Going Plant-Based in Hollywood

By Devin Strecker /February 2, 2022

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More and more people are choosing to eat a plant-based diet. Whether you are concerned about fighting climate change, living a cruelty-free lifestyle, or preventing pandemics, Hollywood offers numerous options for those going meatless! While boasting some full-fledged vegan restaurants, there are also many eateries offering menu options for vegetarians and vegans.

Doomie’s 1253 Vine Street

A mecca for meatless munchies, Doomie’s is not your ordinary vegan restaurant. In fact, Chef Doomie is not vegan himself, but rather someone who grew tired of what he saw as sub-par fare he received when dining out with his vegan friends. As a result, Doomie’s features classic comfort food items crafted without animal products, such as their famous “fried chicken,” their version of a Philly cheesesteak, and their Big D (a meat-free take on a Big Mac). Doomie’s Next-Mex is located one door down, featuring vegan versions of Mexican cuisine.

Recommended: Shrimp Po Boy, vegan milkshakes

Veggie Grill 6374-A Sunset Blvd.

Located next to the historic Cinerama Dome, Veggie Grill is a chain restaurant that also features vegan comfort food, such as their Santa Fe chickin’ sandwich and tuna melt. However, they also have an extensive line of healthier options, like bowls and salads. Don’t forget to add sweet potato fries or crispy cauliflower! For those looking for outdoor dining, Veggie Grill offers patio dining along Sunset Boulevard from 11am until 10pm. If you're looking for Mexican fare, try Veggie Grill's pop-up, Mas Veggies Taqueria, which is available only for pick up or delivery.

Recommended: Catalina taco salad, Buffalo chickin’ sandwich

Ike's Love and Sandwiches 1503 Vine St.

Newly opened at Sunset & Vine, this quickly growing chain declares that they "ain't your momma's sandwich shop!" Ike's offers sandwiches for all types of people, with offerings including vegan, vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free. Known for their Dutch Crunch bread and Ike's Dirty Sauce (regular or vegan), Ike's also offers specially-named sandwiches at each locations, and their "Meatless Mike" sandwich was named best vegan meatballs in America by PETA.

Recommended: The Handsome Owl (Vegan Breaded Chicken, Teriyaki, Wasabi Mayo, Swiss) *can be made vegan

Tocaya Organica 6550 Sunset Blvd.

A newish Californian chain restaurant, Tocaya Organica offers all their burritos, tacos, bowls and salads with vegan protein and cheese options, making it easy to customize your meal. The large, modern dining room was a welcome respite to a stretch of Sunset Boulevard that was previously lacking in options. Until indoor dining can return, enjoy Tocaya’s extensive menu via takeout or delivery, including their new “take and bake nachos.”

Recommended: fajita burrito, guacamole with plantain chips

Bibibop Asian Grill 6333 Sunset Blvd.

Inspired by the popular Korean dish Bibimbap, customizable bowls are the highlight here. With options like organic tofu, black beans, kale, kimchi and purple rice, it’s easy to create a delicious plant-based meal! Then, top it off with one of their delicious sauces. Vegan options include teriyaki, gochujang, spicy sriracha, and sesame ginger.

Recommended: Japchae noodles, miso soup

Jinya Ramen Express 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 317, Level 3 (Dining Deck)

Located on the dining deck at Hollywood & Highland (soon to be reimagined as Ovation Hollywood), Jinya is the perfect option for those looking for ramen. With a base of their vegetable broth, add vegan noodles and top with tofu, onion, green onion, kikurage (mushrooms), crispy onion, garlic chips, garlic oil, chili oil and sesame seeds. Even better, customize your own salad or rice bowl.

Recommended: Spicy creamy vegan ramen

Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill 1716 N. Cahuenga Blvd.

Already known for using high quality, non-GMO ingredients, Sharky’s also offers many meatless menu items. In addition to their vegan AJ burrito and organic tofu & veggie taco Sharky’s offers a seasonal roasted veggie bowl and a superfood salad. You can even build your own nachos. Make sure to request no cheese or cream if you are unsure whether an item is vegan or not.

Recommended: Tostada salad with grilled veggies (hold the cheese and cream and load up on salsa!)

Sweetgreen 6115 Sunset Blvd.

Specializing in all things fresh and healthy, Sweetgreen’s website makes it a breeze to determine which items are appropriate for all dietary restrictions. For those looking for plant-based items, Sweetgreen offers their Shroomami bowl with portabello mushroom mix, a spicy garden greens salad, and cashew pesto sweet potatoes. Of course, you can also customize your own bowl or salad to your liking.

Recommended: Seasonal items are your best bet, just ensure they can be made vegan

Banh Oui 1552 N. Cahuenga Blvd.

Delectable and filling sandwiches are in the spotlight here, and many items are geared towards vegetarians and vegans. There’s a tofu version of their classic banh mi, and their amazing sticky tofu bites. You can also stock up on pantry items sourced from local farmers (thanks to their proximity to the Hollywood Farmers Market).

Recommended: Mushroom Banh Oui sandwich

Cocobella Creamery 1253 Vine St.

After enjoying your plant-based meal, what could be better than finishing it off with a vegan dessert? Cocobella’s ice creams are dairy-free, gluten-free, and many of them are also nut-free and soy-free.

Recommended: Cookies n' cream

Here are some additional meat-free items we can recommend:

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 255, Level 2: The New BBQ "don't Call Me Chicken" Pizza

Tendergreens, 6290 Sunset Blvd.: The Happy Vegan Salad

Chiptole Mexican Grill, 1460 Vine St.: Chose soy-based “Sofritas” as your protein for your burrito, tacos, salad or bowl, and don’t forget to add fajita veggies, roasted chili-corn salsa and guacamole!

Fatburger, 6760 Hollywood Blvd.: Veggie burgers (including Impossible Burgers) with vegan cheese, vegan milkshakes

Urban Masala, 6554 Hollywood Blvd.: Chana masala

Note that not all items are considered 100% vegan as they may be prepared in the same spaces as other, non-vegan foods. Please confirm with the restaurants before ordering if you wish to ensure your meal is vegan.

Originally posted February 2021. Updated May, 2022.

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