We caught Vala Kitchen on Instagram after seeing their ABC7 feature on instagram and it exceeded…read moreevery expectation from start to finish! The customer service was warm, attentive, and phenomenal. Every single dish was packed with authentic flavor - the Kashke Bademjan appetizer was top-notch, the Koobideh and chicken kebabs were tender and perfectly seasoned, and the Tahdig and stews were absolute perfection. We finished with their magical desserts including homemade baklava which capped off an incredible meal. The atmosphere was also warm and inviting and very clean. We had a professional chef in our party, and even he gave Vala Kitchen his highest praise for the culinary technique, service, and flavor profiles. Hands down one of the best (Persian) dining experiences in LA/OC hands down and we'll definitely be back!!!

We tried the shish kebab with salad and the chicken kebab with the Vala salad, and everything was…read moredelicious! The chicken was incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The Vala salad was one of my favorites--it had the perfect tangy flavor that complemented the meal really well. We also ordered a side of hummus, and it was so flavorful and creamy. It paired perfectly with the complimentary pita bread they served, making it a great starter before our entrées arrived. The restaurant is located in a shared parking lot, and the space was clean and inviting. The servers were extremely nice and made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in.

We were on our way home and wanted to grab something for lunch. Found Samata Vegan House by luck…read more It is a very cute space. They have all of the basics for a Thai menu. Curries, noodles, soups, etc. We went with fried tofu as the protein option. And got Spicy Eggplant as one dish and Spicy Mongolian as the other. Along with Spicy Dumplings for appetizers and Jasmine rice for the entrees. Oh, and a peanut butter, chocolate vegan cookie. There are a few tables, cute décor and really good music playing. It was quick and easy to order. The lady who took the order was very nice and helpful. But disappeared once the food was ordered. After a bit, she came back out with a heavy bag full of wonderful goodness. We headed home and opened the bag after having to smell it for the 5 minute drive home. The containers held a good amount of food. Enough for a few meals. The potstickers were very good. Had a good amount of flavor and heat. We should have eaten at the restaurant as the dumpling wrapper was starting to fall apart, but that was our fault. Both the Spicy Eggplant and Mongolian dishes were flavorful and well made. Nothing over cooked, they had rich flavor and we would both gladly order again. The rice was cooked properly and was stuffed into the container. And the cookie. I am so in awe of good, vegan cookies. They are so easy to make wrong. This was so good. A great way to wrap up a really good and filling meal.

Customer service 10/10 Food 10/10…read moreDrinks 10/10 Legendary Diamond in the rough Awesome place to grab some good grub

Some meals feed you. This one converted us. We walked into…read moreThe Running Goose for an early lunch and left as devotees. Start with the "farm vegetables" carrots, yes, but carrots the way a poet means them. Sweet, blistered, singing. And then the aioli..... oh the aioli. I don't know what wizardry was in it and I've decided I don't want to. Some mysteries are better kept as mysteries you can drive back to. My wife and I looked at each other over that plate the way people do when they realize the afternoon has just changed shape. We are coming back for it. Every day. For the rest of our lives. Put a plaque on our table. .....The salmon belly burger was mine and I guarded it like family silver, rich, silky, the kind of fat that melts into everything around it. My wife had the smoked beet quesadilla, which arrived smelling like a good fire and tasted like someone had thought very hard about beets and finally gotten it right. She offered me a bite. She regretted offering me a bite...... And the owner served us himself. Warm, and present, the kind of host who tells you about a dish because he's proud of it, not because it's a script. That pride is all over the food. You can taste the years of devotion in it. Go. Sit down. Order the vegetables first. Let someone who cares about cooking feed you a real, considered, and generous plate. This is what a neighborhood restaurant is supposed to feel like.

What a great find in Hollywood…read more The Running Goose delivered from beginning to end. The kale salad was amazing, followed by the pork belly pincho with a beautiful char. The duck was exactly how I like it: crispy without being burnt and packed with flavor. And then there was the Gringo Burger for my gringa, which she loved. We finished with the Pavlova, which was the perfect ending. Great food, relaxed atmosphere, and the kind of place that makes you start thinking about what you'll order the next time before you've even left. We'll definitely be back.

THIS IS THE BEST VEGAN FRIED CHICKEN IN THE WORLD. I have no idea how they do it but WOW the…read moreoutside was so crispy and then inside it's seitan with a tofu sheet "skin" and it is quite literally perfect. In the wing they even have a little wooden dowel as a fake bone. For my sides I got mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, both of which were also good but nothing crazy. The chicken is definitely the reason to come here. I came here a few days before the moved to the new location so the new environment may be different but when I went the vibes were bizarre in the best way. They had posters and pinatas everywhere and all the tables were brightly themed- I went for the lisa frank table but I also saw like comic book and movie themed tables too. The guy working there was so nice and made sure he brought me some dipping sauce for my meal too, he gave me a couple of options and I went for the ranch which was amazing. The desserts also looked obscenely good (and massive). I would have ordered a slice of cake or something except it would have taken me a couple days to finish.

I really like this place, but it is definitely on the expensive side, so I don't come here…read moreoften--especially since I'm a meat eater and don't always specifically seek out vegan options. That said, when I do visit, I'm always impressed by the quality. The vegan food is incredibly fresh, served hot, and consistently delicious. Everything I've tried has felt thoughtfully prepared, and even as someone who doesn't typically eat vegan, I can appreciate how good it tastes. I haven't been here too many times, but every visit has been a positive experience in terms of flavor and freshness. There isn't a ton more I can say beyond that, but it's been reliably enjoyable whenever I've stopped in. Parking is fairly limited--a small lot is available, but it can fill up quickly, and street parking in the neighborhood can sometimes be a bit tight depending on the time of day.

Food was delicious!…read more Service was alright because they had kiosks. Ambiance was chill, could be better if there were more booths. Ordered the spicy burger with 4 patties! - Definitely worth the buy! - Meat was angus and had melted cheese so you know it's going to melt as you take a bite. - Soft chew and easy to digest since it doesn't fill you up and put you in a food coma. Order: Spicy Burger with 4 patties and Potato Wedges, water for my drink

Vegan options!!!…read more They have an impossible and a black bean burger patty. The food was pretty good. The service sucks so bad. The cooks didn't read the ticket put mayonnaise and cheese on my Vegan burger My onion rings came out five minutes after my burger They have four screen TVs, but it's awfully loud conversation would be a little hard

I visited Cafe Gratitude for lunch during Dine LA Week and thought the $25 deal was a great value…read more You get to choose two dishes, both in full-size portions, plus a drink. I ended up getting so full that I took my second dish home! I absolutely loved the coconut drink, "I Am Chill." They were also happy to customize it with less ice, which I really appreciated. The "I Am Next Level" bowl was delicious, healthy, and very satisfying. My second dish, the "I Am Beaming" Pesto Alfredo Pasta, was a little too creamy for my taste, but it was still enjoyable. It was fairly noisy during lunch on Friday, and the service was decent but could have been a little more attentive. There were a few moments when I found myself wondering when the waiter would come back to my table. Overall, a great Dine LA value with delicious, healthy food and some creative drink options. I'd definitely come back to try more dishes!

This is one of my favorite plant-based brunch spots here in the LA area. I have dined here many…read moretimes throughout the years at both this location in Larchmont and the other one in Venice. The ambiance is always a cool, calm, and chill vibe. I tend to come around the time they open on the weekends, and it's especially quiet, and I enjoy eating out in the outdoor area. Smoothies are delicious and they offer so many customizable options. On this visit, I had the savory version of "I Am Hospitable." This waffle is cooked to perfection and it has the perfect amount of crispiness and fluffiness. The oyster mushroom is exceptionally well-cooked with a great crunch without it being too oily. Everything here is always seasoned appropriately. Customer service here goes above and beyond, and I believe (Candace?) saw us on our last visit. She was so warm and engaging, plus she gave some really great suggestions. I wish other restaurants had people like this. On every visit, no matter who seats us, we receive the same warm welcome and friendly service that makes us feel great the rest of the day

Came here after a long day of walking along hollywood and i am so happy we did. I wasnt too sure of…read morewhat to expect, but the interior was so beautifully done with a mix of a subway/ speakeasy vibe and perfect lighting for any occasion. It was a but busy when we got there but luckily we got seared pretty shortly after arrival. We originally wanted to sit at the bar, but opted for a table for less wait time. When first looking at the menu we were shocked by the prices. I knew immediately i wanted to get the hui tou potstikers with pork and noodles. We ended up adding on the hongkong style wontons too. To my suprise the wontons arrived in a delicious and warm broth, keeping them perfectly moist and plump. The broth was so delicious even on a hot day, tasting faintly of sesame and scallion. Despite both dishes being pork they were so different and equally amazing in flavor. The pan fried potstikers which were CRISPED TO PERFECTION especially reminded me of black bean shortribs that you get from dimsum, fatty but hearty and had me wanting more and more each bite. The minced pork noodles were to no suprise, so good. Noodles tasted fresh, the sauce was umami with mushrooms and pork. While im not the biggest fan of mushrooms, i still ate it up. I feel it would be so good with some picked cabbage too to complement the saltiness. Most notable thing... THAT CHILI OIL. We probably used almost half the jar left at the table. It wasnt spicy at all, but it had this flavor that i genuinely have never tasted before. The texture of the chilli and sesame and the nutty flavor had me in awe. Enough to take two jars home... i would do it again. Servers were so quick, made sure everything we needed was at the table. Regardless of the crowd we were met with promptness and generosity. This that wonton place your girl tells you not to worry about forreal. Will be coming back despite the long drive from home.

Some call it comfort food, others might call it fine dining on a budget. That evening we went-- it…read morewas simply an amazing dinner. Anything you can eat you any night you don't have to cook is usually a great night out. This evening was no exception. Our waitress was kind and accommodating. Positive energy, drinks filled and smile that felt genuine. The ambiance of the restaurant was bar like, but with adequate seating for dining in. Everything was prepared wonderfully and had tremendous flavor. I recommend trying their Hui Tou, stuffed with pork or beef, pork and leek pancakes, they also have vegetarian options. Their pork shumai was delicious, xiao long bao's soup dumplings were flavorful. Delicious. I definitely need a second trip here to try their soups and more of their variety of dumplings.

Fresh ingredients, nice salsa selection, and generous servings! Best vegan burrito in town. The…read morestaff is very nice, and helpful.

Fresh and fast! French goes are so good dipped in ranch. Steak Quesadilla was excellent. Ceasar…read moresalad could use a tad more dressing. Friendly and patient service since we had not been before. Nice outdoor seating. It is called Veggie Grill so don't be confused. Big menu

I had lunch a very enjoyable lunch at the Vegi Grill. I ordered the original Vegi burger which was…read morea flavor bomb. The burger patty is mushroom and quinoa blend which good flavor and com a with fresh and cost lettuce, tomato slices, and d onion, and avocado on a brioche bun. For my side I had jalapeño coleslaw which crispy and very satisfying. The story was clean and bright with great music. The serving staff was very friendly and top notch. Overall a great experience.

"I Felt Like Destroying Something Beautiful" I've been…read moreeating Veggie Grill for seven years. They've stood with me through it all - high highs, low lows, and all the life that gets lived in between. In contrast to many of their greater LA plant-based contemporaries, Veggie Grill have made frequent changes over the years. Under the supervision of their new parent company Next Level in particular, the menu has been on a fairly steady refresh rotation, while largely avoiding the over-management that can inadvertently tarnish a brand - that is, until now. Change can be good. In recent years, Veggie Grill has established the reliable precedent that there are people in an office somewhere, and a kitchen, or perhaps numerous offices and kitchens, who are constantly working tirelessly to improve a restaurant that is already so great. There are things I don't love - there often aren't trash bins or obvious places to self-bus my table after eating, the atmosphere can be a touch too tacky for me to seek it out in more late-night "comfort food" situations, and it can just feel a bit generically corporate at times. But so much good comes from this extra attention and effort, too - the rewards system (by which I've attained Planet Protector status, and am well on my way to Veggie Visionary), including monthly and annual bonus rewards, newer menu items that have quickly become favorites, and even the full incorporation of the successful Mas Veggies Vegan Taqueria ghost kitchen project. I've defended Veggie Grill in the face of opposition and slander on numerous occasions - native Angelenos who take it for granted, forced by oppressive vegan parents to enjoy such delicious and accessible plant-based cuisine, or even those purists who believe it all went downhill years ago now. But one change that happened recently went too far. In a world of order and chaos, pain and suffering, failure and success, losses and wins, I take comfort in knowing in the back of my mind that until 10:30 pm on any given night, no matter the events that have transpired during the day, that I might find solace in my sanctuary, in Veggie Grill. And not only will she be there with me, waiting with open arms and hot stove, but there will even be dessert should I request it. And the most inviting treat on offer? The most delicious and perfect chocolate chip cookies ever known. But has one ever eaten a so-called "perfect" cookie and been satisfied? Of course not - which is precisely why Veggie Grill wisely decline to serve their faithful customers just one chocolate chip cookie at a time. Instead they pack a tasty trio of warm, freshly baked-in-store-daily chocolate chip cookies to grace the bottom of the bag. These are cookies so tasty, sweet, soft and of the perfect texture that I can know as soon as my order has been made that I will be satisfied. That was, of course, until they changed. It started in 2025. It wasn't every time - they were still usually the same top-notch, 10/10 biscuits. But on occasion I tasted the unthinkable - the cookies, once soft, melty and delicious, had been overcooked. I hoped it was just a fluke. But I regret to write in April 2026 that the recipe has surely been changed. Upon checking the label and ingredients, I've found that Next Level have tainting their dough with Earth Balance shortening. I don't have a personal quip with Earth Balance - they are by all accounts a reputable organization from whom I have enjoyed many oily offerings. But in this recipe, this golden ratio of vegan alchemy sent down to LA from heaven above, it just doesn't work. Before I opened the wrapper I knew something wasn't right. The cookies lacked their usual size, body and fullness. I tried to pull one out, but a piece just crumbled off. For a cookie to break apart is acceptable, but this crumble was simply not up to the level of quality I have come to enjoy from my safe haven of vegan eats. And as soon as I tasted that sorry first bite, I knew it was over: the mild, mediocre notes and texture of thinner oatmeal-style cookies. The chocolate chips weren't "popping" anymore. Nothing felt the same. What happened? From the limited information I was able to scrape off the web, the cookies' total calorie count was listed at 470 with 3g of dietary fiber as recently as 2024. The only info currently available on the cookies weighs them in at a measly 360 calories, with only one lonely, sad gram of fiber to help push it all down. Despite whatever reason Next Level's ministers of desert may claim for foiling a recipe so perfect and pure, be it nutritional appeal, economics or both, there can be no reconciliation of such changes. The cookies that once made my nights, weekends and therefore my life, have vanished and gone away. In their place are only sad imposters - allegedly the same item in name, but alas the soul does not lie. My beloved Veggie Grill Chocolate Chip Cookies are gone, and so is my heart.

Came here on a random Tuesday. Service was really fast, food…read morecame out pretty quickly as well. I saw on here that someone said that the inside of the restaurant gave old school gyro spot vibes and I couldn't agree more lol. My favorite was actually the garlic bokchoy. Not too salty or saucy, cooked to perfection with that perfect leafy crunch. All the dumplings were really tasty as well the must try is definitely the spicy pork wontons. The sauce paired perfectly with white rice . Soup was very warming and wontons were also super soupy and flavorful. We waited for our check for a minute but I think you have to pay at the front. Overall pretty decent !

We have eaten at other Northern Cafe locations before, and this is definitely one of the best ones…read more The interior is a bit smaller than most, but the service is good and quick. We loved the beef noodle soup with its very healthy portion and perfect balance of flavor without being overly salty. They also give a very good amount of sliced beef. It was thoroughly marinated and extremely tender. The green onion pancake was thin and crispy, fried to perfection without it being too oily. The juicy pork dumplings as well as the spicy wontons were also a fan favorite amongst the entire family. While the dumpling skins were a bit thicker than I would have preferred, it was very meaty and the sauces were tasty. This is a perfect spot for a quick bite to eat right before (or after) watching a performance at the Pantages Theatre. Will definitely be back!