Justine's Wine Bar

Step into Justine’s Wine Bar and you’ll feel like you’ve landed somewhere between a dreamy art installation and your coolest friend’s living room. Located in LA’s Frogtown neighborhood, this enchanting spot features asteroid-like light fixtures, a mesmerizing glowing orb behind the bar, and walls adorned with murals of ethereal blue goddesses. The vibe is intentionally theatrical, attracting a stylish Echo Park crowd who come for wine and end up staying for dinner.

The wine list here is a playground for the curious. You’ll find unexpected bottles from around the globe—think Moroccan sauvignon blancs and Austrian orange wines made with obscure fermentation techniques that even sommeliers might need to Google. But the real star is the Italian-influenced vegan menu, which ranks among the city’s best plant-based offerings. The fried oyster mushroom “calamari” is so convincing it could fool anyone, while the Moroccan cigars deliver warm spices and sweet golden raisins wrapped in shatteringly crisp pastry.

This is an ideal spot for anyone who wants to linger over dinner and explore wines they’ve never heard of. The spaghetti and meatballs features a bright, tart tomato sauce and vegan meatballs that burst with flavor, while the grilled Caesar brings smoky warmth to perfectly charred romaine. Since the owner also runs the beloved bakery Just What I Kneaded, save room for whatever dessert is available—whether it’s an oversized chocolate chip cookie or decadent bread pudding with melting vegan ice cream.

Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply curious about what vegan Italian food can be, Justine’s delivers an experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious. It’s the kind of place where quick drinks easily turn into a full evening, and you won’t regret letting that happen.