San Francisco is a really photogenic city. Along with mesmerizing views, the city is also home to a number of dishes that are mouthwatering and a must try. The top food joints are not only insta-worthy, but also offer a wide range of vegan options.

Kin Khao (55 Cyril Magnin St.)Thai is a safe bet for vegetarians and vegans, and Kin Khao is a stylish and truly authentic place. Owner Pim Techamuavivit is well known for her food blog, Chez Pim, and her restaurant features many dishes rarely found outside of Thailand. Kin Khao offers a fun atmosphere, with cocktails and a wine list well-designed to pair with the bright flavours on the menu. Come prepared for an adventure, have fun and order the black rice pudding for dessert.

Cotogna (490 Pacific Ave.)

Between North Beach and the Financial District is Cotogna, the casual little sister to high-end, adjoining Quince. It’s been one of the hottest restaurants in town for years. Chef Michael Tusk prepares excellent pasta in house, along with pizza, salads and seasonal takes on rustic Italian cuisine. Their format is always vegetarian, and the ravioli di ricotta is another winner. Don’t miss their vegetable side dishes, like the famed carrots, which are substantial enough for everyone at your table. Reservations are advised, but the bar and communal table are great for walk-ins.

The Fly Trap (606 Folsom St.)

Hoss Zaré’s The Fly Trap offers a little something for everyone. His modern take on Persian dishes are layered in flavour, with extravagant use of spices and herbs. Many a vegetarian swears by his varied menu, and his ‘Hoss-pitality’ is legendary. The warm and stylish dining room and the excellent wine list don’t hurt either.

Gracias Madre (2211 Mission St.)

Mexican food can be challenging for vegetarian and vegan diners, but Gracias Madre is here to save the day. The Mission district restaurant offers all vegan dishes, using regional Mexican recipes and local, seasonal produce. Creative use of cashew, coconut and legumes yields delicious results. They also have desserts, especially the flan.

Udupi Palace(1007 Valencia St.)

Fans of Indian food should try Udupi Palace in the Mission district. The food is entirely meat-free, so vegetarians and vegans can order with gay abandon. The rich spices keep everything flavourful and the thalis are of an excellent value, too.

Burma Superstar (309 Clement St.) and Burma Love (211 Valencia St.)

Burmese food, infused with the flavours of India, China, and Thailand, can be hard to find, but San Francisco has an abundance of it. Burma Superstar is famous for long lines and intimate quarters while Burma Love has a full bar and a bit more space. Both are worth the wait. The tea leaf salad is rightly famous and the vegetarian curries pack a delicious punch.

Enjoy Vegetarian (839 Kearny St., 754 Kirkham St., and 5344 Geary Blvd.)

It can be hard for a vegetarian to find food in a Chinese restaurant, but this local mini-chain is a popular destination for vegetarians and vegans. If it’s meat substitutes you seek, this is the spot for you. Three locations around town make it a convenient stop, too. They also deliver.

Greens Restaurant (Building A, Fort Mason Center)

For a true San Francisco institution dedicated to vegetarian cuisine, look no further than the legendary Greens Restaurant, overlooking the bay in historic Fort Mason. It was opened in 1979 by the San Francisco Zen Center. Plus, in a classically Northern Californian twist, they were one of the first places in the city to partner with their own farm, located on the Zen Center’s retreat at Green Gulch in nearby Marin County. The menu changes with the season, but the dishes are always on point.

Sons & Daughters(708 Bush St.)

This upscale restaurant between Union Square and Nob Hill has a private farm that supplies the produce and ingredients which go in to their recipes. The restaurant offers a vegetarian pre-fixed menu worth every penny. Call in advance for a reservation or book online.

Ananda Fuara (1298 Market St.)

Located right in the hustle and bustle of Civic Center is this popular vegetarian restaurant, which serves some dishes so decadent it’s hard to believe they’re good for you. We’re talking specifically about their Orange Blossom Berry French Toast (French bread dipped in orange batter with caramelized bananas, fresh berries, and glazed walnuts, served with pure maple syrup).

Veganburg (1466 Haight St.)

You might think that a vegan restaurant wouldn’t have much to offer in the way of burgers. You’d be wrong. Veganburg in Haight-Ashbury offers no fewer than ten different kinds of meatless burgers. They also have killer French fries that are GMO-free.

Cha-Ya (762 Valencia St.)

Along the busy dining corridor that is Valencia Street in the Mission, you’ll find Cha-Ya, a Japanese restaurant that specialises in tasty vegan and vegetarian dishes. Our favourites include the vegetarian pot stickers and the Starlight roll: seasoned brown sushi rice, eryngii mushrooms, spinach and asparagus rolled in thinly sliced avocado.

Nourish Café (189 6th Ave. and 1030 Hyde St.)

Nourish Café is 100 percent plant-based and uses organic, whole foods and non-GMO ingredients to create delicious, wholesome and healthy foods. They use only natural sweeteners and minimal oils in their recipes. Menus and hours differ between their two locations, so plan wisely to taste it all.

Writer and Courtesy: The Pioneer