When one hears the term "soul food" probably the last thing they would associate it with is the word "vegan," but Oakland's Souley Vegan has made the oxymoron a reality. Diners can choose from all kinds of familiar Southern foods like fried okra, cornbread and collared greens, along with some not so familiar dishes like BBQ or fried tofu. Souley Vegan cooks up all its food with soul, as the name implies, making it so good you might not even notice the lack of animal products.
Here you will find strictly vegetarian Japanese dishes. All types of postmodern renditions of sushi and soba dishes can be had, and at remarkable prices to boot. Appetizers include said Robata (broiled veggies on skewers) and Kakiage (deep fried veggies). The noodle dishes are filling and steamy. Try the a la carte sushi, all veggie of course, and served on fingers of rice nigiri-style. Complete dinners, including miso soup and house salad include the Sushi Combo, Hosomaki Combo and the Soba Sushi (buckwheat noodle sushi with dipping sauce).
Located in Chinatown, this famous tea shop has more than 300 different varieties to choose from and endless variety of tea. The knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff will guide you to the kind that best suits your taste. The different health benefits are also something to keep in mind when you're making your decision. There's a tea for everything- headaches, digestion and weight loss. Free sampling is available to ensure quality and satisfaction. There is also a wide variety of tea accessories like draining trays, serving sets and ceramic tea cup holders.
Less boisterous than the nearby Beach Chalet and more low-key than the Cliff House halfway up a hill to the north, this is a snug place to sip some java and warm up after a stroll on always windy, usually chilly Ocean Beach. The decor has an appropriately nautical air, perfect for the avid surfers who make this their post-ride hangout. The food, served up by personable types who seem to be surfers themselves when off duty, is the usual mix of sandwiches, soups and pastries, all tasty, none expensive. It is a great place to take a break and enjoy the view of a horizon that goes on forever.
It's about time a coffee house starts thinking about its coffee and not its image. Ritual Coffee Roasters draw the typical Mission hipsters as well as the normal people wanting an even, smooth and delicious cup of coffee. The beans hail from Portland's famous Stumptown Coffee Roasters and any espresso connoisseur would know that it's simply worth the trip to taste the uniqueness. Pastries include reasonably priced mini chocolate cakes, vegan oatmeal raisin cookies and banana bread. The baristas are consistent in their work and the art changes monthly. With so many coffee houses in San Francisco, it's nice to know there's at least one gem buried in the Mission. Free Wi-fi.
This restaurant offers downtown vegetarians fresh, affordable meals. The casual dining room is cute and simple, usually filled with a steady stream of patrons. It's a favorite with local vegetarians, as well as tourists taking the downtown tour. The breakfast menu is very contemporary, serving omelets, hot cakes and fruit. Later the chefs start cooking eggplant marinara hero sandwiches, falafel, barbecued tofu burgers, potato-tofu ravioli, curries and specialty dinner salads. Appetizers include homemade hummus with grilled whole-wheat chapati, black bean nachos, and Indian vegetable-filled pastries with chutney. Vegans will also find plenty of entrees/sandwiches to choose from.
The first of these gourmet bakeries in the Bay Area (they now have stores in San Francisco and Emeryville), Arizmendi bakes up amazing fresh breads and gourmet pizzas daily. Some baked goods are regulars, while others change daily, like Irish Soda Bread and fig-Fennel Sourdough. The huge draw here, besides the urge to overstuff your breadbox are the fresh, specialty pizzas which change daily. Whether its a more basic version like Tomato Sauce, Olives and Rosemary, or slightly more daring and unusual, like Pasilla Peppers, Red Onions, Zucchini and Cilantro Pesto, the pizza will please any palate. Pizzas can be bought by the slice, half-pizza, or a whole and can be heated up there for immediate consumption, or half baked for you to finish yourself when you get home.
Overlooking Grove Street in the city of San Francisco, Om Sabor was established by Dhanistha Rivera and Luis Alfredo Flores. They offer plant-based dishes that are influenced by the Latin and International flavors. The menu includes fusion meals like tacos, crab cakes, tostadas, burgers, pies and a lot more. To support the environment, they use bio-degradable utensils and cutlery to package their meals. The restaurant’s sophisticated interiors and dim lights exude a classy vibe. In addition to indoor seating, they also offer outdoor seating arrangements.
Onsen on Eddy Street is a spa center with a restaurant. Inspired by the Japanese, the facility has relaxing communal baths, sauna and steam rooms, along with rejuvenating acupuncture and massage treatments. After relaxing the body, indulge in some healthy seasonal fare at the small restaurant within the facility. Serving a variety of teas along with delicious snacks, you can visit the eatery even without spa appointment. Making prior reservations for the spa and restaurant are highly recommended before visiting.
Located in Chinatown, this famous tea shop has more than 300 different varieties to choose from and endless variety of tea. The knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff will guide you to the kind that best suits your taste. The different health benefits are also something to keep in mind when you're making your decision. There's a tea for everything- headaches, digestion and weight loss. Free sampling is available to ensure quality and satisfaction. There is also a wide variety of tea accessories like draining trays, serving sets and ceramic tea cup holders.
This area coffee shop is well known for its delicious blends. The store provides a detail description of each of their unique blends, but first timers are recommended to talk to the barista and describe your preference so they can match you with the perfect cup. The service is also friendly and helpful.
Formerly known as Manzanita Cafe, the organic, vegetarian cuisine here is simple but delicious. The restaurant offers a few dishes each day (which you can see there or on their website), and these dishes and side dishes are served in a somewhat buffet-style fashion. Patrons can order the "Full Meal" (the largest plate), "Moderate Meal," or "Simple Meal." The Simple Meal is very basic, cooked with no oil or seasoning. If you are looking for food that is healthy yet still delicious, Shangri-La is definitely the place to go.