Best Restaurants & Shops by City

Last Update in July 2021! We’ve created this ever-growing guide to restaurants, bakeries, cafes, ice cream shops, and stores in Southern California that are friendly to dairy-free diners. And it’s a big one! It’s a collection based on research and reader recommendations (send yours!) that’s divided into restaurants & shops by city (first) and major chains found throughout the state (second). And we’ve started a section for specialty dairy-free foods produced in this state.

We Update Continuously! You can ignore the original date on this post going forward. We update the information below whenever we’re alerted to a new recommendation, change, or closure.

Photo from Creamo, an all-vegan ice cream shop in Los Angeles, California

Dairy-Free Southern California: Recommended Restaurants & Shops

If you are looking for San Diego Area options (Ocenside to Chula Vista), see our San Diego Dairy-Free Guide. And we have an exclusive Dairy-Free Disneyland Guide. The guide below covers the rest of SoCal. We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city and then by the restaurant or shop name. For large chains with locations throughout the state, see the Major Restaurant & Grocery Chains section below. We have dedicated posts with dairy-free details for many of the big guys.

⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)

Agoura Hills

Sage Vegan Bistro ⭐️ – Before you hit the hustle and bustle of L.A., you can stop at this popular dining spot. It was recommended to us by reader Tiffany. “Sage has a wide variety of foods, some Mexican inspired, and a hearty drink/juice/smoothie menu, too. Their buffalo cauliflower and jackfruit tacos are soo tasty. They also serve a nice brunch.”
Tifa Chocolate and Gelato – They scoop some creamy vegan gelato flavors (like peanut butter, dark chocolate, and chocolate chip), and also offer fruity dairy-free sorbettos. On the chocolate side, they have a selection of vegan truffles.

Anaheim

Fire + Ice – Janet recommended this restaurant for dairy-free lunch, dinner, and brunch options. It’s a Mongolian BBQ type place, but they offer a global array of flavors. Since you pick your own ingredients, it makes it easy to order without dairy and choose the right sauces. Janet said, “If the grill has already been used or is being used for things that shouldn’t be anywhere near my food, they take mine to the back and cook it in a separate pan and deliver it to my table.”
Mother’s Market & Kitchen – This local natural food store chain sells many local and national dairy-free products. They also have a to-go cafe on site, with an extensive vegan menu, and even more dairy-free possibilities, like burgers and seafood entrees. They also blend dairy-free smoothies and shakes, with some vegan ice cream options.
Thuyen Vien Vietnamese ⭐️ – Most Vietnamese food is naturally dairy-free, but this restaurant guarantees it with their all-vegan menu. They specialize in plant-rich dishes and mock meats, but also offer some popular desserts, like dairy-free cheesecake and flan. This is a tofu and soy-heavy restaurant.
True Seasons Organic Kitchen – This fusion restaurant serves Asian-inspired meals that are naturally dairy free, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their produce is always local, their meats are raised without antibiotics and hormones, and their seafood is wild caught. Dairy is used in some of their bubble teas and desserts, but they offer dairy-free smoothies, coconut boba tea, and vegan organic gelato and popsicles. The menu also includes labeled items for gluten-free and vegan diners. The Chef at True Seasons even reached out to us to share this Nopales Cactus Salad Recipe.

See Our Dairy-Free Disneyland Guide for more Anaheim options. It includes Disneyland Park, California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and the Disney on-site hotels.

Arcadia

Din Tai Fung – This is an upscale Taiwanese chain that specializes in Chinese Huaiyang cuisine. They offer a full allergen and special diet chart, and, at last check, all of their savory menu items were dairy-free and all but one of their sweet bao was dairy-free (most are vegan!). They do use milk in some beverage items.
Holy Roly – This rolled ice cream shop has vegan coconut and mango base options, with several fruit and Oreo cookie mix-ins to choose from.

Bakersfield

PizzaRev – This build-your-own pizza joint has four dairy-free pizza crusts (two of which are gluten-free, and three of which are vegan), Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative, and most of their sauces and toppings are dairy-free (skip the alfredo, pesto, and meatballs). They also offer Beyond Meat sausage for vegan guests.
Shake ‘N Buns ⭐️ – They offer dairy-free ice cream, milkshakes, and floats, and have a full plant-based menu with burgers, “cheesesteaks,” buffalo and “cheese” fries, and more. Most of their classic burgers can be custom ordered dairy free.

Beverly Hills

Burger Lounge – This SoCal chain serves grass-fed burgers alongside a whole menu of vegan burgers. They offer vegan buns, dairy-free cheese, and bunless paleo and keto options. Select locations (check in advance) offer dairy-free milkshakes and root beer floats made with cashew milk ice cream.
Juice Crafters ⭐️ – There’s no shortage of juice shops in California, but this one is reportedly dairy-free. Their menu includes a big range of pressed juices, hydration drinks, wellness shots, smoothies, and acai bowls. For a creamy finish, they use their own date-sweetened almond nut mylk.
Ladurée – The Beverly Hills location of this French Patisserie chain has partnered with chef Matthew Kenney to create a vegan array of menu items. They offer vegan omelettes, salads, chia pudding, pastries, macarons, and sorbets. A few additional savory menu items can be ordered dairy free.
LA Gondola ⭐️ – This fine dining restaurant is kosher glatt and dairy-free. They serve an Italian-style menu, but with many global influences.
Soom Soom Fresh Mediterranean ⭐️ – Heather recommended this local kosher, dairy-free restaurant chain to us. “They have shawarmas, grilled meats, or a variety of vegetarian options, that come with a variety of salads and side dishes, in addition to rice or couscous.” They also offer dairy-free desserts.

Brea

Cinnaholic – See our Cinnaholic Dairy-Free Info for full details.
Mother’s Market & Kitchen – This local natural food store chain sells many local and national dairy-free products. They also have a to-go cafe on site, with an extensive vegan menu, and even more dairy-free possibilities, like burgers and seafood entrees. They also blend dairy-free smoothies and shakes, with some vegan ice cream options.
Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain is very friendly to special diets. They offer Daiya vegan cheese alternative, use vegan dough, offer a vegan, gluten-free pizza crust, and have Beyond Meat crumbles. You can also choose organic tomato sauce, housemade marinara sauce, or housemade roasted garlic sauce, and top it with any non-cheese toppings for “just dairy free.” At last check, everything on their menu was dairy-free, except the dairy cheeses, ranch dressings, caesar dressing, basil pesto sauce, and meatballs. But confirm in store before ordering!

Brentwood

Juice Crafters ⭐️ – There’s no shortage of juice shops in California, but this one is reportedly dairy-free. Their menu includes a big range of pressed juices, hydration drinks, wellness shots, smoothies, and acai bowls. For a creamy finish, they use their own date-sweetened almond nut mylk.

Burbank

Hummus Republic – Their build-your-own pita, wrap, or bowl menu is filled with dairy-free options. They even offer vegan proteins, and most components are dairy-free (includes hummuses and dressings). They clearly label for vegan and gluten-free guests.
Jinya Ramen Bar – Unlike many ramen places, all of their ramens and soups are dairy-free. Almost all of their rice bowls and most of their small plates are made without dairy too. They also offer vegan menu items in every savory category (all of their desserts contain dairy).
Sweetfin – This Southern California poke chain serves a menu that’s almost purely dairy-free, and even includes a couple flavors of plant-based Dream Pops for dessert. They also have a few plant-based bowls on the menu and offer a plethora of fresh toppings for building your own.
Tocaya Organica – The base menu at this healthy Mexican chain is vegan, but you then choose your protein and/or cheese of choice. They serve salads, bowls, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, soups, and sides, and have dairy-free meats, plant-based meat alternatives, vegan cremas, and cheese alternatives available.
Western Bagel – Every bagel they make is dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free (at last check), and it’s quite a selection. They’re also egg free (except for the egg bagel), since they don’t use an egg wash. They offer standard schmeers, but do have peanut butter, jelly, and some sandwich options for dairy-free customers.

Calabasas

Camarillo

Tifa Chocolate and Gelato – They scoop some creamy vegan gelato flavors (like peanut butter, dark chocolate, and chocolate chip), and also offer fruity dairy-free sorbettos. On the chocolate side, they have a selection of vegan truffles.

Chino

Hummus Republic – Their build-your-own pita, wrap, or bowl menu is filled with dairy-free options. They even offer vegan proteins, and most components are dairy-free (includes hummuses and dressings). They clearly label for vegan and gluten-free guests.

Claremont

Paradis Icecream – Their scoops always include at least a couple dairy-free flavors, which rotate often. Some are sorbets, but they also make a big range of creamy plant-based flavors made with almond milk or coconut cream. You can enjoy them in a cup or a cake cone, and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They can also make you a vegan milkshake or coffee drink with almond milk.

Corona

Cinnaholic – See our Cinnaholic Dairy-Free Info for full details.
PizzaRev – This build-your-own pizza joint has four dairy-free pizza crusts (two of which are gluten-free, and three of which are vegan), Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative, and most of their sauces and toppings are dairy-free (skip the alfredo, pesto, and meatballs). They also offer Beyond Meat sausage for vegan guests.
Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

Costa Mesa

Burger Lounge – This SoCal chain serves grass-fed burgers alongside a whole menu of vegan burgers. They offer vegan buns, dairy-free cheese, and bunless paleo and keto options. Select locations (check in advance) offer dairy-free milkshakes and root beer floats made with cashew milk ice cream.
Confetti Italian Ice – Emily recommended this cool spot. “They have a wide selection of ices (similar to sorbet), and nearly all of them are dairy-free.” Their ice cream, or “custard,” is dairy-based, but they also swirl creamy dairy-free Dole whip.
Din Tai Fung – This is an upscale Taiwanese chain that specializes in Chinese Huaiyang cuisine. They offer a full allergen and special diet chart, and, at last check, all of their savory menu items were dairy-free and all but one of their sweet bao was dairy-free (most are vegan!). They do use milk in some beverage items.
Mother’s Market & Kitchen – This local natural food store chain sells many local and national dairy-free products. They also have a to-go cafe on site, with an extensive vegan menu, and even more dairy-free possibilities, like burgers and seafood entrees. They also blend dairy-free smoothies and shakes, with some vegan ice cream options.
Native Foods Cafe ⭐️ – This is a plant-based, dairy-free restaurant chain with extensive collection of burgers, bowls, salads, wraps, and more with regional flavor influences from the U.S., Mexico, and Asia. They also have a sizable dessert menu.
Seasons 52 – See our Seasons 52 Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
VEG’D ⭐️ – Renowned chef, Matthew Kenney founded this vegan drive thru restaurant. They took over an old Del Taco space, and created an elevated fast food menu of “plant-forward clean eats” ranging from veggie burgers to salads and bowls.

Culver City

Boba Guys – See our Boba Guys Dairy-Free Info for full details.
Burger Lounge – This SoCal chain serves grass-fed burgers alongside a whole menu of vegan burgers. They offer vegan buns, dairy-free cheese, and bunless paleo and keto options. Select locations (check in advance) offer dairy-free milkshakes and root beer floats made with cashew milk ice cream.
Coolhaus Scoop Shop – They now produce pints that ship all over the U.S., but they still have their original scoop shop. They offer several dairy-free flavors.
Go Get Em Tiger – This Los Angeles coffee shop chain has a location in Culver City, where you can also enjoy their drinks made with dairy-free oat milk or housemade almond-macadamia milk. This location has a nice little breakfast and lunch menu, with vegan options like overnight oats, chickpea frittatas, avocado toast, and caesar salad. Many more items can be made dairy free.
LemonShark Poke – They have an interactive allergen menu online, and it brings good news for dairy-free guests. All of their sauces and poke bowl ingredients are dairy-free. The only items that contained dairy at our time of review were the tempura, coconut shrimp, and katsu.
Luna Grill – Luna Grill does include vegan icons on their menu, and there are a few options. But they also have a great allergen guide that reveals numerous milk-free menu items. The desserts are off-limits, but there are many kabobs, salads, and small bites to choose from.
Rising Hearts Bakery ⭐️ – This is a dedicated gluten-free, dairy-free, and peanut-free bakery, and everything they make is also egg-free and vegan. They do use almond flour and other nuts. Their menu is filled with everything you could hope for at a bakery, from bread loaves and bagels to cookies and cupcakes. They also take custom orders and are happy to bake a cake for your special occasion.
Sage Vegan Bistro ⭐️ – Their brewery might be located at their L.A. restaurant, but you can enjoy those brews in their Culver City beer garden. They have plenty of outdoor seating, a great drink menu, and serve plant-based breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts, with something for everyone.
Salt & Straw – See our Salt & Straw Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Samosa House – This is a popular vegetarian Indian restaurant, which also serves many vegan options, like roti, samosas, dosas, and plates (they offer a dairy-free soup in lieu of yogurt). They even have a vegan mango lassi on their drink menu.
Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular localized ice cream chain sells their pints in grocery stores, but they also have scoop shops. They churn both classic dairy ice cream and a huge array of dairy-free flavors, which are made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk. They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or craft a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.

Dana Point

Paradis Icecream – Their scoops always include at least a couple dairy-free flavors, which rotate often. Some are sorbets, but they also make a big range of creamy plant-based flavors made with almond milk or coconut cream. You can enjoy them in a cup or a cake cone, and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They can also make you a vegan milkshake or coffee drink with almond milk.
Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice ⭐️ – Their entire menu is 100% organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan. They serve breakfast, toasts all day, bowls, burgers, tacos, smoothies, and smoothie bowls.

Duarte

One Veg World ⭐️ – This vegan fast food spot has a sizable selection of breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, salads, burritos, appetizers, and even desserts.

Eastvale

Jinya Ramen Bar – Unlike many ramen places, all of their ramens and soups are dairy-free. Almost all of their rice bowls and most of their small plates are made without dairy too. They also offer vegan menu items in every savory category (all of their desserts contain dairy).

El Segundo

Hummus Republic – Their build-your-own pita, wrap, or bowl menu is filled with dairy-free options. They even offer vegan proteins, and most components are dairy-free (includes hummuses and dressings). They clearly label for vegan and gluten-free guests.
Tocaya Organica – The base menu at this healthy Mexican chain is vegan, but you then choose your protein and/or cheese of choice. They serve salads, bowls, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, soups, and sides, and have dairy-free meats, plant-based meat alternatives, vegan cremas, and cheese alternatives available.
True Food Kitchen – See our True Food Kitchen Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular localized ice cream chain sells their pints in grocery stores, but they also have scoop shops. They churn both classic dairy ice cream and a huge array of dairy-free flavors, which are made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk. They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or craft a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.
Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.

Encino

Juice Crafters ⭐️ – There’s no shortage of juice shops in California, but this one is reportedly dairy-free. Their menu includes a big range of pressed juices, hydration drinks, wellness shots, smoothies, and acai bowls. For a creamy finish, they use their own date-sweetened almond nut mylk.
King David Grill ⭐️ – This dairy-free, glatt kosher restaurant serves a fun and full menu of handhelds. They have burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, burgers, chicken strips, fries, and more. For cheesy items, they use Daiya alternatives.
Tel Aviv Grill ⭐️ – This is a local kosher glatt (meat) restaurant chain, which is dairy-free (by kosher dietary laws). It was recommended to us by Heather, “They serve sandwiches or mix plates with various meats or falafel and an assortment of salads.”

Fountain Valley

Plant Power Fast Food ⭐️ – As the name implies, this is a plant-based, completely vegan, quick-serve restaurant. The menu has many options for burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, small bites, drinks, and even desserts. The latter includes dairy-free soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, kombucha floats, chocolate chip cookies, and cheesecakes. They also have a full breakfast menu with burritos, sandwiches, and “egg” muffins. All burgers can be ordered with their gluten-free bun (extra charge) or a lettuce wrap (free!). They also have an Allergen Guide to identify items without gluten, soy, peanuts, or tree nuts.
Sensitive Sweets ⭐️ – Everything they bake is free of dairy, gluten, eggs, soy, tree nuts, and sesame. And that includes fresh breads, muffins, donuts, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and more. They rotate in seasonal items, have unique specialties (like cookie dough truffles and popular organic gummy bears), and also create fun and beautiful custom cakes. If you fall in love with this place on your visit, but don’t live in the area, they ship throughout the U.S.!

Fullerton

Leche – This dairy-free milk maker doesn’t have a storefront, but you can order their flavors online. They also do pop ups and events. They make oat milks, peanut milks, and other surprising blends.
Moo’d Creamery – Their daily scoops menu includes several dairy-free options, including a couple creamy varieties, like cookies and cream, sorbets, and Dole whip (they make pineapple floats, too!).

Garden Grove

Glendale

Din Tai Fung – This is an upscale Taiwanese chain that specializes in Chinese Huaiyang cuisine. They offer a full allergen and special diet chart, and, at last check, all of their savory menu items were dairy-free and all but one of their sweet bao was dairy-free (most are vegan!). They do use milk in some beverage items.
Yoga-urt ⭐️- This purely vegan and organic frozen yogurt shop crafts several flavors with an almond and/or cashew milk base, and cultures them with dairy-free live and active probiotics. They have over 25 rotating soft serve flavors that you can order it in a cup or a gluten-free, vegan waffle cone, with or without toppings. They also serve a full menu of smoothies and shakes, offer ice cream sandwiches made with leftover nut pulp from their frozen yogurt, and serve frozen yogurt pies, banana splits, and popsicles.

Goleta

Backyard Bowls ⭐️ – Their entire menu is dairy-free, and it includes smoothies, bowls, and toasts. They use various mylks, coconut yogurt, plant protein, and cashew cheese. Vegans take note that honey, bee pollen, egg, and collagen are options on the menu.

Hawthorne

MidiCi Pizza – Their signature Neapolitan dough is light, thin, soft, and chewy, with a high crust, and it’s dairy-free. It’s made purely with a special Neapolitan flour, water, sea salt, and yeast. They also offer dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan sausage, and have several custom order salad options.

Hermosa Beach

Paciugo Gelato Caffè – They’re based in Texas, but have one outpost in this state, with lots of dairy-free options. See our Paciugo Gelato Dairy-Free Guide for more details.
Paradis Icecream – Their scoops always include at least a couple dairy-free flavors, which rotate often. Some are sorbets, but they also make a big range of creamy plant-based flavors made with almond milk or coconut cream. You can enjoy them in a cup or a cake cone, and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They can also make you a vegan milkshake or coffee drink with almond milk.

Hollywood

Everbowl – They specialize in cool, creamy superfood bowls, including acai, pitaya, blue majik, and more, layered with various other bases and toppings. Almost their entire menu is dairy free (they do offer whey protein) and vegan (they have honey and bee pollen as options).
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop – They’ve added dairy-free Coconut Bliss Madagascan Vanilla ice cream to their scoop menu. They also offer floats, and select dairy-free toppings for sundaes. In the chocolate shop, check out their hot cocoa mixes, they have options made without dairy.
M Cafe ⭐️ – The macrobiotic diet is alive and well at this contemporary restaurant. Everything they serve is prepared without red meat, poultry, refined sugars, dairy products, or eggs. Their casual menu is filled with plants and is mostly vegan, but includes seafood options. It offers a little something for everyone with breakfasts, noodle bowls, grain bowls, salads, burgers, sandwiches, sushi, and more. But if your still craving something sweet, just check out their pastry case.
Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.
Voodoo Doughnut – This unique doughnut chain out of Oregon offers several vegan doughnut flavors daily, which can include maple bars, cream filled, apple fritters, and other creative raised and iced varieties. They also bake a vegan cake doughnut, and can make almost any donut vegan if you order ahead. However, they don’t offer any gluten-free donuts.

Huntington Beach

Frosted Cupcakery – They offer a vegan cupcake flavor daily, but the flavor rotates monthly.
Loving Hut ⭐️ – See our Loving Hut Post for more information on this vegan restaurant chain.
Mother’s Market & Kitchen – This local natural food store chain sells many local and national dairy-free products. They also have a to-go cafe on site, with an extensive vegan menu, and even more dairy-free possibilities, like burgers and seafood entrees. They also blend dairy-free smoothies and shakes, with some vegan ice cream options.
Paradis Icecream – Their scoops always include at least a couple dairy-free flavors, which rotate often. Some are sorbets, but they also make a big range of creamy plant-based flavors made with almond milk or coconut cream. You can enjoy them in a cup or a cake cone, and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They can also make you a vegan milkshake or coffee drink with almond milk.
The Donuttery – This mom and pop donut shop has a big range of vegan yeast-raised, cake, enriched, and gluten-free donuts. They include glazed, jelly filled, apple fritters, maple bars, cinnamon rolls, old-fashioned, various frosted, and much more.
Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

Irvine

Burger Lounge – This SoCal chain serves grass-fed burgers alongside a whole menu of vegan burgers. They offer vegan buns, dairy-free cheese, and bunless paleo and keto options. Select locations (check in advance) offer dairy-free milkshakes and root beer floats made with cashew milk ice cream.
Crema Artisan Bakers – They are by order/pick-up and weekly local pop-up only. Their baked goods include a few types of vegan croissants and muffins.
Mother’s Market & Kitchen – This local natural food store chain sells many local and national dairy-free products. They also have a to-go cafe on site, with an extensive vegan menu, and even more dairy-free possibilities, like burgers and seafood entrees. They also blend dairy-free smoothies and shakes, with some vegan ice cream options.
The Counter – They have a few outposts in other U.S. states, but The Counter is primarily a California burger chain with an expansive vegan menu. They even offer vegan cheese. Consequently, their burgers and many other savory items can be made dairy-free on request.
Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.

La Cañada Flintridge

Luna Grill – Luna Grill does include vegan icons on their menu, and there are a few options. But they also have a great allergen guide that reveals numerous milk-free menu items. The desserts are off-limits, but there are many kabobs, salads, and small bites to choose from.

Ladera Ranch

Lola’s Cafe – Their expansive menu includes some vegan options, like toasts, breakfast burritos, power bowls, and grilled cheese sandwiches with vegan cheese. Many of their sandwiches and some additional menu items can be ordered dairy free.

Laguna Beach

Dolce Gelato ⭐️ – They serve dairy-free and vegan flavors daily, including several sorbettos and up to four creamy almond milk-based gelatos.
The Stand Natural Foods ⭐️ – Erica emailed this vegan restaurant recommendation to us. “My daughter is severely allergic to milk products and this is one of our favorite places to go. They serve sandwiches, salads, burritos, tacos, tamales, baked goods, and our favorite treats — fresh fruit soft serve or smoothies.” Dining is outdoor or take out only, even in normal times, but this is California! You can take your food down to the beach.
Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

Laguna Hills

Giselle’s Vegan Kitchen ⭐️ – This whimsical bakery is a donut heaven with divine cakes (including cheesecakes!), magical bars, galactic pies, and mystical dessert boxes. In addition to vegan, their baked goodies are gluten-free, soy-free, and corn-free, and they shun refined sugars.

Laguna Niguel

Snooze A.M. Eatery – They serve some plant-powered, dairy-free menu items, like vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, porridge, and buddha bowls. Some additional dishes can be custom ordered dairy free.
Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort ood. They also have a menu of desserts.
Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

Laguna Woods

Mother’s Market & Kitchen – This local natural food store chain sells many local and national dairy-free products. They also have a to-go cafe on site, with an extensive vegan menu, and even more dairy-free possibilities, like burgers and seafood entrees. They also blend dairy-free smoothies and shakes, with some vegan ice cream options.

La Habra

Long Beach

Boba Guys – See our Boba Guys Dairy-Free Info for full details.
Cinnaholic – See our Cinnaholic Dairy-Free Info for full details.
Frosted Cupcakery – They offer a vegan cupcake flavor daily, but the flavor rotates monthly.
Plant Power Fast Food ⭐️ – As the name implies, this is a plant-based, completely vegan, quick-serve restaurant. The menu has many options for burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, small bites, drinks, and even desserts. The latter includes dairy-free soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, kombucha floats, chocolate chip cookies, and cheesecakes. They also have a full breakfast menu with burritos, sandwiches, and “egg” muffins. All burgers can be ordered with their gluten-free bun (extra charge) or a lettuce wrap (free!). They also have an Allergen Guide to identify items without gluten, soy, peanuts, or tree nuts.
Sweetfin – This Southern California poke chain serves a menu that’s almost purely dairy-free, and even includes a couple flavors of plant-based Dream Pops for dessert. They also have a few plant-based bowls on the menu and offer a plethora of fresh toppings for building your own.
Twice Baked ⭐️ – This is a gluten-free bakery, and most of their goodies are dairy-free, too. They also label vegan, keto, nut-free, and soy-free items. They bake biscotti, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and more.
Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.
Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

Los Angeles

Amara Kitchen – They have dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and paleo items thoughout their menu, including classic breakfast dishes, healthy lunch bowls, baked goods, smoothies made with their house cashew milk, and some deli items.
American Girl Cafe – These cafes are located inside American Girl stores, and host lunches and parties by reservation. See our Dairy-Free Tips for American Girl Cafe.
Araya’s Place ⭐️ – The Northwest’s original vegan Thai food restaurant was founded in 1987 in Seattle, but they now have a location in Los Angeles too. Their menu includes the whole array of Thai favorites, but made with tofu and mock meats, and without any fish sauce or sneaky dairy. They serve a la carte dishes for lunch and dinner, a lunch buffet, and of course, dairy-free desserts.
Backyard Bowls ⭐️ – Their entire menu is dairy-free, and it includes smoothies, bowls, and toasts. They use various mylks, coconut yogurt, plant protein, and cashew cheese. Vegans take note that honey, bee pollen, egg, and collagen are options on the menu.
Blue Star Donuts – Each location has a few vegan cake donut flavors to choose from daily, which can include orange olive oil, Mexican hot chocolate, sugar ‘n spice, or others. They also offer oat milk for lattes.
Boba Guys – See our Boba Guys Dairy-Free Info for full details.
Brite Spot Diner – This is one of the city’s oldest restaurants, serving classic American favorites for breakfast and lunch, with a few modern spins. They serve a few vegan menu items, but also offer alternatives like vegan ranch dressing and dairy-free cheese, to make even more options accessible. They’re also open late night.
Burger Lounge – This SoCal chain serves grass-fed burgers alongside a whole menu of vegan burgers. They offer vegan buns, dairy-free cheese, and bunless paleo and keto options. Select locations (check in advance) offer dairy-free milkshakes and root beer floats made with cashew milk ice cream.
by Chloe ⭐️ – You’ll find many locations of this plant-based restaurant in the Northeast, but they’re just taking hold in the west. They serve a healthy vegan array of burgers, sandwiches, salads, pastas, and smoothies, with pancakes on the weekend. They’re open for lunch, dinner, and dessert, which includes house-made ice cream (also sold by the pint), cookies, cupcakes, and other pastries. Their first location is in the Silver Lake 365 Whole Foods Market. They had other locations in the works, until 2020 hit …
Café Gratitude ⭐️ – This all vegan restaurant takes a farm-to-fork approach and uses purely organic ingredients. Their menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner have a fresh, healthy spin, and use house-made cheeses and other sauces. They have ample raw food options, and of course a good selection of vegan, organic wine and beer. Food allergy menus are also available for garlic, onion, soy, gluten, and tree nuts.
Cake Girl – Everything is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free at this bakery. They offer donuts, cupcakes, full cakes, and more.
Cena Vegan ⭐️ – As the name implies, this is a Mexican dinner spot (also open for lunch on the weekends). They serve a selection of street tacos, nacho boats, tortas, and big burritos with faux meats and cashew crema.
Cinnaholic – See our Cinnaholic Dairy-Free Info for full details.
Classic Le Palais Pastry ⭐️ – This is a kosher pareve bakery, which means everything is dairy-free! They specialize in cakes for all occasions, but also have many pre-made cakes, pastries, and breads available in store. And they scoop a small selection of dairy-free ice cream flavors and sorbets.
Coco Bakes ⭐️ – This gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free bakery doesn’t have a storefront. But they ship and have weekly order pick up at their kitchen. Their selection includes cakes, bars, cookies, and breads.
Cohen Restaurant ⭐️ – Their casual menu is kosher glatt and dairy-free, and includes a casual array of Persian, Mediterranean, and American fare, including kebabs, shawarma, falafel, and burgers.
Creamo – This crossover ice cream shop was created by the founders of Donut Friend, an all-vegan donut shop chain in L.A. Creamo serves a decadent array of dairy-free ice cream flavors, milkshakes, sundaes, and of course, donut ice cream sandwiches.
Crossroads ⭐️ – For an upscale atmosphere with an innovative plant-based menu, make a reservation at this vegan restaurant. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, and have a full cocktail and wine bar. Their dishes are made for sharing and change with the seasons, but they’re always creative and distinctly Californian. Gluten-free diners will find many options, which are clearly labeled on the menu.
Cruzer Pizza ⭐️ – There’s no need to worry about stray dairy shreds getting on your dairy-free pizza at Cruzer. This is a purely vegan pizzeria serving pies topped with vegetables, mock meats, and Daiya cheese alternative. They also offer calzones and gluten-free crust as an option.
Dear Bella Creamery ⭐️ – Formerly known as Cocobella Creamery, this is a nut-free, dairy-free ice cream shop that scoops a decadent array of house-made flavors, from NY cheesecake to rocky road. They also make sundaes, floats, shakes, and cakes, and offer soft serve.
Delicias Bakery and Some – This is a Mexican bakery in the Highland Park area that offers an array of vegan pan dulce. They also make many savory dishes, like vegan elotes, chilaquiles, tortas, house queso fresco, and more.
Deluscious Cookies & Milk – They bake a small selection of vegan, gluten-free cookies, including a cookie cake option.
Din Tai Fung – This is an upscale Taiwanese chain that specializes in Chinese Huaiyang cuisine. They offer a full allergen and special diet chart, and, at last check, all of their savory menu items were dairy-free and all but one of their sweet bao was dairy-free (most are vegan!). They do use milk in some beverage items.
Donut Friend ⭐️ – From the Angry Samoa to the Polar Berry Club, every donut at this L.A. chain is vegan. They also serve ice cream, affogato, and have a full coffee bar.
Electric Karma ⭐️ – This popular Indian restaurant labels dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options right on their menu, and there are many. They let you “choose your own protein” and have saag aloo, dal, masala, and many other favorites.
Erin McKenna’s Bakery ⭐️ – Craving a sweet treat? This bakery is completely vegan and gluten-free, and they don’t use any soy. Their daily menu includes a pretty selection of cupcakes, muffins, donuts, cookies, crumb cakes, and more. They also swirl dairy-free soft serve. And yes, they take custom cake orders!
Everbowl – They specialize in cool, creamy superfood bowls, including acai, pitaya, blue majik, and more, layered with various other bases and toppings. Almost their entire menu is dairy free (they do offer whey protein) and vegan (they have honey and bee pollen as options).
Fitness Kitchen ⭐️ – This L.A. meal delivery service labels their menu options for dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, paleo, and more. And the dairy-free options are abundant. Their menus change daily, but when we looked, all but a couple entrees were dairy-free, and most were gluten-free, too.
Follow Your Heart Market & Cafe – Yes, after all these years, and many successful products later, they still run their cafe in the Canoga Park neighborhood. Their menu is now almost fully vegan, with some dairy vegetarian options.
Georgetown Cupcake – Their is a lot of dairy at this cupcakery, but they offer Vegan Apple Cinnamon or Carrot Cupcakes with dairy-free cream cheese frosting, depending on the day of the week.
Ginger Bowls – This healthy Asian chain is gluten-free, and their menu is primarily dairy-free, too. They focus on bowls and potstickers, and also have various chia puddings for dessert. Vegan options are available.
Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams – They scoop a good selection of “gold standard” and seasonal vegan ice cream flavors daily, and also have vegan ice cream pops. Most of their dairy-free flavors are made with coconut milk and coconut cream.
Glatt Mart – This local kosher market is a great place to find dairy-free pareve and glatt foods that you might not see at the grocery store.
Go Get Em Tiger – Dairy is taken seriously at this modern coffee shop. But they also offer oat milk and housemade dairy-free almond-macadamia milk (sweetened with dates!) for their coffee drinks. The owners also dabble in vegan baking, often making vegan muffins. And they have various breakfast and lunch items at most of their locations. They have several shops in Los Angeles.
Got Kosher Deli & Bakery ⭐️ – This dairy-free, glatt kosher restaurant serves cuisine with North African, French, and Jewish inspired dishes. They use antibiotic-free chicken and grass fed beef, and have many vegan and gluten-free options labeled on their menu. They also bake a big range of challah, pastries, and cakes.
Holy Grill ⭐️ – They have a physical restaurant and a food truck, both kosher glatt and dairy free. Their menu is a casual blend of Mediterranean and American food, with burgers, salads, sandwiches, plates, and dips.
Holy Roly – This rolled ice cream shop has vegan coconut and mango base options, with several fruit and Oreo cookie mix-ins to choose from.
Honeybee Burger ⭐️ – This vegan restaurant serves fast food favorites, like burgers, “chicken” sandwiches, burritos, tater tots, fries, and shakes. They also make dairy-free mac and cheese, have their own house ranch, and use Violife cheese on their burgers.
Honey Hi – This ia a gluten-free cafe with many vegan options clearly labeled on their menu. Most other items are, or can be ordered, dairy free. They offer coconut whip for pancakes, vegan sprouted protein for smoothies, and more.
Hugo’s Tacos – Their recipes were passed down through family members or were inspired by times in Mexico. But they only use the freshest ingredients found here in the U.S. and have a wide menu to choose from. It’s clearly labelled for vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free needs, and most items can be made dairy-free. For dessert, they offer Frozato. It’s a dairy-free housemade soft serve ice cream, available in chocolate, vanilla, or swirl!
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream – See our Jeni’s Dairy-Free Guide for full details.
Jinya Ramen Bar – Unlike many ramen places, all of their ramens and soups are dairy-free. Almost all of their rice bowls and most of their small plates are made without dairy too. They also offer vegan menu items in every savory category (all of their desserts contain dairy).
Juice Crafters ⭐️ – There’s no shortage of juice shops in California, but this one is reportedly dairy-free. Their menu includes a big range of pressed juices, hydration drinks, wellness shots, smoothies, and acai bowls. For a creamy finish, they use their own date-sweetened almond nut mylk.
Just What I Kneaded ⭐️ – Everything is vegan at this bakery and cafe. They offer a good selection of pastries, bagels (with cheesy options), biscuits, bowls, burritos, and other meals. They also have a full coffee bar and many gluten-free options.
Kitchen Mouse ⭐️ – This cafe and market is vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free, and serves breakfast and lunhc, along with an array of baked goodies. Their menu is also mostly vegan, with vegan options throughout (they serve eggs but offer a vegan alternative).
Kye’s ⭐️ – Their healthy menu focuses on local, organic, and macrobiotic cuisine. It’s clearly labeled with dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, soy-free, and keto/paleo options. Most items are, or can be ordered, dairy-free. This Venice-area location is for pick up and delivery only.
Lieder’s ⭐️ – This glatt kosher deli is dairy-free, and offers savories, sweets, and meals for shabbos takeout.
Locali – Their menu is filled with vegan comfort food, with burgers, wraps, sandwiches, melts, breakfast sandwiches, and more. They also blend smoothies and swirl dairy-free coconut froyo.
Localita – This is Locali’s “Plant Based Badasserie” location. Everything on the menu starts vegan, but customers can choose to add meat or cheese. They offer breakfast sandwiches, burgers, lunch sandwiches, quinoa bowls, and dairy-free smoothies.
Lov Bakery ⭐️ – This is a vegan bakery without a storefront, but they do have pick-up locations in the city and also sell to local markets. Their treats include cookies, gluten-free cookies, brownies, and muffins.
Luna Grill – Luna Grill does include vegan icons on their menu, and there are a few options. But they also have a great allergen guide that reveals numerous milk-free menu items. The desserts are off-limits, but there are many kabobs, salads, and small bites to choose from.
Magpies Softserve ⭐️ – Their from-scratch soft serve flavors include many vegan options. In fact, more than half of their flavors at each location are typically made with dairy-free oatmilk or almondmilk. They include fun flavors, like Cracker Jack and Orange Creamsicle. And they make vegan ice cream pies!
Melrose Burgers ‘N Fries ⭐️ – This is a glatt kosher grill that is dairy-free and serves a simple menu of burgers, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, fries, and onion rings. They offer Follow Your Heart cheese alternative for cheeseburgers.
MidiCi Pizza – Their signature Neapolitan dough is light, thin, soft, and chewy, with a high crust, and it’s dairy-free. It’s made purely with a special Neapolitan flour, water, sea salt, and yeast. They also offer dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan sausage, and have several custom order salad options.
Millie’s Cafe – They offer a huge vegan menu, with various pancakes and waffles, many other breakfast items, lunch entrees, coffee drinks, and more. Several other menu items can be made dairy-free, and they do offer gluten-free options.
Munchies – This candy shop is Kehilla Kosher certified, and they offer tons of dairy-free kosher parve chocolates, candies, nuts, gift baskets, and even wine – both retail and wholesale. I’ve heard that they also scoop parve ice cream, dish up non-dairy soft serve, and pour dairy-free beverages. They have two shops in L.A.
Native Foods Cafe ⭐️ – This is a plant-based, dairy-free restaurant chain with extensive collection of burgers, bowls, salads, wraps, and more with regional flavor influences from the U.S., Mexico, and Asia. They also have a sizable dessert menu.
NiceCream – Their soft serve includes some vegan options, like dark chocolate sorbet and coconut milk pina-colada yogurt.
Panaderia Cuscatleca – This Mexican bakery bakes several varieties of vegan pan dulce, chocolate cake, and even vegan savory items.
Paradis Icecream – Their scoops always include at least a couple dairy-free flavors, which rotate often. Some are sorbets, but they also make a big range of creamy plant-based flavors made with almond milk or coconut cream. You can enjoy them in a cup or a cake cone, and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They can also make you a vegan milkshake or coffee drink with almond milk.
Pat’s Restaurant ⭐️ – This glatt kosher restaurant offers exclusively dairy-free eats in a fine dining atmosphere. Their menu includes various meat, seafood, pasta, and salad dishes.
Pico Kosher Deli ⭐️ – This glatt kosher deli has been serving dairy-free food for over 50 years. They serve a broad array of sandwiches, hot plates, salads, deli salads, and more.
Pocha LA – This modern Mexican restaurant labels their menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. But they actually offer quite a big vegan selection.
Powerplant Superfood Cafe ⭐️ – Everything is vegan and gluten-free at this local spot. They serve burgers, bowls, salads, breakfast all day, and desserts. They also have a coffee, juice, and smoothie bar.
Put Me in Coach ⭐️ – This is an all-vegan sports bar serving bites, burgers, tacos, Asian street food, and of course, boneless wings.
Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine ⭐️ – The name says it all. They are a completely vegan restaurant serving authentic vegan cuisine, with one exception – vegan cheesecake for dessert!
Real Food Daily ⭐️ – The menus at their Pasadena location are very similar to their founding location in Los Angeles. Everything is vegan, with a focus on fresh, organic, and diverse flavors for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Remixed Bakery – They don’t have a storefront, but you can order and pick up or get delivery from this gluten-free bakery. They do use dairy in their core line, but they have full lines of paleo cakes and cupcakes and vegan cakes and cupcakes, all of which are dairy-free.
Saffron & Rose Ice Cream – The flavors at this Persian-influenced ice cream shop are divided into floral, fruity, and nutty selections, and each category has vegan options.
Sage Vegan Bistro ⭐️ – This hip restaurant now has four locations, but this is their flagship spot. Located in the Echo Park neighborhood, it houses their brewery and has a lively feel. Their menus are vibrant, plant-rich, enticing, and have a very broad range of options. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. They also have a boisterous kids menu!
Salt & Straw – See our Salt & Straw Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Samosa House – This is a popular vegetarian Indian restaurant, which also serves many vegan options, like roti, samosas, dosas, and plates (they offer a dairy-free soup in lieu of yogurt). They even have a vegan mango lassi on their drink menu.
Schnitzly ⭐️ – This Glatt Kosher restaurant is dairy-free, and serves a big casual menu of burgers, wraps, plates, salads, nuggets, wings, and baguettes.
Shojin ⭐️ – This refined vegan Japanese restaurant has two locations: one near Culver City and one in downtown. Their popular menu covers all of your sushi and ramen favorites, but with vegetables, tofu, and mock meats instead of fish and meat.
Sinners and Saints Desserts – Their daily saints menu (all gluten-free) typically includes a selection of vegan mini pastries and cupcakes.
Soom Soom Fresh Mediterranean ⭐️ – Heather recommended this local kosher, dairy-free restaurant chain to us. “They have shawarmas, grilled meats, or a variety of vegetarian options, that come with a variety of salads and side dishes, in addition to rice or couscous.” They also offer dairy-free desserts.
Spitz Mediterranean Street Food – All of their wraps and sandwiches and several other items can be ordered dairy-free and/or vegan, on request. They’re also friendly to gluten-free guests.
Sugar Taco ⭐️ – Build your own tacos, burritos, quesadilla, and nachos at this vegan Mexican restaurant. They also serve conchas, churros, and snow cones for dessert.
Sweetfin – This Southern California poke chain serves a menu that’s almost purely dairy-free, and even includes a couple flavors of plant-based Dream Pops for dessert. They also have a few plant-based bowls on the menu and offer a plethora of fresh toppings for building your own.
SunCafe ⭐️ – This 100% plant-based, dairy-free restaurant makes almost everything from scratch, including their own vegan cheeses, chorizo, mayo, and butter. Their menu covers all of the traditional comfort food for lunch, dinner, and brunch. They also have a full bar, and make decadent gluten-free cheesecakes, cupcakes, and mud pie for dessert.
Tatsu Ramen ⭐️ – Yes, ramen houses often use dairy, but this one is transparent. They label their menu for top allergens and also list which options can be special ordered dairy free. At last check, their dairy-free options included some ramens, their couple of rice dishes, and pork buns.
The Bigg Chill – They typically offer a creamy froyo flavor made with almond milk, like dairy-free cookies and cream.
The Butcher’s Daughter – This plant-heavy restaurant and juice bar in Venice bills itself as a “vegetable slaughterhouse.” Their menus (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are completely vegetarian, most items are also vegan, and everything appears to have a dairy-free option. They serve an array of breakfasts, bowls sandwiches, pizzas, and desserts, alond with healthy beverages, ranging from wellness lattes to cold-pressed juices to elixir shots. Gluten-free options are clearly labeled.
The Chocolate Girl – This is a kosher chocolate shop that offers many kosher parve confections. Their handmade dairy-free array includes truffles, creams, chocolate shapes, candies, and some very popular chocolate pretzels.
The Counter – They have a few outposts in other U.S. states, but The Counter is primarily a California burger chain with an expansive vegan menu. They even offer vegan cheese. Consequently, their burgers and many other savory items can be made dairy-free on request.
The Kosher Cookie Company ⭐️ – They run a completely dairy-free, kosher pareve kitchen. Their selection includes all types of classic, decorated, and custom order cookies, along with muffins, brownies, and cookie bars.
The Vegan Joint ⭐️ – They claim their focus is Thai food, but their menu includes classic American breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, soups, Mexican food, and various Asian plates. They have three L.A. locations – one near Culver City, one downtown, and one in the Woodland Hills neighborhood.
Tocaya Organica – The base menu at this healthy Mexican chain is vegan, but you then choose your protein and/or cheese of choice. They serve salads, bowls, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, soups, and sides, and have dairy-free meats, plant-based meat alternatives, vegan cremas, and cheese alternatives available.
Toy & Judy’s ⭐️ – This is a vegan bakery with muffins, cakes, brownies, and more, much of which is gluten-free friendly.
Uli’s Gelato – Their flavors typically include a couple creamy vegan varieties along with several sorbets. They also offer vegan waffle cones, affogato, and can make dairy-free shakes.
Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular localized ice cream chain sells their pints in grocery stores, but they also have scoop shops. They churn both classic dairy ice cream and a huge array of dairy-free flavors, which are made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk. They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or craft a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.
Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.
Vromage ⭐️ – Leave it to Southern California to produce the first vegan cheese shop. They use various nuts and seeds to craft a range of cheesy products, like Asiago, Brie, Camembert, Goat, Pepperjack, Truffle Cream, and Feta. They also sell dips and other creamy foods to go, and have a small menu of freshly prepared pizzas, sandwiches and salads.
Western Bagel – Every bagel they make is dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free (at last check), and it’s quite a selection. They’re also egg free (except for the egg bagel), since they don’t use an egg wash. They offer standard schmeers, but do have peanut butter, jelly, and some sandwich options for dairy-free customers. There are a few locations around the city.
Wild Living Foods ⭐️ – Their menu is dairy-free, gluten-free, and mostly vegan (they use honey) at this raw food cafe. And it has a huge selection – with breakfast, burgers, noodles, smoothie bowls, and so much more. They also have a range of house-made cheeses that they use on their dishes.
Yoga-urt ⭐️- This purely vegan and organic frozen yogurt shop crafts several flavors with an almond and/or cashew milk base, and cultures them with dairy-free live and active probiotics. They have over 25 rotating soft serve flavors that you can order it in a cup or a gluten-free, vegan waffle cone, with or without toppings. They also serve a full menu of smoothies and shakes, offer ice cream sandwiches made with leftover nut pulp from their frozen yogurt, and serve frozen yogurt pies, banana splits, and popsicles. Their Los Angeles location is in the Echo Park neighborhood.
Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

Real Food Daily ⭐️ – It isn’t cheap, but nothing at LAX is! Like all of there locations, this is a purely vegan spot with a fairly diverse menu.

Malibu

Real Coconut Kitchen ⭐️ – Their menu is dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, and corn-free, and includes a range of healthy dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegan options are clearly labeled. They also serve coconut cream ice cream flavors and other desserts, smoothies, coffee drinks, and have a market on site.

Mammoth Lakes

Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

Manhattan Beach

Mother’s Market & Kitchen – This local natural food store chain sells many local and national dairy-free products. They also have a to-go cafe on site, with an extensive vegan menu, and even more dairy-free possibilities, like burgers and seafood entrees. They also blend dairy-free smoothies and shakes, with some vegan ice cream options.

Marina del Rey

Burger Lounge – This SoCal chain serves grass-fed burgers alongside a whole menu of vegan burgers. They offer vegan buns, dairy-free cheese, and bunless paleo and keto options. Select locations (check in advance) offer dairy-free milkshakes and root beer floats made with cashew milk ice cream.
Juice Crafters ⭐️ – There’s no shortage of juice shops in California, but this one is reportedly dairy-free. Their menu includes a big range of pressed juices, hydration drinks, wellness shots, smoothies, and acai bowls. For a creamy finish, they use their own date-sweetened almond nut mylk.
MidiCi Pizza – Their signature Neapolitan dough is light, thin, soft, and chewy, with a high crust, and it’s dairy-free. It’s made purely with a special Neapolitan flour, water, sea salt, and yeast. They also offer dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan sausage, and have several custom order salad options.

Menifee

Barons Market – This grocery store has a big selection of specialty foods, including gluten-free and dairy-free.
Everbowl – They specialize in cool, creamy superfood bowls, including acai, pitaya, blue majik, and more, layered with various other bases and toppings. Almost their entire menu is dairy free (they do offer whey protein) and vegan (they have honey and bee pollen as options).

Mission Viejo

Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

Monrovia

Paradis Icecream – Their scoops always include at least a couple dairy-free flavors, which rotate often. Some are sorbets, but they also make a big range of creamy plant-based flavors made with almond milk or coconut cream. You can enjoy them in a cup or a cake cone, and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They can also make you a vegan milkshake or coffee drink with almond milk.

Monterey Park

Big Softee – This soft serve spot typically swirls at least a few vegan flavors daily, some fruity, and some made with creamy soymilk or coconut milk bases.

Morro Bay

Shine Cafe ⭐️ – This little midday cafe is located inside the Sunshine Health Foods store. It looks like their menu has transitioned to be completely vegan (it used to be vegetarian). They serve healthy breakfast and lunch dishes, along with smoothies.

Murrieta

Barons Market – This grocery store has a big selection of specialty foods, including gluten-free and dairy-free.
Snackin’ Free ⭐️ – This is a paleo restaurant, cafe, and bakery that’s dedicated gluten, grain, dairy, soy and peanut free. They have a complete line of bakery items from breads and tortillas to cookies, cupcakes and even crackers. They also make our own line of dressings and barbecue sauces. Additionally they serve house made soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas. Everything is made fresh and without any yeast, processed sugars, or artificial dyes.

Newport Beach

Flower Child – This healthy restaurant chain serves salads, bowls, and plates with choose your own protein and side options. Their modern “hippie” menu is loaded with organic produce, whole grains (gluten-free, too), and house dressings. Their menu is littered with vegan and paleo options, and most items either are, or can be made dairy-free on request.
Gracias Madre ⭐️ – Unlike their West Hollywood location, this restaurant is only open for dinner. It also has a more “classic” menu of bowls, tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. But it’s still completely vegan, with a focus on local, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients. They have allergy menus available for gluten, tree nuts, garlic, onion, cilantro, soy, corn, and avocado (welcome to Southern California!).
Juice Crafters ⭐️ – There’s no shortage of juice shops in California, but this one is reportedly dairy-free. Their menu includes a big range of pressed juices, hydration drinks, wellness shots, smoothies, and acai bowls. For a creamy finish, they use their own date-sweetened almond nut mylk.
True Food Kitchen – See our True Food Kitchen Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice ⭐️ – Their entire menu is 100% organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan. They serve breakfast, toasts all day, bowls, burgers, tacos, smoothies, and smoothie bowls.
Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

North Hollywood

Northridge

Leo’s Superfood Vegan Cafe ⭐️ – Everything on their menu is vegan and gluten-free, and they have some paleo and keto options. Their selection is broad, with comfort food like burgers, burritos, quesadillas, tacos, mac and cheese, salads, and toasts, plus a whole range of sweet treats.

Orange

Green Tomato Grill – This healthy restaurant focuses on bowls, but also offers breakfast items, wraps, and salads. Their menu is liberally dotted with vegan selections, they have a paleo section of options, and several more dishes are, or can be ordered, dairy-free.
Loving Hut ⭐️ – See our Loving Hut Post for more information on this vegan restaurant chain.
Snooze A.M. Eatery – They serve some plant-powered, dairy-free menu items, like vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, porridge, and buddha bowls. Some additional dishes can be custom ordered dairy free.

Oxnard

Luna Grill – Luna Grill does include vegan icons on their menu, and there are a few options. But they also have a great allergen guide that reveals numerous milk-free menu items. The desserts are off-limits, but there are many kabobs, salads, and small bites to choose from.
The Blend Superfood Bar ⭐️ – Everything is dairy-free at this acai bowl, smoothie, and juice shop. Their healthy array is made with “clean” ingredients, and most items are vegan-friendly (they do offer honey and bee pollen).

Pacific Palisades

Sweet Laurel Bakery ⭐️ – This purely paleo bake shop uses only the best organic, whole ingredients to create their grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free baked goods. Their specialties include cakes and vegan cookies, but they offer muffins and other treats, too. They also have keto and raw options, and make everything without gums or stabilizers.

Palmdale

Nadia Cakes – This popular cupcakery offers two gluten-free and vegan flavors daily: vanilla and chocolate.
PizzaRev – This build-your-own pizza joint has four dairy-free pizza crusts (two of which are gluten-free, and three of which are vegan), Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative, and most of their sauces and toppings are dairy-free (skip the alfredo, pesto, and meatballs). They also offer Beyond Meat sausage for vegan guests.

Palm Desert

Chef Tanya’s Kitchen ⭐️ – This unassuming spot is a true find for vegan eats. They have grab and go items, but also make various sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, and more.
Lappert’s Ice Cream – Dairy-Free guests won’t feel left out. They offer dairy-free Dole Whip soft serve and floats, sorbets, a whole range of fruit and sorbet smoothies, acai and pitaya bowls, and they also make shakes with Coconut Bliss ice cream and Silk milk alternative.

Palm Springs

Chef Tanya’s Kitchen ⭐️ – This unassuming spot is easy to miss, but it’s a true find for vegan eats. They have grab and go items, but also make various sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, and more.
El Patron – Many items on the menu at this Mexican restaurant can be ordered dairy-free, since they offer dairy-free cheese alternative. They actually have vegan nachos, quesadillas, and burritos on the menu, too.
Jus Chillin – This cool shop offers a couple creamy dairy-free soft serve flavors (made with almond, cashew, or coconut milk), some sorbets, and Italian ice.
Kreem – This small-batch creamery offers a handful of vegan ice cream flavors daily. When we looked, they had ube, coconut latte, chocolate cookie, and turmeric ginger.
Mid Mod Café – This health-forward cafe is by the same owners as Palm Greens Cafe, with very similar menus, but Mid Mod is just a little smaller. They have a full breakfast and lunch menu of American comfort food with vegan options littered throughout. They have vegan biscuits and gravy, nachos, patty melts, and more. Many additional menu items are dairy-free (including meat and seafood dishes), or can be ordered dairy free.
Monster Shakes – They swirl a range of dairy-free Dole Whip flavors, offer creamy Coconut Bliss ice cream, make dairy-free pina colada shakes (complete with whip topping), and more.
Native Foods Cafe ⭐️ – This is a plant-based, dairy-free restaurant chain with extensive collection of burgers, bowls, salads, wraps, and more with regional flavor influences from the U.S., Mexico, and Asia. They also have a sizable dessert menu.
Nature’s Health Food & Cafe – The store is filled with special diet foods (including refrigerated and frozen), and it’s attached to a counter-serve vegetarian cafe. They have a separate vegan breakfast menu, and offer vegan options throughout their lunch and dinner menus. And they have eight different types of milk alternatives at their espresso bar!
Palm Greens Cafe – This health-forward cafe has a full breakfast and lunch menu of American comfort food with vegan options littered throughout. They have vegan biscuits and gravy, lasagna, nachos, patty melts, and more. Many additional menu items are dairy-free (including meat and seafood dishes), or can be ordered dairy free.

Pasadena

Bloomfield Creamery – This ice cream shop offers a unique selection of oatmilk-based vegan flavors, like strawberry shortcake and chocolate honeycomb. By the scoop, they usually have about 4 or 5 vegan ice cream flavors and 3 vegan cookie doughs. And they swirl two flavors of dairy-free Dole Whip.
Lêberry Bakery & Donut ⭐️ – This is a purely vegan and gluten-free bake shop that specializes in donuts and cakes, but also offers pies, cookies, and other pastries.
Millie’s Cafe – They offer a huge vegan menu, with various pancakes and waffles, many other breakfast items, lunch entrees, coffee drinks, and more. Several other menu items can be made dairy-free, and they do offer gluten-free options.
Paradis Icecream – Their scoops always include at least a couple dairy-free flavors, which rotate often. Some are sorbets, but they also make a big range of creamy plant-based flavors made with almond milk or coconut cream. You can enjoy them in a cup or a cake cone, and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They can also make you a vegan milkshake or coffee drink with almond milk.
Real Food Daily ⭐️ – This organic, plant-based restaurant made headlines when it emerged in 1993. At that time, it wasn’t common to serve exclusively vegan cuisine. But they helped make it stick with their popular brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. Their food is fresh, local, and healthy, but it isn’t without indulgence. They serve everything from Asian bowls to alfredo, veggie burgers to grilled cheese, and smoothies to milkshakes.
Sage Vegan Bistro ⭐️ – Like all of their locations, this old town spot serves their craft beer, has a great bar, shaded outdoor seating, and a broad menu for all day dining. They offer a great vegan brunch, and serve tacos, burritos, pizzas, and more from midday into the night.
Salt & Straw – See our Salt & Straw Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Tatsu Ramen ⭐️ – Yes, ramen houses often use dairy, but this one is transparent. They label their menu for top allergens and also list which options can be special ordered dairy free. At last check, their dairy-free options included some ramens, their couple of rice dishes, and pork buns.
The Counter – They have a few outposts in other U.S. states, but The Counter is primarily a California burger chain with an expansive vegan menu. They even offer vegan cheese. Consequently, their burgers and many other savory items can be made dairy-free on request.
The Pizza Plant ⭐️ – This all-vegan pizzeria is so good, they now ship nationwide and have their own pizzas in Whole Foods regionally. But you can still go to their restaurant in Pasadena where it all started. Their pizzas are on the pricey side, and aren’t huge, but the consensus is “so worth it.” They offer artisan thin crust, pan-style thick crust, and gluten-free crust, along with various sauces, plant-based house “meats,” and other toppings that range from roasted eggplant to avocado to hemp seeds. They make their own cheese alternatives, which include cashew mozzarella, ricotta, and nacho cheese, along with pecan parmesan and a nut-free sunflower mozzarella.
True Food Kitchen – See our True Food Kitchen Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.

Rancho Santa Margarita

Everbowl – They specialize in cool, creamy superfood bowls, including acai, pitaya, blue majik, and more, layered with various other bases and toppings. Almost their entire menu is dairy free (they do offer whey protein) and vegan (they have honey and bee pollen as options).

Redlands

LemonShark Poke – They have an interactive allergen menu online, and it brings good news for dairy-free guests. All of their sauces and poke bowl ingredients are dairy-free. The only items that contained dairy at our time of review were the tempura, coconut shrimp, and katsu.
Loving Hut ⭐️ – See our Loving Hut Post for more information on this vegan restaurant chain.
Plant Power Fast Food ⭐️ – As the name implies, this is a plant-based, completely vegan, quick-serve restaurant. The menu has many options for burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, small bites, drinks, and even desserts. The latter includes dairy-free soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, kombucha floats, chocolate chip cookies, and cheesecakes. They also have a full breakfast menu with burritos, sandwiches, and “egg” muffins. All burgers can be ordered with their gluten-free bun (extra charge) or a lettuce wrap (free!). They also have an Allergen Guide to identify items without gluten, soy, peanuts, or tree nuts.

Redondo Beach

Locali – Their menu is filled with vegan comfort food, with burgers, wraps, sandwiches, melts, breakfast sandwiches, and more. They also blend smoothies and swirl dairy-free coconut froyo.

Riverside

Plant Power Fast Food ⭐️ – As the name implies, this is a plant-based, completely vegan, quick-serve restaurant. The menu has many options for burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, small bites, drinks, and even desserts. The latter includes dairy-free soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, kombucha floats, chocolate chip cookies, and cheesecakes. They also have a full breakfast menu with burritos, sandwiches, and “egg” muffins. All burgers can be ordered with their gluten-free bun (extra charge) or a lettuce wrap (free!). They also have an Allergen Guide to identify items without gluten, soy, peanuts, or tree nuts.

Rowland Heights

PizzaRev – This build-your-own pizza joint has four dairy-free pizza crusts (two of which are gluten-free, and three of which are vegan), Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative, and most of their sauces and toppings are dairy-free (skip the alfredo, pesto, and meatballs). They also offer Beyond Meat sausage for vegan guests.

San Bernadino

Cafe Organix ⭐️ – This all-vegan counter-serve restaurant serves salads, burgers, and tacos, with a selection of juices, coffee drinks, and desserts, too.
LemonShark Poke – They have an interactive allergen menu online, and it brings good news for dairy-free guests. All of their sauces and poke bowl ingredients are dairy-free. The only items that contained dairy at our time of review were the tempura, coconut shrimp, and katsu.

San Clemente

Paradis Icecream – Their scoops always include at least a couple dairy-free flavors, which rotate often. Some are sorbets, but they also make a big range of creamy plant-based flavors made with almond milk or coconut cream. You can enjoy them in a cup or a cake cone, and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They can also make you a vegan milkshake or coffee drink with almond milk.
Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

San Diego – See our San Diego Dairy-Free Guide for listings.

San Juan Capistrano

Cloud 9 Bakers ⭐️ – This is a dedicated dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, peanut-free, and organic bakery. They bake a big array of cupcakes, plus some other baked treats, and also have some breakfast items and savory breads.

San Luis Obispo

Bliss Cafe ⭐️ – Lisa emailed this recommendation to us. “This is a casual vegan food, juice, and smoothie bar, serving up veggie- and bean-based entrees (they seem to stay away from meat “alternatives”) and raw desserts.” Their cuisine leans toward Mexican and American with burgers, burritos, scrambles, and tacos. But they also serve desserts and have a small store of foods.
Kacey Cakes ⭐️ – This is a gluten-free, vegan, raw cakery that also dabbles in making queso sauces. They don’t have a storefront, but they do sell at farmer’s markets in the area and have online order and pickup.

Santa Ana

Mother’s Market & Kitchen – This local natural food store chain sells many local and national dairy-free products. They also have a to-go cafe on site, with an extensive vegan menu, and even more dairy-free possibilities, like burgers and seafood entrees. They also blend dairy-free smoothies and shakes, with some vegan ice cream options.
Poki One N Half ⭐️ – This fresh, clean local chain is known for quality, and they confirmed that everything on their poke bowl and burrito menu is dairy-free (they occasionally offer a dessert that contains dairy). They also offer tofu for a vegan alternative.
Soy Concha Bakery ⭐️ – Everything is vegan at this Mexican-style bakery. They offer an array of pan dulce, including conchas and pastelitos, and the do bake cakes.

Santa Barbara

Backyard Bowls ⭐️ – Their entire menu is dairy-free, and it includes smoothies, bowls, and toasts. They use various mylks, coconut yogurt, plant protein, and cashew cheese. Vegans take note that honey, bee pollen, egg, and collagen are options on the menu.
Fala Bar ⭐️ – Their entire menu is vegan, nut-free, and soy-free, and they offer many gluten-free options. All of their beans and grains are sprouted, too. They serve an array of falafel flavors in burgers, sandwiches, and plates, and also have a casual selection of other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Green Table – Their smoothie and matcha latte menus are completely dairy-free, and they offer a full menu of raw vegan desserts. Their savory dishes are vegetarian, and include vegan options.
Luna Grill – Luna Grill does include vegan icons on their menu, and there are a few options. But they also have a great allergen guide that reveals numerous milk-free menu items. The desserts are off-limits, but there are many kabobs, salads, and small bites to choose from.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams – The 70-year-old, Santa Barbara-based family business churns classic dairy ice cream, but they also make creamy vegan flavors with a proprietary blend of 100% micronized pea protein. They claim the result is a neutral flavor base (no almond or coconut aftertaste!) with a super smooth and creamy mouthfeel. The dairy-free flavors available by the scoop or pint can include Dark Chocolate Chip, Toasted Coconut Almond Chip, Cookies & Cream, Turkish Coffee, or Eureka Lemon & Marionberries. But please note that they do make dairy versions of these flavors, too.
Savoy Cafe & Deli – On their cafe menu, they offer a few dairy-free entrees (like wild salmon and coconut curry chicken) and a couple vegan options. They also have a full bakery with gluten-free, vegan options, including cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and bread. They have gluten-free, dairy-free pumpkin pie.

Santa Clarita

Pei Wei – See our Pei Wei Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Plate Therapy ⭐️ – This is a dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free meal service. They offer full breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, along with snacks and sides, and have many paleo options.

Santa Monica

Backyard Bowls ⭐️ – Their entire menu is dairy-free, and it includes smoothies, bowls, and toasts. They use various mylks, coconut yogurt, plant protein, and cashew cheese. Vegans take note that honey, bee pollen, egg, and collagen are options on the menu.
BreadBlok – This orderly gluten-free bakery labels dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, grain-free, and vegan options. Their dairy-free bakery options includes some breads, teacakes, cookies, scones, muffins, shortbread, and crackers. But they also have full breakfast and lunch menus with some additional options.
Burger Lounge – This SoCal chain serves grass-fed burgers alongside a whole menu of vegan burgers. They offer vegan buns, dairy-free cheese, and bunless paleo and keto options. Select locations (check in advance) offer dairy-free milkshakes and root beer floats made with cashew milk ice cream.
Erin McKenna’s Bakery ⭐️ – This sweet bakery is completely vegan and gluten-free, and they don’t use any soy. Their daily menu includes a pretty selection of cupcakes, muffins, donuts, cookies, crumb cakes, and more. They also swirl dairy-free soft serve. And yes, they take custom cake orders!
Flower Child – This healthy restaurant chain serves salads, bowls, and plates with choose your own protein and side options. Their modern “hippie” menu is loaded with organic produce, whole grains (gluten-free, too), and house dressings. Their menu is littered with vegan and paleo options, and most items either are, or can be made dairy-free on request.
Frozen Fruit Co ⭐️ – Every flavor at this frozen dessert shop is plant based, sweetened solely with fruit, and contains minimal ingredients. For example, their chocolate is made with just coconut milk, cocoa, and dates. They also serve specialty flavors during the week and have a menu of healthy fruit soft serve bowls.
Jinya Ramen Bar – Unlike many ramen places, all of their ramens and soups are dairy-free. Almost all of their rice bowls and most of their small plates are made without dairy too. They also offer vegan menu items in every savory category (all of their desserts contain dairy).
Juice Crafters ⭐️ – There’s no shortage of juice shops in California, but this one is reportedly dairy-free. Their menu includes a big range of pressed juices, hydration drinks, wellness shots, smoothies, and acai bowls. For a creamy finish, they use their own date-sweetened almond nut mylk.
Kye’s ⭐️ – Their healthy menu focuses on local, organic, and macrobiotic cuisine. It’s clearly labeled with dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, soy-free, and keto/paleo options. Most items are, or can be ordered, dairy-free.
Luna Grill – Luna Grill does include vegan icons on their menu, and there are a few options. But they also have a great allergen guide that reveals numerous milk-free menu items. The desserts are off-limits, but there are many kabobs, salads, and small bites to choose from.
Pop’s Burgers & Shakes – This classic burger joint offers beef and vegan burgers, with vegan buns, vegan cheese, and vegan patties available. Just make sure to request dairy-free butter if you order a non-vegan patty. They also blend dairy-free oatmilk shakes.
Samosa House – This is a popular vegetarian Indian restaurant, which also serves many vegan options, like roti, samosas, dosas, and plates (they offer a dairy-free soup in lieu of yogurt). They even have a vegan mango lassi on their drink menu.
Sweetfin – This Southern California poke chain serves a menu that’s almost purely dairy-free, and even includes a couple flavors of plant-based Dream Pops for dessert. They also have a few plant-based bowls on the menu and offer a plethora of fresh toppings for building your own.
Sweet Rose Creamery – Their flavors change monthly, but typically include a handful of dairy-free flavors, like dark chocolate, caffe luxxe coffee, and strawberry coconut.
The Counter – They have a few outposts in other U.S. states, but The Counter is primarily a California burger chain with an expansive vegan menu. They even offer vegan cheese. Consequently, their burgers and many other savory items can be made dairy-free on request.
Tocaya Organica – The base menu at this healthy Mexican chain is vegan, but you then choose your protein and/or cheese of choice. They serve salads, bowls, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, soups, and sides, and have dairy-free meats, plant-based meat alternatives, vegan cremas, and cheese alternatives available.
True Food Kitchen – See our True Food Kitchen Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.

Seal Beach

Paradis Icecream – Their scoops always include at least a couple dairy-free flavors, which rotate often. Some are sorbets, but they also make a big range of creamy plant-based flavors made with almond milk or coconut cream. You can enjoy them in a cup or a cake cone, and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They can also make you a vegan milkshake or coffee drink with almond milk.

Signal Hill

Mother’s Market & Kitchen – This local natural food store chain sells many local and national dairy-free products. They also have a to-go cafe on site, with an extensive vegan menu, and even more dairy-free possibilities, like burgers and seafood entrees. They also blend dairy-free smoothies and shakes, with some vegan ice cream options.

Tarzana

Tel Aviv Grill ⭐️ – This is a local kosher glatt (meat) restaurant chain, which is dairy-free (by kosher dietary laws). It was recommended to us by Heather, “They serve sandwiches or mix plates with various meats or falafel and an assortment of salads.”

Temecula

Barons Market – This grocery store has a big selection of specialty foods, including gluten-free and dairy-free.
Burger Lounge – This SoCal chain serves grass-fed burgers alongside a whole menu of vegan burgers. They offer vegan buns, dairy-free cheese, and bunless paleo and keto options. Select locations (check in advance) offer dairy-free milkshakes and root beer floats made with cashew milk ice cream.
Everbowl – They specialize in cool, creamy superfood bowls, including acai, pitaya, blue majik, and more, layered with various other bases and toppings. Almost their entire menu is dairy free (they do offer whey protein) and vegan (they have honey and bee pollen as options).
Hummus Republic – Their build-your-own pita, wrap, or bowl menu is filled with dairy-free options. They even offer vegan proteins, and most components are dairy-free (includes hummuses and dressings). They clearly label for vegan and gluten-free guests.
Phil’s BBQ – They have a full allergy menu with lots of dairy-free options. In fact, most of their menu is, or can be ordered dairy-free (no cheese), nut-free, and peanut-free, including their burger and sandwich buns. They also have gluten-free options.

Thousand Oaks

Everbowl – They specialize in cool, creamy superfood bowls, including acai, pitaya, blue majik, and more, layered with various other bases and toppings. Almost their entire menu is dairy free (they do offer whey protein) and vegan (they have honey and bee pollen as options).
Soom Soom Fresh Mediterranean ⭐️ – Heather recommended this local kosher, dairy-free restaurant chain to us. “They have shawarmas, grilled meats, or a variety of vegetarian options, that come with a variety of salads and side dishes, in addition to rice or couscous.” They also offer dairy-free desserts.
Tifa Chocolate and Gelato – They scoop some creamy vegan gelato flavors (like peanut butter, dark chocolate, and chocolate chip), and also offer fruity dairy-free sorbettos. On the chocolate side, they have a selection of vegan truffles.

Torrance

Din Tai Fung – This is an upscale Taiwanese chain that specializes in Chinese Huaiyang cuisine. They offer a full allergen and special diet chart, and, at last check, all of their savory menu items were dairy-free and all but one of their sweet bao was dairy-free (most are vegan!). They do use milk in some beverage items.
Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.

Tustin

Dolce Gelato – They make innovative, dairy-free, almond milk flavors, like Smoke on the Water (burnt sugar caramel and smoked sea salt) and Elvis Presley (bananas and peanut butter swirl), along with classic and unique sorbet flavors. They also bake a vegan apple crisp.
Jinya Ramen Bar – Unlike many ramen places, all of their ramens and soups are dairy-free. Almost all of their rice bowls and most of their small plates are made without dairy too. They also offer vegan menu items in every savory category (all of their desserts contain dairy).
Nosh House ⭐️ – This dairy-free spot is billed as “Orange County’s first glatt kosher restaurant.” That means they serve meat, but no milk. Their menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and shawarma.
Pei Wei – See our Pei Wei Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Snooze A.M. Eatery – They serve some plant-powered, dairy-free menu items, like vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, porridge, and buddha bowls. Some additional dishes can be custom ordered dairy free.
Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

Upland

Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

Valencia

Hummus Republic – Their build-your-own pita, wrap, or bowl menu is filled with dairy-free options. They even offer vegan proteins, and most components are dairy-free (includes hummuses and dressings). They clearly label for vegan and gluten-free guests.
Paradis Icecream – Their scoops always include at least a couple dairy-free flavors, which rotate often. Some are sorbets, but they also make a big range of creamy plant-based flavors made with almond milk or coconut cream. You can enjoy them in a cup or a cake cone, and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They can also make you a vegan milkshake or coffee drink with almond milk.

Valley Village

Continental Kosher Bakery ⭐️ – Everything is pareve (dairy-free) at this certified kosher bakery. They’re well known for hand crafted rugulach and hamentashen, but also have cakes and other pastries in store.
Hugo’s Restaurant ⭐️ – Their menu is labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests AND they have a separate allergen chart with ingredient information. And there is quite a bit for everyone. Dairy-free options include breakfast dishes (like french toast, eggs, and pancakes), plus an array of lunch and dinner entrees. They even have vegan sticky buns, churros, pastries, sundaes, and milkshakes (with whip!) for dessert.
Tel Aviv Grill ⭐️ – This is a local kosher glatt (meat) restaurant chain, which is dairy-free (by kosher dietary laws). It was recommended to us by Heather, “They serve sandwiches or mix plates with various meats or falafel and an assortment of salads.”

Ventura

Luna Grill – Luna Grill does include vegan icons on their menu, and there are a few options. But they also have a great allergen guide that reveals numerous milk-free menu items. The desserts are off-limits, but there are many kabobs, salads, and small bites to choose from.
MidiCi Pizza – Their signature Neapolitan dough is light, thin, soft, and chewy, with a high crust, and it’s dairy-free. It’s made purely with a special Neapolitan flour, water, sea salt, and yeast. They also offer dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan sausage, and have several custom order salad options.

Vista

LemonShark Poke – They have an interactive allergen menu online, and it brings good news for dairy-free guests. All of their sauces and poke bowl ingredients are dairy-free. The only items that contained dairy at our time of review were the tempura, coconut shrimp, and katsu.

West Covina

One Veg World ⭐️ – Their sign says “vegetarian,” but this is a vegan restaurant serving a menu of burgers, tacos, burritos, and a small global assortment of other entrees. They also have a vegan mini-mart on site.

West Hollywood

Go Get Em Tiger – This Los Angeles coffee shop chain has a location in West Hollywood, where they don’t mess around. Their housemade almond macadamia nut latte and vegan strawberry muffins are standards on the menu. And all of their other classic vegan dishes and coffee drinks are available. Sandwiches can also be made dairy-free.
Gracias Madre ⭐️ – The founders of Cafe Gratitude chose to honor traditional Mexican cuisine with this vegan, organic restaurant. Local and sustainable are a theme – in fact, they even grow their own produce! They serve lunch, happy hour, dinner, and brunch at this location, and offer many unique bowls and other Mexican-inspired dishes. They also craft their own cocktails and make decadent desserts, like tres leches cake. For additional food concerns, they have allergy menus available for gluten, tree nuts, garlic, onion, cilantro, soy, corn, and avocado.
Hugo’s Restaurant ⭐️ – Their menu is labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests AND they have a separate allergen chart with ingredient information. And there is quite a bit for everyone. Dairy-free options include breakfast dishes (like french toast, eggs, and pancakes), plus an array of lunch and dinner entrees. They even have vegan sticky buns, churros, pastries, sundaes, and milkshakes (with whip!) for dessert.
Paradis Icecream – Their scoops always include at least a couple dairy-free flavors, which rotate often. Some are sorbets, but they also make a big range of creamy plant-based flavors made with almond milk or coconut cream. You can enjoy them in a cup or a cake cone, and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They can also make you a vegan milkshake or coffee drink with almond milk.
Salt & Straw – See our Salt & Straw Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Tocaya Organica – The base menu at this healthy Mexican chain is vegan, but you then choose your protein and/or cheese of choice. They serve salads, bowls, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, soups, and sides, and have dairy-free meats, plant-based meat alternatives, vegan cremas, and cheese alternatives available.
Zpizza – This regional build-your-own pizza chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese, vegan and gluten-free pizza crusts, several vegan housemade sauces, and more. See our Brea Listing above for more specific details.

Westlake Village

Karma Baker ⭐️ – Everything at this local bakery is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. They have a storefront that is open to the public, but they also take online orders, fulfill custom orders, offer catering, and supply local stores and restaurants with goodies. They make every sweet baked good imageinable, including cupcake jars, Hostess-style cupcakes, donuts, cookie sandwiches, muffins, scones, quick breads, and that special cake.
Tifa Chocolate and Gelato – They scoop some creamy vegan gelato flavors (like peanut butter, dark chocolate, and chocolate chip), and also offer fruity dairy-free sorbettos. On the chocolate side, they have a selection of vegan truffles.
Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.
Western Bagel – Every bagel they make is dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free (at last check), and it’s quite a selection. They’re also egg free (except for the egg bagel), since they don’t use an egg wash. They offer standard schmeers, but do have peanut butter, jelly, and some sandwich options for dairy-free customers.

Wildomar

Barons Market – This grocery store has a big selection of specialty foods, including gluten-free and dairy-free.
Everbowl – They specialize in cool, creamy superfood bowls, including acai, pitaya, blue majik, and more, layered with various other bases and toppings. Almost their entire menu is dairy free (they do offer whey protein) and vegan (they have honey and bee pollen as options).

Woodland Hills

Sweetfin – This Southern California poke chain serves a menu that’s almost purely dairy-free, and even includes a couple flavors of plant-based Dream Pops for dessert. They also have a few plant-based bowls on the menu and offer a plethora of fresh toppings for building your own.
Tel Aviv Grill ⭐️ – This is a local kosher glatt (meat) restaurant chain, which is dairy-free (by kosher dietary laws). It was recommended to us by Heather, “They serve sandwiches or mix plates with various meats or falafel and an assortment of salads.”
Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.

Yucaipa

LemonShark Poke – They have an interactive allergen menu online, and it brings good news for dairy-free guests. All of their sauces and poke bowl ingredients are dairy-free. The only items that contained dairy at our time of review were the tempura, coconut shrimp, and katsu.

Photo from Sugar Taco in Los Angeles, California

Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout Southern California

Some recommended restaurant and store chains are getting too big for our city listing britches. They have many locations, or are rapidly growing, and you might stumble across them in a number of towns in this state. Click on them for more dairy-free details.

Benihana – See our Benihana Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Blaze Pizza – See our Blaze Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Creamistry – Their instant liquid nitrogen ice cream and shakes can be ordered with one of their many dairy-free bases: vegan cashew, vegan coconut, or sorbet (several fruit flavors). They have an array of flavors and toppings.
Fresh Brothers – This pizza, salad, and wing chain has locations dotted around L.A and Orange County. They offer a vegan menu with dairy-free cheese (and meat alternatives), so almost any pizza or salad can be made dairy-free. They also offer vegan wings, vegan dessert nots, and vegan and gluten-free brownies.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt – See our Menchie’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
MOD Pizza – See our MOD Pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Nekter Juice Bar – See our Nekter Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Philz Coffee – See our Philz Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Pick Up Stix – This quick-serve Asian restaurants has dozens of outposts in the greater Los Angeles and San Diego areas. Use caution when ordering, as some surprising dishes contain dairy, like the lettuce wraps, won ton soup, fried rice, beef and broccoli, garlick chicken, and a handful of other dishes. But they offer a complete allergen chart and dozens of dairy-free appetizers and entrees to choose from.
Pieology Pizzeria – See our Pieology Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Pressed Juicery – See our Pressed Juicery Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Tender Greens – Salads, bowls, sandwiches, and build-your-own plates are the specialty at this quintessentially California chain. Their menu boasts fresh and healthful cuisine with ample dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and other special diet options. They have locations dotted all over the great Los Angeles area, and a couple spots in Orange County.
The Flame Broiler ⭐️ – They contacted us to announce they run a completely dairy-free restaurant chain. It’s a counter-serve spot that makes healthy Asian-style rice bowls free of MSG, high fructose corn syrup, and trans fats. Their menu is actually quite simple, with your choices of proteins and bases. Your order is served without sauce, but they have various sauces included that you can add to taste. They have vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options and a kid’s size.
The Habit Burger – See our Habit Burger Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.

Photo from Donut Friend in Los Angeles, California

Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in Southern California

These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in Southern California. So you have a good chance of finding their products at grocery stores, restaurants, and/or other shops in this state. Keep an eye out!

Califia Farms – You can easily find a range of Califia products in their home region of Los Angeles. This dairy-free company makes all types of milk alternatives, creamers, butter alternative, and more.
Coolhaus – Their pints are shipped across the U.S. (including their dairy-free line), but they call L.A. home and do have a food truck available for events.
Craig’s Vegan Ice Cream – They make cashew-based vegan ice cream that is reportedly Kevin O’Leary’s favorite. And with flavors like Melrose Mint Chip and Sunset & Strawberry, this is a quintessential Southern California company.
Elive Food – This local vegan company makes cashew cheesecakes, cheese sauces, dressings, and more. They deliver locally and sell via some cafes in the area.
Follow Your Heart – This vegan alternative brand has actually been around for decades – it all started with their cafe in Los Angeles. Now they offer a big range of vegan cheeses, vegenaise, and more.
Halo Top – This ice cream company revolutionized low sugar ice cream, and they have a full line of dairy-free flavors.
Misha’s Kind Foods – They make spreadable dairy-free, paleo, and vegan cheeses with an almond and cashew milk base.

Photo from Backyard Bowls – a Southern California dairy-free favorite in Goleta, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Santa Monica

This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations

We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.

Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!

This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only

Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.

There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.

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