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Table of Contents
Introduction
Last summer, we decided to take our daughter to SeaWorld San Diego. We embarked on a 9.5-hour drive from our home in San Ramon to San Diego, eager for a fun-filled two days at SeaWorld. Naturally, we needed to find vegan-friendly dining spots to enjoy during our trip.
After some thorough research, we shortlisted 10 promising vegan restaurants. We visited four of them, enjoying a hearty breakfast each day and an early dinner. Unfortunately, SeaWorld San Diego offered limited vegan options, with Hibisco Tacos’ Plant-Based Chorizo being the only noteworthy choice. This left us with no other option but to explore the vibrant vegan dining scene in San Diego.
Here’s our list of the top 10 vegan restaurants we discovered and our experiences at the four we enjoyed dining at. If you plan a trip to San Diego and need fantastic vegan spots, this guide will be your best friend.
Also Read:
10 Vegan Restaurants in San Diego
The Plot
The Plot, run by power couple Jessica and Davin Waite, was our dining choice on the final night of our trip. Mark tried their Reuben with pastrami spice-marinated beets, and it was incredible. We were so full that we couldn’t try their Shepherd’s Pie, which looked equally tempting.
The Plot’s commitment to a zero-waste policy is commendable. They are pioneers in such sustainable practices. This innovative approach makes The Plot a fantastic vegan dining experience and a responsible choice for environmentally conscious diners.
Sabor A Vida Café & Deli
Sabor A Vida Café & Deli opens early, making it our perfect breakfast spot on the first day. Their organic coffee is delicious, especially when paired with toast spread with roasted garlic cashew pate and pumpkin seeds.
The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff made for a delightful start to our day. This charming café quickly became a favorite, offering a warm and inviting place to enjoy a hearty, plant-based breakfast before heading out for our adventures in San Diego.
GreensPlease
GreensPlease, owned by Sienna and John Sardo, became our breakfast spot on the second day. Known for their refreshing smoothies and well-seasoned wraps, this place did not disappoint. We ordered the Harvest Wrap and added savory asada mushrooms, adding an extra burst of flavor.
Combining fresh ingredients and delicious seasoning made for a satisfying and energizing meal. GreensPlease offered the perfect start to our day, setting a high bar for vegan breakfast options in San Diego.
Sattvik Foods
On our first night in San Diego, we had dinner at Sattvik Foods. They serve their meals in traditional thalis, which include multiple curries, rice, and roti. We enjoyed their flavorful aloo gobi and also tried the delightful triangle-shaped aloo samosas. Their super delicious chutney was highlighted, which added an extra zing to every bite.
The authentic and hearty Indian cuisine made Sattvik Foods a memorable dining experience, offering a comforting and satisfying end to our first day’s adventures.
El Veganito
Located at the Sunset Market in Oceanside, El Veganito was a spot we were eager to try. Known for its unique vegan cheese, this place piqued our interest. They also offer a variety of burritos and tacos, making it a fantastic option for plant-based dining.
Although we didn’t get the chance to visit, the rave reviews about their innovative vegan cheese and delicious offerings have put El Veganito on our must-try list for the next trip. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit for some exceptional vegan Mexican cuisine.
Eris Vegan Food Co.
Eris Vegan Food Co. stands out with its upbeat and cheery hospitality. Their menu boasts delightful options like mozzarella-loaded fries and flavorful veggie patties. The friendly atmosphere and delicious comfort food make it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking tasty vegan options in San Diego. The positive vibes and mouth-watering dishes ensure a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience every time.
Gorilla Eats Sushi
I can’t believe I missed the opportunity to try Gorilla Eats Sushi. As a sushi lover, I was excited about their vegan-inspired sushi rolls. Their innovative plant-based creations promise to deliver the sushi experience without compromising on flavor or creativity. This spot is definitely on my list for the next trip, and I can’t wait to indulge in their delicious vegan sushi offerings. If you’re a sushi enthusiast in San Diego, don’t miss out on Gorilla Eats Sushi!
Phatties Vegan Mexican Restaurant
You might have noticed that we include a lot of Mexican food on our list, and that’s because it’s one of our favorite cuisines. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to try Phatties Vegan Mexican Restaurant. It’s a shame because their menu is enticing, offering everything from jalapeno-marinated oyster mushroom agua chiles to banana leaf-wrapped tamales.
The diverse and flavorful options make Phatties a must-visit for any vegan Mexican food lover. We’ll definitely be adding it to our list for our next trip to San Diego!
Plant Power Fast Food
Plant Power Fast Food should have been an exciting stop on our trip. Offering fast food that’s completely plant-based, it puts a unique twist on classic fast food favorites. Despite having multiple locations in San Diego, we didn’t get to visit any.
Their menu includes all the typical fast food items, reimagined with plant-based ingredients. From burgers to fries, Plant Power Fast Food provides a guilt-free way to enjoy fast food, making it a must-try for vegan travelers. We’ll definitely make a point to visit on our next trip to San Diego!
San Diego Vegan Market
The San Diego Vegan Market is a haven for the vegan community. Being 100% vegan, it offers peace of mind for shoppers, eliminating the need to constantly read ingredient labels or worry about the authenticity of products. Everything here is guaranteed to be vegan, making it a fantastic resource for plant-based eaters.
This market simplifies the shopping experience and supports the growing vegan community in San Diego, providing various products and fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals. It’s a must-visit for any vegan resident or visitor.
Conclusion
As with every trip, we had more options than we had time to try. With just one weekend in San Diego, we did our best to squeeze in four restaurants while also enjoying SeaWorld. Each spot offered unique and delicious vegan fare that made our visit memorable.
If you find yourself in San Diego, whether you’re a local or a visitor, these options are definitely worth exploring. From hearty breakfasts to delightful dinners, the vegan dining scene in San Diego has something for everyone. Enjoy your culinary adventure!