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With its chic SoCal decor and warm bohemian ambience, Angelica Kitchen deserves its reputation as one of downtown's best date spots for vegetarians. It's been around for years now, but the menu continues to be consistently creative, attracting not only vegetarians but health-conscious diners of all stripes. The famous walnut-lentil pâté is as flavorful and richly textured as any meat variety; and desserts, despite the absence of eggs and refined sugars, are necessary indulgences here (definitely order them topped with maple-tofu whipped cream). Entrees ranging from salads, sandwiches, and Angelica's signature "dragon bowls" to nightly specials that often incorporate Asian and Latin American influences feature fresh, unusual organic produce along with the standard protein bases of tempeh and tofu. You could easily eat here dozens of times without getting bored—as the line outside the door would suggest. — Jenifer Van Vleck

No corkage fee when you bring your own

Holiday Specials
Hoppin' John is served on New Year's Day, per Southern tradition; special prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu

Hot, open-faced tempeh sandwich, $8.75; with mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, $10