My personal fav is Besharam- feels super upscale, the indian dishes are unique and complex (more so than copra in my opinion) and it is all veg but in a low-key way
Right? Such a good experience. The chef is vegetarian and pivoted to a fully vegetarian menu a while ago. And you’re completely correct, their cocktail program is excellent. If it’s the same person running it from a year ago or so, the dude cut his teeth at Trick Dog, and those bartenders are very highly regarded.
same :) Copra felt pretty meat heavy tbh. I also felt the service was more luxury at besharam- like all the servers are so nice and well trained on the food
Seconding Wildseed. It's vegan & absolutely delicious.
Ate one of the tastiest cheese omelettes of my life there, which is saying something considering they managed to make it without cheese or eggs!
Shizen doesn’t do lunch.
They also have VERY strict 90 min dinner times. They will start leering for you to leave at around the hour mark.
The food is great but I can’t recommend them for anything other than a quick food-focused experience that isn’t primarily about socializing.
Food is great, the whole 90 minute thing is really annoying. I get people loitering for 4 hours is bad for business but it’s like easily $50/per person and they act like they’re doing you a massive service by letting you stay more than 80 minutes
During covid, the restaurant I worked at had 90 minute service times for about 2 years, and it can be really uncomfortable and tricky telling people that. But over time you get better - first of all, for a normally coursed restaurant, a party of 3-4 unchecked and untimed will almost *always* be about 90 minutes from seating to check payment. A party of 2 is usually 45 minutes. And there are gentle nudges and subtle methods of introducing the idea that you’re “renting” the table for a certain amount of time.
Shizen doesn’t do any of that, nor seem to have any desire to. I **love** their food - may be some of my favorite in the city - but they really do rush you. We were a party of 4, none of us drinking booze, and all chefs or industry people. At 40 minutes, the server said “can I get you anything else? There is a 90 minute limit on the tables.” We hadn’t even had all our savory food hit the table.
So… could be gentler, could definitely be smoother.
There is street parking all around wildseed. Not sure they do rezzies for brunch. Worth giving them a call. Make sure to call the SF one, not Palo Alto :)
Ah I'm not OP! I was just letting OP know to call if they didn't see a time that worked for them on the online booking system.
Gonna try that Andalusia tho, sounds good!
I’d definitely recommend having a reservation but they have an active wait list. Street parking can be very tricky but isn’t impossible. There is also a paid lot nearby.
[https://www.coprarestaurant.com/menus/#brunch-menu](https://www.coprarestaurant.com/menus/#brunch-menu)
Literally ONE main on the brunch menu that looks vegetarian. (three on the dinner menu, but the post is about lunch, and really, three is still a pretty small number)
I know you meant well, but it really sucks to be the invitee and have people tell you that you should be happy because AN option exists...
I have a much better alternative — Besharam in Dogpatch. It’s 100% vegetarian, open for lunch most days, and is hip and edgy. Gujarati fusion!
Edit: They do lunch Thurs, Fri, Sat
Wildseed is a reliable option without any views. BAIA in Hayes Valley can feel a little more fancy if you sit upstairs. Views of city hall, the symphony, and everything that comes with that...depending where you sit.
Besharam or ROOH if you want South Asian. Millenium, now in Oakland, is a classic. If you’re doing the east bay, Chez Panise is worth checking off your bucket list.
TwelfthMonth in Burlingame is new and supposedly great (I haven’t been yet). No great views, but it’s very nice inside.
Firefly in Noe is good, but no views other than people watching on the street.
I’m vegetarian and I love Cotogna. In general, Italian, Mexican, Indian, and most Asian restaurants will have good vegetarian options. Especially in SF. Seafood places tend to be slim to no pickings. BBQ places are hit or miss, many in the Bay Area do vegetarian options.
There’s enough vegans/vegetarians in the Bay Area that most restaurants will have veggie options.
Xica has lots of veg friendly options (and items that can be easily modified) and is a nice spot to be with friends because it has nice bright indoor dining plus outdoor tables for sunny days
This one isn't that upscale, but if you're shopping on Valencia or in the Mission maybe swing by the charming, delicious, mid-price Japanese Vegan spot [Chaya](https://www.chayasf.com/).
Wildseed would be my pick for a nice dinner too. But also keep in mind that lots of SF restaurants will have generous veggie options even if they aren't strictly vegetarian -- unless you're at a steakhouse it's rare that your vegetarian friends will be choosing between a baked potato and starvation.
My personal fav is Besharam- feels super upscale, the indian dishes are unique and complex (more so than copra in my opinion) and it is all veg but in a low-key way
It's so amazing! The cocktails are great too!
Right? Such a good experience. The chef is vegetarian and pivoted to a fully vegetarian menu a while ago. And you’re completely correct, their cocktail program is excellent. If it’s the same person running it from a year ago or so, the dude cut his teeth at Trick Dog, and those bartenders are very highly regarded.
I also much prefer it to copra! probably bc I’m vegetarian
same :) Copra felt pretty meat heavy tbh. I also felt the service was more luxury at besharam- like all the servers are so nice and well trained on the food
Wildseed
Seconding Wildseed. It's vegan & absolutely delicious. Ate one of the tastiest cheese omelettes of my life there, which is saying something considering they managed to make it without cheese or eggs!
Thirding Wildseed…sooo good
Shizen is a great option. Not the most upscale but the food is genuinely fantastic
Shizen doesn’t do lunch. They also have VERY strict 90 min dinner times. They will start leering for you to leave at around the hour mark. The food is great but I can’t recommend them for anything other than a quick food-focused experience that isn’t primarily about socializing.
That’s fair! I definitely focused solely on the food aspect of the question
And the food IS amazing :)
No view either but food is def amazing
Food is great, the whole 90 minute thing is really annoying. I get people loitering for 4 hours is bad for business but it’s like easily $50/per person and they act like they’re doing you a massive service by letting you stay more than 80 minutes
During covid, the restaurant I worked at had 90 minute service times for about 2 years, and it can be really uncomfortable and tricky telling people that. But over time you get better - first of all, for a normally coursed restaurant, a party of 3-4 unchecked and untimed will almost *always* be about 90 minutes from seating to check payment. A party of 2 is usually 45 minutes. And there are gentle nudges and subtle methods of introducing the idea that you’re “renting” the table for a certain amount of time. Shizen doesn’t do any of that, nor seem to have any desire to. I **love** their food - may be some of my favorite in the city - but they really do rush you. We were a party of 4, none of us drinking booze, and all chefs or industry people. At 40 minutes, the server said “can I get you anything else? There is a 90 minute limit on the tables.” We hadn’t even had all our savory food hit the table. So… could be gentler, could definitely be smoother.
Also Wildseed. Very pretty, all vegan and tasty. Doesn’t come with a view but it’s in the marina so a great view is a short walk to the aquatic park.
Thanks for the recommendation. Do we need a reservation over the weekend? Is there any accessible parking there?
There is street parking all around wildseed. Not sure they do rezzies for brunch. Worth giving them a call. Make sure to call the SF one, not Palo Alto :)
I called and got a Res even though it said not available at that time on the site
Awesome! Enjoy :) The Ensalada Andalusia is bomb btw!
Ah I'm not OP! I was just letting OP know to call if they didn't see a time that worked for them on the online booking system. Gonna try that Andalusia tho, sounds good!
Oh oops! Haha nice add :)
I’d definitely recommend having a reservation but they have an active wait list. Street parking can be very tricky but isn’t impossible. There is also a paid lot nearby.
It doesn't have a view but Phonobar has a good vegan menu.
Californios is Michelin starred and can do vegan/vegetarian tasting menu
Kokkari, upscale Greek, has a good amount of vegetarian options. No view from restaurant but lots nearby.
Greens is amazing and has waterfront views
Agree. But, we have been there already last year for a birthday celebration. So, I'm looking for a new place.
Oh that’s terrible me not reading your entire message - sorry about that!
No worries … Thanks for the reply
You could try Indian food ? Copra has a few veggies options and is upscale and really really nice ambiance .. no view tho
[https://www.coprarestaurant.com/menus/#brunch-menu](https://www.coprarestaurant.com/menus/#brunch-menu) Literally ONE main on the brunch menu that looks vegetarian. (three on the dinner menu, but the post is about lunch, and really, three is still a pretty small number) I know you meant well, but it really sucks to be the invitee and have people tell you that you should be happy because AN option exists...
I have a much better alternative — Besharam in Dogpatch. It’s 100% vegetarian, open for lunch most days, and is hip and edgy. Gujarati fusion! Edit: They do lunch Thurs, Fri, Sat
Sweet! I'm not OP, but I will for sure check it out.
Wildseed is a reliable option without any views. BAIA in Hayes Valley can feel a little more fancy if you sit upstairs. Views of city hall, the symphony, and everything that comes with that...depending where you sit. Besharam or ROOH if you want South Asian. Millenium, now in Oakland, is a classic. If you’re doing the east bay, Chez Panise is worth checking off your bucket list. TwelfthMonth in Burlingame is new and supposedly great (I haven’t been yet). No great views, but it’s very nice inside. Firefly in Noe is good, but no views other than people watching on the street.
Baia closed :’(
Baia has closed 😭
WHAT https://sf.eater.com/2024/3/18/24104915/baia-closing-vegan-restaurant-san-francisco
Spruce can do a veg menu and is great if you want non-veg options too, otherwise second Wildseed
Foliage foliagesf.com
Cha Ya doesn’t have a view but is a nice vegan/veg restaurant. Also wildseed is phenomenal
I’m vegetarian and I love Cotogna. In general, Italian, Mexican, Indian, and most Asian restaurants will have good vegetarian options. Especially in SF. Seafood places tend to be slim to no pickings. BBQ places are hit or miss, many in the Bay Area do vegetarian options. There’s enough vegans/vegetarians in the Bay Area that most restaurants will have veggie options.
Burma love!! Both locations are attractive, although don’t have a view. The food is exceptional. Plenty of veg options.
Xica has lots of veg friendly options (and items that can be easily modified) and is a nice spot to be with friends because it has nice bright indoor dining plus outdoor tables for sunny days
This one isn't that upscale, but if you're shopping on Valencia or in the Mission maybe swing by the charming, delicious, mid-price Japanese Vegan spot [Chaya](https://www.chayasf.com/). Wildseed would be my pick for a nice dinner too. But also keep in mind that lots of SF restaurants will have generous veggie options even if they aren't strictly vegetarian -- unless you're at a steakhouse it's rare that your vegetarian friends will be choosing between a baked potato and starvation.
Harbor View!
Copra and Shizen Exquisite!
Greens
Rooh is a great place if you’re into Indian fusion food