Organic. Locally-sourced. Farm-to-table. These catch phrases long since became staples of the American food vocabulary. Some naysayers may roll their eyes at the images such words evoke and ask if youâve seen the Portlandia pilot, but for those of us who know and taste the difference, these things matter. Thankfully, here are ten great spots that feel the same way, and be you an herbivore or an omnivore, the list has something for everyone.
Artisan House
This restaurant, bar and market on 6th and Main combines the sophistication of fine dining with the simplicity of fine ingredients. Everything is sourced in California, with produce from the farmerâs market and reputable purveyors for meat and poultry. âI love to be a four season chef,â says Executive Chef Karo Patpatyan, who is himself locally raised. He embraces the seasonal brevity of each item and incorporates it throughout the menu while he can. Right now, try his heirloom tomatoes with burrata and a prosciutto crisp that melts in your mouth, or the ahi poke with avocado. Be sure to save room for the bavarian cream-filled churros.
Au Lac
Tucked into a nondescript shopping plaza on Bunker Hill, this Vietnamese vegan transplant from Orange County is perfect for organic diners and raw-food fanatics. Executive Chef Ito is a huge proponent of living foods, and the restaurant is exceptionally passionate about their mission of promoting health in addition to a memorable gastronomic experience. The salt and peppered yam âshrimpâ is a highlight, and no-meat versions of staples like pho are sure to satisfy.
Belcampo Meat Co.
At the bustling Grand Central Market, a blazing neon sign directs you to glorious, organic, meaty heaven. Grass-fed, free range animal proteins abound, all sourced in Northern California where they are slaughtered and processed humanely. Take a stroll past their butcher counter and pick something up for home, or order one of their famous Fastburgers to eat on a bar stool adjacent. However, be forewarned that only the meat and lettuce are organic right now, though according to staff theyâre working to certify the rest of the stand.
Cafe Gratitude
Well known around LA, this all-vegan upscale chain is a hopping hub in the Arts District at the behemoth that is One Santa Fe. Sure, you might feel a little funny ordering a dish that insists you make an âIâ statement to get it but, gimmicks aside, the food is good. And no, the question of the day your server asks you is not mandatory to answer. Though, who doesnât want to solve world peace over brunch.
The Daily Dose
This breakfast and lunch destination in an alley off Industrial and Mill is a daily deal. The breakfast is affordable and awesome, and they make some pretty mean sandwiches to boot. Owner Sarkis Vartanianâs deep personal connection to the food revolution is a major inspiration for the cafe. âEvery little step counts,â he insists. âAnd by supporting local farmers and organic methods, and getting rid of all GMO crap out of our diet, we will not not only help and support the local economy and conserve the environment, we may very well save mankind.â Preach, brother. Preach.
Groundwork Coffee
Groundwork prides itself as âone of the first certified organic coffee roasters in Southern California,â and has been doing its thing since 1990. Theyâve set up shop all over the city by now, and there Traction Avenue spot in the Arts District is a great place to beat the June Gloom, work on your hour-long dramedy, sip a fine cup of shade-grown Ethiopian and enjoy a bite to eat. This month, catch them as part of the Artwalk on June 11th, 6:30-9:30pm with appetizers, hot and cold beverages flowing.
Om Nom Organics
Though not a restaurant, Om Nom is a solid grab-and-go for the busy, health-conscious eater. Pre-made salads and wraps (including some menu items from Cafe Gratitude), house-made juices, smoothies and cleanses, plus sweets and snacks are all available on 9th and Broadway, as well as at their second location below the Equinox on Flower.
Peddlerâs Creamery
Organic ice cream churned by bike, you say? Why not! Seriously, why not. Because someone or something has to churn it, so you might as well hop on and burn off the calories youâre about to lick. Located on 5th and Main, Peddlerâs does a great job combining the no-brainer of fun and ice cream in oneâŠpeddling. They have dairy and vegan options, as well as sorbets, all made daily. The unbelievably creamy dairy is provided by Straus Family, a sustainable creamery that recycles its cowsâ methane to power the farm equipment. Peddlerâs also has a portable bike that shows up on Pershing and Hill Street.
Shojin
Classic Japanese meets vegan in Little Tokyo. An intimate dining room, the food is beautifully presented, service impeccable and youâll be stunned the sushi has no actual fish in it. Sure to be a memorable dining experience regardless of the occasion, and not just because of their mastery of macrobiotics.
Urban Radish
This place is what Dean & Deluca mightâve amounted to had they not sold their soul to corporate America long ago. A full-service market and eatery, the Radish is a terrific catch-all for any of your needs, be they groceries at home or a killer sandwich immediately. Produce is 90 percent organic, everything is incredibly fresh and they are adamant about sourcing from local growers, ranchers and fishermen. Oh, and did I mention their dinner buffet and nightly grill? Yes, please.
