Why PLANTA Marina del Rey Is One of L.A.’s Most Satisfying Plant-Based Dining Destinations

January has a way of sharpening intentions. Lighter eating. Clearer thinking. Better habits that don’t feel like punishment. PLANTA understands that impulse—and answers it with food that feels indulgent, social, and satisfying, without the guilt hangover.

Set along the Marina Del Rey waterfront, PLANTA isn’t preaching wellness. It’s proving that plant-based dining can be craveable, energetic, and fun—exactly what you want when the new year calls for better choices, not boring ones.

Founded by Co-founder and Executive Chef David Lee, PLANTA was built on a simple idea: plants deserve a seat at the center of hospitality, not the margins. The result is a restaurant that feels elevated but accessible, health-forward without being joyless, and globally inspired without losing its sense of place.

What to Order (Start Here)

PLANTA’s menu is designed for sharing, grazing, and discovering—ideal for easing into plant-based eating without sacrificing flavor.

  • bang bang broccoli – Crispy, spicy, and addictive. This is the gateway dish that converts skeptics fast.
  • dan dan noodles – Deeply savory with just enough heat, delivering comfort without heaviness.
  • watermelon ahi sushi roll – A clever, clean swap that actually works, balancing sweetness, acidity, and texture.
  • crispy rice with spicy tuna (plant-based) – Familiar, indulgent, and deceptively light.
  • globally inspired small plates – Minimalist by design, letting ingredients speak instead of hiding behind excess.

Everything is intentional—clean flavors, thoughtful sourcing, and dishes that leave you satisfied, not sluggish.

What to Drink

PLANTA’s bar keeps the same philosophy as the kitchen: balanced, modern, and quietly creative.

  • fresh botanical cocktails with citrus, herbs, and low-sugar profiles
  • spirit-free options that feel grown-up, not like an afterthought
  • clean wines and premium sake that pair seamlessly with the menu’s umami-driven dishes

Whether you’re doing Dry January or just dialing things back, the drinks still feel like part of the experience—not a compromise.

Why It Works Right Now

PLANTA lands at the intersection of January wellness culture and real-world dining habits. It’s plant-based without the lecture. Sustainable without the virtue signaling. Social without the excess.

People matter here—from the staff trained for long-term growth, to local suppliers, to the neighborhoods PLANTA calls home. Sustainability isn’t a buzzword; it’s operational, from compostable packaging to reduced waste practices and seasonal sourcing. In warmer markets, rooftop gardens even feed directly into the menu.

If January is about resets, PLANTA offers one that doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. It’s where healthier choices meet bold flavor, where plant-based dining feels modern instead of moralistic, and where the view of the marina reminds you that eating better can still feel like a night out.

For More Information, Visit plantarestaurants.com
Location: 4625 Admiralty Way Suite 104, Marina del Rey,
Hours: Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Monday–Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Photo credits: Photos courtesy of Planta Restaurants

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