city review: san diego

a lot of people talk about the great vegetarian food in southern california, and though we certainly had some good food, we found san diego a bit underwhelming.  still, there are some highlights...

stone brewing company and world bistro:

technically, this isn't in san diego, but it's close enough (escondido) and daggone good enough to easily justify the drive north.  we had one of the finest tempeh burgers we've ever had.  and although we love schlafly for all the ingredients they source locally, not even they can match stone's commitment seasonal and local produce.  it's difficult to exaggerate how impressed we were with everything stone showed us.  oh, and by the way, their beer is off the charts!

jyoti-bihanga:

this place is hardcore.  pretty much anyone you talk to about vegetarian food recommendations in san diego will tell you to go here.  of the veg shops in san diego, it's been around the longest, and it's the most philosophically radicalcommitted. whether you're interested in the teachings of sri chinmoy or just want a wicked good vegetarian meatloaf, jyoti-bihanga is the place for you.

veg-n-out:

this is the first place clark ate when he visited san diego for the first time as an adult, and it's always on his list of places to visit.  the owners have been the same from day one, and they're in the cafe every single day serving local, fresh produce.  the food isn't extraordinary, but it's always comforting to know that every aspect of the food preparation is centered on healthful food.  try any of the "specialty burgers."

other possible options:

a lot of folks swear by pokez, but we weren't impressed at all.  besides, it's not 100% vegetarian, and the care put into the food seems negligible.  at ranchos, there seems to be a more attentive chef/kitchen, but the food is just so-so.  again, the it's not at all 100% vegetarian, but you can find some decent options here.