Gracias Madre: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Gracias Madre is one of the few restaurants in Los Angeles where you genuinely don’t have to ask a single question about what’s vegan. Every item on the menu, every tortilla pressed in the open kitchen, every sauce simmered from scratch, is entirely plant-based. It opened on Melrose Ave in West Hollywood in 2014, founded by the team behind Cafe Gratitude, and it’s become one of the most recognizable vegan dining destinations in Southern California.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Gracias Madre

Everything. The entire menu is 100% vegan. You won’t find any animal products here, not even in the sauces, broths, or tortillas. The kitchen uses organic, non-GMO, plant-based ingredients from local and regenerative farms. The dishes span the full range of Mexican cooking, from antojitos to full dinner entrees to a weekend brunch menu with chilaquiles and champurrado pancakes. The restaurant doesn’t need a separate vegetarian section because it’s all vegetarian and all vegan.

Signature dishes to order

Start with the Queso Fundido, which is melted cashew cheese with roasted mushrooms and house-made vegan chorizo. It’s one of the dishes that tends to convert skeptics. The Guacamole con Tostadas comes with crispy plantain chips, and the Ceviche de Coliflor, made with cauliflower, citrus, and cilantro, is a strong lighter order. For tacos, the Taco de Al Pastor with jackfruit and pineapple and the Taco de Hongos with mushrooms are perennial favorites. The Enchiladas con Mole and the Chiles Rellenos stuffed with quinoa and walnut picadillo are worth the full entree commitment. If you’re coming for weekend brunch, the Chilaquiles Rojos are the move.

How to order

Gracias Madre takes reservations through OpenTable, and you’ll want one, especially on weekends and Friday evenings. Walk-ins do happen, but the patio fills up fast. The outdoor garden patio is the best seat in the house, with a fireplace and tree cover that works in most LA weather. Delivery is available through Uber Eats and DoorDash, and takeout runs through their online ordering system. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm with $7 vegan bites and $9 margaritas, one of the better deals on Melrose.

What to watch out for

For vegetarians and vegans there’s nothing to dodge, since the whole kitchen is plant-based. Gluten and nut allergies are the things to flag. Many dishes are naturally gluten-free, including most corn-tortilla items, but the restaurant states on its allergy page that it can’t guarantee against cross-contact, and there’s a shared fryer. Cashew-based preparations run throughout the menu, so it’s not the right spot for a severe nut allergy. Entrees land in the $12 to $25 range, so budget accordingly if you add cocktails.

Is Gracias Madre worth it?

For vegetarians and vegans who want a full-service sit-down restaurant in LA, Gracias Madre is one of the best options in the city. The menu is creative and genuinely satisfying, not a stripped-down substitution menu. The space is beautiful and the bar is excellent. It holds a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award and has been covered by Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, and Vogue. It’s a lively, see-and-be-seen spot on Melrose, so go early on a weeknight if you want quiet. For a date night or a group meal where everyone can eat freely, it’s hard to beat.