America's Best Vegetarian-Friendly Small Cities

#5 Santa Monica, California

A coastal town and a haven for surfers and skaters that's located in greater Los Angeles, Santa Monica is one of the West Coast's epicenters for vegetarian fare.

For a super supper, check out the real-good Real Food Daily restaurant. With locations in both Santa Monica and West Hollywood, this all-vegan hot spot offers a fantastic lineup, including Salisbury Seitan, the Supreme Burrito, and the mouthwatering Burger With the Works. Get fresh at Juliano's Raw Planet, where the gourmet, all-organic creations are served with an innovative flair that will please the eye as well as the palate. If you'd rather stay in, RAWvolution brings pre-made, gourmet vegan foods straight to your door.

If you're in the mood for exotic eats, Chandni North Indian restaurant has several vegan items. Toi on Wilshire, featuring "Bangkok homestyle cooking," is a tasty choice with a super-funky atmosphere. P.F. Chang's China Bistro, a national chain of Chinese restaurants with four attractive locations in the Los Angeles area, has a very solid vegetarian section on its menu. The Ma Po Tofu, Coconut Curry Vegetables, and Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps make for a delightful lunch or dinner.

For more ways to get friendly with vegetarian fare, check out L.A.'s definitive vegetarian resource at VegParadise.com. And when in SoCal, check out one of the Southern California Vegetarians' many delicious potlucks, educational events, and group restaurant outings.

Top Tip: Fill up with an RFD Burger and a big slice of chocolate-raspberry cake at Real Food Daily, and then walk it off with a stroll on the Santa Monica Pier.

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