Grains

My boyfriend has been vegan for over 5 years and I’ve eaten at countless vegan restaurants all over the country with him. We went to grains because we were visiting San Diego and wanted to explore some good vegan food in the area and grains came up on multiple searches. When we got our food I don’t think I’ve ever had a more disappointing food experience in my life compared to what we experienced at grains. The food was made quickly I can’t deny the fast service but the quality of food was so embarrassing. We ordered the bahn mi sandwich and the Philly cheesesteak and both came on the same bread and had hardly any toppings on it. My boyfriend’s sandwich cost $14 and had 5 mushrooms inside, and some cheese and the sandwiches weighed no more than 2 punches it was literal air. My sandwich had simple vegetables and a vegan meat that was horribly seasoned and off putting. This was the first meal we ate when landing in San Diego after our 9 hour drive so we were very hungry and chose to finish the food but wow that was lighter than a snack it felt like it gave us no actual healthy nutrition or vegan protein source and I know for a fact the quality of ingredients put into making those sandwiches didn’t cost more than $2 to buy and it was so up charged for what little was given. This place was embarrassing to eat at and be seen as a vegan restaurant because they are not making sure to give their customers a good eating experience. It’s obvious to me the owner of this establishment is interested in hardly serving any food and trying to maximize profits. I am very confused how this is highly rated after eating here. Maybe the owner paid people to give high reviews because there was nothing high quality about this place.

Like others have said the bahn mi was flavorful but lacking in filling. I couldn’t help but laugh at the single pepper slice and single leaf of cilantro inside. They were sparse on all ingredients other than the “pork” mixture. It sounds like all their sandwiches are minimal on filling which the chunky bread loaf exaggerates further. I’d come back and try something else but wouldn’t get a sandwich again. They have a creative and intriguing menu. With all the yummy sounding options I was disappointed in my selection. Nice people and relaxing ambiance. I always want vegan restaurants to survive so despite my disappointment in my meal I give it 4/5 and would try again.

I’ve been lucky enough to live by Grains for years and it is one of my staple local restaurants. My favorite dishes are the Bahn Mi and the Popcorn ‘Chicken’. They have an amazing happy hour and even your non-vegan friends and family will love this spot.

I wish I could give 0 stars. I ordered two Philly Steak sandwiches. For one of the sandwiches, I specifically requested the mushrooms to be well done, but they were not. This sandwich is a joke—it should be called a Bell Pepper Sandwich. Both sandwiches had barely any mushrooms, and the few mushrooms present were just small scraps. I will never go back—this was a complete waste of money. Additionally, the manager was very rude. She didn’t change her gloves after touching the cash register. Instead, I saw her rinse off the gloves with water and then handle clean glasses. She should know better. Proper food safety protocol requires using clean, new gloves in such cases. If she has her Food Handler Certificate, she would know Single-use gloves should not be washed or reused. California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 113973 section C. I’ll be contacting the Department of Health tomorrow to report this.

The food here is amazing . I wanted to try everything on the menu because it all sounded so good. The dishes were so delicious! The popcorn chicken and buffalo cauliflower are a must-try. The pad Thai was also incredibly tasty. It's a shame we live far away, or we would definitely be regulars here.

The Bahn Mi pulled pork sandwich was delectable and the buffalo cauliflower tasted like Sunday night football and dad’s cigars. …no, not literally but it definitely elicited powerful memories of buffalo chicken wings times past. A potent taste.

Very nice atmosphere! Customer service was excellent!! I appreciate the woman being kind and welcoming. I enjoyed my vegan meal, except I'm learning me and fried oyster mushrooms just don't mix 🤷🏾‍♀️. However, the food was seasoned wonderfully and very tasty. Highly recommend.

Beautiful relaxing ambience and good food. We had the mushroom calamari, edamame and pad thai noodles which were all good. Will visit again.

I had an amazing experience at Grains! Tai and Ming were incredibly helpful and made sure I got the most delicious chow mein. The noodles were fresh and perfectly cooked, full of flavor in every bite. The vegetables were crisp, vibrant, and added such a delicious crunch to the dish. Overall, it was an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. I highly recommend Grains for anyone craving fresh, tasty, and well-executed dishes. I'll definitely be back! The garlic potatoes were crunchy, fresh and flavorful.

We were searching for a good vegan, whole-food, plant-based spot in San Diego, and Grains looked promising. Unfortunately, it fell short for me. The restaurant was freezing inside--I had to keep my puffer jacket and hat on the entire time. I also prefer organic ingredients, but they have very little, including non-organic tofu. Ordering was easy and they were happy to answer any questions I had. The food was way too oily for my taste. My husband ordered the Pad Thai and thought it was okay but also on the oily side. They gave crazy copious amounts of noodles and very slim pickings for any veggies - I wouldn't go back, but if that's not a dealbreaker for you, give it a try and see what you think. See you on Yelp!

I love this place! It was so clean, roomy, bright and warm with the yellow and white colors, wooden tone of the seats, the playful decor and wall art. Very inviting. The whole cafe is plant-based so there were many food options. I went with Grains Garden, a stir-fry dish of vegetables and tofu with a side of rice. I skipped the rice and the cook was so sweet and added extras veggies for me. A healthy and flavorful dish. Washed my meal down with a some crisp and bubbly ginger kombucha. I enjoyed my meal very much, staring at the trees outside, finding my moment of zen. Host and server were very friendly and cheerful. If I lived closer, I would be eating here and hanging out all the time! Good vibes!

This place was such a pleasant surprise! Admittedly, as a non vegan, I tend to save going to vegan places until a vegan friend suggests it. Well today was vegan lunch day, and it did not disappoint!! The flavors were all awesome, the service was friendly and kind, and I am inspired to try to pick up more of their flavor profiles in my own cooking at home. I loved the airy ambiance, it was bright with great air flow, lots of natural light, comfortable seating for any type of group, and the menu had a nice variety of options. I would definitely recommend checking this place out, and would also totally come again on my own, just to try out more of their dishes! The eggplant dish was one of my favorites, and the mushroom calamari was a close second.

Fabulous vegan restaurant! Tucked-in, in residential area of the North Park in San Diego, Grains is not an easy find. But it is deliberately worth the visit! Located in what appears to be older residential house, Grains has specious clean interior, which could be good for large parties. They have good selection of beer, and I had their probiotic juice which was to die for!!!! This family run restaurant, has delicious selection of vegan fare and family that is not only friendly, but proud of their work! I had vegan version of Philly cheese sandwich with mushrooms, while she had Bahn Mi. Of particular note are the sides! Tempura baked Kale leaves instead of fries...sounds silly but it is delicious!!!! Great people, great service, fabulous food!!!

Great food. Well made and very nicely prepared for a casual place that was open late! The service was minimal, but all was nice! The casual ambiance was appreciated and the place was clean!

It's great to have this vegan restaurant available! Esp with beer/wine. Buffalo cauliflower and tempura kale starters were great. Panang curry entree good. The one salad was too tough. Black iced tea perfect. Less fried food and more veggies would bring me back. Counter service only could work with more than one person, and putting out more things guests can get themselves, beyond water, such as napkins, utensils, takeout containers, small plates..

Cute place with good food and service. First time here and so glad we tired this gem out. I got the popcorn "chicken" and the drunken noodles which were surprisingly tasty. I'm already a fan and can't wait to come back and try something else on the menu.

This place is absolutely amazing the place was so soothing and beautiful we ordered and our food it took no time to come out definitely a great vegan place don't knock until you try it!! Preciate the staff great job!!!

Delicious, flavorful food. We (two vegans, one pescatarian, and one omnivore) shared two appetizers, four entrees, and one dessert, and everything was delectable. The service is great and everything is very clean. The salt & pepper "calamari" and yellow curry were out of this world. Cute patio area and plenty of indoor seating. Highly recommend!

I have heard of this place from other foodies! It is truly a delight for anyone who loved good foods!!! There were plenty to choose from, each dish smelled delicious as I spent the day meeting new people and each of us ordered something different from its menu! I don't think there is any "duh!" Dishes here! Every plates are packed with surprisingly tastes and healthy tastes that you couldn't believe that it's vegan!!! They provided table service and were fairly quick with the dishes and the atmosphere is a relaxing vibes for a Sunday brunch! I will return for its other mouthwatering dishes!

Thai Yellow Curry is great. Fresh veggies, all vegan , delicious. Contains carrots, tofu, green beans and potatoes in a delightfully slightly hot yellow curry sauce

Yeah hidden gems. Salt & Pepper calamari are elite. Buffalo cauliflower is great too because the batter remains crispy. Great sauces and great prices. Bring shawty here.... You shall get buns

Stopped by this little spot and was pleasantly surprised! Grains is well lit and had a cool atmosphere with friendly service. I enjoyed the curry and rice with the fried cauliflower and would definitely be going back!

Amazing Vegan restaurant tucked in North Park ! The decor was colorful & modern with a bird theme. The gentleman taking our order suggested the Pulled pork sandwich with fries and it was delicious! Everyone was kind and welcoming! I will definitely be back

Cute little place tucked in a residential neighborhood. I loved my lunch! We ordered the Thai Yellow Curry, House Salad and Drunken Noodles. All were so delicious! The dressing on the House Salad is a new favorite. Sooooo good. Service was easy breezy as you order at the counter.

It was so wonderful to discover this absolutely delicious restaurant! The flavors , are unlike anything I've tried in so-called "vegan " eaterys. This place will leave you craving for more and more. The staff is very polite, courteous and friendly, making you feel like you're their favorite customer. The Thai dishes taste straight from Thailand... seriously! The selection of beers is fantastic as well , and all I tasted (free tastes I might add) were great! Nothing about this place will disappoint you. Best vegan diner I have ever had!

After my original plan of going to other restaurant failed, as they filled up, I was stuck in this residential area. Luckily, this place was real close by, like a little oasis in the midst of all the houses. Parking: Street parking, pretty difficult to find. Atmosphere: You order at the counter and seat yourself, then the waiter brings the food out to you. But this place doesn't look cheap at all. It's beautifully decorated, spacious, and clean. Service: There were only three people working here when I arrived, so it was a bit slow. But the servers were extremely friendly and came to refill water and check in. Food: -- Kale tempura: This was a big portion! The batter was well seasoned, and the spicy dipping sauce was lovely. -- Stir-fried eggplant: 5/5. The sauce was insane. -- Pad thai: Pretty good, just a bit sweet for my taste and I wish there was more tofu. Btw, they have some delicious kombucha on tap! Overall rating: I can see nothing wrong with this place and the food. I need to revisit and try more menu items for sure.

So cute! Tucked a little away from the bustle so easy parking on the side streets. Cute art on the inside and outside. Order at the front counter and then pick a cozy seat. Plenty of seating on a Sunday for lunch. Lots of kombucha and non alcoholic options, as well as some alcoholic options. Love all the vegan Asian-y menu options. Buffalo cauliflower was really good. I want to go back to try the popcorn chicken! Vegan Bahn mi sandwich was really tasty.

We had a reservation inside, and our table was nicely set up. You order at the counter and get your water from the water station. Service was quick and very nice. Everyone got their food promptly and enjoyed everything! The decor is really nice, and the ambiance is probably the best part. We had a wall booth, and it was quiet and calm so we could all actually talk and had room to mingle. We had a birthday and brought in our own cake, and the staff gave us plates and forks and even turned down the lights for us to sing Happy Birthday, which was a really nice touch.

Delicious plant-based food and the ambiance is so warm and welcoming. All of the food I ate was amazing and I definitely love how a lot of the options are mainly vegetable based rather than the usual "impossible meat" that a lot of other restaurants serve. I never enjoyed that as an option for someone who doesn't eat meat so I am glad that it is omitted from the menu. Heavily recommend to vegans and non-vegans! Will come again soon!

I absolutely love this place! the people working there are really friendly and the food is simply incredible. It's within walking distance of my friends house and was a pleasant surprise when I was in town to visit. I've had several things off the menu now and they've all been fantastic. It isn't so much a vegan place with great food as it is a really great place with amazing food that happens to be vegan. It's the type of place that anyone that loves great will enjoy!

Delicious Pad Thai!!! Punctual service and definitely a low key atmosphere! Recommend this spot for anyone looking for vegan casual dining!

Our friend recommended the restaurant for our lunch, as they served vegetarian dishes. It was cozy and inviting, and the staff members were very nice. We greatly enjoyed Drunken Angel, Banh Mi Pulled Pork Sandwich, and Fried Banana with Salted Caramel.

I had a family member who was vegan for a couple years and wanted to try different vegan spots throughout San Diego. We decided to give Grains a try and I loved it! Even though I'm not vegan myself, I would come here just because I love it so much. I order the Grains Garden. It's a huge portion over veggies in their house special sauce served with jasmine wild rice. I have no idea what's in the house special sauce, I just know I'm obsessed with it! I've also had the garlic potato wedges and buffalo cauliflower and loved both of them!

Grains is a San Diego gem! This is the perfect place to come grab a delicious vegan bite with your significant other, some friends, or family. There is a small parking lot behind the shop, but there's also options for street parking as well. We came around 6pm for dinner and it was not packed at all. Once you enter inside, you are greeted by a homey and comforting ambiance. You order at the counter, go grab a seat wherever you like, and they bring your food to you. The staff here are very friendly and welcoming. All the food we had was delicious, but the winner for me was the popcorn "chicken" and the banh mi! Come here for a bite and you will not be disappointed!

Absolutely love this place. It has always been one of my favorite hidden vegan places to eat. This Asian inspired vegan food focuses more about veggies rather than just the meat replacement. All of their meals are packed with incredible flavors and lots of veggies at a really good price! It's in an odd location so you have to park on the street in the nearby neighborhoods but it is so worth it.

I've ordered three things here: jackfruit sandwich, kale salad and egg plant stir fry. Each has been good but nothing has been amazing. I will continue to go back for convenience and the nice vibe. I do wish that they had a few more healthy apps/options as a lot of the options are fried.

This restaurant has great service, checking on us and helping to clear room between courses. They provided plenty of napkins and ketchup too. The menu has a great variety of asian, american, vegan and vegetarian dishes. We loved the onion rings and buffalo cauliflower especially. The decorations are fun and catch the eye. The casual environment is relaxing.

The food was delicious and fresh. Highly recommend the Tom Kha soup , buffalo cauliflower and red bean sesame balls

HOLY CRUD. why did I wait so long to try Grains? It's so freaking good. Phoned in an order around 7:30 and was quoted a 15 min wait time to pick up the food. Person on phone sounded a tiny bit stressed but who isn't these days? We tried the pan seared fettuccini and Tom kha soup tonight and both tasted like they could be in a 5 star restaurant with its quality and taste ! Seriously It was a taste explosion, and the fettuccini had this crunch factor that was unexpected. Everything in our togo order was packed neatly. I will definitely be back to try more, and will reccomend this to all my friends :)

Pretty solid vegan restaurant which honestly you won't notice that it is. Thai cuisine on its own tastes amazing without meat products. Really enjoyed the calamari mushrooms, onion rings, curry, and angel hair pasta. I would pass on the fries, fried portobello, and the other pasta dish. Pretty casual spot.

A really cool all vegan establishment with wonderful food and really good beers on tap. Brought non vegan friends who thought it was amazing and had no idea everything was vegan!

This place is amazing!!! I highly recommend here!!! It's got great energy and the staff are extremely friendly

First time coming here and was pleasantly surprised. The food was amazing and the service was exquisite. The decor walking in was very appealing. I will definitely be coming back here.

The banh mi sandwich was one of the meatiest vegan dishes I have ever had! When I visited this restaurant in the Pacific Heights at noon on the Thursday after California reopened, I found delicious food and no crowd.The sandwich itself was unlike any vegetarian banh mi I've ever had in that the juices of the fake meat, in this case jackfruit, give the sandwich enough moisture on its own without needing a sauce. The ratio of bread to filling also seemed spot on. There was no overwhelming barbecue or other flavor, just a profound earthiness. I used a little of the salsa to brighten the sandwich, but if you are going for a very meaty taste, this would be right up your alley. Besides the sandwich, I opted for tempura kale which was served with a delicious green salsa type sauce. The kale stayed crunchy for several minutes and was perfectly seasoned. If you want to eat indoors, there seems to be plenty of room and both doors are open for airflow. Outdoors, there are two-top tables on the front side of the restaurant and a couple of two tops on the side. The ones on the side have a little bit of shade for a few minutes right around noon. They also have takeout and delivery options available.

Delicious plant based food. The BBQ sauce is a must try. I highly recommend getting a side of it and dousing the pulled pork sandwich in it for a more BBQ pulled pork style sandwich. It is delicious without as well, but next level with it. I also really enjoyed the ranch dressing. It wasn't as thick as I would've liked but the flavor and taste is delicious. The parking situation is typical for the area (not great) and it is in a fully residential neighborhood. The vibe is rustic with lots of wood and iron decor. There is a small outdoor patio with umbrellas. You order at the counter and seat yourself. Drinks were reasonably priced but I don't really drink, but thought it was worth mentioning for those that do.

This place is my go-to study spot. Bomb vegan food (get the popcorn chicken and thank me later) and the lady working in front is always really sweet and gracious. Solid selection of beers on tap as well. I like working here because it's usually not too crowded and there's a few tables with good access to outlets. Never had a problem with the WiFi.

I've only been here 2 times and I can't wait to work my way down the menu Started with the house pasta - can you say YUMMY

I really enjoyed this location. The vegetarian options are super and the staff friendly and welcoming. It's great to see consistent business there and to have a local place available so close to Trolly Barn park. Inside is a nice option for small groups to hang out though it might get a little noisy. Otherwise, a good experience for lunch or a light dinner.

Positive: food is always hot, tasty & plentiful. Staff is always friendly. Greeted upon entry. Never crazy busy. Nice quiet, calming atmosphere. Negative: parking, drink options

Neat vegan/vegetarian place, really liked the banh mi. Was made of jackfruit for the "protein", was very flavorful!

One of my favorite vegan spots! Love the Pad Thai. I also love the popcorn chicken and potato wedges (those apps alone can feel you up). Love dining into this place, I always enjoy the ambiance and friendliness from the staff. They are so sweet and gracious, I definitely get a "family" vibe from them.

Sooo yummy, even if you're not vegan. I just took my food to go but I'm going to eat there soon because it was such a nice & chill vibe in there; rustic & cozy. The jackfruit bahn mi was my first time trying jackfruit "meat" but it was honestly one of the best sandwiches I've had in general; perfect spiciness. I got the kale tempura as a side & they were awesome, so crunchy even after a 30 minute drive back lol I also got the salt & pepper "calamari" mushrooms, so tasty, definitely cravable!! The spicy house sauce that comes with it is great too. Not really a fan of the Tokyo fries, the Wasabi cream was too strong for my tastes. It would be nice if it was a smaller (& cheaper) portion too since it's just fries with cream on top lol Can't wait to go back.

Top-notch atmosphere, friendly service and delicious vegan menu with gluten-free options. I got the "Grains Garden", and it totally hit the spot. I can see how others have found this particular dish underwhelming, but being in the mood for healthy, tasty veggies, it was perfect for me - though a bit more tofu would've been welcome. Plenty more menu options (I hear the banh mi is fantastic) - wish I'd found this place earlier in my visit! If I lived in SD, I'd be eating here allll the time. Indoor and outdoor seating. Street parking only.

This is our third time visiting this place and it's really good! It's always clean and never too crowded. The staff goes above and beyond. My husband found his food a bit salty and they were happy to remake it for him. The food is always fresh, hot and tasty, which is what really keeps us coming back.

Wonderful tasteful food and friendly service. We had the angel hair pasta, "chicken strips," "calamari," and Tom Kha soup. Great flavors! I heartily recommend Grains.

I ordered the Grains Garden. It was so flavorful! I highly recommend you try it. I don't have pictures because it smelled so good that I began eating as soon as it arrived at my hotel. Excellent food and very helpful staff. 5 stars for sure!!

The food is outstanding! The service is great too! I enjoy the energy of this place too. It is a nice vibe homey feeling. I am a picky eater and where I choose to eat. I like quality tasty food and this place is truly delicious. One must try it for themselves and find out this gem. Thank you Grains!