Salad is the unofficial meal of Los Angeles; perpetually summery, filling yet light, and when it comes to Caesar, so rich and umami-filled. The Caesar has become a staple in both vegan and omnivorous restaurants, with plentiful animal‑free twists on the classic.
Diners can find nut‑based dressings, seed‑oil‑free riffs, and cashew sauces replacing eggs and anchovies while capturing the original’s briny flavor. High‑quality produce from Southern California supplies crisp romaine, kale, and cherry tomatoes, and artisan makers provide almond cheeses and toasted seeds. Even Grammy winners have partnered with restaurants to revive fan‑favorite salads.
The best Caesar salads in Los Angeles
Here’s a look at Los Angeles’ top vegan Caesar salads, beginning with a fine‑dining pioneer.
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Jack L. | Yelp
1Crossroads Kitchen
Chef Tal Ronnen’s flagship on Melrose Avenue helped shape vegan fine dining. Its dinner menu lists a Caesar salad with a choice of kale or romaine, croutons, dairy-free cheese, and house dressing. The proprietary dressing delivers a savory punch without anchovies, and diners can choose between sturdy kale or tender romaine. Crossroads elevates this humble dish into a composed course, showing that a plant‑based Caesar can hold its own in an upscale setting.
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Tara K. | Yelp
2Pura Vita
Pura Vita in West Hollywood takes an Italian approach. Its Caesar salad is a vegan version of the classic, with mixed greens, garbanzo beans, and macadamia parmesan. The salad’s name recalls Julius Caesar, but every ingredient is plant‑based. Pura Vita’s commitment to organic produce and artisanal cheeses makes this Caesar a decadent starter or main.
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Donna Jean
3Donna Jean
Donna Jean leans into rustic California cooking. Its Los Angeles dinner menu includes a Caesar salad made with butter lettuce, radishes, parmesan and croutons.The tender lettuce pairs with creamy dressing, peppery radishes, and house‑baked croutons. A gluten‑free option underscores the kitchen’s inclusivity. Chef Roy Elam sources seasonal produce and makes dressings from scratch, turning this simple dish into a comforting entrée.
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Kitchen Mouse
4Kitchen Mouse
Kitchen Mouse, the popular vegetarian brunch café in Highland Park, lists a kale and oyster mushroom Caesar salad made with seared oyster mushrooms, pickled vegetables, coriander seeds, millet croutons and creamy lemon dressing. Hearty mushrooms and pickled veggies give the salad substance while keeping it gluten‑free. This kale‑based Caesar balances citrus and umami, making it popular among locals seeking a wholesome lunch.
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Café Gratitude
5Café Gratitude
Both the Venice and Larchmont locations of Café Gratitude offer “I Am Dazzling,” a little gem-based Caesar with capers, tomato, shiitake bacon, dulse flakes, and a parmesan made from Brazil nuts. It’s all tied together in a cashew-based tangy Caesar dressing.
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O’cado
6O’cado
Sherman Oaks’ O’cado draws Mediterranean and Latin influences. A guest review notes, “My non-vegan husband loved every dish, penne, Caesar salad, hot dog, everything very flavorful and fresh.” The Caesar appeals to omnivores as well. O’cado’s salad features crisp greens, toasted seeds and a creamy plant‑based dressing. The restaurant’s inviting vibe makes it a neighborhood favorite.
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Hot Tongue
7Hot Tongue Pizza
Hot Tongue Pizza in the perpetually hip Silver Lake neighborhood serves a Vegan Caesar Salad made with Sunrise Organic Farms romaine, croutons and almond parmesan with house‑made dressing. The menu calls it “a classic Caesar salad … that you would expect from any neighborhood pizza shop” and we agree.
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Monty’s Good Burger
8Monty’s Good Burger
Monty’s Good Burger is known for its plant‑based In-N-Out style burgers but also offers a vegan Caesar. A Discover Los Angeles write‑up notes that the menu features “decked‑out Impossible burgers, fries, tater tots, shakes and a vegan Caesar salad”. Definitely get the burger if you’re heading to Monty’s, but include this lighter option for a healthy, truly California-take on the Caesar.
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Candace R. | Yelp
9Justine’s Wine Bar
Frogtown’s Just What I Kneaded began as a bakery and now offers a full café menu at its neighboring wine bar. Its Big Caesar salad combines crunchy greens with vegan Caesar dressing, herb croutons and lots of vegan cheese. This approachable salad is pure comfort. Order it alongside the menu’s pizzas and be sure to dine al fresco on the patio.
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Veggie Grill by Next Level
10Veggie Grill by Next Level
Vegan fast‑casual chain Veggie Grill by Next Level offers a Caesar Crunch Salad featuring organic romaine and kale, house‑made dressing, mushroom crisps, croutons, capers, almond parmesan, and hemp hearts. Mushroom crisps add umami, while hemp hearts lend protein. With locations across Los Angeles, Veggie Grill makes this accessible Caesar an easy option for a quick meal.
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