WRITTEN BY AALIYAH ALEXANDER
San Diego, California is a dream spot for many travelers. Reputed for long days on the beach, diverse local entertainment, and, most importantly, a thriving culture of vegan cuisine – what more could one want?
Everything from juicy plant-based burgers to Asian-inspired cuisine, sunny San Diego has really stepped up as the holy grail for plant-based eaters! Don’t believe me? Check out this list of vegan restaurants I enjoyed while on the West Coast of Southern California.
#1 Plant Power
Reminiscent of an old-school, 70’s burger joint with neon lights and retro aesthetic, Plant Power is the go-to place for the vibes and vegan burgers. But that’s not all they have to offer: Plant Power has crispy vegan chicken tenders and nuggets, buffalo wings, wraps, salads, and more. (Oh, and did I mention their iconic milkshakes and cookies?)
Plant Power also serves breakfast in select locations, offering “Chicken’ and Waffles” with a house-made aioli sauce, breakfast burritos, breakfast bagels, and sandwiches.
Want a Recommendation?
You can’t go wrong with the “Chicken and Waffle” for breakfast or a “Bacon Cheeseburger” with a side of “Iconic Fries” for lunch or dinner. (If you’re feeling in the mood, top it all off with a strawberry milkshake.)
#2 Donna Jean
Seasonal, sustainable, rustic, and comforting are all words to describe the vegan restaurant Donna Jean. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your brunch or dinner cravings, without a doubt, you’ll find something delicious at Donna Jean!
Donna Jean has a plethora of options for diners. Brunch options include cinnamon roll french toast, buckwheat pancakes, tofu scramble, and more. As for dinner, Donna Jean offers handmade pasta, pizza, and salads, just to name a few. And for those wondering, they do have desserts!
Want a Recommendation?
Try Donna Jeans’ tasty “Cinnamon Roll French Toast” for brunch and “Lasagna” for lunch or dinner. (Thank us later.)
You can’t go wrong with Plant Power’s “Chicken and Waffle” for breakfast and a “Bacon Cheeseburger” with a side of “Iconic Fries” for dinner or lunch. (If you’re feeling in the mood, top it all off with a strawberry milkshake.)
#3 Trilogy Cafe
Located on a rooftop overlooking the breathtaking view of La Jolla, Trilogy Cafe offers a variety of rejuvenating smoothies and acai/pitaya bowls, soothing teas alongside filling entrees that include vegan nachos, mac n’ cheese, enchiladas, squash & meatballs, and more.
As an added bonus, Trilogy Cafe is connected to a yoga studio and eco-friendly boutique. So don’t be surprised if you encounter people hanging upside down on elastic bands on the rooftop or leave with a bag full of aromatic candles.
Want a Recommendation?
Trilogy Cafe’s “Breakfast Burrito” Is the perfect way to kickstart your morning. For lunch or dinner, go with their “Mushroom Asada Tacos” along with their creamy “Mac n Cheeze”!
#4 Loving Hut
Craving some comforting Asian-inspired cuisine? Then Loving Hut is the place to go! At this intimate and discreet joint, they offer mouth-watering vegan finds like cheese wontons, crispy spring rolls, pho, chow mein, katsu curry, tacos, and more. (Are you drooling yet?!)
Want a Recommendation?
It’s difficult choosing just one thing from Loving Hut’s extensive menu, but I promise you won’t regret trying their “Impossible Crispy Rolls” and “Cha Cha Garlic Noodles” for lunch or dinner.
#5 Evolution
Evolution has just what you need if you’re on the hunt for juicy burgers, flavor-filled burritos, or tasty tacos. With the planet and people in mind, Evolution offers a variety of locally sourced vegan options that will have you coming back for more.
Unfortunately, Evolution does not have breakfast options, but that shouldn’t stop you from fully appreciating their lunch and dinner menu!
Want a Recommendation?
Try Evolution’s “Mushroom Swiss,” which contains sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, aioli, lettuce, and tomato, alongside an order of fries. Top it off with one of their milkshakes (because when is a milkshake ever a bad idea?).
#6 Sipz
Located on a bustling road in North Park, Sipz is home to a variety of Asian-inspired vegan dishes that will satisfy just about any craving. Craving vegan sushi? They have it. Have your mind on some plant-based shrimp? How about a stir fry? Sipz has truly hit the mark with their Asian menu.
Sipz is open for lunch or dinner options.
Want a Recommendation?
I’m trying not to exaggerate when I say, Sipz’s “Walnut Shrimp”(i.e. Tempura battered shrimp covered in a sweet mayonnaise sauce with crunchy walnuts) is to die for. This coupled with their “Fried Wontons” is -chef’s kiss. You also won’t want to leave without trying their “Thai Sweet Rice with Fresh Mango” for dessert!
Aaliyah Alexander is a content and copywriter, graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and media studies. She has written and worked for a number of lifestyle brands around veganism and sustainable living. She is a passionate writer, especially focused on plant-based food and culture, sustainable fashion, and natural skincare.
You can follow Aaliyah on Instagram or her personal blog, aaliyahinspired.com.
