20+ Vegan-Friendly Spots to Check Out in North County San Diego
Not just for vegans anymore, these healthy options are consumed 90% of the time by the average diner in an effort to be more health conscious. And, as each groundbreaking documentary gains popularity; the lights shine a little brighter at the doorway of the restaurants that provide vegan options.
Use the filters to find the perfect vegan restaurant near you.
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1. Beaming
Ready for a smoothie that will knock your socks off? Step into this café and be delighted with the variety of tasty smoothies, raw vegan wraps and salads for lunch, the daily soup special, an acai bowl that is arguably one of the best in the county and then top it off with a brownie, cupcake, fresh pressed juice or energy elixir shot. Every item is proudly vegan, gluten-free, GMO-free and organic.
- 2683 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014
- 7710 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (inside Equinox Fitness)
- More Information
2. Del Mar Rendezvous
(vegan options)
CNN awarded this local favorite one of the fifty best Chinese restaurants in the US. With an entirely vegan menu available with options such as Vegetable Lo Mein, Vegetable Noodle Soup, and their customer favorite: Buddha’s Treasure you will see why. Daily drink specials and an online ordering system keep this modern Chinese restaurant in your vegan Rolodex.
3. Flower Child
(vegan options)
Fitting in at Del Mar’s Flower Hill shopping center like it was always meant to be there. The variety of vegan options are so vast; you’ll have to come back for a second and third visit. After you try the Indian Spiced Cauliflower it won’t be difficult to convince you either. They even have breakfast and a healthy kids menu.
4. Ki’s Restaurant
(vegan options)
One of the few all organic, all day menu, with locally sourced produce spots with a location directly across from the surf. Tons of vegan options and well known for fresh juices and gluten-free treats.
5. EVE Encinitas
The local hotspot that has redefined the average person’s perception of vegan food. With famous bowls aptly named the Legendary Hero or jackfruit tacos finishing off with vegan desserts from local bakers, the famous neurohacker smoothie or a kombucha on tap will turn you into a regular after your first visit.
6. Native Foods
As a fast-casual chain, this entire plant-based menu has some serious variety. Nachos, burgers, Buddha bowls, salads, tacos and some sweet treats such as cookie sandwiches and cupcakes. The kids menu includes favorites such as mac n cheese and “chicken” nuggets. You are sure to find something for everyone with the variety on this menu.
7. Peace Pies
One of the few, if not only, purely raw vegan spots in San Diego. Owner and creator JP brings a menu that will have you drooling back for more. Every item is homemade with love, sourced from a local farm and crafted with delicious care. Go in with an open mind and leave with a belly full of the freshest ingredients San Diego has to offer. You’ll fall in love with the dehydrated coconut wraps filled with fresh veggies, the raw pizza, or mystical mushroom quesadilla, finishing off with cheeze cake, or vegan donuts.
- 133 Daphne Street, Encinitas, CA 92024
- More Information
8. Plant Power
The future of fast food. Any item you would find on a typical fast food menu is proudly plant-based, non-GMO, organic and free from additives and preservatives. Get a “beefy’ patty for your burger or opt for the black bean version, on options such as the Big Zac (sound familiar?), the holy guacamole or mushroom swiss with a side of crispy fries or kale slaw. Kids can get a meal with chicken nuggets, mini corn dogs, or a cheeseburger and finish it off with a milk-shake, organic soda or kombucha.
9. Healthy Creations
(vegan options)
Vegan favorites include the quinoa power bowl, raw banana bread, veggie burger, and smoothies. Every order is made fresh in this café style eatery with plenty of gluten free options as well. There is even a table just for the kids with activities to keep them busy so you can enjoy your meal.
10. Yummy Cupcakes
(vegan options)
Vegan cupcakes that taste like, well… Cupcakes! You won’t even realize they are vegan with options that include staples such as vanilla; you’ll also fall in love with Cinnamon Maple French Toast or Chocolate with raspberry filling.
11. SitaRam
(vegan-friendly)
Authentic, tasty and fresh Indian food prepared home-style with a variety of options to choose from. Favorites include the dosa, Pani Puri and carrot halwa.
12. Veggie Grill
Offering a variety of options that include vegan favorites such as the Beyond Burger, “fish” tacos, nachos, fresh salads and a carrot cake that you won’t want to share.
13. Kim’s Vietnamese Restaurant
(vegan options)
Welcoming in the fall season with a hot bowl of authentic of vegan pho or “chicken” with peanuts and mushrooms is nicely done in this family-run restaurant. The variety of the menu, fresh ingredients, and the warm and friendly staff will bring you back all year.
14. Lotus Café and Juice Bar
(vegan options)
Endless options, freshly pressed juice, kid-friendly, gluten-free, raw cheesecakes. You’ll happily be back to sample your way through the menu.
15. Breakfast Republic
(vegan options)
With multiple locations throughout San Diego, this breakfast and lunch hot spot has it down. Vegan scrambles, gluten-free options, melon mimosas; there’s something for everyone.
16. Choice Superfood
First, it’s a super cute repurposed shipping container and then you get your hands on Raw Chocolate Truffles, yes, please! They love to re-use, reduce and recycle: famous for fresh pressed juice in glass jars that when returned you get credit towards your next purchase. Relax at the community table in the open grassy area while you enjoy Quinoa “sushi”, salads, and immunity shots.
17. Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza
(vegan options)
Two words: vegan-cheese. And then you get to build your own on an amazingly soft and crispy crust.
18. California Homemades
With a simple and fresh menu, this quick stop hits the spot. Unique flavor combos are pulled together to make their soups, avocado toast, and fresh pressed juices.
19. Everbowl
Everyone loves an acai bowl, and Everbowl brings variety and fun combinations together. Don’t see your favorite combo on the menu? Make your own. Or try a fresh smoothie with a make your own option too.
20. GreensPlease
(vegan-friendly)
Soups, salads, kombucha on tap, wellness shots, great bowls, smoothies, fresh coffee, the options are almost endless! Forget your probiotic this morning? Not to worry, they have you covered.
21. Churchill’s Pub and Grille
(vegan options)
Vegan buffalo cauliflower bites will draw you in and get your belly ready for the vegan mushroom burger with garlic and Cajun fries. A vegan Rueben? Why not! This gastropub will surprise you with the variety of tasty options in a family-friendly atmosphere.
