Since its opening in March 2013 at the corner of Melrose and Sweetzer in Los Angeles, Crossroads Kitchen has redefined the vegan dining experience. Founded by renowned chef Tal Ronnen, Crossroads offers a variety Mediterranean-inspired meals in a refined and inviting environment. This restaurant challenges the conventional image of vegan eateries, presenting a dining experience that appeals to vegans, flexitarians, omnivores and meat eaters alike.
An Elevated Dining Experience
Crossroads Kitchen distinguishes itself with upscale décor and thoughtful lighting, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and comfortable. It is the first plant-based restaurant in town to feature a full bar with an inspired cocktail program. The lack of overt vegan cues means most guests don’t even realize the menu is entirely plant-based; they simply know that the food is satisfying and delicious. Crossroads is defined not by what it lacks, but by what it offers: exceptional cuisine that everyone can enjoy.
The Ambiance and Interior
Walking into Crossroads Kitchen feels like being welcomed into a sanctuary of modern decadence, where sophistication meets a cozy embrace. The atmosphere is an exquisite blend of chic urbanity and relaxed elegance, the kind of place where you can unwind with a cocktail or settle in for a culinary adventure. Soft, ambient lighting bathes the room in a warm glow, casting a seductive spell over the polished wooden tables and supple leather banquettes. The layout is an artful balance of openness and intimacy, with planters and sleek partitions creating pockets of privacy without stifling the lively, communal buzz that fills the air.
The interior is a symphony of contrasts, where industrial chic meets rustic warmth. Exposed brick walls and steel accents speak to a refined urban aesthetic, softened by lush greenery and rich, textured fabrics that invite you to linger. The color palette of earthy tones and deep, inviting hues wraps you in a sense of comfort, while the sleek bar at the heart of the space beckons with promises of expertly crafted libations. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem, a perfect blend of style and substance, where every detail is designed to elevate the dining experience from merely a meal to a moment worth savoring.
A Culinary Journey
Appetizers: The culinary adventure at Crossroads begins with exquisite starters like the grilled lion’s mane skewers with chimichurri, and the calamari fritti made from oyster mushrooms served with diablo sauce and lemon. These dishes boast balanced umami flavors and spices that make you second-guess whether you’re eating vegetables or meat.
Pasta: A must-try is the mafaldine cacio e pepe, featuring parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper. This popular dish perfectly blends the sharpness of black pepper with the creamy richness of parmesan, leaving your taste buds craving more.
Main Courses: The eggplant ‘short ribs’ showcase the mastery of Crossroads’ vegan cooking, served with their signature bordelaise sauce. Another standout is the spicy meatball pizza, made with Impossible meats, offering a satisfying and hearty flavor.
Chef Tal Ronnen: A Visionary in Plant-Based Cuisine
Chef Tal Ronnen is not only the founder of Crossroads Kitchen in Los Angeles’ West Hollywood neighborhood but also the mastermind behind its sister locations at Resorts World in Las Vegas and The Commons at Calabasas. Ronnen is the author of The New York Times best seller “The Conscious Cook” and the “Crossroads” cookbook. He is also the co-creator of Kite Hill and a board member for Impossible Foods. Ronnen gained nationwide recognition as the chef for Oprah Winfrey’s 21-day vegan cleanse and has catered numerous high-profile events, including Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s wedding and a U.S. Senate dinner.
A Dining Destination for All
Crossroads Kitchen is open daily for dinner, with weekday lunch and weekend brunch. Whether you’re a vegan, meat enthusiast, flexitarian, or omnivore, Crossroads Kitchen invites you to share a delicious meal and a good time. Experience the culinary excellence that has made Crossroads a beloved destination in Los Angeles. Visit Crossroads Kitchen and discover how plant-based dining can be both sophisticated and immensely satisfying.
For more information or reservations, please visit crossroadskitchen.com
Address: 8284 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
Hours: Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Lunch: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dinner: 5-10 p.m.
Late Night: 9:30-11 p.m. (Bar Only)
Photo credits: Courtesy of Crossroads Kitchen and Elizabeth Daniels
