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Vegetarian Restaurants in San Francisco: 10 Best Options from Casual to Fancy
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: April 19, 2024
Are you looking for the best vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco? My list includes 10 of the most popular options in the city.
They range from casual options to those with gorgeous views around the SF Bay.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
1. Greens Restaurant
Greens Restaurant is one of the first places I think of when my husband and I want vegetarian and vegan options. They offer a creative menu with options such as Brentwood Corn & Zucchini Enchiladas, Roasted Knoll Farm Fig Tartine, and (one of my favs) the Green Gulch Little Gem Wedge Salad.
A gorgeous restaurant inside the Fort Mason Center, Greens sits along the waterfront and has great views of SF Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. If you get there at just the right time, you can also watch the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge. All of the tables have this view, but I suggest asking for a window seat for the best views as you dine.
In addition to the amazing views, they have some of the best vegetarian cuisine in San Francisco. And if you are vegan, they can easily adapt many of their menu items.
The menu changes with the seasons and the portions are the perfect size, so you will not leave hungry. They also have an excellent selection of beers, wines, and mixed drinks.
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday, closed Mondays. Lunch Tuesday - Friday 11:30 am - 2:30 pm; brunch Saturday - Sunday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm; dinner 5:30 pm to 9 pm.
Average Price: Small plates starting at $6; first course $11 - 18; main course $20 - 30
Address: Building A in the Fort Mason Center at 2 Marina Blvd
District: Marina
2. Loving Hut
The Loving Hut is one of the best budget-friendly vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco, and actually they only serve vegan food.
They are part of a worldwide chain of Loving Huts, but each franchise offers a unique menu, as they are family-owned and inspired by local ingredients. This one features a variety of Asian dishes from seaweed tofu soup to Chinese broccoli delight.
Their portions are large, so you will get plenty to eat for your day of touring San Francisco or nearby Golden Gate Park.
Hours: Open every day except Wednesday from 11 am to 9 pm
Average Price: Most dishes $9 - 16
Address: 524 Irving Street
District: Inner Sunset
3. Thai Idea Vegetarian
Thai Idea Vegetarian is one of my favorite Thai and vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco.
This place offers all the classic Thai dishes and authentic flavors you could want, from curry to pan fried noodles, to fried rice and several other entrees.
Some of my favorites here include the garlic & pepper over steamed veggies, the Panang curry, and the Pad Kee Mow. They also do a great job with plant-based meats, including duck and beef.
Hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday for lunch 11 am - 2:30 pm and dinner 5 pm - 9pm; Saturday - Sunday 12 pm - 9 pm; closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Average Price: $14 - $18 for main dishes to share
Address: 710 Polk Street
District: Civic Center / Tenderloin
4. Curry Up Now
What began as a popular food truck became an even more popular restaurant in San Francisco for vegetarians. Their colorful, tasty street food can now be found in locations all over the country.
Curry Up Now serves fast, fun Indian fusion dishes, including their tikka masala burritos, "Sexy Fries" (sweet potato fries topped with their famous creamy curry sauce), and Naughty Naan (flatbread with cheese, caramelized onions, and jalapeños).
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11 am - 10 pm; Friday - Saturday 11 am - 11 pm
Average Price: $14 - 16 for most main dishes
Address: 659 Valencia Street
District: Mission
5. Burma Superstar
If you're looking for something a little different, head over to San Francisco's Inner Richmond district just south of the Presidio to enjoy some Burmese cuisine.
Their famous tea leaf salad is a true vegetarian delight and an experience to behold, as they explain and mix all 12 fresh ingredients together before your eyes.
The menu offers a wide selection of vegetarian and tofu dishes flavored with mango, mint, cilantro, peanuts, and more. I personally love their garlic noodles.
This place is popular, so call ahead to make a reservation or be prepared to wait.
Hours: Lunch: Monday - Thursday 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, Friday - Sunday 11:30 am - 3 pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5 pm - 9 pm, Friday - Saturday 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Average Price: $15 - 22 for most vegetarian entrees
Address: 309 Clement Street
District: Inner Richmond
6. Udupi Palace
Udupi Palace in the Mission District is my favorite vegetarian Indian restaurant in San Francisco. It's popular, reasonably priced, and very tasty.
They serve up South Indian cuisine and are famous for their large selection of dosas, a type of stuffed thin pancake served with yummy sauces.
I also love their curries and their vegetable biryani. If you're into spice, you can also try their rasam soup.
Hours: Open daily 12 pm - 9 pm
Average Price: $10 - $16 per dish
Address: 1007 Valencia Street
District: Mission
7. Wildseed
For vegetarians looking for some good American comfort food, Wildseed will hit the spot. They've got an extensive menu of burgers, pizzas, soups, salads, and more. They are also fully vegan if that is your eating choice.
You'll also find a sprinkling of Mediterranean dishes, including baba ghanoush, hummus and a wonderful Mezze Platter.
One of my favorites is the Spicy Sausage Pizza. How do they have spicy sausage at a vegetarian and vegan restaurant? They make it out of jackfruit and it is amazing!
Be sure to also check out their weekend brunch menu.
Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:30 am - 9:30 pm; Fridays 11:30 am - 10:30 pm; Saturdays 11 am - 10:30 pm; Sundays 11 am - 9:30 pm. (Weekend brunch is served from 11 am to 3 pm)
Average Price: Starters $9 - 17; mains $18 - 23
Address: 2000 Union Street
District: Cow Hollow
8. Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant
Historically, San Francisco Chinatown was not known for vegetarian food, but Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant changed that. This local family-owned place became popular for the variety of tasty dishes they serve.
Inspired by Buddhist tradition, the menu offers fresh, healthy meals with more than 100 different choices.
Their food will satisfy any craving you have for Chinese cuisine, but without any onion, garlic, or MSG.
Hours: Lunch 11 am - 2:30 pm; dinner 5 pm to 8:15 pm (Chinatown location open daily; Sunset location closed Mondays)
Average Price: $14 - $18 for main dishes
Locations:
9. Cha-Ya
Cha-Ya is another awesome vegetarian restaurant in San Francisco's Mission district. They specialize in Japanese cuisine and have great vegan sushi.
They base their menu on a Zen Buddhist diet with healthy, fresh veggies. The stuffed eggplant tempura is delicious, as are their noodle soups and sukiyaki dishes.
It's a great spot for a vegetarian meal!
Hours: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; Wednesday - Friday lunch 12 pm - 2:30 pm and dinner 5 pm - 9 pm; Saturday - Sunday 12 pm - 3 pm and 5 pm - 9 pm.
Average Price: Sushi rolls and other main dishes $15 - $23
Address: 762 Valencia Street
District: Mission
10. Beit Rima
This delicious Mediterranean restaurant is another great place for vegetarians who are dining with meat eaters because, while there are some meat dishes on the menu, the majority of what they serve is indeed vegetarian.
The Shakshuka is excellent, and everything that comes out of the kitchen is made with fresh, high quality ingredients that fill their Arabic cuisine with flavor.
Average Price: $10 to $14 for vegetarian items
Address: 138 Church Street
District: Castro
Save on Meals with Groupon: One of the best places to look for restaurant deals is on Groupon.com. They offer everything from meal discounts to free addons. It's a great way to save during your stay. Click here to visit Groupon.com and check out their current special deals.
Other Places to Grab a Bite to Eat
Other Pages to Explore
The Perfect Day in San Francisco: Are you visiting San Francisco but only have a day or two to explore? If so, then check out my perfect day in San Francisco itinerary. It allows you to see as much as possible in a short period of time.
Food Festivals: If you love to sample a variety of foods, then check out these top food festivals in San Francisco. At each one, you will get the chance to savor the best local cuisines as well as meet with the chefs and mingle with other food lovers.
25 Fun San Francisco Facts: Are you curious about San Francisco's history or love hearing more about it? If so, you will love this page. It will answer many questions about Alcatraz Island, the Gold Rush, and more.
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