The Top 10 Vegan Restaurants In San Francisco

In Northern California, raw, vegan, Paleo, and gluten-free foods are all widely popular and available almost everywhere. Check out this list of the top vegan restaurants you should visit in San Francisco.

Gracias Madre

Restaurant, Dessert Shop, Mexican, Vegan

One of the few vegan restaurants in the city that offers Mexican cuisine, Gracias Madre goes above and beyond to offer delicious vegan meals that both herbivores and omnivores will enjoy. From their pozole to their delicious desserts, it’s hard not to want more. While reservations here can only be made for parties of 5 or more, they will take your phone number for their waitlist so that you can go wander the Mission until your table is ready.

Nourish Cafe

Cafe, Vegan

Located in Inner Richmond, Nourish Cafe offers some great options for breakfast, lunch, and dessert. Although they are only open until 3pm from Friday through Sunday, they are open until 7pm the rest of the week, and their food is definitely worth a try. From acai bowls (including a green acai bowl) to their ‘tuna’ sandwich, it is hard to go wrong here. Try their famous vegan, gluten-free chocolate chip cookies!

Seed + Salt

Restaurant, Vegan

Seed + Salt is a vegan restaurant that is also home to a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, so gluten-intolerant diners are very safe in their hands. They have everything from eggplant BLTs to taco salads alongside many delicious baked goods, which vary from day to day. Be sure to try their famous toast as well, you won’t regret it.

Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar

Restaurant, Bar, Sushi, Vegan

Undoubtedly the best vegan sushi in San Francisco, Shizen Sushi serves unique and delicious sushi and ramen in a chic location in the Mission. Tempting options include the ‘Surprise Ending’ sushi platter, which is a kind of spicy sushi Russian roulette; whoever finds the special piece must take a sake shot! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the atmosphere is phenomenal, so overall, this is a must-visit location.

Indochine Vegan

Restaurant, Vegan, Vegetarian, American, Sushi

The Mission is full of amazing vegan cuisine, and Indochine Vegan is no exception. This spot has found success in its ‘mission’ to provide cheap, delicious Asian vegan cuisine. The simple and minimal interior provides a great environment for the great meals, which include claypot rice, vegan sushi, and soy beef and chicken.

Golden Era

Restaurant, Vegan

Golden Era has a menu that could rival many non-vegan restaurants in variety alone. From rolls and wraps to entreés, noodles, rice plates, and soups, Golden Era has it all, and it’s all vegan. The restaurant recently moved to a new location and has continued to get better and better, so you should definitely stop into their new restaurant for delicious Asian fusion food.

Peña Pachamama

Restaurant, American

Peña Pachamama offers live musical performances after 7pm, which feature artists and musical styles from all over the world. The music does come with a cover charge, but if you’re simply looking for a good meal, sit upstairs for a quieter experience. Besides, you shouldn’t miss out on their delicious Bolivian cuisine.

Citizen Fox

Restaurant, Vegan

A pop-up restaurant in the Mission district, Citizen Fox is currently only open for Friday night dinners and Sunday brunch, but it is well worth it to plan a visit. They are expanding their location and will be a full service restaurant at some point in 2016, but they currently serve delicious dishes including bucatini, their ‘chicken fried’ tempeh, and their ‘That’s That!’ chocolate dipped ice cream sandwich. Be sure to make reservations before you go!

VeganBurg

Restaurant, Vegan, American

For vegans who still want to enjoy a burger every now and then, VeganBurg offers many different options. Their burgers range from a Hawaiian teriyaki burger to a tangy tartar burger, and they have plenty of sides, including seaweed french fries and brown rice ice cream. Next time you’re craving a burger, don’t microwave a veggie patty, head to VeganBurg.

The Flying Falafel

Food Kiosk, Restaurant, Fast Food, Middle Eastern, Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Looking for creative vegan cuisine? Flying Falafel has you covered. Their hummus is to die for, and if you just can’t get enough, you can order the ‘Plate Me,’ which is a gigantic plate full of hummus, veggies, and falafel. The best part is that this huge hummus plate is only $7.50, and most other items cost even less! If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, stop into the Flying Falafel, but be forewarned, there’s usually a line out the door at lunch.

About the author

Adriana Jones

Adriana is a Bay Area native and a freshman at the University of San Francisco, currently studying International Relations with a focus in Peace and Conflict studies in Latin America and Europe as well as a minor in Journalism. Besides her work at the Culture Trip, Adriana is also an editor at the USF newspaper, the Foghorn, and works part time at Nike. When she is not studying, working, or otherwise academically occupied, she can usually be found either at the climbing gym or searching for boba tea and vegan donuts. She also loves to travel and can often be found searching for cheap flights or staring longingly at photos of beaches.