Splurging Into Some of San Diego’s Best Meat-Free Restaurants

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Just 20 years ago and prior, vegetarians had to diligently scour the dining scene to find restaurants devoted exclusively to their dietary lifestyle. The options were limited. And vegans had it even tougher.

Though lucky for both—and for carnivores taking an occasional break from animal fats—a culinary renaissance has occurred.

Locally, there remains a growing number of restaurants devoted to vegan/vegetarian consumers. Better yet, chefs have mastered the art of cooking without meat by putting forth a plethora of dishes that can rival cuisine containing animal products in both flavor and presentation.

Below is a roundup of our favorite vegan/vegetarian kitchens in the San Diego area.

Grains

University Heights

Since its launch in 2017, Grains has earned raves for serving up an “East meets West” style of plant-based cuisine that includes top sellers such as Buffalo-style cauliflower, sprightly salads, zesty pasta dishes, and a killer Philly cheesesteak that uses mushrooms to achieve its meaty flavor and vegan cheese to give it a classic, gooey finish. The restaurant also has an accommodating wine and craft beer list. 2201 Adams Ave., 619-269-5999, grainscafe.com

Native Foods

Clairemont Mesa and Loma Portal

El Veganito

La Mesa

Located inside the Grossmont Center’s food court, El Veganito serves up fast-casual plant-based Mexican cuisine that even keeps carnivores coming back. The menu covers all bases with healthy versions of burritos, bowls, sopes, and several tacos that includes a convincing “phish” taco. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, 619-303-7247, tacotarianlv.com

Civico 1845

Little Italy

meats on crust French baguette bread. 6171 Mission Gorge Road, Suite 118, 619-280-3388, thepurplemint.com

Loving Hut

North Park

This popular dining destination in the heart of Little Italy is perhaps the only Italian restaurant in Southern California that offers a vegan menu in addition to its regular one. We can thank co-owner Pietro Gallo for that. He is a vegan who brings to the table exquisite dishes such as carpaccio made with portobello mushrooms; rich lasagna ragu; and spaghetti with almond-based ricotta. Even carnivores consistently applaud his meals. The restaurant also appeals with its attractive modern-rustic design. 1845 India St., 619-431-5990, civico1845.com

Plantiful Kitchen

Carlsbad

If you are on the hunt for natural baked goods that are free of gluten, refined sugar, bad oils and animal products, you’ve come to the right place. The business makes everything from dinner rolls and bread loaves to cakes, cookies and donuts. Some of its products can be found in restaurants and coffee shops throughout San Diego County, such as Nectarine Grove Bakehouse in Encinitas, MRKT Space in La Jolla, and The Green House in Mira Mesa. 5661 Palmer Way, Suite G, Carlsbad, 760477-3903, plantiful-kitchen.com

Jyoti-Bihanga

Normal Heights

Flat screens perched within Loving Hut’s sleek, bright atmosphere transmit 24-hour feeds filled with “positive light” programming that is subtitled in dozens of languages. The images somehow correspond to the restaurant’s vibrant vegan dishes, which smack of wellness. Crispy rolls filled with Impossible Meat and wood ear mushrooms are a fine preface to superb soups, generous noodle dishes, spicy faux shrimp, and a crispy soy chicken patty with Sriracha-spiked vegan mayo on a toasted sesame bun.1905 El Cajon Blvd., 619-683-9490, lovinghutsandiego.com

Donna Jean

Bankers Hill

Like a slow-growing oak tree, Native Foods Café has gradually grown ever since the concept took root in Palm Springs some 20 years ago. As one of the first fast-casual vegan eateries to break away from flavorless, esoteric cuisine that kept non-vegans at a distance, the chain has perfected replicating dishes common to carnivores. Using ingredients such as nuts; house-made wheat gluten (seitan); and cultured soybeans and millet (tempeh), we’re particularly fond of the house nachos with cashew cheese. Thumbs up also to the plant-based Nashville hot chicken, the Italian cold cut sandwich, and their double vegan cheeseburger. 5604 Balboa Ave. and 3369 Rosecrans St., 858-278-2855, nativefoods. com.

Vegetarians have been flocking to Jyoti-Bihanga for at least two decades to savor an array of dishes that have helped pioneer meatless meals into becoming flavorful and inventive. Its best-selling vegetarian “neatloaf” blends together ricotta cheese, grains, soy and spices before baking in the oven to a marvelous finish. It’s served with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy, which makes the meal difficult to pass up whenever we visit. Other winners include Thai stir fry with organic tofu and peanut sauce, the “Cali” black bean burger, and bean chili with jack cheese and corn bread. 3351 Adams Ave., 619-282-4116, jyotibihanga.com.

The Purple Mint Vegan Bistro

Grantville

At nearly a decade old, this spacious, elegant restaurant offers delicious Vietnamese dishes hailing from the owners family recipe box. Their menu extends also to a couple of Chinese-influenced dishes such as Kung pao “chicken” which has become a favorite. Also praiseworthy are items such as “duck” noodle soup; lemongrass “beef” and the banh mi sandwiches incorporating fresh veggies and mock

Carnivore-turned-vegan Roy Elam pays tribute to his late mother with this Midwest-inspired restaurant, which he launched in his mom’s name after she succumbed to breast cancer some years ago. His carefully crafted dishes are full of flavor and rely on sustainable, seasonal ingredients. Among his signature dishes is the cast-iron mac and cheese, which wows with mozzarella, smoked cheddar, green onions and breadcrumbs. Elam also does wonders with house-made pasta and pizzas using whole wheat dough. 2949 Fifth Ave., 619-299-5500, donnajeansd.com

The Village SD North Park

The menu globe trots between Mexico and Japan while adhering to the tenets of plant-based cooking. A roomy dining room sets the stage for dishes such as chipotle-jackfruit burritos, chile rellenos stuffed with mashed potatoes, and mushroom fajitas. On the Japanese end of the spectrum you’ll find tempura veggies, and a colorful variety of vegan sushi. 2611 El Cajon Blvd., 619-255-5060, thevillagesd.com

(By Frank Sabatini Jr.)

Kindred

There is much to absorb at Kindred, a bustling plant-based restaurant and cocktail bar that pays exceptional detail to food, mixology and interior design. A mix of French Victorian and Gothic appoint- ments create an atmosphere for dining on things like char-grilled seitan skewers, hearts of artichoke, and a fantastic Memphis-style pulled pork sandwich using jackfruit. The sandwich is elevated with onions, green chili aioli and a fresh sourdough roll – a perfect come-on to the restaurant’s crafty cocktails. 1503 30th St., 619-546-9653, barkindred.com.

Tacotarian

North Park

A sleek, earthy interior sets that stage for plantbased takes on street food found throughout Mexico City at this fast-casual eatery. The menu uses Beyond Meat products, jackfruit and seitan to mimic meat in nearly 20 types of tacos. You will also find tasty soups and salads, as well as commendable desserts such as coconut cake and ice cream using plant-based milks. 4332 30th St., 619-432-1815, eattacotarian.com.

Plumeria Vegetarian

University Heights

Vegetarian versions of duck, beef, chicken, pork and shrimp comprise the protein list, along with non-GMO tofu. The mock duck and shrimp in

(By Frank Sabatini Jr.)

particular are convincing in terms of texture and flavor—to the degree in which many carnivores are fooled into thinking they’re eating the read deal. The restaurant has long served as a go-to for plant-based Thai cuisine, attracting a brisk business to a dining room that was expanded several years ago to keep up with demand. 4661 Park Blvd., 619-269-9989, myplumeria.com

Correction: The feature article that ran our March 2023 editions of Local Umbrella Media titled, “Cucino Caprese: A Taste of Italy,” was erroneously credited to Robin A. Williams. The story was actually reported and originally written by food columnist, Frank Sabatini Jr., for another newspaper group initially. In addition, the restaurant’s name as it appeared in our headline was misspelled, as it should have read “Cucina” instead of “Cucino.” We apologize for the errors. — Local Umbrella Media.