Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants in San Francisco

Located at a couple of blocks away from the City Hall, Golden Era is a bright, attractive vegan eatery popular among local crowds in the area. There is no meat on the menu, but you will hardly miss it with such delicious dishes as Spicy Kung Pao, Asian Wraps, Quinoa Salad, Pad Thai, and more. The braised noodles are also popular with the local crowd, including some carnivores, who flock here for the flavorful food and reasonable prices. The wait staff is personal and friendly with a ready smile. Regardless of you being a vegan or not, this restaurant is worth a visit at least once.

Peña Pachamama on Powell Street is an unusual restaurant for more than a few reasons. It serves a vibrant South American fare, with a nod towards exotic Bolivian preparations. Best known for the exceedingly healthy yet delicious renditions of classic Latin recipes, the eatery prides itself in using only the freshest and top quality ingredients available - organic whenever possible. Peña Pachamama is also a big believer in Raw Foodism, and a haven for vegan/vegetarians in the Telegraph Hill area. Apart from some of the most delectable food in the neighborhood, Peña Pachamama also offers a range of fantastic Latin American libations such as sangria, mojito and caipariñja with an impressive list of Peruvian and Bolivian beers. They also host live music events and traditional dance performances quite regularly; check the website for more on that.

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.

Whether you crave sushi or something fried, your palate will be satisfied at Cha-Ya Vegetarian Japanese Restaurant. Here, avid vegetarians and vegans alike from across the city sit down in a simple yet bright dining room to chow down on vegetarian dishes akin to what is served at Japanese Buddhist temples. Try their popular shiitake and spinach roll, or even one of their noodle dishes such as the kinoko which is served with shimeji, eryngll, portobello and oyster mushrooms and your choice of udon or soba noodles. Many items are served a la carte or can be ordered in combination. Though the service is not noted for its speed, a good attitude and good food usually compensate for the wait.

Green predominates, appropriately, at this unprepossessing restaurant that serves delicious vegetarian cuisine. Do not be thrown by the menu, which lists pork, chicken and beef dishes. It's all made with meat alternatives that do a more than adequate job of approximating the texture of the real thing. The cooks do the rest with careful preparation and expert seasoning of curries, mu shu and other dishes. There are also wonderful rice and noodle dishes as well as a good selection of rich soups and appetizers. If you're looking to share a romantic cup of green tea with a date, this isn't the spot -during the dinner rush you may be seated at a larger communal table. The service is quick for the tourists and local professionals who seek this place out.

Gracias Madre delights its patrons with a delectable fare of vegan Mexican dishes. The restaurant is quite spacious and is furnished with ample of seating spaces that accommodate larger parties with ease. Tasteful decor, warm lighting and a welcoming atmosphere makes this place completely child friendly too. The menu at Gracias Madre dictates varieties of quintessential Mexican specials, all cooked to perfection with use of only and only organic and vegan ingredients. Draft beers, soju cocktails as well as organic wines are available to complete your fare.

Soft polenta with grilled portobello mushrooms, sauteed spring greens and shaved vella mezzo secco and butternut squash gratin. Now that sounds like music to the stomach! The Mediterranean musings at Greens are plentiful. Walk in and tuck into some delicious vegetarian fare as you take in the spectacular panorama of the sea. And when munching on your entrees, watch the boats bob to and fro! Keep in mind, the take-out window is open every day as well.