Thanks to the work of SF’s most creative chefs, vegetarians in San Francisco are lucky to enjoy a huge spectrum of wonderful culinary traditions. Whether you’re seeking a fantastic sushi selection from Shizen or can’t wait to try Burma Love’s colorful tea leaf salad, these are some of the best vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco that will cater to your vegan, vegetarian, and meat-eating friends alike.
Want more plant-based spots for your foodie bucket list? See our picks for the best vegan restaurants in San Francisco.
1. Cha-Ya
Sample a variety of family-style dishes at Cha-Ya, a Mission District restaurant that’s perfect for groups. The modern Japanese menu draws inspiration from “Shojin Ryori,” a type of Japanese Buddhist cuisine that traditionally avoids meat and fish. The result is a delightful vegan menu with dishes like stuffed eggplant tempura, vegan sukiyaki, soba and udon noodle soups, and sushi. Their standout dish is the Cha-Ya roll, a deep-fried tempura roll filled with avocado, yam, asparagus, and carrot, finished with a soy-ginger glaze.
📍 Location: Mission District • 762 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
2. Greens
This well-loved waterfront restaurant has honored a tradition of women chefs since 1979. The carefully-designed dining area is a masterpiece, featuring sustainably crafted wooden furniture, local artwork, and stunning ocean views. They offer delectable vegetarian brunch, lunch, and dinner, with popular dishes like the requisite fresh spring rolls with tofu, pickled vegetables, and mushroom salad.
📍 Location: Fort Mason Center • Building A, 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123
3. Beit Rima
Arabic comfort food restaurant Beit Rima has a great selection of dishes for vegetarians that go far beyond their mouthwatering falafel. Dip your pita into a bright red bowl of muhammara, a roasted red pepper dip made with walnuts and pomegranate molasses; delicata squash with brown butter lebna; and some of the best shakshuka you’ve ever tried.
đź“Ť Locations:
- Duboce Triangle • 138 Church St, San Francisco, CA
- Cole Valley • 86 Carl St, San Francisco, CA
4. Shizen
Shizen Sushi Bar & Izakaya stands out as one of the most renowned and sought-after plant-based restaurants in the city. They craft exceptional vegan sushi with the use of traditional shojin and sushi methods, incorporating ingredients like tapioca, mountain yam, konjac, and bean curd. Be sure to sample their specialty rolls, like the Open Invitation featuring pumpkin tempura and avocado crema, or the Surprise Ending with beets, kale, and spicy aioli.
📍 Location: Mission District • 370 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
5. Burma Love
A sister restaurant to SF’s legendary Burma Superstar, Burma Love offers a contemporary take on Burmese food with ample options for vegetarians. The most popular vegetarian dishes include the award-winning Tea Leaf Salad, made with fermented tea leaves, nuts, beans, garlic, and lettuce; the Rainbow Salad, which has twenty-two ingredients including tofu and green papaya; and the mouthwatering garlic noodles with house-made sweet and spicy sauce.
đź“Ť Locations:
- Mission District • 211 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Downtown San Francisco • 8 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94103
6. Rad Radish
Rad Radish is known for offering a seasonally-conscious menu at budget-friendly prices. Nosh o substantial burgers and sandwiches for under $15, dishes like curried cauliflower, falafel, and carrot ginger soup for under $10, and a selection of flavorful specialty juices and sodas. Whether you’re sharing one of their Roman-style pizzas with a fellow vegetarian or simply picking up a freshly-baked muffin in the morning, this is a must-visit during your next trip to Hayes Valley.
📍 Location: Hayes Valley • 301 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
7. Savor Cafe
Chef Mohamed Aboghanem presents his newest Bay Area restaurant, which focuses on vegetarian and vegan Arabic comfort food. The simple menu outlines a variety of sandwiches, shawarma, and salads, all of which showcase the best fresh produce and flavorful sauces. Try the portobello mushroom shawarma with sumac and garlic lemon tahini, or the wild mushroom knaffe with shredded phyllo and roasted tomato-bell pepper sauce.
📍 Location: Inner Sunset • 401 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
8. Wildseed
Wildseed is one of the most beloved vegan restaurants in San Francisco, offering delectable plant-based brunch, lunch, and dinner options every day of the week. Their diverse menu features delights such as Mexican corn cakes, seasonal pizzas, beet poke, and flaxseed pancakes. Cocktail lovers will want to visit just for the inventive drink menu, which includes garden-inspired cocktails and an impressive array of non-alcoholic beverages.
📍 Location: Cow Hollow • 2000 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
9. Enjoy Vegetarian
This magnificent vegetarian restaurant in San Francisco is a wonderful option for lovers of Chinese food. The family-owned and operated business serves a creative meatless menu of classic Chinese dishes, inspired by their Buddhist roots and highlighting high-quality and environmentally-friendly ingredients. Savor your favorite go-to Chinese vegetarian dishes, like sweet and sour tofu and fried wontons; as well as veggie takes on the classics, like Mongolian beef and Kung Pao chicken made with soy.
đź“Ť Locations:
- Chinatown • 839 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108
- Inner Sunset • 754 Kirkham St #3619, San Francisco, CA 94122
10. Udupi Palace
Indulge in bountiful platters of vegetarian South Indian cuisine at Udupi Palace, a popular Bay Area restaurant that’s been around for over two decades. People swear by their massive photo-worthy dosas, savory uthappams, colorful thali platters, and ample range of curries. Some popular items include the masala dosas with spinach or spiced potatoes and the chana masala curry with onion gravy.
📍 Location: Mission District • 1007 1/2 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Anyone who follows a meatless diet needs some go-to vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco that they absolutely swear by. Did your favorites make our list?