photo from Vegan by el Zamorano

By Aashay Mody, VRG Intern

In a city that offers a multitude of diverse dining options, Vegan by El Zamorano has set itself apart through impressive and exclusively plant-based cuisine. This primarily outdoor restaurant offers a refreshing take on vegan food, offering authentic dishes with a relaxed dining experience. I think it is a unique option for Mexican food in Costa Mesa California for everyone to try.

One of the highlights of visiting this restaurant multiple times was its rotating agua fresca menu. These refreshing beverages were consistently flavorful while complementing the food well. Having tried several options, each one offered something unique instead of a generic sugar-water drink that is served at many other restaurants.

For me, when eating Mexican food, salsa is like a restaurant’s signature that can define a dish. This is why I was happy to find that Vegan by El Zamorano’s salsa stood out as a high point of my visits. Its distinctive flavor profile made it a perfect accompaniment to virtually everything on the menu. I found myself putting it on just about every dish, as it enhanced the overall experience.

As someone who enjoys experimenting with different types of vegan meat alternatives, I was pleased with the different offerings at Vegan by El Zamorano. Their range of options allowed me to explore different flavors and textures, all of which I enjoyed. Each vegan meat alternative was prepared and seasoned well, making my meals more satisfying. In my opinion, the tacos at Vegan by El Zamorano are a standout feature of the menu. The Asada and Hardshell Potato tacos are personal favorites of mine, but every taco has its own unique flavor, making it clear that a lot of thought and care has gone into crafting these dishes.

Although my parents do not enjoy meat substitutes as much, they were still impressed by the restaurant’s food offerings, as it offered alternate options. They particularly enjoy the Hardshell Potato tacos like me, as well as the Cauliflower tacos. The rich flavors of these tacos were a hit with everyone, despite our different preferences, demonstrating the restaurant’s ability to cater to a variety of tastes.

Vegan by El Zamorano is more than just a vegan restaurant—it is a combination of delicious flavors and inventive cuisine set in a welcoming and vibrant setting. From the refreshing agua frescas and noteworthy salsa to the creative use of vegan meat alternatives and the delicious tacos, every aspect of the dining experience was thoughtfully executed. Whether you’re a committed vegan or just someone looking to enjoy a wonderful meal, Vegan by El Zamorano offers great food that is both memorable and satisfying.

To explore vegan-friendly restaurants in the U.S or Canada, check out this guide. Vegan by El Zamorano’s website can be visited here: https://www.veganbyelzamorano.com/.