Wildseed’s menu items, such as the rigatoni Bolognese and avocado toast, are as tasty as they are photogenic.
Vegan restaurants are nothing new, but these high-end eateries take it to the next level with creative dishes and cocktails made with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
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2000 Union St.; 415-872-7350 / Website
Wildseed serves diverse creative plates, all plant-based. Chef Alejandro Morgan uses seasonal produce to create high-quality dishes influenced by global flavors. The restaurant offers plates like the mushroom and spinach patty Wildseed burger, as well as a variety of appetizers, salads, bowls, pizzas and monthly seasonal sides. Open for lunch, dinner, brunch and takeaway, it's a great place to stop any time of day. Try Wildseed's cocktails made with fresh juices, local herbs and homemade extracts like the Holy Basil made of green chile vodka and cucumber basil shrub, as well as local beer and vegan biodynamic wines.
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395 Golden Gate Ave., 415-487-8687 / Website
A classic in these streets doing vegan Asian-fusion since 1999, Golden Era is a fan favorite among plant-based foodies. Taking cues from the flavors and techniques of Vietnam, China, India and Thailand, you'll be blown away by the flavor of these plates. The spring rolls, tomato noodle soup, rainbow salad and "Chef's Tasty Treats" are popular gets, the last being soy "beef" marinated in BBQ and garlic seasoning. You can also get pot stickers, curry wraps, papaya salad, spicy sweet and sour soup, pho, pad Thai, stir fried vegetable chowmein, Banh Xeo, rice plates. entrees, claypot meals, house specialty plates and more.
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370 14th St.; 415-678-5767 / Website
The team behind Tataki Sushi and Sake Bar—the first-ever sustainable sushi restaurant in the U.S.—also owns Shizen, the experimental vegan sushi bar and izakaya restaurant. Dedicated to changing our relationship with the ocean, the plant-based sushi spot offers elegant, colorful and flavorful dishes. The hot spot mixes the traditional Japanese sushi experience with a Californian avant-garde flair for an eccentric experience. Enjoy classic starters, including miso soup, garlic edamame and gyoza, before dining on salads, small plates, ramen and more. For nigiri, try the avocado, bean curd, green mango or spicy yuba. The menu offers classic sushi takes like the California roll, the avocado cucumber roll, sweet potato rolls and more, plus an array of specialty rolls, including the Open Invitation with pumpkin tempura, spiced burdock, shredded tofu, tapioca, avocado crema and renkon chips.
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370 Grove St.; 415-291-3773 / Website
A fan favorite among plant-based eaters in town seeking a variety of international flavors, Om Sabor is helmed by Mexican vegan chefs Dhanistha Rivera and Luis Alfredo Flores. Located inside the audiophile cocktail lounge Phonobar in Hayes Valley, you can enjoy a variety of authentic, seasonal flavors while you wrap yourself in glorious sound. Get started with the furikake fries or some "crab" arancini, maybe share a place of carne asada nachos made with wheat soy protein and Om Cheese sauce, then go in on some Chik'n paella skewers or sweet potato shephard's pie. The menu changes, so be sure to check online for the latest offerings.
839 Kearny St.; 415-956-7868 / Website
Get real Chinese flavors and techniques at this casual Chinatown favorite without the real meat. Inspired by Buddhism’s vegetarianism, this family-operated establishment offers incredible sweet and sour "chicken," chow mein, Mongolian “beef,” fragrant crispy chicken, top-tier pine nut fried rice and much more.
Want to enjoy your meal with your furry friend at your side? Check our list of the best dog-friendly cafes in the Bay Area.
Photography by: PHOTO BY AUBREY PICK/COURTESY OF WILDSEED
