San Diego—meet meat-less dining. These seven vegan staples are dishing up flavorful and plant-based specialties from colorful veggie plates to creative meat alternatives.
Café Gratitude
Plant-based restaurant Café Gratitude is devoted to using 100% organic ingredients. Try the gluten-free Harmonious apple pie, buckwheat flax pancakes topped with fresh berries and whipped cream, or toast topped with smashed avocado and shallot herb vinaigrette. Wash it all down with a golden turmeric latte or a decadent coconut cream smoothie. 1980 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.736.5077, cafegratitude.com
Donna Jean
Chef Roy Elam’s plant-based comfort food restaurant, named Donna Jean in loving memory of his mother, delights vegans, carnivores and everyone in between. Located on the border of Hillcrest and Bankers Hill, adjacent to Balboa Park, the 1,200-square-foot space seats 110 diners at tables indoors and on the spacious patio. On the vegan menu, Nashville hot shrooms—breaded mushrooms with sourdough, pickles and hot sauce—entice while the cast-iron mac and cheese is doused in green onions, vegan gouda and optional truffle cream. On the side, sip kombucha, cider, sake-based cocktails or local craft beers, and cheers to your health. 2949 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.299.5500, donnajeanrestaurant.com
Grains
Grains is taking all your fried favorites and giving them a vegan twist. Dive into crispy garlic potato wedges and tofu nuggets served alongside sweet and savory house plum sauce, or get adventurous with crisp and chewy dragon balls filled with sesame and red bean paste. Need something savory? Choose from the handcrafted meatless philly cheese or banh mi pulled pork sandwiches. What’s even better is the option to make all menu items extra spicy or gluten free. 2201 Adams Ave., University Heights, 619.269.5999, grainscafe.com
KINDRED
We’re keen on KINDRED—an eccentric bar that plays heavy-metal tunes. Start your evening with housemade snacks, from garlic and chili “cologne” popcorn to hearts of palm farinata flatbread. Get your hands dirty with Memphis barbecue jackfruit paired with pulled soy curls or venture out with the Soul Crush, cornmeal crusted gardein fish with parsnip potato mash. Finish off the night with gooey s’more sliders. For drinks, sip the whimsical collection of cocktails with flavors ranging from refreshing to robust. 1503 30th St., South Park, 619.546.9653, barkindred.com
Split Bakehouse
Plant-based pastries—yes, please! At Split Bakehouse, sweet treats change on a monthly basis so you’re always trying something new. The bakers at Split are crafting cheesecakes, croissants and cream cheese galettes that are packed full of flavor while ditching the dairy. Indulge your sweet tooth in citrusy lemon poppy kolache and berry poptarts, or try the delectable bourbon vanilla bean “cruffin,” a croissant-muffin hybrid. If you’re looking to bake from home, you can pick up a DIY bake kit and choose from company favorites such as cheddar jalapeño biscuits and blueberry lemon scones. 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa, splitbakehouse.com
The Plot
The Plot team—Jessica and David Waite—are feeding the plant-based evolution with bold fare. No genre is left untapped at this lively chain with options such as smoky summer surf and turf sushi, veggie stir fry, caviar and potato pancakes and the “meatless” loaf. Complete your feast with a classic dark chocolate torte. Don’t forget to relax with an array of on-tap kombucha, rosé wines or ciders by the can. 1733 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside, 442.266.8200, theplotrestaurant.com
Veganic Thai Cafe
Eating vegan and organic has never been easier. Using traditional Thai aromatics ensures dining is just as authentic as it is delicious. Begin with classics such as cream cheese wontons, veggie potstickers and summer spring rolls, or sip the savory Tom Yum soup made with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Pick from a wide range of flavorful curries, stir frys and noodle dishes that are all 100% meat-free. A sweet ending is in order thanks to sticky rice coated in young coconut ice cream. It’s Thai time! 1417 University Ave., Hillcrest, 619.230.5540, veganicthaicafe.com
Photography by: Jennifer Schmidt/Unsplash
