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Kearny Mesa's best

Vegetarian soup spots

A hearty soup that happens to be vegetarian, rather than a thin broth that feels like an afterthought.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Szechuan Chef Chinese Cuisine image 1
Szechuan Chef Chinese Cuisine image 2
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Spacious and bright dining area offers a clean, refined atmosphere with authentic Sichuan flavors that maintain traditional spice and aroma. The crowd favors casual meals with bold, spicy dishes like cumin lamb and crispy chicken with chili sauce. The place stands out for true Sichuan cuisine beyond typical Chinese offerings.

Sour lamb soup stands out with its bold tangy flavor. Hot and sour soup offers a balanced taste without too much corn starch.

Plenty of vegetarian options fill the menu. Vegetarians find several dishes to choose from.

People are saying

"I found the Szechuan food to be really authentic."

"The spicy boiled fish was absolutely to die for."

"The hot and sour soup was flavorful and not overly corn-starchy."

Good to know

1

The last dine-in order should be placed by around 8:15 PM.

2

They close promptly at 9:00 PM.

3

Three people can eat well for about $50.

02
Mekong Cuisine Lao & Thai image 1
Laotian restaurant

Simple, pretty interior with tropical decor and decorative plants creates an intimate, peaceful atmosphere. Lighting is a bit dark and space can feel stuffy, but the vibe stays casual and relaxing. Staff offer friendly, personalized touches like complimentary photos with rose flowers.

Soups here feature rich curries like pumpkin and Khao Soi, a curry noodle soup. Tom Yum soup offers a variety of vegetables and a choice between glass or flat noodles in the Yen Ta Fo noodle soup adds texture options.

Vegetarian options include a tofu substitution for sausage in dishes like Nam Khao Tod. The kitchen is vegan friendly and willing to customize meals, though the menu has limited vegetarian variety.

People are saying

"The food here is packed with flavor and perfectly balanced."

"The Thai food's boat noodles have a unique, flavorful black broth."

"They were so friendly and willing to customize any vegetarian dish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using rideshare.

03
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with authentic flavors and a lively, energetic design featuring hanging plants and an outdoor patio. Atmosphere is cozy with fantastic music enhancing the vibe. Popular for unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks alongside standout dishes like mojo fries and lomo saltado.

Savory wonton soup stands out with a rich, delicious flavor. It pairs well with dishes like Lomo Saltado and plantains.

Menu offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes and proteins. Staff accommodate dietary needs by creating or modifying dishes like tofu salteado and Peruvian cooked salad with rice and plantains.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"I found the wonton soup to be delicious and yummy."

"They were so willing to accommodate and make vegetarian dishes for me."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

04
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.

Soup dumplings burst with unique, flavorful fillings and rich broth. Braised beef noodle soup offers a complex, flavorful broth with tender beef shank and fresh pickled mustard greens. Ramen soups feature super complex broths that stand out.

Spicy Vegetarian Ramen offers robust flavors that match meat-based options. The Vegetarian Ramen is lighter but still flavorful, with delicious vegan choices available.

People are saying

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

"The braised beef noodle soup here is highly recommended."

"I highly recommend their spicy vegetarian ramen."

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.

05
Spicy House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small strip-mall restaurant with traditional Chinese decoration and colorful interior featuring fish tanks and TVs. Atmosphere feels chaotic but lively, with a large menu offering authentic Szechuan cuisine served family style in generous portions.

Spicy Mapo tofu soup makes you sweat but delivers strong flavor. Pork hock soup comes with white beans. Fish eyeballs and egg soup offers a unique, lovely experience.

A wide range of dishes includes vegetarian options like kung pao tofu, vegetable chow mein, and a spicy tofu plate. Vegan choices such as vegan veggie fried rice also appear on the menu.

People are saying

"I found the Sichuan food here to be super authentic."

"The Mapo tofu soup here made me sweat with its spicy, numb flavor."

"The Vegetarian plates are huge and a great value."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult during peak lunchtime hours.

2

The restaurant offers family-style dining with large portions.

3

Guests can bring their own beer after paying a corking fee.

06
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - San Diego (Kearny Mesa) image 1

Ramen restaurant offers traditional sushi bar seating and a clean, peaceful atmosphere with authentic Japanese vibes. The place draws a steady crowd with no wait times and ample parking. It stands out for highly customizable ramen options and a quiet, welcoming environment.

Soup features a shio base that feels light and refreshing. It avoids the oily heaviness common in other ramen, offering flavors like mapo tofu, hot and sour, and green chili shio ramen.

Vegetarian options include a vegetarian ramen bowl with a boiled egg and a vegan ramen that tastes great. Vegan choices are clearly available on the menu.

People are saying

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

"I loved the flavorful, lighter soup and chewy noodles."

"The vegetarian ramen bowl was delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a summer special for cold ramen, ending on 08/31.

2

Toppings are extra, costing at least $2 each.

3

Parking is easy and plentiful.

07
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 soup offers an authentic flavor that recalls Japan. The soup base is generally excellent, though sometimes served a bit too warm, and the tantanmen soup tends to be pasty rather than soupy.

Vegan ramen stands out with its rich miso broth and flavorful ingredients. Both vegans and non-vegans find the dishes delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

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

"I found the vegan miso ramen super-satisfying and delicious."

"The soup here is amazing, truly everything I hoped for."

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.

08
PT Eatery image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious and clean interior offers ample seating with a friendly, airy design. Atmosphere feels relaxing yet slightly uncomfortable at times, accommodating groups and families. The place fills with people and carries an amazing aroma upon entry.

Seafood pho soup stands out with fat control and less oil on top, making it lighter than most. Won ton soup tends to be very salty, while egg rolls pair well with the soup dishes.

Menu offers a great selection of vegetarian options including a lemongrass tofu dish praised for its flavor. Some items labeled vegetarian, like the vegetable egg rolls, contain meat.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"The vegetarian tofu dishes are crispy, airy, and delicious."

"I ordered the best seafood pho soup."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on busy nights to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is ample, with an EV charging station available on-site.

3

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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