Updated May 9, 2023

To those following a vegan diet, the veggie lovers, the herbivores, and the plant-based eaters, the time of choosing the one green thing on the menu—always the salad—is over. A new era is here. An era of tasty healthy food options and vegan eateries! From hot pizzas and buffalo sandwiches, to chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. You can enjoy these tasty treats free from any animal byproduct or harm.

Huzzah! To the veggies! (to the veggies!!)

San Diego is the ultimate spot for those passionate foodies striving to eat healthily, which is why our guide to the best vegan restaurants in La Jolla is one of our favorite San Diego tours. Whether you’re down with the cause or just up for some tasty treats that are easy on the gut, check out these top 5 vegan restaurants in La Jolla, California.

VEGAN FOOD IN LA JOLLA

To any native La Jollans and San Diegans, you’re probably well aware of the healthy, beach vibes that La Jolla offers. In fact, it’s probably a shock that we’re sticking to only five vegan restaurants in San Diego. But that is exactly our mission. When you’re craving vegetables but don’t want to eat boring old… well… vegetables, choose any of these five amazing La Jolla vegan restaurants for a delicacy that’s easy on the deli. On the other hand, if you are visiting on a weekend getaway to San Diego and are interested in trying some of the hottest vegan spots, you are in luck!

#1 PARAKEET CAFE

Photo Courtesy: Parakeet Cafe

Parakeet Cafe was started because the owners had an ill child who they learned to heal through good food. Their journey led them to harnessing the life-changing powers of organic, whole-foods and ethically sourced ingredients. They believe that this delicious vegan food makes you happier, healthier and more connected with your body and the community. Located in the heart of La Jolla Village, this vegan joint is known for its artisanal toasts, bowls, and breakfast options.

• Avocado Toast – This vegan delight is complete with pickled mustard, serrano peppers, crunchy mung beans, cilantro, pumpkin seeds, and beet spirals. Want something different than the OG avocado toast? Try out the Harvest Toast (Avocado, tomatoes, pickled onions, basil), and the Pickled Vegetable Toast (Hazelnut miso spread, eggplant & bell pepper escabeche, spiced kale chips, fresh herbs). Yum!
• Parakeet Bowl – this is the non-breakfast dish that Parakeet Cafe is most known for. It packs a punch of all the amazing nutrients to keep you healthy and satiated. The Parakeet Bowl comes with brown rice, roasted mushrooms, sesame collard greens, pickled cucumbers, almond butter miso mayo.
• Macrobiotic Bowl — tasty, healthy, and colorful, this macrobiotic bowl comes with brown rice, quinoa, bok choy, radicchio, kale, broccoli, mushrooms, sweetpeas, radish, asian sesame dressing. This is the epitome of a guilt-free meal!

#2 TRILOGY SANCTUARY

Photo Courtesy: Trilogy Sanctuary

Part yoga studio, part spiritual guidance, and two parts delicious vegan treats—Trilogy Sanctuary is a place to restore both body and mind through quality foods. Center yourself in Tree Pose before awakening the spirit with one of their twelve natural smoothies. Or work up a sweat with Warrior II before diving into a protein-rich Chocoholic acai and pitaya bowl.

Wanting to try something other than the classic juices and smoothies?

• Breakfast burrito – Starting off with a gluten-free buckwheat tortilla, this stomach-reviver is stuffed with quinoa chorizo and cauliflower eggz. It’s then drenched with everything else you want from a breakfast burrito, including cheezy sauce, portobello ‘shrooms, and fresh spinach. Go ahead, add in avocado while you’re at it.
• Cali roll taco – If you’re in the mood for authentic mexican food in San Diego, try these crimini mushroom “carne” tacos with garlic fries, guacamole, black beans, corn, shredded lettuce, and sour cream. Be sure to carry napkins with you around this joint, mouth-drooling is common here.

And if you’re feeding a whole office lunch, be sure to check out their catering menu.

#3 TRUE FOODS

Photo Courtesy: True Food Kitchen

Better foods mean better living—the slogan and mantra of True Foods. If you want a location that treats your taste buds as kindly as it treats your body, well then drop the animal products and head over to True Foods to get a taste of a wide selection of locally sourced, vegan dishes and entrees.

The first aspect that makes True Foods stand out is their dedication to ingredients, that ultimately make for delicious food. They use locally sourced, in-season ingredients, which implies two things:

1. Their vegan menu is an ever-evolving wheel of new things to try
2. Their plates are designed to be certified fresh

If you’re in the La Jolla area, looking for vegetarian food or vegan option for lunch or dinner, try chowing down on these:

• Spaghetti squash casserole – Organic DiNapoli tomatoes serve as the base ingredient to lather on the spaghetti squash. From there, let your taste buds ruminate on the caramelized onions, zucchini, and fresh mozzarella.
• Ancient grains bowl – Sweet potatoes glazed with miso sesame, anti-inflammatory turmeric, charred onion, sweet peas, avocado, grilled portobello mushrooms, and hemp seeds combine into one super fresh, super bowl.

#4 TOCAYA ORGANICA

Photo Courtesy: Tocaya Organica

For a modern twist to the traditional Mexican palate, you can expect only the highest-quality vegan bowls, burritos, quesadillas, and tacos here. If you’re scrolling through Tocaya’s menu online, just switch the menu to ‘vegan-friendly’ and see all of their incredible choices. Visiting in-person? Be sure to ask for the chef’s recommendations when turning any of their native foods into vegan versions. This modern Mexican cuisine spot provides hungry customers with a highly customizable experience for the chance to get a taste of multiple vegan options in just one sitting.

For an incredible meal, try all of these:

• Mushroom and Jalapeno Quesadilla – Made with vegan picadillo and vegan mozzarella, you’ll be enjoying this gooey quesadilla with the same vigor as your non-vegan friends.
• The Fajita Burrito – Sautéed peppers and onions create the ‘meat’ of this burrito. From there, you’ll also enjoy cilantro-lime rice, black beans, chipotle crema, and a fresh pico de gallo in every bite.

Still hungry? Order up a side of plantain chips and guacamole. And if enjoying during happy hour, make sure to pair with a refreshing, organic margarita. Your taste buds are sure to thank you for doing so!

Vegan restaurants in La Jolla, California never tasted so delicioso.

#5 GREEN DOOR CAFE

Photo Courtesy: Green Door Cafe

Green Door Cafe — get transported to what feels like a Parisian cafe right here in La Jolla at Green Door Cafe. The vegan restaurant began as a catering business and become so wildly successful that they opened a cafe in 2017. This must-see vegan cafe only prepares creative meals from scratch using in-season and locally sourced produce from San Diego farmers. A few of their most popular items:

• Bombay Bomb — this classic vegan burger is made with 30 wholesome, soy, gluten, and nut free ingredients. This San Diegan burger is so mouthwatering, you will never go back to the “Impossible Burger”. The Bombay Bomb is also served with home-style fries at lunch and a delicious side salad with the dinner version of this.
• World’s Best Lasagne — whoever said this Italian fan favorite dish can’t be vegan hasn’t visited Green Door Cafe yet! The seasonal ingredients combined with fresh lasagne are to-die-for, and the meal comes with a seasonal salad and toasted bread.
• Plant Bowl — a popular vegan menu item, the Plant Bowl is filled with nutritious and delicious ingredients! Chickpeas, sweet potato, cucumber, carrot, red onion, pickled cabbage and brown rice with a side of tahini sauce collide to perfection.

Gimme the Greens Please!

In such a health-conscious age, you won’t have to worry about limited vegan places to go to when in San Diego. The number of green spots opening up makes the inner veggie-lover smile. It means more black bean burgers, jackfruit tacos, and cauliflower pizza that makes the taste buds and the soul sing.

When you’re in need of some greens, be sure to drive, bus, fly, or walk down to any of these La Jolla Vegan restaurants for good deals and even better eats. And, when your in town, be sure to check out our new La Jolla Sip, Savor, & Sea tour. Discover all the wonders of the beautiful Pacific Coast village – from strolling along the cliffs to spot sea lions, to learning about the history of this charming seaside village, to tasting the fresh flavors at the top hidden gem restaurants. Come join us on our food tours for a curated California experience of San Diego’s finest.

Written by: Melissa

Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do …  In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.

Sources:

1. LaJolla.com The Ultimate Guide to Eating Vegan in La Jolla. https://www.lajolla.com/article/la-jolla-vegan-restaurants/