The Best Vegan Restaurants in San Diego

A Guide for Herbivores

The increasing popularity of plant-based cuisine has made dining out on a vegan diet easier than ever. Instead of navigating menus and making endless special requests, you can enjoy an abundance of dishes at the best vegan restaurants in San Diego, all accessible from The Dana on Mission Bay.

Plant Power Fast Food

For a quick bite, head to this friendly counter service spot in Ocean Beach. The menu is packed with vegan versions of fast food favorites, from crispy “chicken” sandwiches to chili “cheese” fries. For those with further dietary restrictions, the entire menu is cholesterol-and GMO-free, and the fries, sauces, and even sodas are made from organic and all-natural ingredients.

2204 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107 (1.6 miles away)

Evolution

Evolution Fast Food is another quick and easy eatery. In addition to a drive-thru option, this restaurant offers grab-and-go goodies, a selection of raw foods, fresh smoothies and shakes, and more. Delicious desserts include cakes and pastries that rotate seasonally, along with the unique offering of a vegan soft-serve.

2965 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (6.3 miles away)

Kindred

Hit up this hip spot for vegan fare in a quirky-cool atmosphere. Menu highlights include char-grilled seitan skewers, beer batter palm tacos, and cookie dough truffles, all served alongside creative cocktails and local craft beers. The edgy design and concept have been described as “trailblazing” by Revolver magazine, which wrote a lengthy profile on the restaurant upon its opening.

1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102 (8.6 miles away)

Nomad Donuts

Satisfy your sweet tooth at North Park’s Nomad Donuts, which landed a spot in City Beat’s “Best Donuts in San Diego” roundup. Although not exclusively vegan, they do offer a number of non-dairy options, including ube taro, blueberry lavender, and Thai tea flavors. The venue itself is also delightful: a cherry-red, vintage double-decker bus set within a peaceful courtyard.

3102 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 (7.7 miles away)

Cafe Gratitude

The San Diego outpost of this LA favorite offers a 100% organic menu packed with whimsy, featuring dishes with names like Humble (an Indian curry bowl) and Glorious (a blackened tempeh Caesar wrap). The eatery is all about supporting its patrons in every way, so in order to place your order, you’ll need to state the item in the affirmative (“I am Humble,” “I am Glorious”).

1980 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 9210 (5.7 miles away)

Ranchos Cochina

Ranchos Cocina in North Park is known for its impressive selection of vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian options. Plus, the eatery makes its own sauces, rice, beans, and tortillas without any animal by-products. A playlist of music by the Gipsy Kings transports diners from Southern California to the hills of the region that inspired much of these dishes: Andalusia, Spain.

3910 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (7.5 miles away)

Trilogy Sanctuary & Cafe

Venture north to La Jolla and check out Trilogy Sanctuary & Cafe. Beyond its culinary offerings, this wellness center features an indoor and outdoor yoga studio, spiritual counseling, a boho boutique, and more. In fact, there’s even an option to buy the Trilogy cookbook and re-create some of the hits in your kitchen back home.

7650 Girard Ave #400, La Jolla, CA 92037 (6.7 miles away)

Soulshine Vegan Cafe

Located in Mission Beach, Soulshine Vegan Cafe is a fully vegan, organic, and gluten-free cafe that serves a tempting plant-based menu, including kombucha and homemade desserts.

3864 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 (2.2 miles away)

Donna Jean

Just north of Banker’s Hill, you’ll find Donna Jean — a homey eatery featuring vegan food, kombucha, beer, and a lovely patio and herb garden.

2949 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (6.3 miles away)

Peace Pies

Peace Pies offers a full menu of raw, vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free foods. Not only will you find the renowned pies, but the eatery offers pizzas, salads, wraps, entrees, dried goods, and chocolates.

4230 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107 (2 miles away)

Plumeria

Located in University Heights, Plumeria offers a Thai-inspired menu of high-quality vegetarian and vegan foods (egg can be added to some dishes as an option).

4661 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116 (7 miles away)

Native Foods

With three locations around San Diego County, Native Foods is certainly drawing plenty of fans, and the slogan of this national chain is “100% Plant-Based. 100% Yummy.” Check out the Point Loma location and see what all the buzz is about.

3369 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92110 (2.4 miles away)

Vegan Dining at The Dana

Feel like staying in? Inquire about vegan options at Firefly Eatery & Bar, offering delicious indoor and al-fresco dining at The Dana on Mission Bay.