A little over a year ago, I gave up meat for my health. A few disturbing documentaries on mass farming cemented my decision. I still eat fish, but no more beef, chicken or pork. I have also began adding plant-based meals to my diet. Finding tasty vegetarian choices when dining out can be challenging, but I keep trying. Below is my list of the best restaurants for vegetarians in and around Palm Springs. While they still may offer meat-based dishes, they all have some amazing non-meat options on the menu. Give them a try. You might just find you like going meatless.
Tac/Quila in Palm Springs is One of the Best Restaurants for Vegetarians
It is true that Tac/Quila serves carne asada, chicken, and birria dishes, but they have a wide selection of vegetarian (and vegan) options to choose from. One of the most delicious entrees I have had is their Marinated & Grilled Portobello Mushroom Taco. This elevated taco comes with avocado, pickled onion, Oaxaca cheese, and chipotle cream in a house made flour tortilla. Can you say amazing?
For vegetarians, the Beer Tempura Avocado Bites and Taco Chips are perfect appetizers. Vegans must try the Huitlachoche Tamale or Jackfruit Enchiladas. There are too many fish and seafood dishes to list for pescatarians. You can’t go wrong with the Agua Chile Oysters though!
Tac/quila is definitely one the best restaurants for vegetarians. They are open daily from 11:00am to 10:00pm. Reservations are highly recommended.
Chula Artisan Eatery in La Quinta Makes My List
On my list of best restaurants for vegetarians is Chula Artisan Eatery in La Quinta. For breakfast or lunch, it is my go-to spot for farm-to-table deliciousness. Two of my favorite breakfast entrees are the Brioche French Toast and the Avocado Toast. Both are made with thick cut brioche bread.
For lunch, a popular choice for vegetarians (and vegans) is the Fall Harvest Bowl. This mix of fall vegetables, quinoa, avocado, and dried cranberries tossed in orange vinaigrette is delightful. Many of the entrees can be converted to vegetarian by eliminating the bacon. The Green Chile Omelet is one such example. It is absolutely yummy without the bacon.
Chula Artisan Eatery’s posted hours are Friday through Wednesday from 8:00am to 2:30pm.
Trilussa is One of the Best Restaurants for Vegetarians Craving Italian Food
We celebrated my friend’s birthday recently at Trilussa Ristorante in Cathedral City. I was pleasantly surprised to find an abundance of non-meat items available. I gave their Vegan Pasta Bolognese a try. All I can say is WOW! Made with crumbled vegan sausage and shredded vegan beef, no one at the table knew I was eating meatless.
On my next visit, I plan to sample the Cauliflower Ceviche Bruschetta and the Wild Mushroom Ravioli. After that it will be the Caprese and Pasta Primavera on my order. I see many trips to Trilussa in my future.
Trilussa Ristorante is open daily from 4:00pm to 9:30pm. Happy hour is from 4:00pm to 7:00pm in the bar. Reservations strongly suggested for dinner.
La Copine is Worth the Drive for Vegetarians
A little under an hour from Palm Springs is La Copine in Yucca Valley. It is worth the drive for vegans and vegetarians alike plus there is something for your carnivore friends. The menu changes seasonally but is always creative and superb.
Standouts include the Housemade Ricotta & Figs, Femme Fatale (a play on French toast), Green Papaya Salad, and the Ceviche which can be made vegan by subbing cucumbers. For dessert, the Chocolate Beignets are a must.
La Copine is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Walk-ups are welcome, but they do get busy. Wait times can be unpredictable. They do take limited reservations through text. Instructions are on their website.
After brunch at La Copine, take a Yogi Goat Hike in Pioneertown. It’s a one-of-a-kind adventure that you won’t soon forget. Read more about hiking with goats here.
Do you have a best restaurant for vegetarians? Tell me in the comment section below.