We are going to take a look at the best vegan restaurants Long Beach has according to our unique grading system.
Long Beach, California is a great area with lots of sun, a culturally diverse populace, and it has evolved as a hotspot for veganism in recent years.
Once primarily known for its maritime significance and beachside allure, the city now prides itself on being a mecca for those who practice and appreciate a vegan lifestyle.
Rise of Veganism in Long Beach
While exact numbers are challenging to pin down, it’s evident that the vegan community in Long Beach, and in across the U.S. generally, has seen consistent growth over the past decade.
In Long Beach, one can gauge the popularity of veganism not only by the increasing number of vegan and vegan-friendly establishments but also from the success of vegan-centric events and festivals.
For instance, the annual Vegan District Food Court at The Pike Outlets in Long Beach, which started only a few years ago, has witnessed increasing footfall and participation year after year.
Such events have become community mainstays, drawing both locals and visitors from afar.
Moreover, local Long Beach publications and online groups dedicated to veganism have seen a surge in subscribers and followers. These platforms, which share news, restaurant reviews, and vegan recipes, indicate the community’s growing enthusiasm for veganism.
Long Beach Vegan History
As early as the 1990s, you could find pockets of vegetarian and health food enthusiasts who laid the groundwork for what would later become a vegan explosion.
These trailblazers provided an alternative to mainstream dining, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients, and cruelty-free practices.
Then, the 2010s saw a more pronounced shift, with several vegan-only establishments opening their doors in Long Beach.
Not merely restricted to health food stores or smoothie stands, these ranged from casual cafes to gourmet dining spots. Their shared mission? Proving that vegan food isn’t just about salads and tofu, but can be as diverse, delicious, and indulgent as any other cuisine.
Top Picks for Vegan Restaurants in Long Beach
I love finding the best vegan restaurants. Based on our research and our algorithm these are the best rated plant based restaurants in Long Beach.
VBurger
VBurger ranked number 1 for vegan restaurants in Long beach according to out algorithm. They were founded by Paula and Alex, and the restaurant was created to offer more vegan options for the area with a 100% plant-based menu. The menu includes Beyond and Impossible burgers, as well as a “V-Mex” section. They use Violife non-dairy cheese and JUST Egg in their dishes. They prioritize sustainability by using 100% recycled packaging and donate 2% of profits to the NO KILL EQUATION. The restaurant started as a pop-up in SoCal and now has a physical location.
Seabirds Kitchen
Seabirds Kitchen, established by Stephanie Morgan in 2010, began as a food truck and has since expanded to three Southern California locations. Prioritizing health and quality, they offer dishes made from local, organic ingredients without processed junk. Their diverse menu includes unique offerings like the fermented cauliflower ceviche, the Beets Me Burger with a shiitake, beet, and chia patty, and their renowned dessert, the Chaffle—a churro waffle topped with vanilla ice cream. Seabirds Kitchen continues to innovate plant-based cuisine using fresh, high-quality components.
Vegan Pizza LB
Hypnotic Vegan Pizza (New name coming soon)
Vegan Pizza LB offers a customizable vegan pizza experience. Their menu features options to “Create Your Own Vegan Pizza,” allowing your preferred sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Specialty pizzas like “Super-Secret Pizza – The Funny Bunny Pizza” and “The Hypnotic Balsamic Pizza” showcase innovative combinations with their unique Hypnotic Spiral sauces.
Their Beyond Meat section boasts pizzas made with vegan meat alternatives, such as the “Beyond BBQ Chicken Pizza” and “Beyond ‘The Meat Lovers’ Pizza”. Complementing the pizzas are salads like “Broadway Salad” and sides including “Hypnotic Garlic Breadsticks.” The menu is rounded out with a variety of iced cold drinks and an extensive range of dipping sauces, from “Vegan Ranch” to “Zingy Buffalo.”
Hart N Soul Vegan Cafe
Hart N Soul Restaurant is Long Beach’s fresh destination for vegan fast food, spotlighting dishes crafted from entirely alkaline-based ingredients.
The restaurant’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the teachings of Dr. Sebi, who championed natural, plant-based solutions for health optimization and disease prevention. His belief is clear: diseases thrive in acidic conditions. Hence, the restaurant’s menu aims for an alkaline bodily state to combat and prevent illnesses.
Menu consists of starters like the classic “Chips & Guacamole,” followed by diverse entrees ranging from the hearty “Dirty Mac Burger” with its myriad of toppings, to innovative dishes like “Coulda Fooled Ya Chili Carrot Dogs” and “Fried Oyster Chicken Mushroom Wrap.” Those with a sweet tooth can relish in “Soul Chocolate Cake” or “Walnut Oatmeal Cookies” under the Sebi Sweets section. And for those planning events, Vegan Bae’s catering is just a call away, ensuring guests leave with satisfied taste buds.
The Grain Cafe
The Grain Cafe in Long Beach is renowned for its pizzas but offers much more.
Beyond crowd-favorites like the “Roasted Veggie Pizza”, the menu includes diverse dishes like the filling “Breakfast Burrito” and the savory “Club Sandwich”. Their “Super Roll” is a standout, offering a taste of multiple ingredients.
Sweet cravings are met with choices like their “Organic Cakes” in varied flavors.
They’ve partnered with Slice for convenient delivery and takeout. With multiple locations and deals available, The Grain Cafe combines variety with value.
The Wild Chive
The Wild Chive, founded by Soozee Nguyen in Long Beach, stands as a testament to a love story with food.
Birthed from memories of traditional Vietnamese meals and inspired by a fusion of various international cuisines, The Wild Chive brings unique vegan dishes to the table. With a beginning as a small pop-up, it’s grown exponentially and is soon to establish a permanent presence as a brick-and-mortar establishment.
Their menu boasts of specialties like the “COUNTRY BREAKFAST” with soft-scrambled tofu and “CHICK’N & FRENCH TOAST”. Additionally, their “CHIVE ‘BLT’” and “WILD SHROOM BURGER” demonstrate the depth and creativity in vegan cuisine.
With the support of the Long Beach community, The Wild Chive remains a memorable dining destination for those seeking soulful vegan options.
Vegan Castle
Vegan Castle is a vegan sushi restaurant in Long Beach, established in July 2021.
The menu offers a variety of sushi rolls, tacos with nori and rice paper wraps, vegetable tempura, and other appetizers.
The establishment has a casual dining atmosphere. However, reported opening hours can be inconsistent, so checking ahead is recommended. Open daily from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Popular items include the Volcano Roll, Dragon Roll, and a selection of beverages like Kombucha and Green Tea.
Plant Power Fast Food
Plant Power Fast Food in LB was established with a commitment to a healthier, planet-friendly alternative to the conventional fast-food model.
They underscore the environmental and health impacts of animal agriculture, highlighting the immense resources needed to produce beef for a single hamburger. Switching to a plant-based diet not only spares billions of animals from suffering but also plays a part in conserving our planet’s precious resources.
Their environmentally-conscious approach doesn’t end with food; the restaurant also uses renewable bamboo for tables and booths, chairs from recycled waste, and largely compostable takeout packaging.
Their menu, mimicks fast-food classics. They serve breakfast items, various burgers, handhelds like ‘chicken’ sandwiches, salads, side dishes, and desserts. Drinks include ‘milkshakes’ and organic sodas.
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