If you were to ask anyone who lives here, they would tell you that San Francisco is known as a foodie town, unlike any other. There are more restaurants per capita than any other city in the U.S. Besides, the food culture here is quite unique. There is a lot of progressive thought that goes into cooking in the bay area, and local residents tend to be very health conscious.
It is not uncommon to overhear a local talking about what they found at the local farmers market or the newest health trend. In complete harmony with the tendency to eat healthier, it should come as no surprise that San Francisco is home to some of the best vegetarian restaurants in the entire nation.
Citizens of San Francisco are also lucky to be surrounded by fresh and local produce year-round, and the small locally operate farms supply some of the freshest ingredients directly to the table of these tasty eateries.
Whatever your reason for choosing to eat vegan or vegetarian, the Bay Area is in no short supply of some fantastic ethical eats.
Gracias Madre
2211 Mission Street, San Francisco, California Phone: (415) 683-1346
Gracias Madre is known for its atmosphere, just as much as its food. This Mexican inspired diner serves traditional-style dishes that are all plant-based. However, despite being completely vegan, it remains hearty and satisfying. They serve up everything from tacos to traditional tamales, and nothing tastes lacking, and every dish leaves you satisfied.
Gracias Madre uses locally grown and seasonal produce to create traditional recipes as well as a familiar atmosphere. The festive dining area is akin to an old Spanish mission, which nods to rustic life and sustainable living. The overall ambiance is romantic and pleasant, and their food is out of this world.
Greens Restaurant
2 Marina Boulevard, Fort Mason, Building A, San Francisco, California Phone: (415) 771-6222
Greens Restaurant is quickly establishing itself as a local institution. It relies solely on farm-to-table ingredients to produce some stellar vegetarian cuisine. It was established in 1979 in a partnership with what was known a the San Francisco Zen Center, Greens remains crowded and serving its die-hard patrons after all these years.
The menu at Greens focuses mainly on California cuisine, yet sometimes ventures into French, Mediterranean, and Asian fusion. Their dishes are focused on seasonality and availability, and Greens has a knack for allowing natural flavors to shine. If you are looking for some quality, organic grub, Greens is time tested and hippie approved.
Wildseed
2000 Union Street, San Francisco, California Phone: (415) 872-7350
Wildseed has been a trendsetter since its inception in 2019, and locals continue to flock to this vegetarian hangout. Wildseed is famous for its minimalistic design and humble plant-based menu. They utilize only local northern California produce and update their list based on what is available locally. Whatever season it is, Wildseed knows how to bring the best flavors out of their dishes.
Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar
370 14th Street, San Francisco, California
If you are craving quality sushi with a vegan twist, Shizen has everything you are looking for and more. The rustic-style restaurant has put an artistic flair on traditional Japanese Sushi. However, the biggest twist is that every item on the menu is plant-based. The chefs employ both Japanese Buddhist techniques as well as seasonal vegan ingredients to create some of the tastiest sushi you will ever try.
The owners of Shizen are especially committed to helping the environment and saving endangered ocean species. They strive to leave a minimal ecological footprint and practice sustainable living and cooking. Vegan or not, this sushi is a must-try.
Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant
839 Kearny Street, San Francisco (Chinatown), California Phone: (415) 685-4807
If you are looking for a vegetarian-friendly diner with a lot of options, you’ve come to the right place. Enjoy is not only cozy, but this is also ambitious. The menu features well over 100 vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes, which focus mainly on Chines and Thai recipes. This restaurant practices the Buddhist tradition of vegetarian cooking and does not use any onions or garlic in their recipes.
Their simple yet elegant dining rooms are lined with beautiful traditional art, and the restaurant itself takes on a quiet ambiance, which is perfect for a date night or simple self-reflection. This Asian-inspired diner is vegetarian food done right.
Learn more about life in San Francisco. Get in touch with us at 415.345.3022 to find out what your options are in California’s real estate.