This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 8, 2009.
So, you’re the one who eats tofurky during Thanksgiving. And, you’re the one with the latest copy of “Diet for a New America.” And, you’re the one who leaves the newsroom when the men eat fried chicken (OK, the last one is just me). Well, San Diego is one of the best cities to be a vegetarian; for the American comfort food lover, for the Asian food aficionado and now, for the veggies-only-eater on the go, you’ll never go hungry in the sunny SoCal city. Introducing, eight great vegetarian-friendly restaurants in America’s Finest City.
At Spread in Hillcrest, the chefs treat their food like art, plating it in only the most presentable and charming manner. And, in addition to treating their food like fine art, the restaurant changes its menus regularly because chefs only use organic veggies in-season that are found at the local farms. It’s Italian, in a sense, that they serve the dishes family-style for customers to share. So, what’s the best in-season dish? For me, it was the macadamia rose pesto grits — a dish of roasted vegetables, handmade pesto and fancy rose petals. But, don’t leave Spread without trying its delectable vanilla gelato and Mexican hot chocolate. Finally, the restaurant gets its name from selling different “spreads” like peanut, almond butter, dark chocolate and blonde peanut butter. Mmm! Spread is located 2879 University Ave., 92104. (619) 543-0406
Jyoti Bihanga: It’s a quaint corner restaurant in Normal Heights with a loud, sky-blue-colored decor. The owners of the Jyoti Bihanga define themselves as the students of Sri Chinmoy, the Indian spiritual leader, and as a result do not eat meat. And, at this spot, Sri Chinmoy taught them well — at least when it comes to delicious tummy-fillers. Perhaps the most popular dish is the “Neatloaf.” Instead of using actual meat, the restaurant blends brown rice, grains, eggs, tofu, riccotta cheese and other spices together and tops it off with a delicious tomato-based sauce. A vegan version of the dish is also offered using substitutes for eggs and ricotta cheese. Other delicious dishes include the Buddha Burger, Thai Stir Fry, Brahma Burger and a daily-changing-dish called the “Daily Harmony Special.” Jyoti Bihanga is located at 3351 Adams Ave., 92116. (619) 282-4116. For daily specials, follow the restaurant on Twitter.
Sipz Fusion Cafe: Chicken, beef and meatballs may appear on the menu, but Sipz is 100 percent vegetarian. The Asian fusion restaurant uses substitutes for its meats, but still calls them by their traditional names. (It comes in handy when you bring a friend who doesn’t realize it’s all vegetarian and orders a chicken dish – right my-chicken-loving Erica?) The restaurant carries salads and rice bowls and pad Thai dishes and even Pho, a noodle soup which typically has a beef-base. At Sipz, it’s soy-based and it’s delish! Sipz also carries Boba drinks for any tapioca lovers. Sipz Fusion Cafe has two locations: 5501 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., 92117; (858) 279-3747; and 9450 Scranton Road, 92121; (858) 447-1103.
Loving Hut: “Be veg, go green, save the planet,” is Loving Hut’s slogan. The restaurant (which just opened its San Diego location on May 30) carries American dishes and Asian dishes — all of which are vegetarian and most of which are vegan! Some of the most appetizing dishes include Mango Salad (a refreshing dish of shredded radishes, cucumbers, carrots, cilantro and mango strips topped with vinaigrette dressing) and Thai Pineapple Rice and Spring Roll (wok fried rice with veggies, soy protein with a veggie spring roll on the side). Finish your meal with a delicious, homemade vegan cheesecake. Yum! Pizza Hut please step aside; there’s a new Hut in town. Loving Hut is located at 1905 El Cajon Blvd., 92104. (619) 683-9490
Pokez has been one of San Diego’s favorite Mexican food restaurants since … well, for a really long time. The downtown veggie joint is plastered with stickers, blares loud Mexican rock music and it seems by appearances the owner only hires servers with at least five visible tattoos. The restaurant touts that it only uses vegetable oil (which is rare according to my friend’s Mexican aunt who always says, “If they don’t use lard, it’s not real Mexican food!”) and often uses organic produce. Its best dishes include tofu nachos, potato enchiladas and veggie burritos. Pokez even offers whole wheat or spinach tortillas. The best part about Pokez? The price. Dishes range from $5 to $9. But, don’t expect the waiter or waitress to treat you like royalty. (“What does this mean?” you ask. You’ll find out.) Which, if you only pay $5 for your burrito, who needs insincere compliments about your jewelry? Pokez is at located 947 E St., 92101. (619) 702-7160
Mama’s Bakery and Deli: Mama never lets us down and that’s true too at this Lebanese deli. As one of the few restaurants in San Diego that found its success after renovating an old home and opening up the backyard as its dining area, Mama’s is the “it” spot in North Park. From falafels to yogurt to eggplant wraps, everything you eat at Mama’s ends with a “Ohmygoodness, this is so yummy.” But, not only is this place vegetarian-friendly — Mama caters to your carnivore friends with a variety of meat-filled entrees. Find more comfort after your main course by trying one of Mama’s many Lebanese pastries or Baklawa, as they call it. Mama’s Bakery and Deli is located at 4237 Alabama St.; 92104. (619) 688-0717
Ranchos Mexican and Vegetarian Cuisine: Such an article could never be written without including the San Diego Mexican food chain. Ranchos, with two different locations, is the friendliest of vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Some fave dishes include the soy chorizo quesadilla, the shiitake torta and tofu veggie fajitas. All foods are organic with homemade drinks like the loved-rice-drink, horchata. Enjoy your meal in a dimly-lit restaurant surrounded by Mexican artwork, beautiful plants and soothing tunes. Being a patron of both locations for years, the servers are always sincere and will ensure that your dining experience is the best. Ranchos Mexican and Vegetarian Cuisine is located at 3910 30th St., 92104; (619) 574-1288; and 1830 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., 92107; (619) 226-7619
Finally, for vegetarians on-the-go — Nature’s Express offers non-meaty-fast-foods! I know, I was excited too! The Banker’s Hill restaurant even offers patrons a speedy-drive-thru. But, what Nature Express is most proud of, is that it offers fresh and organic foods. Dishes include lentil loafs, peanut udon, portabella fajitas, tempeh tacos and Spanish pilafs. Nature’s Express is located at 2949 Fifth Ave., 92103. (619) 550-1818
Hoa Quach is the political editor for the San Diego News Network.