Rémi Ferrante
Google
A Sublime Culinary Find at the Crossroads of Sunset & El Varado Men and Beasts, the newly opened plant-based Asian eatery at the intersection of Sunset and El Varado, is hard to miss both visually and gastronomically. Hailing from a successful Miami run, the LA location makes an immediate impression with its sharp corner presence and an interior that blends precision, warmth, and attention to detail.
What surprised me most is how this restaurant doesn’t advertise itself as “vegan” and frankly, it doesn’t need to. The food speaks for itself with bold, harmonious flavors that happen to be entirely plant-based. There’s no sense of compromise here only elevation.
Started with the smashed cucumber salad, simply the best I’ve ever had. Crisp, cold, perfectly dressed, refreshing and packed with flavor. Then came the Sichuan pepper oil dumplings, a textural and aromatic knockout. I also had the truffle fried rice, which was deeply satisfying and aromatic without being heavy one of those dishes you think about the next day (so I took some home with me hehe)
The salt and pepper seitan “wings” were probably my least favorite as I am not a fan of seitan, but well crunchy and savory / tangy. The bao, filled with oyster mushrooms, was pillowy and rich earthy, sweet, and umami in all the right ways.
Another thoughtful touch: the menu is paired with a small tea kettle and a curated selection of teas green, roasted, oolong, jasmine a subtle but elegant nod to tradition, and a perfect match for the food.
And dessert? Don’t leave without the corn and miso ice cream. I’m not exaggerating when I say it might be one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had sweet, savory, and haunting in the best way.
Whether you’re vegan or not is irrelevant here. Men and Beasts isn’t a vegan restaurant it’s just incredibly good food that happens to be vegan. Every detail, every bite, feels deliberate, refined, and joyfully satisfying.
I’ll absolutely be back. And I highly recommend it to anyone with a palate, curiosity, and appreciation for thoughtful cuisine.