Plant Based in San Francisco
It’s about time I write about the city I've been living in the past 8 years. I've been Whole Foods Plant Based for almost 6 years and it has been a quite a journey to see San Francisco's shift towards a vegan friendly place. You would think the city that was once known for their thriving food industry would be way ahead in the plant based game but shockingly, it hasn't been up to par in comparison to other cities such as Miami, NYC, Los Angeles, and many European and Asian countries (in my opinion). Although I do wish we had more plant based restaurants in the city I’ve been calling home, I’m happy to say, the ones we do have here are to die for and beyond fantastic.
Hey Matthew Kenney, I’m gonna hold you to it when you mentioned there is something new brewing in SF!
This is truly my number 1 restaurant in San Francisco. Even during Covid, it has been my go to when ordering in because the freshness of these rolls hold up well in a take out box. If you’re a friend of mine, I’m sure I’ve taken you there or mentioned it to you at least 50 times. And I’m proud to say 100% of my meat eating friends, absolutely love the dishes here.
what to order: Colonel's Pipe, Surprise Ending, Hidden Agenda, Open Invitation are my favs
Found Baia during Covid, and been in love since. This is another place I love taking friends or on a date night.
what to order: Mozzarella sticks, Meatballs, Spicy sausage pizza, Margherita pizza, Radiatore, Market Vegetables Al Forno
This one is a hit of miss for me because not everything is good but I've been here more than enough times to know what my favorites are here.
what to order: Neatball masala, Mexican corn cakes, Mezze plate, Wildseed burger (this is better than their Impossible burger), Lemon cheesecake!!!!
what to order: Banh Mi Sandwich, Nourish Salad Bowl, Bap Bowl, Chocolate chip cookie
My usual brunch spot and they also love having my little fur baby, Chai with us at their outdoor parklet
what to order: Cauliflower bowl, Quinoa bowl, Green smoothies
My little fur baby couldn't wait to taste it but obviously, both of those bowls are not for her. I am so happy we finally have a place that serves good quality treat bowls. The do not use any added sugar and do not add juice or water to any of their bases, making it so fresh and way healthier.
what I typically get - Base: matcha, chia & oats. Toppings: maca powder, bee pollen, cacao nibs, goji berries, blue berries, & hemp seeds.
The Palm Court RH San Francisco
This is the newest gem in SF, and I am obsessed. I've been to all of the other RH restaurants in other cities and this one has a Plant Based section and I was beyond thrilled to try it out. It is quite pricey but the experience was lovely and all 3 vegan plates we got were very flavorful.
what to order: Cauliflower steak, Maitake mushroom, Beet carpaccio, Truffle fries
Ettan (in Palo Alto but worth the drive)
This is a special meal kind of a place. The ambience is romantic and the interior design of this restaurant is beautiful. You need to make a reservation a few weeks ahead because it books out quickly.
what to order: Sesame leaf, "Black sheep" sheek kebab (I'm not a huge fan only because it has the gamey meat smell BUT my husband loved it and so did many of our friends that are meat eaters), Wild Mushroom Pot, Dal Makhani, Roti,
Dancing Yak and Basecamp (nepalese, veg friendly)
These 2 restaurants are owned by the same owners but have a slight difference in the menus. It's great for take out or din in. Dancing Yak for some reason is a bit salty so a tip is to always ask, "no added salt and less oily please!"
what to order: Pumpkin curry, Tofu and eg saag, Momos, Kale Chaat, Dal Makhani (this one has ghee so it's vegetarian and not vegan)
Rose Indian Cuisine (veg friendly)
Another amazing take out food for me. They give you huge portions for a way cheaper price than other restaurants. I love this place because the service is always beyond great and the food is not greasy and very authentic.
what to order: Aloo gobi, Chana Masala, Tadka dal, Palak dal, Roti, Kheer and Kulfi (not vegan because of the dairy but soooooo delicious)
Scullery (coffee/toast shop)
No avocado toast is better than this one. The best coffee and the best toasts in town, imo. They also love dogs so bring your pups along and get a treat!
That's all for now. Send me your thoughts and recommendations if you have any! Xo
