San Diego’s plant-based scene has exploded in recent years, boosted by honed cooking techniques, creative chefs, and a community eager for mindful, meatless dining. At the heart of this movement you’ll find heavy-metal-themed Kindred in South Park, where vegan comfort meets craft cocktails, alongside veteran spots like WorldBeat Café in Balboa Park blending cultural authenticity with health-forward fare. Newer concepts like Mothership in North Park and The Yasai in Little Italy push genre boundaries with Thai-inspired bowls and vegan omakase, respectively. Meanwhile, beloved bakeries (Hazel & Jade) and fast-casual upstarts (Plant Power Fast Food) ensure that no matter your craving or budget, there’s a plant-based option to love. Read on for the full list—plus what to order, where to sit, and why each deserves a spot on your must-try list.

1. Kindred

Where: 1503 30th St, South Park
Vibe: Industrial-chic meets heavy metal; bar-forward
What to order: Crunchburger with vegan cheddar, “Nashville” hot chick’n sammie, craft cocktails

Kindred has become San Diego’s flagship vegan dining destination, combining an edgy, graffiti-covered interior with a menu of unapologetically bold comfort food. Their signature Crunchburger—topped with melty vegan cheddar, crisp onions, and special Kindred sauce—is a satisfying every-bite-delicious ode to classic fast food. The “Nashville” hot chick’n sandwich brings the heat with house-made buffalo sauce, while the loaded tots and happy-hour cocktails (think blackberry-lavender margaritas) keep the energy high. With communal high-tops and a bar pulsing with live DJs on weekends, Kindred is as much a scene as it is a restaurant—a spot to linger with friends over shareable plates and late-night drinks.

2. Donna Jean

Where: 2131 El Prado, Balboa Park
Vibe: Cozy, retro-modern comfort food in the heart of the park
What to order: Cast-iron mac & cheese, Beet Wellington, sourdough pizza

Chef Roy Elam named Donna Jean after his late mother, and it shows in every lovingly prepared dish: from ultra-creamy cast-iron mac & cheese with a crunchy panko crust to the stunning Beet Wellington served over garlic mashed potatoes. Pizza dough and fresh pasta are fermented in-house, yielding sourdough crusts and pillowy noodles that elevate vegan classics to fine-dining territory. The wine list focuses on organic California producers, and the mid-century modern dining room—with its warm wood tones and hanging plants—feels like your best friend’s fabulous living room.

3. The Yasai

Where: 2944 Kearny Villa Rd, Kearny Mesa (Convoy District)
Vibe: Sleek, counter-service vegan sushi bar
What to order: Truffle Truffle Roll, Sunrise Roll, vegetable nigiri

For upscale vegan sushi, The Yasai is unmatched in San Diego. Helmed by Chef Junya Watanabe, formerly of RakiRaki Ramen & Tsukemen, this plant-based omakase-style spot offers rolls like the Truffle Truffle—layered with truffle aioli, garlic chips, and mushrooms—and the Sunrise Roll, filled with marinated tomato and tofu. Nigiri features fruits and vegetables transformed into elegant sushi bites—pickled squash, marinated beets, and shiitake “tuna” all make appearances. Minimalist décor, refined plating, and a focus on texture and umami put The Yasai at the cutting edge of vegan cuisine in San Diego.

4. Grains Café

Where: 3047 University Ave, Hillcrest
Vibe: Neighborhood café with East-meets-West comfort bowls
What to order: BBQ jackfruit nachos, turmeric coconut curry bowl, tempeh BLT

Grains Café sits at the crossroads of creativity and comfort, presenting familiar formats—nachos, bowls, sandwiches—with a vegan twist. Their BBQ jackfruit nachos pile smoky jackfruit over crispy tortilla chips, house-made cheese sauce, and pickled jalapeños, while the turmeric coconut curry bowl layers roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and chickpeas over cilantro rice. The tempeh BLT swaps bacon for marinated tempeh strips, assembling a satisfying handheld that even die-hard meat eaters rave about. Casual seating, free Wi-Fi, and friendly service make Grains a popular spot for both brunch and dinner.

5. WorldBeat Café

Where: 2100 Park Blvd, Balboa Park
Vibe: Global flavors in a vibrant arts and culture hub
What to order: Jamaican jerk veggie platter, Ethiopian injera plate, vegan sushi

WorldBeat Café channels cuisines from around the globe into creative plant-based plates set against the backdrop of Balboa Park’s WorldBeat Center. Jerk-spiced tofu, curried cauliflower, and coconut rice bring Caribbean flair, while the Ethiopian platter pairs lentil stews and veggies on injera for communal dining. Even viral vegan sushi—filled with avocado, mango, and crisp veggies—finds a place on the menu. With al fresco patio seating under towering palms and frequent cultural events nearby, WorldBeat Café is as much an immersive experience as it is a meal.

6. Mothership Market + Kitchen

Where: 3010 University Ave, North Park
Vibe: Bright communal tables inside a large plant-based market
What to order: Jackfruit carnitas tacos, buffalo cauliflower wrap, kombucha flight

Part café, part grocery, Mothership Market + Kitchen lets you assemble meals from a rotating kitchen menu or shop dozens of plant-based products to take home. The jackfruit carnitas tacos are a runaway hit—topped with pickled onions and cashew crema—while the buffalo cauliflower wrap pairs perfect spice with cooling slaw. Don’t miss their kombucha flight on tap, sampling local brews you can also stock in their fridges to go. Industrial-style space, large windows, and a friendly staff make Mothership a go-to for both lunch and dinner crowds.

7. Hazel & Jade Bakery

Where: 1926 W Morena Blvd, Bay Park
Vibe: Rustic bakery vibes with wood-fired oven and counter service
What to order: Everything croissant, carnitas bánh mì, vegan sticky buns

Hazel & Jade proved that vegan can do pastries—and do them exceptionally well. Their everything croissant achieves shatter-and-flakiness through skillful laminating, while savory offerings like the carnitas bánh mì use seitan for juicy, BBQ-style filling. Weekend sticky buns pull you in with gooey glaze and nutty streusel, perfect alongside house-roasted coffee. Cozy bench seating, mobile-ordering options, and Instagram-worthy displays make this bakery a daily ritual for many plant-based devotees.

8. Thanh Tinh Chay

Where: 2655 University Ave, North Park
Vibe: Casual Vietnamese vegan comfort food
What to order: Bún riêu chay (vegan crab noodle soup), bánh mì chay, fresh spring rolls

For light, flavorful Asian fare, Thanh Tinh Chay’s entirely plant-based Vietnamese menu is a local favorite. The bún riêu chay swaps crab for seasoned tofu “crab,” delivering a tangy broth with tomato and herbs. Classic bánh mì come piled high with marinated tofu, pickled veggies, and spicy mayo, while fresh spring rolls keep things crisp and refreshing. Bright murals, communal seating, and friendly staff add to the welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere.

9. Plant Power Fast Food

Where: Multiple locations (Ocean Beach, SDSU, La Jolla, Encinitas)
Vibe: 100% plant-based retro fast-food
What to order: Voodoo burger, Nashville hot chick’n sandwich, chili cheese fries

As America’s first fully plant-based fast-food chain, Plant Power Fast Food recreates all your guilty pleasures—burgers, shakes, chicken strips—with zero animal products. The Voodoo burger layers black bean-and-rice patty with pineapple, onion rings, and signature “Voodoo” sauce, while the Nashville hot chick’n sandwich packs a spicy, crispy punch. Don’t skip their chili cheese fries, made with house-made chili and vegan cheddar; plus the Oreo milkshake is a cult favorite. Casual dining rooms and walk-up counters make Plant Power a reliable spot for family dinners or late-night cravings.

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10. Veganic Thai Café

Where: 5204 El Cajon Blvd, City Heights
Vibe: Bright, homey Thai comfort spot
What to order: Panang curry, drunken noodles, mango sticky rice

Veganic Thai Café has earned accolades as one of San Diego’s top vegan restaurants, specializing in Thai classics made with coconut milk, tamarind, and house-made tofu. Their Panang curry is richly spiced and balanced with sweetness, while the drunken noodles offer wok-tossed noodles, veggies, and aromatic basil. For dessert, mango sticky rice with coconut cream is a must—sticky, fragrant, and utterly satisfying. Patio seating and welcoming staff make it a local institution in City Heights.

From the avant-garde plates at The Yasai to the fast-food thrills of Plant Power, San Diego’s plant-based scene is thriving—and remarkably diverse. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, grabbing a quick lunch, or gathering friends for cocktails, these ten restaurants prove that vegan dining here goes far beyond salads. Pack your appetite and explore the city’s meatless frontiers—each of these spots offers its own take on why plant-based food has never been more exciting.