A Bite of San Diego: Vegan

 Following a vegan diet is easy in SD with the abundance of local vegan-friendly spots 

Shelby Todd / A&C Asst. Editor / The USD Vista

 Veganuary may be over, but vegan restaurants catering to this popular new lifestyle are here to stay. San Diego in particular is home to a thriving vegan food scene, with new vegan eateries popping up all the time. In a report by Wallethub, San Diego was ranked ninth among the best cities in the U.S. for vegans. Whether you eat a completely vegan diet or are just looking to try something new, this week’s edition of A Bite of San Diego has rounded up the best spots to get a delicious vegan meal.

The Purple Mint 
Vegan Bistro
6171 Mission Gorge Road #118, San Diego, CA 92120

The Purple Mint is an entirely vegan restaurant serving Asian food with a vegan twist. This spot is one of the newest to open near campus and is already becoming popular with students. The Purple Mint’s philosophy is to promote a healthy vegan lifestyle by serving meatless versions of classic dishes that don’t sacrifice on taste. The Orange Chicken’s ($11.50) sticky glaze packed a punch of fresh orange flavor, while the crispy “chicken” tasted almost exactly like the real thing. Other dishes such as the Crispy Egg Rolls ($8.50) and Yam & Sweet Potato Curry ($10.95) are equally as tasty and are made 100% vegan using meatless strips and soy proteins. Specialty drinks such as the Passion Fruit Tea ($4.95) are a refreshing addition to the meal, being perfectly sweetened with fresh fruit. The customer service at The Purple Mint is also top notch. The servers are quick to attend to your needs, and if you stay long enough, they may even offer you a taste of the special vegan beef jerky they sell in store. The Purple Mint’s roomy dining space offers plenty of seating. The mostly white decor is highlighted by pops of blues on the bench pillows that provide comfort and elegance. Two large trees bring a calming ambiance and nice backdrop for pictures of your meal. The large parking lot outside the restaurant offers plenty of 30-minute parking, but if you are looking to stay longer, plan to leave a little early to find a regular spot during rush hour.

Cafe Gratitude
1980 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

Cafe Gratitude is one of the most popular vegan restaurants San Diego has to offer. This restaurant is all about the dining experience. Cafe Gratitude prides itself on food that is prepared and served with love and does so by creating high-quality, sustainable meals. The diverse menu is unique in that all items are named by feelings instead of ingredients. Options such as Ecstatic ($14.00), glazed brussel sprouts, Awesome ($17.50), an eggplant focaccia sandwich, and Humble ($17.00), an Indian curry bowl, are meant to spark emotion and gratitude for what you feel when eating them, and not what is in them. Each dish is packed with flavor and plenty of nutrients. On a sunny San Diego day, the open dining room is flooded with natural light to compliment the friendly service and colorful dishes, making for a cheerful atmosphere. On top of their food options, the menu includes beverages like Pressed Juices ($8.00), Teas ($6.50), and Kombucha ($5.50). Cafe Gratitude is located in Little Italy and parking can be difficult to find, so plan to leave early to get a spot. 

Plant Power Fast Food
2204 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107

Another spot is a restaurant calling themselves the “future of fast food.” Plant Power is a plant-based fast food restaurant located in Ocean Beach. This innovative business has brought vegan food into the fast food industry, showing that a vegan diet can be easily accessible and even indulgent. The growing business has three locations in San Diego, including one in Encinitas and on San Diego State University’s campus. For Toreros looking for some classic fast food fare, Plant Power’s menu includes fast food favorites like burgers (from $6.95), “chicken” tenders ($5.49), french fries ($2.75), and milkshakes ($4.95). If you’re looking for a healthier option, they also serve salads and sandwiches. Breakfast items like muffin sandwiches ($5.95) and burritos ($7.95) are available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. for those getting an early start to their day. Inside, the restaurant is decorated in its signature green and orange colors, with complimenting natural woods. The indoor dining room and outdoor patio are reminiscent of a high-end fast food restaurant like Shake Shack. On top of being an all-vegan menu, Plant Power’s packaging, utensils, and dining materials are all 100% biodegradable, supporting their goal of creating meals that are good for your body and the planet. The restaurant has a small parking lot, but its main feature is a drive-up option to take your food to go. With the OB location being so close to Sunset Cliffs, the drive-up option offers the perfect opportunity to grab your food to go and enjoy your meal while watching a beautiful San Diego sunset.

Donna Jean
2949 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

Donna Jean is a Banker’s Hill standout that promotes a healthy plant-based diet by creating delicious meals that will impress even the most dedicated meat eaters. Chef Roy Elam’s goal when opening Donna Jean was to create a vegan menu that was made for everyday dining, and not just an alternative. Vegan pizza lovers, this is the spot for you. This award-winning restaurant was given the title of Best Pizza in 2017 and 2018 in a poll for Vegan in San Diego. Toreros looking for a simple pie that is still full of flavor should order the Four Horsemen ($16.00), made with a mouthwatering blend of four kinds of vegan cheese. For more adventurous eaters, the Black Widow ($16.00), topped with black garlic, smoked dates, and calabrian chiles, is one of the most popular pizza options. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, the menu also includes pastas and salads. The Cast Iron Mac & Cheese ($16.00) has been highly praised, with the Huffington Post deeming it the “best vegan mac and cheese ever.” Donna Jean’s indoor seating is great, but their outdoor patio, complete with an abundant garden of greenery and strung twinkle lights, will create the perfect setting to eat your meal. If you want to see for yourself if Donna Jean is worth the hype, prepare to leave a bit early to find street parking in case their small, shared lot is full.