The Best Vegan Restaurants in San Diego
San Diego’s food scene is growing quickly with influences throughout the world but one of the fastest-growing types of cuisine has been the vegan revolution. San Diego now boasts some fantastic options for those looking for a Vegan experience and below are some of our suggestions on where to dine.
1. The Yasai: Vegan Japanese Experience at Little Italy
2254 India St., San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 771-7254
When you think of Vegan your mind doesn’t immediately go to Authentic Japanese cuisine, but Yasai has done an incredible job of fusing the two types of cuisine to create a unique, and delicious dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi or ramen Yasai has you covered. The roasted cauliflower and garlic edamame are two delicious ways to start your meal, as the cauliflower is blanched and cooked in a teriyaki-zuke sauce while the garlic edamame is bursting with copious garlic flavor. The Stressed Out takes smoked tofu and combines it with no-cream cheese, and avocado and is topped with smoked jalapeno and is plated beautifully. If you’re unsure of what to choose and are dining out – the Omakase Bento Box is just the thing for you as the chef will create a treat for you! As for the ramen – you can’t go wrong with The Classic, while the Tantanmen incorporates impossible meat that’s been sauteed and served in their spicy sesame broth. Finish off the meal with their matcha or chocolate vegan ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.
2. Kindred
1503 30th St., San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 546-9653
Kindred brings you the classic bar vibe while serving elevated Vegan bar food. Their drink menu is split into two – your refreshing cocktails, and winter cocktails to keep you warm while still letting you indulge in libations. If going for brunch, the crusties are a fascinating banh mi french toast stick that comes with banana custard, powdered sugar, and mint. Their appetizers include chargrilled seitan skewers served with chimichurri, harissa, and horseradish aioli, and the cosmo knots take deliciously spiced puff pastry and stuff them with togarashi pub cheese, and chives. For your entree, you can indulge in a childhood favorite and get the grilled cheese that uses a tapioca mozzarella, herbed bechamel, apple braised kale on sourdough – make sure to add on the cashew brie for added flavor. The Memphis BBQ jackfruit burger is also a great option and is served on sourdough bread and comes with a side of potato chips. For dessert – Kindred has S’more sliders that take snickerdoodle cookies with marshmallow fluff, dark chocolate, and just a little salt for a great take on a childhood favorite.
3. Peace Pies
4230 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107
(619) 223-2880
With a unique menu with several different types of options, Peace Pie is a great place to go with friends when you can’t settle on what to eat! The avocado toast is a delightful starter that takes sunseed toast and tops it with copious amounts of avocado, truffle salt, and fresh herbs. The Loving Lasagna is a delightful approach to vegan lasagna – as they use hemp seed pesto, and cashew alfredo and works extremely well. The Voltaire street tacos use walnut meat and guacamole and stuff it in a flax and zucchini shell for another unique and flavorful take on a taco. If you’re looking for something a little heartier – the mushroom stroganoff uses kelp noodles that have been tossed in cashew alfredo and sprinkled with parsley. For dessert, the cosmic chocolate pie and caocao truffles are great ways to end your meal.
4. The Purple Mint Vegan Bistro
6171 Mission Gorge Road #118, San Diego, CA 92120
(619) 280-3388
For a unique take on classic Asian cuisine, The Purple Mint Vegan Bistro knocks it out of the park with a Vegan take on some of our favorites. Their summer rolls take every element of a classic summer roll but are filled with delicious tofu while the spring roll is filled with plant-based proteins. The Crispy Wontons are stuffed with mushrooms and soy proteins and pack a lot of favor in each bite. The entrees are super intriguing Vegan versions of some staple classics such as the Lemongrass “chicken” or “beef” that hits on every element of traditional lemongrass chicken but with soy proteins. The sizzling “steak filet mignon” takes soy proteins and is served with mushrooms and onions with a serving of jasmine rice and is a great option to enjoy. If you’re looking to enjoy some Asian favorites done Vegan, and done well, make sure to check out The Purple Mint Vegan Bistro.
5. Soulshine Vegan Cafe
3864 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 886-7252
Soulshine is a cute restaurant and a great place for either breakfast or lunch with great tasting, fresh options to dine on. The superfood avocado toast or the vegetable and cheese quiche is a great option if you’re in a hurry – with the quiche flavors rotating daily. The brioche breakfast sandwich takes a brioche bun from fellow Vegan bakery Splitbake, and you can add bacon or gluten-free sausage with an egg patty and cheese. If you’re feeling hearty, the sausage and pepper sandwich uses beyond sausage and combines it with oven-roasted bell peppers and garlic with fantastic smoked provolone for a really unique, and flavorful sandwich. Soulshine also has a market where you can buy some of your favorite Vegan cheeses, or cookies.
6. Donna Jean
2949 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 299-5500
It’s not a best-of list in San Diego if you don’t include the multi-award winning Donna Jean. Chef Roy’s vision is to show you that Vegan doesn’t have to be associated with just health but also with luxury dining. After venturing out to Bahrain to help establish the first Vegan restaurant in the country, Chef Roy returned to San Diego to take some of that knowledge and to blow you away with Vegan food. The pizza is the star of the show with super unique flavors including “The Widow” which comes with black garlic and smoked date puree, Calabrian chilies, ricotta, red onion, and kale. If you’re looking for something less experimental and different, the “Killer Queen” uses two types of cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan, along with some basil and ghost pepper salt for a delicious rendition of a classic cheese pizza. The Badmoterfinger calzone takes a nice spicy bomba calabrese, mozzarella, mushrooms, red onions, and shaved fennel – bringing a nice punch to each bite. If you’re feeling decadent – get the truffle cream dip for your crust and live it up! Most importantly, make sure to get an order of the cast-iron mac and cheese as Chef Roy is known for his incredible Vegan mac and cheese.
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