Best Vegan Restaurants in San Diego

Whether you’re looking for healthy meal options to help fuel your exploration of the city or you’re trying to accommodate the dietary choices of everyone in your party, knowing where to find the best vegan restaurants in San Diego can be helpful on your visit to America’s Finest City. Did you know that vegan food was named among the top 6 global culinary trends in 2018? Luckily, San Diego vegan food is well ahead of the curve and there are plenty of excellent options to choose from. You can take your pick from casual cafe fare to food carts, fine dining, and more. Keep reading to find out what our top picks are for the top vegan restaurants in San Diego.

1. Cafe Gratitude, Little Italy

If you’re familiar with the vegan food movement in California, then you have probably heard about Cafe Gratitude. This Venice-based vegan chain originally opened its first San Diego location in 2015 and features thoughtful menu items like “I Am Humble” and “I Am Dazzling.” Take your pick from delicious cafe items like soups and salads, sandwiches, pizza, noodle dishes, enchiladas, and fabulous desserts. 1980 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. (619) 736-5077.

2. Donna Jean, Bankers Hill

Donna Jean is a relaxed patio restaurant that opened in the summer of 2017. They serve a variety of different plant-based specialties that are enhanced by their very own on-site garden and pair nicely with kombucha or a beer. Some of our favorites include the skillet mac ‘n’ cheese, house-made pies, socca pizzas, and mushroom risotto. 2949 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill. (619) 299-5500.

3. Flower Child, Del Mar

If you’re looking for a fast, casual meal then Flower Child is an ideal lunch spot. Their menu features 19 vegan options including the famous Mother Earth ancient grains bowl and avocado hummus. With meat add-ons available for most meals, this is a great option for mixed parties who are looking to accommodate several different types of dietary restrictions. 2690 Via De La Valle, Del Mar. (858) 314-6818.

4. Jyoti-Bihanga, Normal Heights

No list of Sand Diego vegan restaurants would be complete without mentioning one of the city’s oldest and most affordable plant-based eateries. Open for more than 30 years, Jyoti-Bihanga is a staple in the San Diego healthy food scene. Popular dishes include the Neatloaf sandwich, wraps, soups and salads, sandwiches, desserts and more. 3351 Adams Ave., San Diego. (619) 282-4116.

5. OH! Juice Cafe, Encinitas

OH! Juice Cafe (the OH is short for Organic Health), was opened by nutritionist Hanna Gregor as a place where locals and visitors alike can rest easy in knowing that they are eating only organic vegan foods that are locally sourced from San Diego area farms and bakeries. In addition to offering a variety of toasts, salads and smoothies, OH! also features raw cold-pressed juices and take-out food items. 90 N. Coast Highway 101, Suite 212, Encinitas. (619) 908-1150.

6. Kindred, South Park

This hip vegan cocktail lounge is a great destination for groups of all sizes. At Kindred, you’ll find fusion-style decor that is a cross between a death metal bar and beautiful French gothic cathedral. Popular menu items to try include the beet risottos, seared cauliflower and delectable banana bread French toast — which is perfect for a weekend brunch meal shared with friends. 1503 30th St., South Park. (619) 546-9653.

7. Evolution Fast Food, Bankers Hill

As the original vegan fast food destination in San Diego, Evolution Fast Food still reigns supreme more than 10 years after first opening their doors. This quaint little hut-like eatery specializes in all your favorite fast food items including tacos and burritos, burgers, loaded fries, wraps, shakes, smoothies and raw food items too. Plus, all of their delicious desserts are baked in-house. 2965 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill. (619) 550-1818.

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