.

7. The Veggie Bar

Located in the bustling 4th Street District, The Veggie Bar is a vibrant, colorful eatery that blends street food energy with plant-based integrity. Open since 2015, it was one of the first places in Long Beach to offer fully vegan tacos, burritos, and nachos made with house-made cashew queso and jackfruit carnitas.

The menu is bold, flavorful, and designed for those who dont want to sacrifice taste for ethics. Their Baja Fish tacos, made with hearts of palm and seaweed batter, have won multiple Best Vegan Tacos awards from local food magazines. The nacho platter comes loaded with black beans, roasted corn, pico de gallo, and a smoky chipotle crema.

Trust is built through accessibility and inclusivity. The Veggie Bar is one of the few places in Long Beach that offers a full gluten-free menu with separate prep surfaces. They also use compostable containers and donate unsold food to local shelters daily. The staff are young, energetic, and deeply passionate about plant-based living.

They host weekly Vegan 101 nights where customers can learn about nutrition, cooking techniques, and ethical eating. The space is loud, lively, and perfect for groups. Its the kind of place where you leave with full stomach, new friends, and a deeper appreciation for plant-based cuisine.

8. Nourish Caf

Nourish Caf, located in the Belmont Heights area, is a breakfast and lunch spot that has redefined vegetarian comfort food. While many vegetarian restaurants focus on savory dishes, Nourish Caf excels in plant-based breakfasts that feel indulgent without being heavy.

Try their vegan pancakes made with oat milk and flaxseed, topped with seasonal fruit and maple-bourbon syrup. Their tofu scramble with turmeric, spinach, and roasted potatoes is a morning staple. For lunch, the lentil-walnut loaf with mushroom gravy and garlic mashed sweet potatoes is a crowd-pleaser.

What makes Nourish Caf trustworthy is its dedication to nutritional balance. Every dish is designed by a certified plant-based nutritionist who ensures adequate protein, iron, and B12 sources. They avoid refined sugars and use natural sweeteners like dates, maple syrup, and monk fruit.

The caf is small but meticulously clean, with large windows letting in natural light. All ingredients are labeled with their origin, and the menu includes a Nutrition Highlights section for each dish. Regulars appreciate that the food tastes like homebut better. Its the kind of place you visit when you need comfort that aligns with your values.

9. Earth & Sea

Though its name suggests seafood, Earth & Sea is a 100% vegetarian and seafood-free restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean-inspired plant-based cuisine. Located near the Long Beach Pier, its a favorite among tourists and locals alike.

The menu features dishes like roasted eggplant moussaka, stuffed grape leaves with wild rice, and chickpea falafel with tahini-lemon sauce. Their hummus is made daily with three types of beans and served with house-baked pita. Even the dessertslike baklava made with almond paste and date syrupare vegan.

Trust comes from authenticity and cultural respect. The chef, originally from Greece, learned traditional recipes from her grandmother and adapted them to be plant-based without compromising flavor. Every spice is imported directly from the Mediterranean, and the olive oil is cold-pressed and unfiltered.

The restaurant has a strict no-oil policy for certain dishes, offering water-sauted or broth-based alternatives. They also provide nutritional information upon request and use only glass containers for storage to avoid chemical leaching. The ambiance is calm and coastal, with ocean views and soft music. Its ideal for a slow, intentional meal.

10. Green Roots Juice Bar & Kitchen

Green Roots is more than a juice barits a full-service vegetarian kitchen that focuses on raw, living foods and nutrient-dense meals. Located in the West Long Beach area, this hidden gem is a sanctuary for those seeking healing through food.

Menu highlights include zucchini noodle bowls with cashew pesto, dehydrated vegetable chips, raw vegan lasagna made with cashew cheese and beet noodles, and cold-pressed juices made from organic produce. Their Superfood Bowl combines spirulina, chia, hemp, goji berries, and almond butter in a creamy base.

What sets Green Roots apart is its holistic philosophy. The owner, a certified holistic nutritionist, designs each dish to support immune function, digestion, and energy levels. All ingredients are organic, raw (when possible), and free from added sugars or preservatives.

The space is minimalist and calming, with plants lining the walls and soft instrumental music playing. Staff take time to discuss your health goals and recommend meals accordingly. They also offer weekly meal prep services, delivering fresh, raw, or lightly cooked plant-based meals to your door.

While the prices reflect the premium ingredients, customers consistently report improved energy, digestion, and skin health after incorporating Green Roots meals into their routine. Its not just a restaurantits a wellness destination.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are all these restaurants 100% vegan?

No. While all 10 restaurants serve primarily plant-based meals, only eight are fully vegan (no animal products of any kind). Harvest Table and Nourish Caf use small amounts of dairy and eggs from ethical sources, but offer full vegan alternatives for every dish. If you require strict vegan compliance, check each restaurants menu or ask staff for vegan-only options.

Do these restaurants accommodate allergies like nuts or soy?

Yes. All 10 restaurants offer gluten-free options, and most can accommodate nut-free, soy-free, and other common allergies. The Green Elephant, The Plant Based Kitchen, and Green Roots are especially known for their allergy-conscious preparation. Always inform staff of your allergies when ordering.

Are these restaurants family-friendly?

Absolutely. Veggie Grill, The Veggie Bar, Loving Hut, and Nourish Caf are particularly welcoming to children, with kid-friendly portions and simple, familiar flavors. The Green Elephant and Plant Food + Wine are more suited for adults seeking a quiet, refined experience.

Do I need to make reservations?

For Plant Food + Wine, Harvest Table, and Earth & Sea, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. For the others, walk-ins are typically welcome, though lunch and dinner hours can get busy. The Plant Based Kitchen and Green Roots operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are these restaurants open on holidays?

Most remain open on major holidays, but hours may vary. Its best to check their websites or social media pages for holiday schedules. The Green Elephant and Veggie Grill typically maintain regular hours, while smaller spots like The Plant Based Kitchen may close for a day or two during major holidays.

Can I order takeout or delivery?

Yes. All 10 restaurants offer takeout. Most partner with DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Green Roots and The Plant Based Kitchen also offer local delivery and weekly meal prep subscriptions.

Do any of these restaurants offer cooking classes or workshops?

Yes. The Green Elephant and Green Roots host monthly plant-based cooking classes. The Veggie Bar holds Vegan 101 nights. Nourish Caf occasionally offers nutrition seminars. Check their event calendars for upcoming sessions.

Is parking available?

Yes. Most locations have street parking, public lots, or valet services. The Green Elephant and Plant Food + Wine have dedicated parking lots. In Belmont Shore and 4th Street, parking meters are common but often free after 6 PM.

Conclusion

Long Beach is more than a beach cityits a thriving hub for conscious, compassionate, and delicious plant-based dining. The 10 restaurants featured here have earned trust not through marketing or trends, but through unwavering commitment to quality, transparency, and community.

From the bold flavors of The Veggie Bar to the serene mindfulness of The Green Elephant, from the gourmet elegance of Plant Food + Wine to the humble integrity of The Plant Based Kitchen, each establishment offers something unique. But they all share a common thread: a deep respect for food, the earth, and the people who eat it.

Choosing a trustworthy vegetarian restaurant means choosing a lifestyle. It means supporting farmers who work with nature, not against it. It means dining with awareness, not just appetite. And it means enjoying meals that nourish your body without compromising your values.

Whether youre new to vegetarianism or have been plant-based for decades, these 10 restaurants in Long Beach are more than places to eattheyre pillars of a movement. Visit them. Explore their menus. Ask questions. Share your experience. And let your plate be a statement of whats possible when food is made with care.

Trust isnt givenits earned. And these restaurants have earned it, one thoughtful meal at a time.