10 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Dining Spots in San Francisco

Alex MedinaSusanica Tam
Alex Medina - Staff Writer Susanica Tam - Editor 3 Min Read
Photo by - Avinash Rangra & Trevis Head/ GettyImage

San Francisco is a city that celebrates diversity, not only in its culture but also in its cuisine. With a strong emphasis on clean eating and sustainable farming, it’s no wonder that the city is a haven for those seeking vegetarian and vegan dining experiences. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these 10 spots offer a range of plant-based delights that cater to both vegetarians and vegans alike.

Burma Superstar & Burma Love

Burmese cuisine is a blend of various flavors, and these two restaurants are famous for their tea leaf salad and vegetarian curries. Burma Love offers a bit more space and a full bar, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal.

Cha-Ya

This Japanese restaurant on Valencia Street specializes in vegan and vegetarian dishes. Don’t miss their vegetarian pot stickers and the Starlight roll, a delightful combination of seasoned brown sushi rice and fresh vegetables.

Cotogna

Located between North Beach and the Financial District, Cotogna serves rustic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, vegetarian-friendly ingredients. Their sformato and raviolo di ricotta are must-tries.

Enjoy Vegetarian

This Chinese restaurant chain caters to vegetarians and vegans with a variety of meat substitutes. With several locations around the city, Enjoy Vegetarian is both convenient and delicious.

Nourish Cafe

100% plant-based, Nourish Cafe uses organic and non-GMO ingredients to create wholesome foods. With two locations in San Francisco, they offer a range of healthy options for breakfast and lunch.

Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar and Izakaya

An upscale spot that serves all vegan dishes in artistic arrangements. The green mango nigiri and the “Plot Twist” tempura roll are just a couple of the creative offerings you’ll find here.

Sons & Daughters

This upscale restaurant offers a vegetarian pre-fixe menu that’s sourced from their private farm. The fresh, seasonal ingredients make for a memorable dining experience.

Udupi Palace

For Indian food lovers, Udupi Palace in the Mission is an entirely meat-free restaurant. The thalis are an excellent value and the spices keep everything flavorful.

Veganburg

Located in Haight-Ashbury, Veganburg offers a variety of meatless burgers and GMO-free french fries. It’s a great spot for those craving a classic burger experience without the meat.

Wildseed

In the Cow Hollow neighborhood, Wildseed lives by the motto “Eat Well, Live Better. They offer unique dishes made from plant-based ingredients, like the Beet and Orange Pate and the Spicy Sausage Pizza made with jackfruit.

When planning your stay in San Francisco, consider accommodations that are close to these dining spots or easily accessible via public transit. With the city’s commitment to sustainability, you’ll find that many hotels and lodgings also support eco-friendly practices. So, take your time, plan your meals, and enjoy the rich tapestry of vegetarian and vegan options that San Francisco has to offer.

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Staff Writer
Alex Medina is a former CollegeUnified alumni (2018-2019). He is currently the staff writer for CollegeUnified. After graduating from Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School in 2015, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and New Media at Mount Saint Mary’s University. alex.medina@collegeunified.com
Editor
Susanica Tam is an equity-minded editor, and photo professional that calls CollegeUnified home. She leads the inaugural Fall 2024 photojournalism cohort along with Kate Valdez. Susanica is especially interested in culture, language, and identity stories and is the first person in her family to be born in the U.S. She attended the USC School of Journalism on scholarship and most recently also the Transom Storytelling Workshop. susanica.tam@collegeunified.com