Vegan & Vegetarian
Food & Drink
If you're vegan, semi-vegetarian, flexitarian, or undecided, the plant-based foodways in Pasadena shines in its robust dining scene.
From innovative culinary creations to the longstanding vegan staples in South Asian cuisine, take a closer look at these essential gluten free and vegan restaurants and eateries.
Vegan Restaurants
Bageloo Bagel & Coffee Shop
100% plant-based ingredients including boiled cabbage water create soft, fluffy and delicious bagels at Bageloo. Creativity shines at Bageloo with nutritious squid ink in the special black bagel or the vibrant pink bagel derived from beetroot. Ask for their vegan cream cheese to make the ultimate vegan breakfast or lunch bagel. Location: 107 W. California Blvd.
My Vegan Pasadena
Located along Arroyo Parkway (Historic Route 66), My Vegan is a longstanding staple in Pasadena. This nondescript Thai restaurant is tucked away in a strip mall, casually serving up some of the best tasting plant-based Pad Thai and soups known Angelenos. The RIPP (Rest In Peace Porky) is another must-try dish of tangy plant-based "short ribs," along with a menu that boasts a fragrant selection of soup based dishes and curries. Location: 633 S. Arroyo Pkwy #3
True Food Kitchen Pasadena
An eco-chic national chain serving healthy and nutritious cuisine, True Food Kitchen menu is coded with "(v)" so it's easy to home in on what's vegan-friendly—from soups and salads to pizzas, bowls and burgers. They can also adapt dishes to suit diets like keto and paleo. The Pasadena location is situated in Old Pasadena, with an expansive outdoor patio and modern interior dining space. Location: 168 W. Colorado Blvd.
Granville Pasadena
Granville also denotes vegan items on their menus, making it a great spot for groups with mixed dietary preferences. Think lemon couscous, homemade chili, butter lettuce cups, beet salad, vegan burgers, poblano quinoa and farro mushroom risotto. Opt to sit in the open-air rooftop dining area while sipping on cocktails (or mocktails) under the Pasadena sky. Location: 270 S. Lake Ave.
Father Nature Lavish Bistro
Located in Old Pasadena, Father Nature is a second-generation family restaurant making Mediterranean food in Pasadena since 1984. There are gluten-free and vegan options clearly marked on the menu. Try the veggie and hummus wraps, eggplant pressed wraps with garlic aioli, falafel salads, a very popular lentil soup, and more. Location: 17 N. De Lacey Ave.
Annapurna Grill
From head chef Suresh Albin, who hails from Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu, Annapurna began as a vegetarian establishment in Culver City. It's Pasadena location also serves carnivores, though its menu is largely vegetarian. Enjoy everything from the Onion & Spinach Pakora and Garlic Naan to Bhindi Masala and Stuffed Eggplant Curry. To share, get the family dosa for a delicious photo op. Location: 929 E. Colorado Blvd.
Himalayan Cafe
Located in Old Pasadena, Himalayan Cafe comes from Nepal-born chef Chudamani Adhikari. Nepalese cooking is his soul food and meat is scarce in Nepal, thus the vegan dishes are rich in flavor and serve as tummy-warming comfort food. Menu items are clearly marked vegan, gluten-free, or vegetarian. Try the eggplant, the chana masala, or the veggie momo dumplings. Location: 36 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
HiroNori Craft Ramen
HiroNori is a popular California ramen chain, known for its scratch made noodles, cut every morning. The Vegan Ramen on their menu is definitely something to write home about, made with sesame miso broth, tofu, baby kale, and soy meat. Location: 163 S. Lake Ave.
Tibet Nepal House
Step into Tibet Nepal House for a Himalayan food with vegan menu items clearly marked on the menus. Discover the difference between Indian food and Nepalese and Tibetan food with a wide selection of veggie curries and a side of samosas. Location: 36 E. Holly St.
Vegan Bakeries & Desserts
Yvonne's Vegan Kitchen
Yvonne's Vegan Kitchen in Pasadena is an Asian, female-owned gem offering an array of plant-based baked goods infused with bold and unique flavors like pandan, ube, and matcha. From cookies to custom cakes, this bakery delivers delicious, cruelty-free treats perfect for any occasion. Yvonne’s Vegan Kitchen has something to satisfy every craving. Location: 11 W. Dayton St.
Coffee and Plants
All are invited (including four-legged friends) to enjoy lounging at 100% plant-based Coffee and Plants. By partnering with the National Forest Foundation, Coffee and Plants plant a tree for every 100 cups sold. Contribute to the cause by treating yourself to a cup of coffee or treat your pup to the popular puppuccino. Location: 62 W. Union St.
Hello, You're Welcome
Sustainability and community are important to Hello, You're Welcome and it starts with delicious gluten-free and vegan baked goods. All coffee, matcha, and tea are sourced through a direct trade model. Grab a specialty beverage and donut to start your morning or grab one of their sammies served on house-baked bread for lunch. Location: 445 E. Colorado Blvd.
ID-Eclair
French-trained Pastry Chef Romuald Guiot, a finalist on The Food Network's Spring Baking Championship Season 8, introduces Pasadena to ID-Eclair, the first vegan French bakery. The tarts, macarons, meringues, and a selection of cookies are gluten-free. Chef Guiot's creativity shines through 100% plant based treats from eclairs to lunch specials. Location: 169 W. Green St.
Roots & Rye
Roots & Rye is a fun vegan spot that celebrates fresh, organic fruit through customizable acai bowls and toasts. Add overnight oats, granola, nuts, shaved coconut, almond butter, and more. Enjoy as a meal, a snack, or a dessert! Location: 36 W. Colorado Blvd. #7