San Francisco Vegetarian Cuisine

It has been said that nearly 5 million people live a vegetarian lifestyle in the United States alone, and while statistics do vary, there is no doubt that more and more travelers are on the search for vegetarian options when sampling the cuisine of their chosen destination. Whether it be for health reasons, political values or simply a matter of taste bud preference, vegetarianism (a meatless diet) and veganism (avoiding all animal products, including eggs and milk) are increasingly popular lifestyle choices. What’s more, many omnivores patronize non-meat establishments, too, simply for variety and the quality of food offered there.

Today we bring you a sampling of the vegetarian options in San Francisco, a city known for its world-class restaurants. Each one of these eateries is endorsed by yours truly, and I’ve been known to frequent them all!

Greens Restaurant
One of the first vegetarian restaurants in California, world-famous Greens opened in 1979 and has been providing a stellar gourmet vegetarian food experience ever since. Owned and operated by the San Francisco Zen Center, Greens is a favorite with locals as well as travelers. This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in this city of many dining options. It offers an elegant dining experience with gorgeous views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, a rotating menu (prix fixe on weekends), and features organic local produce. There’s even a take-out counter for easy, cost-effective lunches. Grab a sandwich and eat it on a one of the nearby piers.

Millennium
If you eat exclusively vegan cuisine, you may be used to compromising the quality of your meal while your dining companions enjoy their plentiful omnivore variety. Not at Millennium. A meal here is pure indulgence; flavor and decadence abounds. This upscale vegan organic dining experience is scrumptious from appetizer to dessert. I have dined here solo, in a pair, with a small group, or as part of a large party, and found the wait staff equally gracious every time. Millennium is located in the plush lobby of the Hotel California, conveniently located downtown just a short walking distance from Union Square.

Alive! Vegetarian Cuisine
How can soup, lasagna, fettucine alfredo, or apple pie be served raw and still be delicious? Find out at Alive. Located in the posh Marina district, this restaurant specializes in raw, organic, 100% vegan cuisine. They also offer free wireless internet for patrons to work while they dine.

Ananda Fuara
This unique Civic Center restaurant serves vegetarian Indian and Asian cuisine with vegan and macrobiotic options. Menu options range from samosas to vegetarian meatloaf. Some patrons are puzzled by the New Age decor, with light blue walls and meditative music playing, but this is because the restaurant is run by disciples of Chinmoy. Its downfalls are its limited seating and cash only policy, but that doesn’t stop its popularity, especially among locals who work downtown.

Bok Choy Garden
Sit among the Chinese lanterns in the charming, park-side Richmond District and partake in this restaurant’s fresh home-style vegan/vegetarian Chinese cuisine. This establishment does not use eggs, onions, garlic or MSG in its meals, and their fake meat entrées are tasty as well as healthy. Specialties include Kung Pao “Chicken” and Mongolian “Beef.”

Herbivore
Now with two San Francisco locations (Valencia Street and Divisadero Street) and a new one that just opened up in Berkeley, this popular vegan restaurant will be enjoyed by even more people. Diners usually scramble for the outdoor tables in front and backyard patio seating during the pleasant San Francisco weather, though the indoor seating is popular too with its minimalist design. Affordable and delicious, Herbivore serves up feel-good food with healthy flare. Try one of their many fresh-squeezed juice options for extra vitamins– you may be surprised that beet and carrot juice really is tasty!

Café Gratitude
This unique eatery serves live raw foods with plenty of, well, creativity. It’s as popular for brunch as it for dinner, in fact sometimes too popular; the crowds can make for meandering service. Once you do get served, be prepared to order dishes with titles like “I am Enlivened” and “I am Worthy,” and yes, you are highly encouraged to say these full titles aloud. However, this atmosphere– unnerving to some and enriching to others– is overshadowed by the food, which is undeniably delicious. Health consciousness permeates this place, and the combinations of foods is simply inspiring. Smoothies and fresh juices round out the experience.

Cha-Ya
A trendy Valencia Corridor favorite, Cha-Ya serves delicious vegan Japanese food such as noodle and rice dishes, soups (miso and others), vegetable tempura, a variety of vegan sushi, and more. Cha-Ya aims to carry on traditional Buddhist temple cuisine. They take cash only. Be sure to browse the many boutiques, shops, and bookstores in the area before or after your meal.

Golden Era Vegetarian Restaurant
This fully vegetarian Vietnamese and Chinese Buddhist restaurant has won awards for its extensive menu. There are over 50 appetizers and entrées to choose from, including fake meat options and plenty of tasty tofu dishes. It is located near the Union Square hotels and four blocks from Powell Station, with off-street parking garages available as well.

What vegetarian food guide would be complete without dessert? While most restaurants offer tasty after-dinner treats, sometimes a simple stand-alone dessert is in order, and for that head to Maggie Mudd. A friendly ice cream parlor located in the charming Bernal Heights neighborhood, Maggie Mudd features a huge variety of flavors of dairy/lactose-free vegan ice cream. They also create custom-made cakes, with dairy, dairy-free, and gluten free options. To top it off, they will deliver cakes to your door!

This list just scratches the surface of the amazing offerings of San Francisco, so plan your visit and get ready for healthy indulgence. Bon appetit!

More popular vegetarian eateries:

Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant — 2026 Irving Street
Lucky Creation Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant — 854 Washington Street
Feel Real Organic Vegan Cafe — 4001 Judah Street, at 45th Ave

San Francisco Resources:

San Francisco Travel Guide
San Francisco Restaurants
San Francisco Hotels
San Francisco Attractions
California Wine Country Holidays
Weekend Getaways from San Francisco

Vegetarian Cuisine Resources:

Vegetarian Resource Group
Going Vegetarian Information
Why Go Vegetarian?
San Francisco Vegetarian Society
San Francisco Bay Area Vegetarians
Green Zebra - coupon book for Green living in the Bay Area

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