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Cena Vegan

4.5 (591 reviews)
Closed 11:30 am - 8:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

Order Cena Vegan Takeout or Delivery

Cena Vegan Photos

CENA VEGAN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Cena Vegan

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Reviews With Photos

Deidre M.

Awful! I ordered last night after not having this spot in a year or so, and wow it's gross. 4 taco plate was dry flavorless "meats" and they didn't put the Crema on it nor provide salsas. The beans and rice bland and gummy texture--tortilla being only redeeming quality. Chips were good but healthy, and the "medium" and "mild" salsa (1 small each) tasted weird also--both were weird consistency, the red being peppery and green (bright green) reminiscent of mint chutney you'd get with an Indian samosa. What happened?!

Birria tacos and consommé
Jocelyn D.

Cena vegan makes the best vegan Mexican food out there. I've tried a few and none compare to cena vegan. I've been a loyal customer since before 2020. Back when they had their product in Lassens. Hands down the best. I've had a little of all their products and my favorite is their birria and alpastor. If you're hesitant to try Cena Vegan, this is your sign to do it.

Carne asada nachos
Kelly D.

Although this is not a sit down restaurant, I interacted with one of the staff and I really appreciated them. Nice guy. You order there or ahead (best) and you find street parking right outside and text them that you're there and they'll bring out your food. There are so many meat options I didn't know which one to choose. I got carne asada for my nachos and chicken for my burrito. I think chicken was the better option. Nachos honestly wasn't that great. Looked better than it taste. Burrito was good. I didn't get any wow factors but the burrito took care of my hunger and cravings. I'd come back if I was in the area but wouldn't go out of my way.

Nachos
Jessica R.

This is one of my favorite places to visit during pop ups and I even have been to their old location in Highland Park! Last weekend, I attended the Vegan Street Fair in Westwood and paid them a visit. I had their nachos with Barbacoa "meat" and it was so wonderful. The chips were very crunchy and crisp and fresh tasting. The nachos were fully loaded the savory faux meat, guacamole and the most indulgent crema sauce that really brought everything together. I opted for a medium salsa and it was so perfectly spiced. The tomatoes were also very juicy and balanced out the faux meat well. The staff were so friendly and prompt, ensuring the food came out quickly without sacrificing the quality of the food. It's such a great value, only being $16, which felt like quite a steal considering how much food was given and that they were at a pricy street food festival! Definitely recommend paying them a visit if you see them at any popup!

Evonna Annove' W.

Yalll don't listen to the most recent reviews... I just got Cena Vegan today at their reg location and OMG it's the most flavorful I've ever tasted it. Every single bite hits the spot!!! The horchata is HANDS DOWN THE BEST IN CALI FOR VEGAN HORCHATA!!! I'm literally still sitting here writing this review. I'm so glad I made this drive. It'll ALWAYS BE WORTH IT!!! Thank you for being consistent and please never leave; you're so loved!!

Menu
Claudia T.

My first time trying their food and it did not disappoint. The quality, quantity of the food, drinks and the salsa were excellent! I tried the horchata, Bug Vegan Burrito with the mushroom guisado while my husband tried the Big Vegan Burrito with the carne asada and a side of fries. The red salsa is spicy, it has a kick and sooo good! The green salsa is more on the mild but still delicious. I appreciate that they gave us extra salsa on the side. The horchata was probably one of the best I have had with the flavor being closer to regular horchata but without the dairy. The burrito is massive and super filling. They do not sell you short of ingredients because my burrito had plenty or rice, beans, guacamole, and mushrooms guidado and it was still warm. Our order took about 15 minutes to be ready so the wait wasn't long at around 3pm on a Sunday. Order and pickup: you order ahead (they have a link on here but make sure it's for the correct location). Once you order they will notify you (via text and/or email). You can park right in front of their location to pickup which is across from the park and the sign is posted on the black building with a mural painted on it. They have the phone number posted so you text the that you have arrived and they bring your order to you. The staff was super sweet who brought the order out. Location outside was clean and they have plenty of signs to know it's the location.

Nachos with carnitas
Renee N.

If you are looking for a plant based spot, without missing the flavor and texture of meat and dairy- don't sleep on this spot. First, you gotta order ahead with the QR code because this is a pick up location. Once your order is ready they notify you and you text them when you are right out front (no need to get off your car), they take it to you. Curbside delivery for the win! Location is right across from Lincoln Park. Don't blink because you'll miss the door. Building is all black and right next to the Mission. Food was delicious. Red salsa lacked flavor, but the green was on point!! Their dairy free Horchatta is so dang delicious and refreshing.

100% plant based. Taco Trio - "carne asada", barbacoa, "birria de res"
Brian V.

Plant-based/vegan taco spot. It's located out of one of those ghost kitchens (I think that's what they're called). Basically you pull up the menu on a scannable QR code out front and you order. When I went, I was actually greeted by a person because they were bringing out another order so I was able to order from them directly. The vibe is pretty similar to other ghost kitchens if you've ever been to one. After putting my order a few minutes later, the food came out and it's pretty much take out exclusively. I ordered the 100% plant based Taco Trio - "carne asada", barbacoa, "birria de res. Lots of great flavors on freshly made tortillas. Each taco and each bite was super delicious. I'm not vegan, but I could eat these all day. If you are vegan or are trying to cut back a lot on meat (like me) then this is a fantastic spot to get tacos.

Taco Trio
Misty E.

Tried their food truck at Smorgasborg for the 2nd time and it was yummy. You get a lot of food, especially with the nachos. I cannot believe it's vegan. Delicious! The tacos were my favorite because you can choose different taco options for the trio. Freshly made and yummy!

Quintin E.

How I have not reviewed one of my favorite spots in SoCal is beyond me... Cena Vegan makes my second favorite Mexican food in Los Angeles (runner up to El Cocinero in Van Nuys). I've had the pleasure of enjoying them at Vegan Exchange, various pop ups and most recently at a Sunday Funday via Smorgasburg with the squad #PartyOfSix (+One) The burritos are something to not just admire, but enjoy. The Big Vegan Burrito is loaded with beans, guac, rice, pico de gallo (so fresh), salsa, cashew based chipotle crema and your choice of their Barbacoa, Carnitas, Birria (these three all gluten free) or Pollo Asado, Carne Asada or Al Pastor. And the the options like the portions do not disappoint! I couldn't even completely finish my order of Big Vegan Nachos... Which after devouring the first few bites I remember my first time enjoying these - definitely better for sharing. At Cena Vegan you can enjoy Tacos, Bowls, Nachos, Burritos, Sides, Drinks (Agua Frescas, Soda, Water), one of the best cookies ever and Platos. Orders are typically fast even when busy, but roughly diez minutos. Fresh hot flavorful street style Mexican eats that happens to be 1000% plant-based. If at Smorgasburg, you'll usually catch them on the far back row of vendors from the entrance - often next to Man Eating Plant Food Bus. Additionally they do catering and have a permanent location via Lincoln Heights that's open all 7 days of the week. Catch them at LA Kitchen - Whittier Brewing and the Hollywood Farmer's market as well. They're everywhere and anywhere the can be serving up great service, casual cool authentic energy and of course amazing food.

Big Vegan Torta

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19 days ago

Incredible vegan burritos, vegan tacos, flavorful salsa, and fresh chips. Absolutely coming back when I'm in the area.

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1 day ago

Very good food!! A little hard to find pickup spot but the tacos were amazing. The pulled pork was great

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2 months ago

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1 year ago

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3 months ago

The food is always good and the selection is remarkable for a vegan spot! Love to be able to support small local businesses hustling.

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26 days ago

Ordering and pickup were easy and fast. The food was very good, spicy hot sauce! First time and would come here again

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Cena Vegan Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Cena Vegan

Does anyone know how the masa for the tamales is made? Looking for low fat vegan tamales.

Peace. if anyone can tell me what menu options are soy-free? that would be most helpful. thank you. bless

Is this Ave 25 place a restaurant? Can I just show up and order? Do you take credit cards? I haven't had this since you stopped coming to York and I'm hungry.

It's a kitchen... you can order and have it delivered through Postmates. Not a restaurant.

Do you guys have real meat or just GMO fake meat?

It's called Cena VEGAN. It's 100% Vegan.

Are they pet friendly to dine in?

It's a pickup location so not actually any space to eat at.

First fine going here tomorrow what is the best choice of meat?

I think that the carne asada is the best!!

This is 100% vegan?

Yes!!! And Amazing!

Are they open on Saturday's cause it says closed today?

Hi Brandy - this is their online calendar.https://www.cenavegan.com/event-calendar

What time are they on York and are they there everyday? Can't find hours/days of operation on their page.

Tuesdays and Fridays they open at 6pm and will stay until 11pm. they're also in DTLA and Hollywood on Sundays

Is the food truck there every day?

No! They post when they'll be there on their Instagram @cenavegan

Do they take card?

Yes

Are they open right now?

Yes at smorgasbord dtla

What are the hours?

Tuesday's and Fridays Highland Park 6-10 or till they sell out and I believe Sunday at Smorgasbord 10-4. I would advice anyone looking for hours to follow their Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/cenavegan

What are normal operating hours?

On York they are there Tuesdays and Fridays from 6pm-midnight or while supplies last. They are very good about posting on Instagram when and where they will be places. I would follow them @cenavegan… Read more

How's parking? Lot? Street?

They're a food truck so you just have to park on the street somewhere. They're usually in highland park with others vegan food trucks, or well at least the last time I went, which was in march.

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Tirzahs Mexi-Terranean Grill - Watermelon/Pineapple agua fresca, Super Street Korean BBQ taco, Queso Birra Taco and a side of refried beans.

Tirzahs Mexi-Terranean Grill

4.8(208 reviews)
1.3 miEl Sereno
$$

I don't live far, but somehow it's rare for me to drive by over here and today my friend said she…read morehad the same experience and we should go for lunch. The last time I was over here was when it was a kbbq taco spot back in the day. We arrived a bit after 1pm and the small parking lot was full, much easier to find street parking. Especially since a lot of people mentioned in their reviews a lot of take out orders. We sat in their outdoor patio area and recently it's been windy so be sure to bring a light jacket or sweater. The food took a while, but it came out hot and fresh. The owner said hi and asked if we needed anything which was a pleasant surprise. She was super welcoming! The food was delish. My friend ordered the albóndigas special she saw on social media over the weekend - so it's not always available. I got the Egyptian nachos which was beautifully played with a jalapeño cilantro hummus, chips decoratively fanned out and nice pops of color from the pickled red onions and sliced cucumbers. I am sooo full and didn't even finish my food. Gonna put the extra meat in a tortilla at home! I would recommend and will try to make it out again soon.

Bomb, flavorful food. Went with a Yalla Bowl (new bowls on their menu) and got it with the Kofta…read more(ground lamb and beef sausage), which is basically a Mediterranean lunch bowl, with lettuce pickled onion, garlic sauce, tzatziki sauce, hummus, and basmati rice. it was GOOD. Also got 2 queso birria tacos which were big!! With homemade tortillas. It was not the best Birria I've ever had but was solid. Their watermelon agua Fresca was refreshing and freshly made. This alone was enough to share between 2 people and be super full. But it is pricey at $39-40 or so for the 4 items. That said it's a locally owned shop and def has a ton of fans as it was busy when I visited and everything is house made! I will be visiting again :)

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Al & Bea's Mexican Food - Bean & Cheese Burrito

Al & Bea's Mexican Food

4.2(1.2k reviews)
1.6 miBoyle Heights
$

Really good and probably my new favorite burritos in East LA/Boyle Heights. This was my first time…read morehere, after hearing about this place for years and seeing videos online. I arrived about 20 minutes before opening on a Saturday and there was someone there before me. This was clearly not his first time so I sat in my car and waited for him to make his way to the counter. Once he made his move I walked to place my order. It feels like I went back in time looking around. The entire place is spotless. Very clear menu and a few places to sit if you want to eat there. The gentleman taking orders at the window was in a great mood. Very friendly and polite. Took my order and then I walked to the sidewalk to wait. The music playing takes you back to a time long gone. Older couples walking down the street, holding hands and getting in line to place their orders where they probably have since this place opened. I ordered 2 Green Bean and Cheese and a Combination Burrito. My number was called and I made my way to the pic up window. I grabbed my box, said thank you to the lady and walked to my car. I was so excited but knew the burritos were so hot that they need to cool down. Once I made it home, they were the perfect temp and ready to eat. I started with the combination. The first bite and the flavors popped. I was surprised and wished I'd purchased a second one. It was great! The b&c were also great. I can't wait to go back. Fantastic food and experience.

Thirty years later, and this is still my favorite place for the best green chile bean & cheese…read moreburritos ANYWHERE! Though prices have gone up over the years, my family and I remain loyal customers as the burritos here are well-made, DELICIOUS, and fresh. Employees are hardworking and do their best to move the daily long lines quickly. This place is very popular, so be prepared to wait in line, and at times, parking can be a challenge. The small restaurant is always kept clean and there are several tables avail for those wishing to eat here. Despite these two minor issues, the food here is sooo worth waiting for and your patience.

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Al & Bea's Mexican Food
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Al & Bea's Mexican Food - Bean & Cheese burrito. Very good beans.

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Hugo's Wood Fired Pizza

Hugo's Wood Fired Pizza

4.5(65 reviews)
1.1 miBoyle Heights
$$

Sadly we do not recommend this place. We were highly recommended to this home "local" business, but…read morenot satisfied at all. I'm Italian so, it's going to be tough to beat our at home pizza, but we give everyone a chance. So let's start off with the crust. It tasted like thin paper that was totally burnt. The margherita pizza had bell pepper on it. I'm sorry that is not a margherita pizza at all! And zero basil. Price was not bad, but for an at home business it seemed over priced. When we went, he was not at all together and we had to wait for someone to come help us finally. The service was ok, no where to sit and eat and it's Soto street which is a Main Street and I wouldn't sit on that street anyhow. Too many fast cars flying by. All in all, we have it a shot, but won't be back. There are several local pizza spots not too far away that are way better. Sorry to give a not so good review, but it was not good at all.

I had a large mushroom pepperoni pizza. The pizza itself is good, the dough was definitely the…read morestar. It was light and the crust had air bubbles and a bit charred which I loved. But the ingredients is where it kinda fell flat for me and I guess I was expecting more of the wood flavor in the pizza itself. But for $14 for a 14" pizza it's a good value. Service was fast as my pizza was made within 10 minutes. The pizzeria is actually at a residence so it's a little difficult to see. Hugo was friendly and generous.

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Chilaquiles Los Hombres

Chilaquiles Los Hombres

5.0(4 reviews)
0.6 miBoyle Heights

Food was delicious. And the portions were great. Enough for 2 people. Highly recommend.read more

Me and my man shared a plate of the half & half & WOW! These chilaquiles hit the spot mid morning…read more They were so full of flavor and cooked to perfection with the best crisp. They didn't get soggy at all! The flavor for both chilaquiles sauces is 100/10 & not super spicy where you can't enjoy your food! If you wanna add a little more spice, they also make a salsa on the side that they give to you and it's so spicy and yummy! One thing about the cook is his flavoring is A-1 Not to mention they over pack your plate to get you full. It's so hard to find places like this where they are not stingy when it comes to portions. It's always nice to have a little extra to share or even save some for leftovers later when you crave them again! The cucumber limon agua Fresca he made was also so delicious!! It was the best one I have ever had in my life! So sweet, tangy, and refreshing all in one. Service was amazing. They are all so kind and were fast with making the food. They have a little seating area off to the side you can sit at also if you want to eat right there after you receive your food. Overall, this little pop-up is 1000/10 and I highly recommend. Give them a try, you will not regret it. Also, on a side note....they have two other people selling next to them and they serve michis and Mariscos. Get the best of all three in one stop!

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Chilaquiles Los Hombres
Chilaquiles Los Hombres
Chilaquiles Los Hombres - You can even order ahead if you want to pick them up. Follow their IG!

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Lucky Catsu - Lucky Catsu Plate (All Vegan)

Lucky Catsu

4.4(66 reviews)
0.0 miLincoln Heights

This place is AMAZING. Especially for a vegetarian who hasn't had catsu in forever. I accidentally…read morecame across it while stuck in traffic and we've been craving it and coming back a couple times within a month. We live over an hour away. The chicken stays crispy for a long time and reheats nicely as leftovers. Everything we've ordered is really good and crave-worthy. We got the lucky catsu, curry catsu, crispy shrimp, spam masubi, catsu masubi, orange chicken, crispy chicken. Top two favorites are lucky and curry catsu. Small things I'd personally wish to change is that the onion is too strong in the macaroni salad. Wish it wasn't in there period. And the rice is a little on the dryer side and it sticks to the container- so when you scrape up the last bits of rice, you could be eating the paper from the container. I like that they use compostable containers though!! But yeah the rice is on the harder side especially as leftovers. But whatever, their main items are bomb and makes me not care about anything else. Service is quick! Note: it is not a sit down restaurant. You order (ahead) and park on the street and call them to let them know you're outside. They'll bring the food out. Reception isn't great outside fyi. I've been here 3 times and never last long enough to get a photo before digging in. There are two other vegan restaurants right next to it, same concept - order and pick up. Great for different options if one is craving Mexican from Cena or hot dogs from All franks.

Yummy yummy vegan food. This not a restaurant; pickup only. Order online. Then when they notify…read morethat your order is ready and you drive up to the curb, you can call them when you're at the door. Catsu Frank was outstanding and my ultimate favorite. Loaded Island Fried Chicken Fries was really good and they put sauces on the side. Never disappointed with the Mac box. Hibachi spam and egg fried rice was expectedly salty which we loved. Asian fire wings was pleasantly tasty; glad it didn't set my mouth on fire. Chow mein was okay. When you carry it to your car, just be careful as sometimes the sauces are tilted and the lids might pop off and leak a bit. We order ahead so we can pick up and go. You can add utensils to the order. If you're extremely hungry and want to eat right away, there is a convenient park across the street but be on the look out for homeless.

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Cena Vegan - mexican - Updated May 2026

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