Best Vegan & Plant Based Restaurants in San Diego

San Diego, where plant-based dining is not just a choice but also a vibrant celebration of flavor, sustainability, and well-being. As one of the healthiest cities in the U.S., San Diego boasts an abundance of the best vegetarian restaurants and best vegan restaurants. Whether you are fully vegan or just like to enjoy a vegetarian meal in San Diego, there is something for everyone.

The Plot- Oceanside

It’s not often that anything lives up to the hype, but The Plot delivers with a menu that is mindful yet approachable. Located in the northernmost part of the county, this restaurant focuses on local ingredients—from the onsite produce garden to its secret San Diego supplier of fresh tofu. Velvety pink peppercorn cream sauce and lentil caviar give a nod to fine dining while the salty sweetness of chicken and waffles ground the menu. The Plot is perfect for date night or anytime you want to treat yourself to a nourishing, hearty meal. FIND OUT MORE

Eris Vegan Food Co.- Oceanside

Eve in Encinitas has closed but its crew has reassembled under a new name and is operating out of the Living Tea Kombucha tap room where they serve a menu of vegan burgers, tacos, and pizza. Those nostalgic for their former restaurant can find comfort in the familiar Havana Affair bowl with coconut rice, stewed black beans, plantains, and mojo sauce. Visit Website

Grains- San Diego

Sibling co-owners Napatr Chayodom and Katiya Hendricks borrowed inspiration from the brewery-centric University Heights and North Park neighborhood when planning out their business. Grains’ craft beer selection complements a versatile menu of Asian cuisine with an influence of bar food. Think fried shiitake mushroom appetizers served with plum sauce; sesame balls filled with red bean paste; pepper-glazed chicken strips with scallions; and a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich thrown in for good measure. To sample more than your fill at a discounted rate, swing by for happy hour (Monday-Thursday, 3-5pm) for 15 percent off all food and drinks. FIND OUT MORE

The Yasai- Convoy (personal fave!)

Globe-trotting chef Junya Watanabe fuses food and art with a westernized take on Japanese classics at his Convoy and Little Italy sushi restaurants. Here you’ll find Instagrammers charmed by intricately constructed vegan sushi while hungry patrons slurp up silky, handmade ramen noodles floating in a creamy dashi. When dining in, don’t sleep on the Yasai Specialty Creations. These quirkily-named cut rolls are some of the best items the kitchen cranks out. For take-out, take advantage of the omakase bento box for a little taste of everything. FIND OUT MORE

Trilogy Sanctuary- La Jolla (personal fave)

With a smoothie selection as expansive as its rooftop view of the Pacific Ocean, this yoga-studio-meets-all-day-eatery prides itself on organic and nourishing ingredients. Sit back with a plate of Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos and watch the aerial yoga class, or sign up for a yoga session and refuel with the Nourish Green Bowl afterward. It’s not just a restaurant, Trilogy is truly a vegan sanctuary. FIND OUT MORE

Split Bakehouse- La Mesa

Owner Vanessa Corrales made the leap from selling directly to coffee shops to setting up her own storefront in Grossmont Center in February 2021. The international selection of baked goods encompasses ube-filled brioche, confetti-sprinkled scones, pain au chocolat, Thai tea pastry cream-infused cruffins, and so much more. The menu is continuously evolving, and fresh pastries are made every three hours to guarantee a superb, just-out-of-the-oven quality. Can’t decide? Let the baker choose for you by pre-ordering the Chef’s Choice Variety Box. It’s a wonderful surprise every time! FIND OUT MORE

Phatties Vegan Mexican Restaurant- Escondido

This gem in Escondido specializes in foods from Queretaro, Mexico. The pambazo — a torta lathered in red chili salsa, grilled, and then stuffed with soyrizo con papas, shredded lettuce, avocado, and red onions — is a particular standout. In 2023, the Phatties family also reopened their beloved food truck so check Instagram for its calendar. Visit Website

Plant Power Fast Food- Encinitas

Plant Power Fast Food has locations sprinkled across San Diego in neighborhoods like Ocean Beach, Encinitas, and Escondido and on the SDSU and UCSD campuses. Plant Power sees its burgers as catalysts for chang—a means of demonstrating how care for the environment does not have to come at the expense of flavor or convenience.Several Locations