Celebrate Meatless Mondays At These Local Veggie-Friendly Eateries

Earlier this week, Los Angeles City Council approved a resolution to observe "Meatless Mondays," making L.A. the largest city to declare their support for the movement.

The resolution was introduced by Councilmembers Jan Perry and Ed Reyes as a way to "support comprehensive sustainability efforts as well as to further encourage residents to eat a more varied plant-based diet to protect their health and protect animals."

But no need to worry - observing the weekly "holiday" is entirely optional for Angelenos. What's more, November is World Vegan Month. If you're looking to celebrate Meatless Mondays (or Veganovember), here are some local restaurants that are vegetarian- or vegan-friendly.

Lotus Vegan, 4715 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood.

This entirely vegan restaurant serves tasty Thai and Chinese food. It recently moved from Vineland Boulevard to a bigger space off Lankershim Boulevard. Business hours are Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

HealthyCA, 4724 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood.

The take-out and catering eatery uses vegan mayonnaise and offers a variety of delicious salads and sandwiches for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Business hours are Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Leonor's Vegetarian Restaurant, 11403 Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood.

The Mexican restaurant's menu is entirely vegetarian and includes pizza, burritos, salads and more. Business hours are Mondays through Thursdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

EAT, 11108 Magnolia Boulevard, NoHo Arts District.

Though EAT does serve meat, they have plenty of vegetarian breakfast and lunch options. Don't forget to order Ned's shreds (shredded zucchini) with your breakfast - it's a healthy substitute to hash browns. Business hours are Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Harvest Moon Kitchen & Marketplace, 12454 Magnolia Boulevard, Valley Village.

The newly-opened Valley Village eatery specializes in fresh and healthy dishes. Business hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Steampunk Coffee Bar & Kitchen, 12526 Burbank Boulevard, Valley Village.

Another new addition to the area, Steampunk offers many vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast and lunch. Business hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Republic of Pie, 11118 Magnolia Boulevard, NoHo Arts District.

This local pie and coffee shop serves several vegetarian pot pies and plenty of meat-free sweet pies. Business hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hayat's Kitchen, 11009 Burbank Boulevard. North Hollywood.

This L.A. Times-recognized Lebanese spot serves delicious garlic fries, a Patch favorite. While it does serve meat, its stuffed grape leaves, falafel, tabbouleh and hummus dishes are among many of its vegetarian-friendly options. Business hours are Mondays through Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Al-Amir Lebanese Cuisine, 5217 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Valley Village.

Another local Lebanese restaurant, Al-Amir also offers many vegetarian-friendly dishes in addition to meals for meat-lovers. Business hours are Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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About this column: I'll be your adventure guide through the bustling arts district, Toluca Lake and the rest of North Hollywood, surveying theater, film, books, music, politics, places and people for your daily culture intake.