We just recently returned from another vacation in San Diego and I have decided that it’s time to share my love for this city with all of you.

I love San Diego mainly for the variety of beaches. Note that if you are not a beach person and you do not like to swim, paddle board, surf, kayak or just be on the beach, you might not love it as we do. Yet before you close out this post, San Diego is also a wonderful place for vegan cuisine, romantic places for date night and perfect weather.

This post is all food. We both absolutely love all three restaurants here. Remember that when I write a restaurant review I base it on not only amazing vegan food, but all wonderful service. All three restaurants here excel in both while being part of the intense vegan food scene that is catapulting all over the country.

Donna Jean is a new edition to the vegan food scene. Right next to Evolution and super close to Balboa Park, we went to dinner one evening during the week. We made a reservation. Upon arriving we decided to sit outside, and we began our feast. As we do when going out in southern California, we brought light jackets just in case it got chilly.


All I am thinking while I write this is “go to Donna Jean”. Go now. Impeccable service and dishes that excited us about food and about vegan food. Everything we ordered was a great experience with taste and flavor. If you haven’t been in a little while, they have a new menu that includes pizza. For more information click here.

Next is Civico 1845 in Little Italy. Not a vegan restaurant but has a vast vegan menu with dishes prepared by their vegan chef who is also co-owner. This place was a pleasant surprise. I mean vegan Italian food? So hard to find! We met friends on a Friday night and were greeted by the sweetest staff. We soon were listening about the menu from our Italian waiter.


We started with the calamari which was made with mushrooms. My entree was the lasagna, although our waiter really wanted me to order the ravioli. The lasagna was definitely the right choice for me. Everything was delicious. To top it off, we finished with tiramisu. Oh my. For more information click here.

Bar Kindred in North Park has been a favorite of ours since they opened. It’s a bar, but so much more. We have had dinner and brunch there and if you have just one spot of time to go, I would say go for brunch. Check their site for times as brunch is only served on weekends.


Our two go-to items at Kindred are the pancakes, which are made with butterscotch and bourbon, and the tofu Benedict. The pancakes will blow your mind. I enjoy every single bite. If you drink they have brunch drink specials and their house coffee is a great cup of coffee. We have always had incredible service at Kindred. For more information click here.

San Diego is an amazing place and we try to go as often as possible. These three spots make it an even sweeter destination.

Thanks for reading!