It’s not exactly news that Santa Monica has become ground zero for California’s clean-eating movement—but here’s the twist: its best vegan and vegetarian cafés aren’t preachy, bland, or joyless. They’re bold, inventive, and sometimes downright indulgent. From beachside smoothie bars to plant-based brunch spots with cult followings, this coastal city has mastered the art of eating green without feeling like you’re missing out.
So whether you’re vegan full-time, meatless-on-Mondays, or just chasing that perfect oat-milk latte after yoga, here are the top plant-powered cafés in Santa Monica that actually live up to the hype.
1. Plant Food + Wine
Address: 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd (technically Venice, but a Santa Monica staple crowd)
Chef Matthew Kenney’s flagship spot is part fine dining, part garden retreat. The dishes are plated like art—think zucchini lasagna with macadamia ricotta, coconut ceviche, and a wine list curated around natural vineyards. The outdoor patio feels like a spa for your senses—sunlight, greenery, and the quiet hum of health-conscious conversation.
Vibe: Upscale, serene, and ideal for date night.
Don’t Miss: Truffle cashew cheese plate.
2. Urth Caffé
Address: 2327 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
An LA classic that refuses to go out of style. While not fully vegan, Urth is a vegetarian haven with organic ingredients, fresh-pressed juices, and every kind of milk alternative imaginable. Their vegan chili and matcha latte are cult favorites.
Vibe: Trendy but casual—expect laptops, lattes, and long lines on weekends.
Don’t Miss: The green tea boba or vegan chocolate cake.
3. Real Food Daily
Address: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA 90401
This one’s legendary—it’s LA’s original organic vegan restaurant, serving the city since the ‘90s. Everything here is 100% plant-based and surprisingly hearty. The “real” veggie burger is a must, and the nachos made with cashew cheese might fool even your carnivorous friends.
Vibe: Family-friendly, classic, zero judgment zone.
Don’t Miss: Sunday brunch tofu scramble.
4. Flower Child
Address: 1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Bright, fast-casual, and endlessly customizable. Flower Child serves as the Westside’s go-to for quick, wholesome meals—grain bowls, wraps, and salads that taste like someone actually cared when they made them.
Vibe: Modern, upbeat, stroller-friendly.
Don’t Miss: The Glow Bowl with spicy tofu and sweet potato.
5. Cafe Gratitude
Address: 512 Rose Ave, Venice (on the Santa Monica border)
The café famous for making you say your order as an affirmation (“I Am Grateful,” “I Am Dazzling”)—and somehow, it works. Their buffalo cauliflower, macro bowl, and I Am Whole salad are plant-based perfection. It’s not just a meal; it’s a mood.
Vibe: Spiritual wellness meets SoCal cool.
Don’t Miss: Cashew cheesecake—arguably better than the dairy version.
6. The Butcher’s Daughter
Address: 1205 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Stylish enough to please any brunch influencer, but the food backs it up. This vegetarian restaurant and juice bar serves dishes like avocado toast with turmeric poached eggs and jackfruit tacos. Expect a line on weekends—but also expect to leave glowing.
Vibe: Coastal chic, plant-forward brunch perfection.
Don’t Miss: Golden latte + smashed avocado toast.
7. Truxton’s American Bistro (Westside Veg Menu)
Address: 1329 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Not strictly vegan, but their dedicated vegetarian menu is a hidden win for mixed groups. The roasted veggie quinoa bowl and cauliflower steak are top picks. Great for families or anyone easing into a more plant-based diet.
Vibe: Casual neighborhood spot.
Don’t Miss: Sweet potato fries with chipotle aioli.
8. Pressed (Santa Monica Promenade)
Address: 1457 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
When you just need a refuel stop, this juice bar chain still does it best. Their cold-pressed juices, açaí bowls, and protein-packed smoothies are perfect post-beach or after a run on the pier.
Vibe: Grab-and-go, health enthusiast central.
Don’t Miss: The Vanilla Almond Protein Smoothie.
9. Cholada Thai Beach Cuisine (a local secret worth the drive)
Address: 18763 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
A bit north of Santa Monica, this tiny beach shack-style Thai café serves phenomenal vegan and vegetarian options. The green curry tofu and pad see ew are ocean-view perfection. A true insider favorite among local surfers.
Vibe: Hidden roadside gem with ocean air.
Don’t Miss: Coconut milk Thai iced tea.
10. Kye’s Montanta
Address: 1518 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Inventive, handheld health food. Their signature “KyeRito” wraps everything—veggies, tofu, grains, even kimchi—inside a collard green or nori wrap instead of bread. Gluten-free heaven with no sacrifice in flavor.
Vibe: Bright, friendly, very “Santa Monica.”
Don’t Miss: The Nori Nori KyeRito.
Top Picks by Category
| Category | Café | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Upscale Vegan | Plant Food + Wine | Zucchini Lasagna |
| Classic Comfort | Real Food Daily | Nachos with Cashew Cheese |
| Quick Lunch | Flower Child | Glow Bowl |
| Brunch Spot | The Butcher’s Daughter | Avocado Toast |
| Budget-Friendly | Urth Caffé | Vegan Chili |
| On-the-Go | Pressed | Açaí Bowl |
| Ocean View | Cholada Thai | Green Curry Tofu |
FAQs:
Are most Santa Monica vegan cafés kid-friendly?
Yes. Flower Child, Urth Caffé, and Real Food Daily are family favorites with casual seating and healthy kids’ options.
Do these spots offer gluten-free choices?
Absolutely—most menus label gluten-free items clearly, especially Kye’s and Plant Food + Wine.
What’s the best place for vegan brunch?
The Butcher’s Daughter takes the crown, followed closely by Cafe Gratitude.
