Hello. I started on Oct. 1, 2006 as a 9-day cleanse and thought I would die without meat. I've found that not only can I live without it, I am feeling better. Here are my favorites:
1) My favorite, above all others---Must try EVERY dish!!! Start with Kung Pao Veggie Shrimp and Veggie Orange Chicken, try their Veggie Drumsticks appetizer....amazing.
Garden Wok, 6117 Reseda Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91335 (818) 881-8886. They have veggie shrimp (tastes like the real thing), chicken, beef, fish, ham, bbq pork, and calamari......all vegan!!! Lunch is best, only $5.50 per combo, so u can try everything on the menu.
2) Leonor's Mexican Vegetarian, three locations, Studio City on Moorpark/Whitsett, NoHo on Laurel Cyn/Magnolia, and another in NoHo on Victory. Must have the Bolivian Meat(less) Balls, the Soy "Chicken" and "Egg" Salad, plus personalized pizzas, and of course traditional Mexican fare. They are awesome.
12445 Moorpark Street, Studio City, CA 91604
Phone: 818-762-0660
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily AND
5217 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village, CA 91607
Phone: 818-769-6315
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
3) Follow Your Heart (Vegetarian and Vegan)
Health store with a cafe that is totally vegetarian with many vegan options and generous portions. Every day their menu features 5 soups, all excellent. Daily specials an excellent choice. We love their Nutburger, the Zorro Burrito, and their creative selection of salad dressings.
21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303
Phone: 818-348-3240
Hours: Breakfast Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday brunch 8:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.
Lunch and dinner daily 10:30 a.m.to 9:00 p.m.
Website: http://www.followyourheart.com
4) Woodlands (Vegetarian and Vegan)
The only restaurant in the San Fernando Valley that specializes in pure vegetarian South Indian cuisine. Dosas, the longest crepes you'll ever encounter, are made from rice and lentils that are stuffed and rolled. Savory Uthappam pancakes studded with various seasonings are a must. Foods are rather spicy, but you can specify mild seasonings.
9840 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Chatsworth, CA 91311
Phone: 818-998-3031
FAX: 818-718-2689
5)Vegetable Delight (Vegan)
Chinese vegan dining with many pseudo meat, fish and chicken dishes. Those who appreciate fresh basil will enjoy the Eggplant with Basil. The Broccoli Veggie Chicken had slices of deliciolus, tender, homemade seitan.
17823 Chatsworth Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344
Phone: 818-360-3997
6) Cafe Graikos (Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly)
Greek and vegetarian cuisine with 28 different items for vegetarians to enjoy. Not exclusively a vegetarian restaurant, but half the menu is devoted to tasty Greek dishes that happen to be vegetarian. Their Lentil Soup is so tasty it always leaves us craving more. We especially enjoy the Vegetarian Combo Platter that features their Lentil Pilaf, Stuffed Grape Leaves, and Stuffed Eggplant.
19346 Rinaldi St., Northridge, CA 91326
Phone: 818-831-1187
7) LOVE THIS ONE!!!! THIS IS A DRIVE-THRU!!!!!
VEGETARIAN EXPRESS
Orean, The Health Express (Vegetarian and Vegan)
A vegetarian fast food take-out that holds it own nestled among an array of fast food joints within a two-block area on Lake Avenue. Soy is popular here as a filling for their many tasty burgers, burritos, pizzas, chili dogs, and tacos, and they use crisp and fresh clover sprouts in their sandwiches. There are four tables outdoors for your quick meal that can be topped off with one of their popular shakes. They even serve a breakfast burrito to start your day. Vegans will want to pass on the soy cheese that contains casein.
817 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104
Phone: 626-794-0861
Hours: Open 7 days 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Web site: http://www.oreanshealthexpress.com
9) Indian restaurants are always a good source. Especially at lunch buffet, because you can sample many dishes at one time.
10) Most Chinese restaurants will cook veggie and tofu dishes, and some even serve brown rice.
11) Forgot this one....good too, but more pricey than Garden Wok: Vegan Plate (Vegan)
A comfortable, all-vegan café specializing in tasty Thai dishes like P.E.T. (pumpkin, eggplant, and tofu in garlic sauce), and Chu Chee, a veggie shrimp creation bathed in a coconut sauce and laced with kaffir lime leaves. Thai dishes served with an exceptional, nutty flavored brown rice. The menu also offers wraps and burgers made with homemade wheat meat. Valet parking in strip mall lot or park on side streets.
11943 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604
Phone: 818-506-9015
FAX: 818-506-9016
Hours: Daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.