Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in California – Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in California

When Guy Fieri rolls into California aboard the iconic red Camaro, he’s not just hunting for the biggest burgers and greasiest spoons—he’s also uncovering the Golden State’s thriving plant-based scene. Over the years, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has featured 23 vegan and vegetarian restaurants across California, with 17 still serving up flavor-packed dishes that prove you don’t need meat to deliver a knockout meal.

From the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles to the foggy hills of San Francisco, these restaurants have earned an impressive average rating of 4.4 stars. Leading the pack are standouts like Donna Jean in Sherman Oaks (4.7★), where creative plant-based cuisine takes center stage, and Tahini in San Diego (4.7★), bringing Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian fare that even the most devoted carnivores can’t resist. Nic’s On Beverly in Los Angeles rounds out the top performers at 4.6 stars.

Spanning appearances from 2009 to 2025, these California gems showcase how the state continues to push boundaries in meatless dining—and Guy keeps coming back for more.

Donna Jean

Donna Jean

Permanently Closed

Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.7
Episode 567: Flavortown Flavorfest
AmericanItalianVegan/Vegetarian
Tahini

Tahini

Still Open

San Diego, California

★★★★☆ 4.7
Episode 402: Sausage, Shawarma and Scaloppini
MediterraneanVegan/Vegetarian
Nic’s On Beverly

Nic’s On Beverly

Permanently Closed

Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.6
Episode 522: Flavor Explosion
BreakfastSandwichVegan/Vegetarian
Kindred

Kindred

Still Open

San Diego, California

★★★★☆ 4.6
Episode 495: Not-Your-Everyday, All Day
Vegan/Vegetarian
Cosecha Cafe

Cosecha Cafe

Permanently Closed

Oakland, California

★★★★☆ 4.6
Episode 312: Tacos, Turtles, and Tri-tip
AmericanMexicanBreakfast
Factory Gastrobar

Factory Gastrobar

Still Open

Long Beach, California

★★★★☆ 4.6
Episode 250: From Standards to Standouts
PizzaVegan/VegetarianDessert
Haggo’s Organic Taco

Haggo’s Organic Taco

Still Open

Leucadia, California

★★★★☆ 4.6
Episode 214: From Pound Cake to Pot Pie
AmericanMexicanBreakfast
Savoy Café & Deli

Savoy Café & Deli

Still Open

Santa Barbara, California

★★★★☆ 4.6
Episode 166: Outside the Box
SandwichVegan/VegetarianDessert
Sunflower Caffé

Sunflower Caffé

Still Open

Sonoma, California

★★★★☆ 4.6
Episode 138: From Mozz to Matzo Balls
BreakfastSandwichVegan/Vegetarian
Black Market Liquor Bar

Black Market Liquor Bar

Still Open

Studio City, Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 516: Champion Chefs
SeafoodItalianVegan/Vegetarian
Souley Vegan

Souley Vegan

Still Open

Oakland, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 314: Hot Meat and Cool Veg
SouthernVegan/Vegetarian
Senor Sisig Food Truck

Senor Sisig Food Truck

Still Open

San Francisco, California

★★★★☆ 4.5
Episode 222: Cannoli, Fritters and Wings
ChickenAsianVegan/Vegetarian
Boneyard Bistro

Boneyard Bistro

Still Open

Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 569: Dirty, Crunchy, Sticky and Veggie
BBQVegan/Vegetarian
Bauer’s 66 1/2

Bauer’s 66 1/2

Still Open

Modesto, California

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 314: Hot Meat and Cool Veg
Vegan/Vegetarian
Café Nooner

Café Nooner

Still Open

Eureka, California

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 236: Dynamite Duos
BreakfastMediterraneanVegan/Vegetarian
Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe

Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe

Still Open

Emeryville, California

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 94: Triple D Goes Tailgatin'
BreakfastVegan/Vegetarian
Mom’s Tamales

Mom’s Tamales

Still Open

Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4.4
Episode 83: You Picked ‘Em
MexicanVegan/Vegetarian
Frankinbun

Frankinbun

Permanently Closed

Palm Springs, California

★★★★☆ 4.3
Episode 346: Chicken Trifecta
AmericanChickenSandwich
Wild Plum Cafe & Bistro

Wild Plum Cafe & Bistro

Still Open

Monterey, California

★★★★☆ 4.3
Episode 251: All Day Dining
BreakfastVegan/VegetarianDessert
Nopalito

Nopalito

Still Open

San Francisco, California

★★★★☆ 4.3
Episode 217: From the Heart
MexicanVegan/Vegetarian
Show Dogs

Show Dogs

Permanently Closed

San Francisco, California

★★★★☆ 4.1
Episode 219: Neighborhood Knockouts
AmericanSandwichVegan/Vegetarian
Jax At The Trax

Jax At The Trax

Still Open

Truckee, California

★★★★☆ 4.1
Episode 108: Comfort Food With Attitude
AmericanBurgerBreakfast
Azla Ethiopian Vegan

Azla Ethiopian Vegan

Permanently Closed

Los Angeles, California

★★★★☆ 4
Episode 326: Cosmopolitan Comfort
Vegan/Vegetarian