What a time to be Plant-Based!
Let’s be honest - convincing your meat-loving friends to go to a vegan restaurant can be a mission. The eye rolls, the ‘but what will I eat?’, the ‘I don’t like tofu’ comments… we’ve heard it all. But what if we told you there are plenty of spots around town that aren’t strictly vegan yet still serve up amazing plant-based dishes? These spots prove you don’t have to sacrifice flavor (or friends) to eat plant-based. From creative pastas to crispy “chicken,” here’s where you can all eat happily… no side-eyeing the tofu required.
Last updated: November 2025
Photo: @sushideli1
Hillcrest & Kearny Mesa
We know the struggle - showing up to a sushi spot as a plant-based homie only to find cucumber and avocado rolls as your only options. Don’t get us wrong, we love those classics, but we’re craving a little more variety. This spot delivers with creative, flavor-packed rolls like our personal favorite, the Mango Punch - proof that sushi just got a whole lot sweet for us plant-based peeps. Pro tip: ask for them to fry a roll for that tempura goodness.
Photo: @nishikiramen
Kearny Mesa, Hillcrest, Mira Mesa
Picture this: a rich soy broth, spicy or not, maybe even a curry twist - yum! Start things off with some crispy vegan karaage (fried chicken, plant-based style). With six ramen options - YES SIX - on the menu, your only dilemma will be deciding which bowl to slurp on first.
6465 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
With a dedicated veggie section on the menu, Wei Wei has the plant-based crowd covered. From Kung Pao Tofu to Salt and Pepper Tofu and Eggplant in Black Pepper Sauce, the options are endless. So next time your friends suggest Chinese takeout night, you won't feel left out. Pass the chopsticks!
Photo: @eatranchos
3910 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Mexican food just got a major plant-based glow-up. If you’ve gone veg but still crave a California burrito (because let’s be real, if you’re from San Diego it’s in your DNA), Ranchos Cocina has you covered. From tacos and enchiladas to sopes and even menudo with vegan pollo asado, vegan shrimp, tempeh, and vegan cheese, the menu is massive, the options are endless, and now… we’re starving.
Photo: @eatcocinadebarrio
Hillcrest, Point Loma, Encinitas
Brunch, lunch, and dinner? Cocina de Barrio has your back. Start your day with pineapple upside down pancakes or maybe arroz con leche pancakes? Or maybe head over for your aguachile fix made with vegan coconut. Finally… tostadas de tinga made with oyster mushrooms for dinner! The plant-based options are endless here and with multiple locations? You’re bound to get your Mexican plant-based fix ASAP.
Photo: @cesarinapasta
4161 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107
Dairy can be a little scary for our bellies sometimes, but let’s be so real… Italian food is just too good to give up. That’s why we’re obsessed with Cesarina’s vegan Italian menu. You can pick your fav pasta shape and pair it with one of their four delicious sauces. Building your own pasta has never tasted better and your belly says ‘thank you.’
Photo: @officinebuonaforchetta
South Park, Coronado, Liberty Station, Encinitas, San Marcos
You don’t need to speak Italian to understand the “cucina vegana” section at Buona Forcetta. With (v) symbols sprinkled next to pizzas, lasagna, pastas, and even eggplant parmigiana, you might actually need extra time just to decide. Italian for dinner tonight, anyone?
Photo: @breakfastrepublic
East Village, Encinitas, Liberty Station, Mission Valley, OB, North Park, PB, Scripps Ranch
Mornings can be rough but not when you’ve got a yummy breakfast waiting to start your day. With multiple locations across SD, Breakfast Republic makes it easy to grab your Vegan Bfast Burrito loaded with meatless beef strips, fakon, vegan cheese, and plant-based eggs. It’s basically my dream breakfast - and that’s just one of their many vegan options. Get egg-cited about breakfast!
Convoy and Del Mar
Plant-based Korean fried chicken? Yes, please! And it gets even better - you can choose from 13 different sauces and dry rubs. Want to double-dip or mix and match? Ask for extra sauces on the side. We know you’ve been missing fried chicken as a little cheat meal… Don't worry, we got you.
So next time your meat-eating group chat starts arguing over where to eat, you’ll have the perfect compromise. These restaurants let everyone win - your plant-based cravings get satisfied, and your meat-eater friends won’t even notice they’re missing out. Let’s face it, food tastes better when no one’s complaining. Go ahead and pick the next group dinner - it’s finally your turn!
