THE FIVE THIS WEEK / VEGETARIAN

October is World Vegetarian Month so throw down your steak knives and embrace your inner tree-hugger at these animal-loving eateries.

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What better place than Sunset Junction for a trendy vegan eatery with a suspiciously hip staff? That this is the first tofu scrambling, tempeh bacon-serving joint to successfully open on this granddaddy of faddy strips actually blows the mind. And without air conditioning, it’s as earthy as can be. 3818 W. Sunset Blvd. (323) 953-0611.

Flore Vegan

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Paru’s Indian Vegetarian Restaurant

Ring a doorbell to gain admittance to the leafy patio and cozy, candlelit dining room of this South Indian mini-paradise. Hyper-friendly service, ornate decorations and killer masala dosa (lentil crepe filled with potato curry) make Paru’s a veggie favorite. 5140 W. Sunset Blvd. (323) 661-7600.

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Fatty’s & Co.

Contrary to what the name suggests, you don’t gnaw on moose burgers and swill beer at Fatty’s. It has inventive vegetarian cuisine, an eclectic wine bar and unexpected options, such as blue cheese fondue with cream and asparagus. Wine flights are available upon request. 1627 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock. (323) 254-8804.

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Native Foods

Here you’ll find Southern California vegetarian cuisine in all its cliched but super-tasty grandeur: an organic mini-chain, a website picturing the executive chef sitting cross-legged while juggling lemons and a very serious “Iron Yam” salad. 1110 1/2 Gayley Ave., Westwood. (310) 209-1055.

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Rahel Ethiopian Veggie Cuisine

Rahel takes the vegetarian-friendly mantra of Little Ethiopia to the extreme with a totally vegan menu. Feel your intestines glow as you consume healthful injera-spoonfuls of yefasolia wot (mixed vegetable stew) and sip on weirdly delicious besso, a natural barley drink, at this totally vegan restaurant. 1047 S. Fairfax Ave., (323) 937-8401.

-- Jessica.Gelt @latimes.com