30 Delicious Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In San Diego You Must Try

by Maria Haase

Looking for a veggie or vegan bite in San Diego? You’ve come to the right place! The city’s meat-free food scene is thriving at the moment, and it only seems to be getting more popular.

Keep reading for the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in San Diego. These are sure to tick the box for your next meatless feast!

The Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In San Diego

North Park

Sipz

Address: Multiple Locations
Website

Let’s kick things off with one of our favorites, Sipz, a vegetarian-inspired restaurant serving a range of dishes from across Asia.

Sample their fresh vegan sushi or take things up a notch with some delicious pad thai. If you really want to go all out, order the veggie surprise with a selection of stir-fried vegetables.

Loving Hut

Address: Multiple Locations
Website

Pop into Loving Hut in North Park for your next plant-based meal. All menu items are inspired by the Far East and are 100% vegan-friendly!

The atmosphere here is super chill, nothing beats eating your favorite Asian dish with some mellow tunes in the background.

Don’t forget to try the garlic butter fried rice, or if you want to keep things Western, the beyond burger is always a good option.

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Tacotarian

Address: 4332 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 432-1815
Website

Craving tacos? Tacotarian serves 14 unique vegan taco recipes along with other famous Mexican bites.

The restaurant is massive, so you don’t have to worry about snagging a table, and the staff is so friendly they’ll take good care of you while you’re there.

Order the taco platter for a few samples, it comes with a tasty side order of beans and rice too.

Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant

Address: 4661 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 269-9989
Website

Up next is one of our favorite vegetarian restaurants in San Diego.

Try some of the yummiest dishes from Thai cuisine, vegetarian style at Plumeria! This place goes above and beyond for vegetable lovers with fish-free sauces and only optional egg add-ons.

There’s a real local vibe about this place, you’ll be made to feel right at home as soon as you step through the door.

Some of the menu’s highlights include the stir-fried hot basil and the rama steamed hot vegetables.

Underdog Food Truck

Address: Various Locations
Phone: (619) 404-1900
Website

One of the finest places to get vegan food in San Diego is Underdog, a thriving food truck primarily on Cajon Boulevard, serving strictly plant-based snacks.

You’re going to love the jalapeño popper corn dogs, the cheddar-infused batter is to die for. Wash it down with some kimchi cheddar fries, the melted cheese on top will have your mouth watering.

Small red food truck outside surrounded by palm tree on sunny day. Underdog Food Truck. — Photo Credit: Underdog Food Truck

Close up of corn dog covered in ketchup and mustard with red food truck in background. Underdog Food Truck, Food Trucks San Diego. — Photo Credit: Underdog Food Truck

Ranchos Cocina

Address: 3910 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 574-1288
Website

Ranchos Cocina is a cozy and colorful Mexican corner with an extensive menu.

Any Mexican dish you can think of, these guys have it, and they usually have multiple options for your filling. In fact, their burritos come in over 15 varieties, with everything from tofu scramble to eggplant.

Come by early and sample their breakfast burritos and chilaquiles.

South Park

Mothership

Address: 2310 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Website

Arguably the most unique place for vegan food in San Diego is Mothership, a spaceship-themed speakeasy with plant-based plates and tasty cocktails.

You’ll feel as if you’re on the set of Star Wars, with the futuristic decor and star-like ceiling.

They have a bunch of eclectic dishes, including savory Asian-inspired pancakes, tasty noodles, and soft serve ice cream.

tables in a spaceship themed speakeasy in San Diego — Photo Credit: **Mothership**

KINDRED

Address: 1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102
Phone: (619) 546-9653
Website

KINDRED is a funky cocktail bar and restaurant specializing in vegan grub.

Despite its pretty pink and wooden furnishings, KINDRED is known for its unconventional heavy metal playlist and gothic features, so there’s definitely a unique vibe here.

The food is as impressive as the design concept, with BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, hearty grilled cheese, and brunch bites, like pancakes, all up for grabs.

Point Loma

Peace Pies

Address: 4230 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 223-2880
Website

Get your vegan fix at Peace Pies in Point Loma. This spot takes adorable to a whole new level with its peaceful garden and wooden furniture, you could spend all day here.

Peace Pies prides itself on serving raw, vegan, gluten and soy-free meals. Yet, they still manage tons of options like vegan pizza, salads, wraps, and an appetizing mushroom stroganoff.

Pure Thai & Vegetarian Cuisine

Address: 3704 Voltaire St #105, San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 542-9499
Website

Like many areas in San Diego, Point Loma has its own Thai vegetarian restaurant serving famous dishes from the Land of Smiles!

Pure Thai & Vegetarian Cuisine is designed exactly like the restaurants you’d find in Thailand: little wooden stools and gorgeous paintings.

Try the tom yum for some hot and sour lemongrass soup, or order the customer favorite, cashew nut with brown sauce.

La Jolla

Green Door Cafe

Address: 7644 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 291-8886
Website

You won’t be able to get enough of the Green Door Cafe in La Jolla. This cozy little spot serves dishes with locally-sourced, cruelty-free ingredients.

Open since 2017, the Green Door Cafe has been luring vegans with its flavorful dishes, gorgeous terrace, and vintage interiors.

If you’re stopping by for breakfast, don’t sleep on the red velvet pancakes. For dinner, the dahl curry is one to watch for.

Trilogy Sanctuary

Address: 7650 Girard Ave #400, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 633-3893
Website

Hit up San Diego’s best-loved rooftop vegan restaurant in La Jolla, Trilogy Sanctuary.

The owner of Trilogy Sanctuary set up this place to encourage local San Diegans to follow a nourishing, healthy path in life. Not only do they serve up great food, but they also offer yoga classes!

Want something light? The sweet potato wedges are a great snack. If you’re more than a bit peckish, the superfood bowl will have you stuffed for the whole day.

Elixir De La Lune

Address: 5544 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 933-4729
Website

Nab some refreshing food that’s good for your soul at Elixir De La Lune. Lesser known than some of the other vegan and vegetarian options in the La Jolla food scene, it’s a bit of a diamond among the rough.

You’ll be treated to beautiful aesthetics, light palettes, and mini dangling chandeliers when you go inside.

The menu here leaves nothing to be desired, with fresh smoothie bowls, toast with lots of toppings, soups, and sandwiches.

Plant Power Fast Food

Address: Multiple Locations
Website

Need something on the go? Look no further than Plant Power Fast Food on the USCD Campus.

Set up to offer college students healthy meal options, Plant Power Fast Food has some great vegan options like the southwest avocado wrap, superfood salad, and beyond cheeseburger.

Don’t worry if you’re not a college student, outsiders are allowed in too! They also have a location in Ocean Beach if that’s more convenient for you.

University Heights

Grains Cafe

Address: 2201 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 269-5999
Website

With a drool-worthy menu blending Asian and Western flavors, Grains Cafe serves up some of the most unique vegan food in San Diego.

Some of the loveliest staff around run this stylish cafe, and it has both indoor and outdoor seating.

A myriad of beloved dishes make up the menu here, where everything from Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches to popcorn chicken and Philly cheese steaks are available.

Hillcrest

Donna Jean

Address: 2949 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 299-5500
Website

Get your hands on some plant-based snacks at Donna Jean in Hillcrest.

You’ll immediately feel welcomed here, between the outgoing staff and the cozy, garden decor.

Some menu highlights include hot shrooms, fettuccine, and cast iron mac and cheese, just to name a few favorites.

Evolution Fast Food

Address: 2965 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 550-1818
Website

Did you know that the world’s first vegan drive-thru restaurant is found right in the heart of San Diego?

Evolution is located between Bankers Hill and Hillcrest and has a mouthwatering menu filled with burgers, sandwiches, and Mexican plates. Not to mention a handful of desserts and smoothies.

Their burritos, faux chicken tenders, and vanilla shakes are among their best-sellers.

Veganic Thai Cafe

Address: 1417 Suit A, University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 230-5540
Website

The team at Veganic Thai Cafe has turned all the classic Thai dishes into 100% vegan alternatives.

Their menu of healthy and meat-free foods has previously earned them the title of the finest vegan restaurant in San Diego, which is a good enough reason in itself to check out their offerings.

From spicy drunken noodles to nourishing pumpkin curries, just looking at Veganic’s menu will have your stomach rumbling!

Hazel & Jade Bakery

Address: 3852 Fourth Ave, #100, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 295-2001
Website

While vegan restaurants in San Diego are becoming increasingly easier to come by, finding plant-based bakeries can be more of a challenge.

That’s where Hazel & Jade Bakery comes in. Inside this cafe, you’ll find a wonderful array of treats, all of which are free from animal products.

Super sweet cinnamon rolls, fresh croissants, warm scones, and fudgy brownies; we could go on and on about the baked goods here!

San Diego County

Eris Vegan Food Co.

Address: 302 Wisconsin Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: (760) 231-9986
Website

Located in Oceanside, Eris Vegan Food Co. is among the best vegan restaurants in San Diego for comfort food.

This quirky little eatery is filled with artwork that’s almost as colorful as the food they serve. The menu tends to chop and change depending on what produce is in season, but these guys just get better and better.

Locals have been flocking here for their tacos, gyros, and animal fries, with their kombucha selection being the cherry on top.

El Veganito

Address: 5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
Phone: (619) 303-7247
Website

For meat-free takes on all the dreamiest Mexican favorites, make your way to El Veganito in La Mesa.

Though it’s technically more of a stall than a restaurant, as it’s set in a food court, their grub is simply too delicious to exclude from this list.

It’s best to come hungry, as their burritos, jackfruit tacos, and tortilla soups are super-sized.

Sattvik Foods

Address: 8650 Miramar Rd ste b, San Diego, CA 92126
Phone: (858) 568-1306
Website

Miramar is blessed with some of the finest Indian cuisine in San Diego as the home of the fantastic Sattvik Foods.

Although it’s not strictly vegetarian, meat-free dishes comprise the bulk of the menu and have become what they’re most known for.

We recommend indulging in authentic bites and snacks like vada pav, dabeli, and dahi puri.

Gorilla Eats Sushi

Address: 6334 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: (619) 400-6563
Website

That’s right, even sushi can be made using plant-based ingredients!

Much like El Veganito, Gorilla Eats Sushi is tucked away in a food court, though you’ll find this sushi spot inside the much-loved Aztec Food Hub in Rolando Village.

Some of their must-try bites include tofu umami, shiitake mushroom rolls, and crunchy tiger rolls.

The Purple Mint

Address: 4616 El Cajon Blvd Ste 3, San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: (619) 280-3388
Website

The Purple Mint is a fabulous restaurant in Talmadge for Asian-infused veggie eats.

The food at this bright and airy spot will leave you weak at the knees.

Thanks to its delectable line-up of menu items, you’ll have authentic dishes like summer rolls and steaming bowls of pho alongside American-Asian favorites like orange chicken and kung pao chicken.

Phatties Vegan Mexican Restaurant

Address: 242 W Mission Ave Ste D, Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: (442) 286-7242
Website

A staple on the Escondido food scene, Phatties is a modern Mexican haunt that’s entirely meat-free.

The interior here is super cute, and the restaurant is filled with a mix of classic Mexican decor with slick finishes.

Everything tastes incredible, but the asada burrito, birria bowl, and enchiladas are especially tantalizing.

Maya’s Cookies

Address: Multiple Locations
Website

Another option for those with an unrelenting sweet tooth is Maya’s Cookies, which has stores in both Grantsville and San Marcos.

As well as being entirely vegan, the cookies at Maya’s come in a huge range of flavors. You’ll have your pick of classic chocolate chip varieties, plus their famous s’more and snickerdoodle editions.

Maya’s caters to everyone and even offers some gluten-free cookies.

The Plot

Address: 1733 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: (442) 266-8200
Website

A favorite among San Diego vegan restaurants is The Plot.

Though it only opened just a few years back, this Oceanside restaurant has a lengthy list of accolades and claims to fame.

It’s regularly ranked as one of San Diego’s top restaurants, and it’s among the most sustainable of its kind in the entire country!

Prepare to tuck into meat-free chicken and waffles, meatloaf, and shepherd’s pie in this aesthetically pleasing eatery.

Split Bakehouse

Address: 5500 Grossmont Center Dr #219, La Mesa, CA 91942
Website

Split Bakehouse is positioned between Grossmont and La Mesa and has been giving locals their fix of vegan pastries since 2018.

Upon casting your eyes on their rotating selection of almond croissants, chocolate cruffins, and oatmeal cookies, you’ll quickly see why these guys have won awards for their plant-based goods.