The Best Orange County Vegetarian Restaurants

My sister became a vegetarian in 1971, and at that time is was not so easy to find vegetarian fare in the OC. We so loved the risotto at Lindberg Nutrition, which used to be in South Coast Plaza when the Mall first opened. How times have times changed! Vegetarian and vegan restaurants are now fairly ubiquitous across Orange County, and with a great deal of variety in terms of cuisine and price range.

Our favorite vegetarian restaurant is still the moderately priced Rutabegorz, which opened in 1970, and which has grown to 3 sites in North Orange County: Fullerton, Old Towne Orange, and Tustin. Each site has its own kind of a funky cool atmosphere and decor. They have an extensive menu, which includes appetizers (last time I was there they had some for $1.00!), smoothies, huge salads, wraps, coffee drinks, and home made desserts. They have lots of robust main dishes, including Stew You, a rich veggie medley, topped with cheese and sunflower seeds, Meat Free Chili, and the yummy Mexican Casserole with rice, zucchini, olives, cilantro. I love their squaw bread, too. You will not leave Rutabegorz feeling hungry!!

Old Towne Orange
264 North Glassell
714-633-3260

Fullerton
211 North Pomona
714-738-9339

Tustin
158 West Main
714-731-9807

The Wheel of Life, in Irvine, offers up what they call Vegan Thai food, using soy meats and vegetables. I think of it as a vegan P.F. Chang's because it's as much a Chinese as it is a Thai restaurant. They also offer a 16-Combination "Steam Table." Great atmosphere and the hosts treat you like you are their most important customer.

14370 Culver Drive
949-551-8222