Minty Zhu and chef Alex Falco are making their mark on the Los Angeles dining scene with the upcoming opening of their new restaurant, Men & Beasts, on June 18. Having moved from Miami to Los Angeles, the husband-and-wife duo has been proactive in familiarizing themselves with the local market. After scouting locations and initiating pop-ups in vegan restaurants around the city, they signed a lease in the Echo Park neighborhood in March 2025.
Previously, the couple operated the award-winning Minty Z in Miami, which they closed in the summer of 2024 as they eyed a new venture on the West Coast. They spent time in an Airbnb close to their future restaurant six years ago, manifesting a long-held desire to settle in Los Angeles. “We love LA and are very excited to be in this neighborhood and be part of the community,” Zhu expressed.
The restaurant’s name, Men & Beasts, is inspired by a quote from the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius: “Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?” This reflects the couple’s commitment to a respectful approach to vegan cuisine.
At Men & Beasts, diners can expect traditional Chinese dishes reimagined through a modern, plant-based lens. The menu features seasonal ingredients and emphasizes an all-homemade approach, with vegan proteins, dumplings, and dough made in-house. Highlights from the wok-fried section include zha zhang mian noodles with fried bean sauce and kung pao tofu, while cold dishes feature smashed cucumber and spicy tofu.
The dim sum offerings offer a delightful twist, with options like pan-fried dumplings filled with shiitake mushrooms, seitan salt and pepper wings, and baby carrots coated in black sesame and mint. A particularly inventive dish is the elote puff, drawing inspiration from Los Angeles and incorporating taro, sweet corn, cashew, cilantro, and lime.
In addition to culinary offerings, Men & Beasts will also integrate a Gong Fu tea ceremony into its dining experience. This detailed tea-making process, known as Gong Fu Cha, translates to “making tea with skill” and adheres to Taiwanese traditions. Zhu mentioned, “We work exclusively with [the Arcadia-based] Yoshantea,” ensuring high-quality tea options for guests. The tea ceremony is priced at $24 per person but can also be enjoyed with a pot of jade green oolong or jasmine tea for $20.
For those looking for an adult beverage, the menu includes wines from the Angeleno Wine Co. and Moorpark’s Friendly Noise, along with beers from Glendale’s Brewyard Beer Company. Non-drinkers can enjoy selections such as Long Beach’s Fine Feathers Kombucha, cold brew oolong, and Mexican Coke.
Men & Beasts occupies a prime location at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Alvarado Street. The couple dedicated three months to redesigning the space, re-exposing the bare brick walls, removing booth seating, and creating a communal dining area that accommodates 48 guests. Their tea room lounge adds an additional 24 seats, complemented by a private dining area.
Recent changes in Echo Park saw the closure of several vegan restaurants, creating a gap in plant-based dining options. The closures of Elf and Sage Regenerative Kitchen prompted a need for restaurants focusing on fully vegan menus, affirming Men & Beasts’ role in revitalizing the community with its unique offerings.
Men & Beasts aims to provide a fresh and fully vegan experience for locals and visitors alike. Open from Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurant is set to launch its weekend brunch service later this summer at 2100 W. Sunset Boulevard, Echo Park, CA, 90026. Reservations can be secured through Resy.
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