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Guide to San Diego

Japanese food, vegan friendly

Plant-based eating becomes a celebration when the menu is built around Japanese flavors.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Gorilla Eats Sushi image 1
Gorilla Eats Sushi image 2
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Sushi restaurant

Ghost kitchen setup offers takeout-only service with orders picked up from lockers. Atmosphere is minimal but the all vegan sushi stands out for its incredible flavor and presentation. Open late hours attract those seeking high-quality plant-based sushi after typical dining times.

Offers all vegan sushi with incredible flavor and beautiful presentation. Packaging keeps sushi fresh, and hours run late for convenience.

Offers all vegan sushi options with incredible flavor that surprises even non-vegans. Packaging is great and the 1985 roll tastes like it isn't vegan.

People are saying

"This Japanese food is the best vegan sushi I've ever had."

"The vegetarian sushi here is artful, creative, and tastes amazing."

"I found the vegan sushi here to be creatively delicious."

Good to know

1

Gorilla Eats Sushi is a ghost kitchen offering takeout only.

2

Advance ordering is recommended to avoid wait times.

3

Parking can be challenging near the location.

02
Buta Japanese Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with cozy warm atmosphere and natural lighting paired with dark stone interior creates a relaxing vibe. Space feels simple and accommodating, often quiet and chill. Regulars appreciate the authentic ramen experience and fair prices.

Ramen stands out with its wonderfully spicy and flavorful broth and consistent quality. Crispy takoyaki, perfectly pan-seared gyoza, and crispy fried katsu add variety to the authentic Japanese menu.

Vegan options include vegan ramen and vegan curry ramen with mock duck. Plant-based proteins feature prominently in these dishes.

People are saying

"I found the ramen's rich broth and tender pork really tasty."

"The ramen here is traditional and very tasty."

"I found the vegan ramen to be fantastic and creative."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure accommodation.

2

Parking is limited to 20 minutes in front, but servers allow longer stays.

3

Expect reasonable wait times during dinner rush hours.

03
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with wood style design feels cozy but can get crowded quickly. Atmosphere stays calming and intimate, attracting those who appreciate quiet dining. Seating is limited and uncomfortable, contributing to a packed yet popular vibe.

Tonkotsu ramen stands out with rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The shoyu ramen offers a balanced, savory taste with fresh ingredients and great service.

Vegan ramen features a vegan miso option with healthy ingredients. Vegan dumplings come packed with flavor and complement the ramen well.

People are saying

"The Tonkotsu Ramen broth is rich, silky, and well-balanced."

"The vegan ramen and gyoza here are flavorful and satisfying."

"I thought this Japanese food was the best ramen I had in California."

Good to know

1

The place fills up quickly, and they do not take reservations.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour on Friday evenings.

3

Parking can be inconvenient due to nearby construction.

04
Isshido Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen bar styled restaurant offers a chill atmosphere with friendly staff and a cozy, clean space. It stays quieter than typical ramen spots, making it easy to enjoy conversation. The place serves exceptional, richly flavored ramen with options including vegan and vegetarian.

Thick, savory broth stands out with rich, deep flavor. Ramen features thick noodles and options like steak ramen and seaweed salad. Meals travel well for takeout.

Vegan Spicy Tan Tan ramen stands out with unique, bold flavors not common in vegan ramen. Other options like the vegan truffle ramen and spicy miso vegan ramen offer tasty, flavorful choices that avoid blandness.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying."

"The vegan spicy tan tan ramen is flavorful and delicious."

"The Japanese food here has a rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying broth."

Good to know

1

They have vegan and vegetarian ramen options.

2

The kids' meal was a great deal.

3

Happy hour offers a good deal on appetizers.

05
Loving Hut San Diego (North Park) image 1

Mid-century modern design shapes a clean, chic interior with relaxing, quiet atmosphere and welcoming vibe. A large TV screen shows nature videos, adding to the calm setting. The place draws a crowd seeking creative vegan dishes in a casual yet polished environment.

Katsu curry stands out with a rich, satisfying flavor and is a highlight on the menu. Other dishes like Mongolian beef and papaya salad also offer solid, tasty options.

Vegan food here stands out for being clean and fresh with a focus on satisfying dishes without meat. The menu offers amazing vegan cuisine that appeals even to non-vegans.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and full of flavor."

"The vegan food here is so good and tasty."

"I found the katsu curry to be so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is 100% vegan with a diverse menu.

2

Happy Noodle Hour offers special deals on select dishes.

3

Lunch prices can reach nearly $25 per person.

06
CinKuni (Italian & Japanese Cuisine) image 1

Spacious restaurant blends Japanese and Italian culture with art-filled walls and a visible brick pizza oven. Atmosphere feels upscale and casual with loud 80s-90s music and a lively vibe. Features include a big screen TV lounge and a dog-friendly patio.

Sushi features fantastic nigiri and sashimi alongside a variety of rolls. Ramen comes in large bowls with options like meatballs and Italian sausage. Tempura includes unique items like squash blossoms in batter.

An expansive vegan and plant-based selection includes dishes like vegan tan tan spicy noodles with flavorful broth and fermented tofu. The vegan sushi options stand out as delicious and varied.

People are saying

"The Gnocchi Urbino was delicious and tender."

"The flatbread's textures are amazing, with oven crispy spots."

"The Japanese food's flatbread has amazing flavors and textures."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 p.m. on industry Mondays with great drink selections.

2

Every Wednesday, there are free comedy shows starting at 8 p.m.

3

Karaoke night happens every Thursday at 10 p.m. with a two-drink minimum.

07
Bopomofo Cafe image 1

Cafe blends Japanese and Taiwanese culture with a modern, clean design and plenty of sunlight. Atmosphere feels relaxed and family-friendly, welcoming for chill hangouts. Popular spot offers creative drink flavors and snacks with a focus on quality and detail.

Nori fish dishes stand out with crispy fried fish and a strong nori flavor. The nori fish sandwich pairs well with a bit of acidity to balance the fat and sauce. Bento options include dark meat popcorn chicken.

Offers vegan chicken including a vegetarian popcorn chicken option. Vegan choices come with ketchup, with hopes for more vegan sauces soon.

People are saying

"The blueberry matcha here is incredible and balanced."

"The nori fish sandwich is a must-try Japanese Food."

"The vegan chicken here is so juicy and well seasoned."

Good to know

1

The food is available only during limited hours at the moment.

2

Weekends in the evening can get crowded, so arrive early to avoid the crowd.

3

There are few tables outside, and limited seating inside.

08
Facing East Noodle & Bar image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a retro-inspired decor and great music. The space feels clean and inviting, attracting a busy crowd. Ordering and payment happen upfront, creating a straightforward dining flow.

Ramen here stands out with its rich and savory broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The Spicy Deluxe Paiko Ramen offers a crispy breaded chicken paired with a thick, flavorful broth that balances heat and savoriness well.

Spicy Garlic Vegan Ramen delivers robust flavors that stand out among plant-based options. Vegetarian Ramen offers a lighter yet flavorful choice, both dishes showcase delicious vegan-friendly meals.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, savory, and truly the soul of the dish."

"The ramen broth here is so rich and savory, it feels like a hug."

"The vegan ramen here is packed with bold, authentic flavors."

Good to know

1

Customers order themselves through their phones using a QR code on each table.

2

Prepaying for food is common here, which is unusual for sit-down restaurants.

3

Parking is challenging around the area, so plan accordingly.

09
Karami Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen restaurant offers authentic Japanese decor and a cozy, charming atmosphere that feels like a private pocket of Japan. Background music plays softly while booths provide intimate seating. The vibe is relaxing and cool, making it a hidden gem for those seeking genuine ramen experience.

Ramen here stands out for its authentic flavor and well-seasoned dishes like gyoza and chicken fried rice. The spicy ramen is notably spicy, and the vegan options with spinach noodles and tofu offer solid variety.

Vegan ramen stands out with rich flavors and satisfying texture. The menu includes a vegan special that delivers a fantastic taste experience.

People are saying

"The ramen here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"This Japanese food has an authentic, rich, and flavorful broth."

"The Vegan ramen here is exceptionally good."

Good to know

1

Karami Ramen has a robust menu that offers something for everyone.

2

They offer a chicken-based broth for those who don't eat pork.

3

Karami Ramen has vegan options.

10
Menya Ultra image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, cramped space with authentic Japanese style and checklist order forms on tables. Atmosphere includes loud ambient music and noticeable cigar smoke odor from nearby businesses. Busy environment that fills quickly, requiring early arrival or reservation.

Tonkotsu ramen stands out with rich, flavorful broth and tender noodles. The menu also includes gyoza and fried chicken, paired well with ramunรฉ soda for a classic Japanese meal.

Vegan ramen here stands out for its surprisingly flavorful broth and rich taste. The vegan miso ramen offers a delicious option with or without an add-on egg.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich and savory."

"The Nagoya fried chicken is crunchy and well-seasoned."

"I thought the Japanese food, especially the ramen, was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant closes from 2 to 5 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect a long wait, especially if you arrive after 2 PM.

11
Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers a small, clean space with traditional Japanese decor and smooth music creating a welcoming atmosphere. Seating includes an outdoor patio option that adds variety. The vibe is calm and organized, with quick service and no wait times typical.

Ramen stands out with excellent miso and great tonkotsu with chasu. The Began Miso soup and karaage also offer strong flavors, with karaage noted as better than the ramen.

Vegan Miso ramen features wood ear mushrooms but lacks added protein like tofu or faux meats. The vegan ramen offers a spicy miso option and stands out as a solid choice for plant-based eaters.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

"The ramen here is so flavorful and creamy."

"The vegan miso ramen's creamy, tasty broth is so warming."

Good to know

1

Expect a fast-moving line, making wait times shorter than other locations.

2

Payment is required before receiving food, typical of a counter service setup.

3

Prices are around $15-$17 for a bowl, which some find expensive.

12
Harumama Ramen by Blue Ocean Sushi image 1

Ramen restaurant offers spacious, airy design with pet-friendly patio and ocean views. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, with a chill vibe especially outdoors. Crowd varies, with easy seating on quieter days and a mix of diners enjoying both ramen and sake-based drinks.

Ramen and sushi stand out with rich flavors and quality meat. Appetizers like dumplings and steamed buns complement the menu well, making the food seriously satisfying.

Vegan options include a vegan ramen called Garden Party that many find delicious. Packaging for the vegan ramen is well done and the spot is known for its vegetarian and vegan choices.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was very good and spicy."

"I thought the ramen was very good and spicy."

"The vegan ramen here is delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and mostly street parking; expect to drive around for a spot.

2

The restaurant closes at 9 PM, and the last seating is at that time.

3

Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 6 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

13
RakiRaki Ramen & Tsukemen image 1

Ramen restaurant offers full vegan and non-vegan menu options with a focus on rich, flavorful soups like miso and black broth. Atmosphere suits couples and friends seeking a casual dining experience. Known for affordable deals and a variety of sushi and ramen choices.

Ramen with miso broth stands out as a favorite, paired well with chicken karaage. The menu includes vegan sushi options and offers authentic ramen, sushi, and gyoza that many find delicious.

Offers a full vegan menu alongside non-vegan options. Vegan dishes include delicious sushi and other flavorful choices.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be top-notch and delicious."

"I found the ramen here to be top notch."

"I loved the delicious vegan food here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour for drinks provides great deals on weekdays.

2

The restaurant offers a full vegan and non-vegan menu.

3

The restaurant has a policy for proper food handling to ensure safety.

14
Whole Foods Market image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store combines tight aisles with a warm, cozy atmosphere and soothing music. It features a rooftop parking and seating area, plus an Amazon pick-up station for convenience. Crowds gather here regularly, drawn by fresh produce and ready-made meals.

Fresh sushi stands out with options like salmon sushi and sushi rolls. Hot foods and Asian bowls complement the selection, alongside snacks like cookies and kombucha.

Offers a wide range of vegan meat, salads, and pasta, mostly local. Vegan pizza and vegan jerky stand out as popular choices. Organic and vegan products fill the shelves with many vegetarian options.

People are saying

"I found so many fresh, organic, and healthy food options here."

"I loved the hot foods and sushi here."

"I found a really good selection of vegan meat here."

Good to know

1

Parking is extremely difficult, especially during peak hours.

2

Whole Foods Market offers special deals on Tuesdays and Fridays.

3

The hot food bar may not be ready by 11 AM.

15
Baikohken Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, modernized Japanese ramen shop offers an upscale yet cozy vibe with a clean, bright interior. Atmosphere stays quiet and casual, welcoming for relaxed meals. Known for authentic broths and perfectly balanced saltiness, it serves some of the best ramen flavors outside Japan.

Ramen here features a super flavorful broth with perfectly balanced richness, especially in the miso ramen and butter corn miso ramen. Sides like croquette and takoyaki add variety beyond the noodles.

Vegan ramen features a vegan broth that stands out for its flavor. Options include shoyu, shio, miso, spicy miso, and vegan broth, but vegan choices remain limited with only one main vegan bowl available.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be excellent and authentic."

"The Japanese food here, especially the ramen, is delicious and authentic."

"The vegan broth was tastier than I expected."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dining, which is a recent change.

2

Parking is very difficult, especially on weekends.

3

The Tonkotsu ramen costs about $24, while Miso ramen is $15.

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