As a vegetarian living in Orange County, CA, I am always on the lookout for restaurants that offer delicious and satisfying vegetarian options. While Orange County may be known for its beaches and theme parks, it also has a thriving food scene with a diverse range of cuisines. And luckily, there are plenty of restaurants in Orange County that cater to vegetarians.
The Rise of Vegetarianism
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people adopting a vegetarian diet. According to a study by the Vegetarian Resource Group, about 3% of Americans identify as vegetarians, and this number is steadily growing.This rise in vegetarianism can be attributed to various factors, including health concerns, environmental awareness, and ethical reasons. With this increase in demand for vegetarian options, many restaurants in Orange County have started to include more plant-based dishes on their menus. This not only caters to the growing number of vegetarians but also appeals to those looking for healthier and more sustainable dining options.
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Orange County
Orange County is home to a diverse range of cuisines, from Mexican and Italian to Asian and Mediterranean. And fortunately, many of these restaurants offer delicious vegetarian options. Here are some of my top picks for vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Orange County:1.True Food Kitchen
Located in Newport Beach, True Food Kitchen is a health-conscious restaurant that offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.Their menu features dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and focuses on incorporating superfoods into their dishes. Some must-try vegetarian dishes at True Food Kitchen include the Ancient Grains Bowl and the Butternut Squash Pizza.
2.Veggie Grill
Veggie Grill is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in plant-based dishes. With locations in Irvine, Tustin, and Huntington Beach, it's a convenient option for vegetarians on the go. Their menu features a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and bowls made with plant-based proteins like Beyond Meat and tofu.I highly recommend trying their Santa Fe Crispy Chickin' sandwich and the Quinoa Power Salad.
3.Au Lac
Au Lac is a Vietnamese restaurant in Fountain Valley that offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options. Their menu features traditional Vietnamese dishes made with plant-based ingredients, making it a great option for vegetarians looking for something different. Some must-try dishes at Au Lac include the Pho Chay (vegetarian pho) and the Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi.4.Avanti Cafe
Located in Costa Mesa, Avanti Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant that focuses on using organic and locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect to find delicious vegetarian and vegan options.Some popular dishes at Avanti Cafe include the Vegan Lasagna and the Mushroom Stroganoff.
5.The Stand Natural Foods
The Stand Natural Foods is a health food store and cafe in Laguna Beach that offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Their menu features salads, wraps, sandwiches, and smoothies made with fresh, organic ingredients. They also have a selection of vegetarian and vegan desserts, including their famous Vegan Chocolate Cake.Other Vegetarian Options
Aside from these vegetarian-friendly restaurants, many other restaurants in Orange County offer vegetarian options on their menus. Some popular options include Mexican restaurants like Taco Mesa and El Torito, which offer vegetarian versions of their dishes, and Italian restaurants like Maggiano's and Olive Garden, which have a separate vegetarian menu. Additionally, many Asian restaurants in Orange County also have vegetarian options, such as Veggie Wokery in Irvine and Loving Hut in Orange.And for those looking for a quick and healthy meal, there are also several salad and poke bowl restaurants that offer vegetarian options, such as Sweetfin Poke and Lemonade.
