Middle Eastern$picoDaily 11:00-22:00
Z Garden plates certified halal Middle Eastern food on Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, Muslim-owned and generous with kebab plates, hummus and saffron rice.
Tip: Portions run huge; a single mixed grill plate with extra garlic sauce covers two people at lunch.
Indian$$$ocean-avenueLunch and dinner daily
Fitoor near the Santa Monica Pier serves zabihah-listed halal Indian cooking, tandoori kebabs and stuffed kulchas from the ROOH team on Ocean Avenue.
Tip: Founders Anu and Vikram Bhambri staff the kitchen almost entirely with chefs trained in India; the halal menu suits groups.
Thai$$ocean-parkTue-Sun 16:00-21:00; closed Mon
Satdha Plant Based Thai Kitchen has cooked gourmet vegan Thai food on Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica since 2013, no fake meats, just vegetable craft.
Tip: Chef Gunn Pankum's lion's mane mushroom fried chicken converts sceptics; the khao soi is the quiet best dish.
American$$montana-avenueBreakfast and lunch daily
Breakfast by Salt's Cure on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica runs vegan variations of its oatmeal griddle cakes alongside the standard griddle menu.
Tip: Gluten-free and vegan versions of the griddle cakes exist; the counter sells the mix to take home.
Thai$$ocean-parkTue-Sun 16:00-21:00; closed Mon
Satdha Plant Based Thai Kitchen has cooked gourmet vegan Thai food on Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica since 2013, no fake meats, just vegetable craft.
Tip: Chef Gunn Pankum's lion's mane mushroom fried chicken converts sceptics; the khao soi is the quiet best dish.
Californian$main-streetDaytime daily; breakfast through late afternoon
Alfalfa on Main Street in Santa Monica builds vegetable-first farmstand plates, salads and breakfast burritos that keep vegetarians fully fed.
Tip: The Ancho Potato breakfast burrito is the local order; it travels well for the four blocks to the sand.