UPDATED MARCH 22, 2024

A meat-free diet is anything but boring. In Surf City USA®, chefs are offering a taste of the rainbow with their colorful plant-based cuisine, from orange-glazed soy chicken to bright green lettuce wraps to a golden curry stew. Diverse, delicious and oh-so-decadent, these elevated vegan and vegetarian dishes are bursting with fresh flavor and creative preparations. Whether you’ve been meat-free for years or enjoy the occasional meatless Monday, here’s a guide to the best restaurants serving these types of cuisine in Huntington Beach.

Mitasie 3

Your favorite Asian fusion flavors — think broccoli beef, lemongrass chicken and Hong Kong chow fun — are reimagined at this Edinger Avenue restaurant as vegetarian and vegan entrees, soups, house specials and noodle dishes. For a lighter bite, sample vegan tuna sushi or summer rolls featuring vermicelli, mint, avocado, bean sprout and cucumber wrapped in delicate rice paper and served with a peanut sauce.

Green Tomato Grill

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Green Tomato Grill

This healthy eating haven on Goldenwest Street is great if you’re traveling with a meat eater in tow. The create-your-own options and specialty bowls, which include flavor profiles like miso, barbecue, Thai peanut and chimichurri, give diners an opportunity to choose their own protein. Vegetarians should try the crispy cauliflower, a chef’s special that is so popular it became a staple on the permanent menu. It’s also available as an appetizer, served with spicy buffalo or vegan ranch and a side of carrots and celery.

Loving Hut

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Loving Hut Burrito

Loving Hut is a 100% vegan restaurant chain, and their specialty is banh mi. They also serve up delicious noodles, rice, burgers, and skewers. Make sure to leave room for dessert - there's a delectable tiramisu or pandan cake. Gluten free and soy free options are available. 

Phans55 Spring Rolls

In Pacific City, this authentic Vietnamese restaurant serves up a classic dish, vegetarian style. Build your own pho with vegan-friendly rice noodles, seasonal veggies and organic tofu simmering in a piping-hot bowl of herb-infused vegetable broth (Tip: After sampling the light broth, reach for the Sriracha to add an extra kick). While your meat-eating companions might enjoy a selection of street snacks, vegetarians need to try an order of specialty spring rolls, a treat of tofu, lettuce, mint, perilla leaves, pickled carrots and daikon wrapped in gluten-free rice paper and served with a peanut dipping sauce.

Jan's Health Bar

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Jan's Bowls

While this healthy downtown restaurant isn’t vegetarian-exclusive, there’s no shortage of options for meat-free diners who stop by to pick up breakfast or lunch. Nutrient-rich acai bowls and smoothies are great post-workout with ingredients like fresh fruit, peanut butter, chia seeds, chocolate and vanilla protein, and almond milk. For a protein-packed pick at lunchtime, try a bowl with vegetarian turkey or the cali chop featuring avocado, quinoa, black beans and veggies tossed in an avocado cilantro dressing. Most salads are vegetarian-friendly, with decadent dressings ranging from creamy tahini and raspberry vinaigrette to a vegan cashew Caesar.

VegiLicious

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VegiLicious Curry

Surf City USA’s only all-vegan Japanese cuisine is a must-visit destination for traveling vegetarians. The charming restaurant in Huntington Harbour Mall is owned and operated by husband and wife Akira and Ana Nakao, who prepare and serve earth-conscious dishes like spicy miso ramen and lettuce wraps offered with thinly sliced vegan barbecue meat, five-grain rice and sprouts. Upgrade your evening with one of the spice-laden Japanese curries, featuring marinated vegan beef, grilled or oven-baked crispy chicken, tofu, or pan-fried tempeh served with a medley of organic vegetables. (As a result of a devastating fire in January 2022 that injured co-owner Ana Nakao, VegiLicious is currently closed. The owners hope to reopen the restaurant soon following Ana’s recovery.)

Tama Sushi

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Tama Sushi has a vegan menu in addition to its non-vegan menu, and it features a large specialty vegan sushi selection. With ingredients like vegan spicy tuna, vegan shrimp tempura, and vegan eel sauce, it's a local favorite for a reason. In addition to sushi, they also have vegan ramen, fried rice, noodles, bowls, and desserts.