10 Best Vegan Hotspots In San Diego
San Diego is a hub of delicious and ethical vegan restaurants. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide exactly where to go. We’ve rounded up the 10 best vegan restaurants in San Diego so that no matter what you’re craving we’ve got you covered.
1. Kindred
Located in Golden Hill and specializing in brunch and cocktails, Kindred is a staple of the San Diego vegan scene. Kindred’s heavy metal atmosphere and 100% vegan menu make it a favorite among vegans and omnivores alike. Their offerings include a wide variety of American cuisine classics as well as desserts and brunch. Open from 4pm-midnight weekdays and 10am-midnight on weekends it is a hotspot for a weekend morning brunch or a late night drink. Every Thursday this San Diego fixture offers a rotating menu of monthly specials so there is always a new flavor to enjoy. They also have an online merch store so enthusiasts can bring the spirit of Kindred home.
We recommend trying: Hashes for the Mashes
2. Plant Power Fast Food
Plant Power Fast Food is a vegan fast food chain with three locations in San Diego so you can enjoy their humane take on fast food favorites from anywhere in the county. Locations are at San Diego State University, in Ocean Beach, and Encinitas. Their menu is 100% vegan and free of GMO’s or artificial ingredients and is served in entirely biodegradable packaging. They truly provide a guilty pleasure meal you don’t have to feel guilty about with no trans fats, no hydrogenated oils, no high fructose corn syrup and an abundance of fresh, organic ingredients.
We recommend trying: The Big Zac and “Chicken” Nuggets
3. Cafe Gratitude
Cafe Gratitude is the gold standard when it comes to clean, vegan eating in San Diego. They offer a wide range of raw vegan food as well as an abundance of gluten free options. Their menu consists of American classics as well as Mexican food favorites, and typical juice bar fare. They are open 7 days a week from 8am -10pm and are located on Kettner blvd in the heart of Little Italy. As one of the top rated vegan restaurants in San Diego you are sure to find something for even the pickiest eater.
We recommend trying: Glorious/Blackened Tempeh Caesar Wrap
4. Grains
Fully vegan since October 2017, Grains is a San Diego favorite. They have a beer bar and offer American classics as well as a variety of Thai dishes. Their laid back atmosphere and wide selection of draft beers, wines, and ciders are sure to please. They are open 7 days a week from noon to 10pm and are located on trendy Adams Ave.
We recommend trying: Tom Kha Soup
5. Veganic Thai Cafe
If you find yourself in the mood for vegan Thai food in San Diego, another great option is the Veganic Thai Cafe. Veganic (a combination of vegan and organic) Thai Cafe is an award winning restaurant in San Diego. Specializing in Thai eats, this vegan restaurant is also gluten free and free of GMO’s and MSG. Located on University Ave, and open 7 days a week from 11am-10pm this is a must-try for Thai food lovers!
We recommend trying: Panang Curry
6. Donna Jean
Donna Jean, named for the proprietor’s late mother, is a top rated vegan restaurant in San Diego. They serve plant based comfort foods in a homey and rustic atmosphere perfect for a cozy and casual night out. Their philosophy centers around raising awareness for the health and environmental benefits of a plant based diet without sacrificing comfort and taste. Serving everything from vegan omelettes to award winning pizza, they have a little something for everyone. They are open 7 days a week with varying hours, but have a delicious vegan brunch from 10am-3pm on weekends and happy hour Wednesday-Friday from 4-6. Located on 5th Avenue, just blocks from Balboa Park, Donna Jean is the perfect place for a weekend eat.
We recommend trying: Vegan Cheese Ravioli
7. Peace Pies
Peace Pies has two locations in San Diego, one in Ocean Beach and one in Encinitas. They serve a variety of entrees and deserts but are best known for their delicious pies. They use only vegan, fair trade, locally sourced ingredients to create meals that are both ethically and nutritionally wholesome. Their decadent dessert pies are their specialty, but they also offer some American style and juice bar dishes. Open 7 days a week from 11am- 8pm this is the perfect place to stop in for a delicious dessert.
We recommend trying: Cosmic Coconut Cream Pie
8. Loving Hut
With two locations—each with a different menu—Loving Hut is perfect for the pickier eaters. They offer a wide selection of American, Italian, and Asian dishes and their menu is 100% vegan. One location is on Mira Mesa Blvd, the other on El Cajon Blvd, making them a convenient choice no matter where in the county you find yourself. Try both locations to get the full scope of their menu offerings.
We recommend trying: Wild West Beyond Burger & Texas Fries
9. Mission Square Market
Mission Square Market has been a favorite among San Diego vegans since its opening in March 2017. It sets itself apart as a vegan deli, offering a wide variety of vegan sandwiches and breakfast items. Centrally located in Mission Valley and open from 7am-11pm weekdays and 8am-11pm weekends it is the perfect spot to pop in and enjoy a tofurkey sandwich. All of their bread is organic and they offer gluten free options as well.
We recommend trying: The BLT
10. Native Foods
With a location in Point Loma, Encinitas, and another in Clairemont Mesa, Native Foods is a delicious and convenient option for vegan dining in San Diego. They offer primarily American classics with a few Middle-Eastern dishes as well. Native Foods is an unmissable staple of San Diego vegan dining.
We recommend trying: Backyard BBQ Bowl
