As PETA notes, restaurants have become more enlightened as far as what to carry on their menus and there usually is a vegetarian option wherever you go. And you can also make special requests. But to simplify things even further, at some restaurants, the entire menu is custom-made for the vegetarian and vegan, and in San Francisco there are indeed some winning choices!
[Note: The following list is in alphabetical order.]
1. Ananda Fuara
Website capture, taken by Jennifer Alpeche.
Mon-Sat: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., except on Wed: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Ananda Fuara offers a nice selection of menu items, all for under $10. From a vegetarian B.L.T. to vegan hummus and chapati, the restaurant knows that variety's the thing, even when centered around vegetables and tofu. Also on the menu, sandwiches, wraps and pizzas, falafel, and roasted vegetable ravioli. Located nearby Civic Center Plaza, grab dinner before a show at the Auditorium, Davies Symphony Hall, or the Orpheum.
2. Cha-Ya - San Francisco
762 Valencia Street; 415.252.7825Mon-Thur, Sun: 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. / Wed-Sun: 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. / Fri-Sat: 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Just opened in 2006 and the younger sister to famed Cha-Ya in Berkeley, this restaurant is all about Japanese cuisine, but don't expect fish on the menu. No. Being 100-percent vegan, fish is a no-no and with that in mind, Cha-Ya has created all sorts of dishes that respect that rule. Try the soba noodles, tofu custard, tempura, sushi, the Cha-Ya roll, and for dessert, a chocolate mousse cake. Mmm. Vegans know what it's like to miss chocolate and baked treats. Miss no more!
3. Greens Restaurant
Website capture, taken by Jennifer Alpeche.
Lunch Tues-Sat: noon-2:30 p.m. / Dinner Mon-Fri: 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. / Brunch Sunday
A pioneer in vegetarian cuisine, Greens was opened way back in 1979, and has rightfully earned a reputation for its fine menu -- and its view. Overlooking the Marina, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands, this restaurant offers diners much to talk about and recommend. The menu changes with the seasons to best take advantage of fresh ingredients. From tofu stir-fry and mesquite grilled brochettes to braised endive pizza, it's no wonder why Greens is such a favorite.
4. Herbivore
983 Valencia Street; 415.826.5657Sun-Thur: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. / Fri-Sat: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. / Breakfast 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
For about $15 per person, you can have a vegan meal at Herbivore: The Earthly Grill, which offers an international menu aimed to please both vegans and non-vegans alike. Entrees are about $10 each and vary from lentil loaf to veggie shish-kebabs. There are several pasta dishes -- everything from wasabi soba to macaroni (and "cheese"), as well as garden burgers, wraps and sandwiches, soups and salads. There is also a great selection of beverages that includes smoothies, organic coffees and teas.
5. Millennium
580 Geary Street; 415.345.3900Mon-Thur, Sun: 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. / Fri-Sat: 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Voted as the "Best Vegetarian Restaurant" for the fifth year in a row by The VegNews Veggie Awards, Millennium offers a fine-dining experience for vegetarians, vegans, and just plain foodies. This upscale restaurant features a menu of gourmet creations that showcase the possibilites in cooking when restricted by a vegan pledge. There's also an extensive wine list. Located in Nob Hill, Millennium serves dinner every evening. Reservations: required.
