Calling all vegan, vegetarian, vegan-ish, and vegetarian-curious San Franciscans! SF is a great place to go plant-based thanks to its awesome selection of vegan-friendly foods, even in restaurants with meat on the menu. We had a go at narrowing down some must-try places while striking a balance between fine dining, casual cafes, and everything in between. Scroll to the bottom for a map to point you in the right direction!
1. Wildseed
Wildseed is one of San Francisco’s most popular and highly-rated vegan restaurants, with delicious plant-based brunch, lunch, and dinner items each week. You can’t go wrong with diverse options including Mexican corn cakes, seasonal pizzas, beet poke, flaxseed pancakes, and so much more. Be sure to take a good look at their creative cocktail menu for garden-inspired cocktails and an impressive non-alcoholic selection.
Location: 2000 Union St, Cow Hollow
2. Ananda Fuara
Indian spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy was famous for teaching meditation and promoting healthy lifestyle practices in the United States and beyond. His inspiration is the driving force behind Ananda Fuara, which means “Fountain of Delight.” Their enormous menu includes both vegan and vegetarian options including crunchy samosas, portobello quesadillas, a sandwich made with their famous “neatloaf,” loaded baked potatoes, and award-winning vegan cakes.
Location: 1298 Market St, Civic Center neighborhood
3. Gracias Madre
This lively plant-based Mexican restaurant comes from the owners of Café Gratitude, so you know it’s gotta be good. Enjoy fresh locally-sourced ingredients in menu items including enchiladas, tacos, gorditas, quesadillas, flan, pozole, chilaquiles and much more. Don’t forget to check out their drink menu which astounds with tasty Bloody Marias, rum horchata, micheladas and more.
Location: 2211 Mission St, Mission neighborhood
4. Greens Restaurant
This popular vegetable-centric restaurant has celebrated a legacy of women chefs since 1979. The dining space is an absolute work of art, with sustainably designed wooden furniture, local paintings and art, and unbeatable ocean views. They serve delicious brunch, lunch, and dinner, all of which bring luxury and serenity to your dining experience.
Location: 2 Marina Blvd, Fort Mason, Building A
5. The Happy Vegan
Check out this lesser-known cafe for a vibrant and casual selection of plant-based baked goods, acai bowls, smoothies, vegan bagels, plant-egg omelettes, salads, and coffee. If you’re craving a totally plant-based breakfast sandwich, this is your go-to.
Location: 293 Bayshore Blvd, Bayview
6. Thai Idea Vegetarian
Enjoy modern, veggie interpretations of classic Thai dishes at this popular vegetarian restaurant! Some go-to menu items include pumpkin curry, green curry, Bangkok “duck,” satay “chicken,” and pad thai. Don’t forget a Thai ice tea float with vegan ice cream!
Location: 710 Polk St, Tenderloin
7. VeganBurg
Not all vegan food has to look straight out of the garden, and VeganBurg busts that “rabbit food” stereotype with their unbelievable burger menu! This is vegan fast food at its finest, and their award-winning burgers include flavors such as avocado beetroot, char-grilled satay, chili krab, smoky BBQ, creamy mushrooms, and more.
Location: 1466 Haight St, Haight-Ashbury
8. Shizen
Shizen Sushi Bar & Izakaya is one of San Francisco’s most well-known and coveted vegan restaurants. They plate up absolutely exquisite vegan sushi using classic shojin and sushi techniques for a totally unique dining experience. Iconic ingredients include tapioca, mountain yam, konjac, bean curd, and more. Check out their specialty rolls such as the Open Invitation with pumpkin tempura and avocado crema, or the Surprise Ending with beets, kale, and spicy alioli.
Location: 370 14th St, Mission
9. Nourish Café
Get healthy with Nourish Cafe’s perfectly balanced menu of brekkie bowls, sandwiches, toasts, smoothies, and more. Popular items include the Nourish Bowl with quinoa, yams, sprouts, hummus, and beet sauerkraut; quinoa waffles (Hyde St location), and the Nourish bánh mì sandwich.
Locations: 189 6th Ave (Lake St Neighborhood) and 1030 Hyde St (Nob Hill)
10. Vida Cantina
This plant-based Mexican spot flies under the radar but cleans up well! Get traditional flavors from vegan ingredients in popular items including enchiladas rojas, asada tacos, taquitos, and nachos with amazing cashew queso.
Location: 56 Belden Ln, Financial District
Featured image: @greensrestaurant via Instagram