El Misti
Posted by So-Cal Veg Blogger on Aug 2, 2009
El Misti offers a rare combination of traditional Peruvian cuisine and veg-friendly proteins. In fact, they devote an entire section of their menu just to their vegetarian and vegan options. Complete with soy-based substitutes for fish, beef and even lamb, the veg menu goes so far as to labels which items are vegan or can be made vegan.
Zov’s Bistro
Posted by So-Cal Veg Blogger on Jul 19, 2009
Zov’s is a small, family-run chain local to Orange County. The original location, on 17th street in Tustin, is actually two experiences in one: an upscale dinning bistro and a casual cafe and bakery. While Zov’s does not focus on vegetarian cuisine or advertise itself as vegetarian friendly, its Mediterranean-based cuisine inherently is.
Lee’s Sandwiches
Posted by So-Cal Veg Blogger on Jul 18, 2009
Lee’s Sandwiches, for anyone that doesn’t know, is a Vietnamese sandwich chain that started in northern California and spread down throughout the US. The most unique thing about Lee’s is the interesting Vietnamese-style baguette creations. Unlike most “western” sandwiches, these baguettes are served with an Asian flare.
Thuyen Vien
Posted by So-Cal Veg Blogger on Jul 15, 2009
This somewhat hidden restaurant, located in a random shopping center, is a true gem in Garden Grove. They serve a large variety of Vietnamese dishes (with a sprinkling of Chinese fare) that are mostly vegan and clearly marked otherwise.
Thai Bamboo Bistro
Posted by So-Cal Veg Blogger on Jul 5, 2009
Thai Bamboo Cafe is a small, unassuming bistro tucked inside the retail maze of Tustin’s “District” shopping center. Veggie visitors will be surprised by the decent selection of options and the frequent use of tofu. (Truly vegan options, though, are limited.) Suggestions include the “drunken vegetable noodles” and “crazy cashew vegetables.” Both dishes are prepared with noticeably fresh and varied ingredients. Also of note are the crunchy, almost oil-less thin “vegetables spring rolls,” a great dish to share. A word of warning, though, as with most Thai cooking, the curries (even the vegetable tofu) contain fish sauce. The staff, however, is happy to answer questions about the food and its ingredients.
Natraj’s Tandoori
Posted by So-Cal Veg Blogger on Jun 24, 2009
Natraj is a great place to go for decent Indian food in a hurry. Although they do have a full menu, I’ve only ever experienced their steam table in the 2 years that I’ve been going there. Like other Indian restaurants, they offer a wide variety of vegetarian options despite not being a strictly vegetarian restaurant.