KAPPA SUSHI
San Diego, CA
When we first moved to San Diego in 2010, Neesh saw a little flyer for a new Sushi Restaurant opening down the street. We didn't need any more information - we were riding high just knowing that we would be living less than 2 miles away from a Sushi Restaurant!!! We have probably been there a total of 10-15x's over the year that we lived in San Diego. And we have taken a good 20 people there with us, and every single person has fallen in love (even first time sushi eaters!) From the seaweed salad, to edamame and sushi it is all mouth-watering tasty! For those who are looking for a great vegetarian sushi restaurant....look no further!
Here are some of their greatest creations for us:
CHO-CO-LAT
San Diego, CA
This was a gem we discovered a couple days before moving out of San Diego...so sad! We've been told the desserts are delicious, but when we went there we went for a real lunch and I wanted a solid meal (being 7 months pregnant). I ordered Butternut Squash Ravioli which was one of the best I've ever had - and I'm not a huge fan of Italian Food in general. Try some yummy salads, paninis, pasta, pizza or crepes among all the variety. They also sell gelato there which definately would have been part of my meal if I had had extra room in my tummy that day.
LAMPERTS ICE CREAM
The place to go if you're looking for creative flavored ice-cream and a great atmosphere to spend an evening? It's a hidden treasure in the city of San Diego. And if you like it a lot, they have an online ordering system yay!
BRUNOS
San Diego, CA
We love this place so must we have drive over 1 hour on several occasions to eat their pizza! What is particularly special about this pizza joint is their cheese-less pizza. Somehow they have mastered cheese-less! I don't know what they have done with pizza crust, olive oil, garlic and chopped tomatoes but it's nothing short of perfection. Once you try it, I am pretty sure you will also be driving long distances to satisfy your craving!
PIZZA PORT
San Diego, CA (Solana Beach)
If you would like to enjoy great pizza, a breathtaking sunset and the beach - pizza port is your place to go!! It is a bit crowded and loud, but it's sooo worth it. Plenty of restaurants can be good when you're talking about beer and meat, but this place has just as much to offer for all us vegetarians!
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LA BISTRO SABOR
Napa Valley, CA
My husband and I have lived in California since we were babies, and you won't believe it - we'd NEVER been to Napa Valley! Yes I said it! So for my 30th birthday, we decied it was a must. Packing for 3 and dragging along the carseat, stroller, and lots of baby luggage - we headed to the ever-popular Wine County. The entire experience is another post in and of itself, but the first restaurant we went to that Friday night captured the entire essence of that trip. Napa has great food all around and this was our first fantastic find (more to come as the years come!) They change their menu seasonally (which I love because it means they value fresh food) and their combinations are unimaginably unforgettable! Make sure you enjoy fresh churro's with chocolate/caramel dipping sauce before you leave!
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GEISHA HOUSE
San Diego, CA
Neesh and I discovered our love for sushi togethera fter getting married in 2007. For my first birthday after marriage, my hubby wanted to plan something special. Mixing my love for sushi, good food and stalking famous people - he thought of no better place than Geisha House in Los Angeles. The food was definately a winner, but if you're also looking for great ambience, good service and a hot location where you can spend the evening trying to spot famous actors...go here!! Not to mention, this is one of those places you can put on your best jeans, high heels and a little bit of sparkle to kick things up a notch ;) Oh ya, and food - shishito peppers, rice cakes, fried sushi and scrumptous desserts. Do I need to say more??
LA PARALOCCIA OSTERIA ITALIANA
Long Beach, CA
Waiters that actually speak Italian to each other, waiters that have an Italian accent, good service, great ambience, 2-3 excellent vegetarian dishes and a totally memorable appetizer. Sound appealing - try this place out! Not to mention its located in a great place downtown so you can enjoy a fun stroll before or after your meal. I'm not a huge fan of Italian, but this place was good enough to return to for a second round!
THE MELTING POT
Irvine, CA
I know I know, you are thinking "wait a minute, this is a chain restaurant." There are few chain restaurants my husband and I will go to but this is a must-go at least once in life! A couple important pointers - you should only go here with someone you want to spend 3 hours with. And lets be honest, it's kinda on the romantic side. Before we had Suhaani, we used to go here early on in our marriage when 3 hours felt like 30 minutes! I'm crazy about chocolate and addicted to chocolate fondue. I never realized how good appetizer and dinner fondue could be until I went here. Definately a must-try!
MARRAKESH
Costa Mesa, CA
If there is a day, you are looking for a place to eat, but you want something different...in the mood to try something new ....THIS IS YOUR RESTAURANT! It's Moroccan food. Be ready for a 2 hour, 3-course dining experience, warm hot tea served throughout your meal, and the occasional company of a belly dancer. The food is delicious, warming and such a refresher on the palette! Enjoy!
GABBYS
Orange, CA
Yummy Yummy Yummy Yummy Yummy!!! That's all I can say when I think about this place. Best Mexican I have had anywhere in the state of California! Seriously - AMAZING! Every dish you order (vegetarian) is a good dish, great service, lots of people, lively, energetic. It just has it all when you're looking for a great night out! Just make sure you call ahead of time for reservations, OR be ready to wait a long while to be seated. Either way, it's very worth it.
NAPA ROSE
Anaheim, CA
One night when you are feeling the mood, and willing to spend ~$90-110/person, try out Napa Rose. They change their menu seasonally and produce the most mouth-watering dishes. When we went, we told the chef that we were vegetarians. Since they don't have many vegetarian dishes on their menu, he went ahead and "created" new dishes for us. And they were all absolutely wonderful! Dress it up for a nice occasion right near Disneyland!
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CICEROS
San Jose, CA
One of the best pizza places in the BayArea that I've tried. This place has the main secret down to a science, and that is the CRUST! It is just perfection and yep, perfection. We usually order the "No Meat Treat" or the "Veggie." We go back every other month, and remember it frequently when we haven't been in the area for a while, or on special occasions.
THE COUNTER
San Jose, CA
Burger or Salad, Burger or Salad? How about both! What a fantastic concept and just as tasty. We just moved to the area 6 months ago and have been to this place twice within 6 weeks. You can try one of the burgers on their menu, or make your own burger which seems like it would never really disappoint either. Make sure to add some sweet potato fries to the meal. Why not? ;)
PIZZA ANTICA
San Jose, CA
Cannot believe it took me this long to go to this place, fantastic pizza once again! Not to mention a delicious butternut squash ravioli and yummy walnut cake with sugared bananas! I was also pretty darn impressed with their service - they made dining with a 5 month old really easy, even on a really crowded evening.
PLUTOS
San Jose, CA
I would NEVER want to eat a salad - even being a vegetarian that was always the last thing I'd want to put in my mouth. Alas I discovered why...because I had never had a good one! Once I discovered how tasty a good salad could be, I value the places that can make them well! One standard is always Sweet Tomatoes. However, for a trendier version of that same thing - try this place. You order your custom salad, and can also get soups and sandwiches!
PAPALOTE
San Francisco, CA
Okay sure, there are endless great restaurants in San Francisco, but I promise this is one fast-food joint you won't forget! We've heard there are many good items here, and we even bought 2 jars of their salsa to take home...but the homerunner here was the Soyrizo Burrito! I had never had one before, but I have had many after and I still think this one tops the list. Check it out!
BIRITE ICE CREAM
San Francisco, CA
Looking for something cold, creamy, original and just lip-smackingly good? Look no further than Birite Ice Cream. I mean, this place does have tons of great ratings so you don't have to take just my word for it. They have tons of great flavors. Check out the Salty Caramel Ice Cream Flavor and let me know what you think ;)
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES
San Jose, CA
For the best Red Velvet Cake EVER, go to this place! Such a great local grab-and-go shop for single serving cakes, or larger 8'' or 10'' cakes. And the prices are well worth it too. I grabbed an 8'' cake the other day and it will easily feed 20 people. The frosting is just right - not too sweet or strong, and that is what makes this particular cake so darn special. One small savory piece will bring you ultimate satisfaction!
AQUIS
San Jose, CA
I must start with something of a disclaimer - my husband and I are not huge fans of chain restaurants and rarely ever choose to go to one unless we're with a large, opinionated group. But this is a hidden gem in the basket of chain restaurants. This place has a great feel, friendly customer service and food that will make your tummy do flips!! They make dishes based on seasonal ingredients and are no strangers to black beans, brown rice and whole wheat tortilla! They serve mango/walnut salads, taquitos with organic tofu, roll-ups with fried sweet potato and much much more! I'm telling you, there is a lot to get excited about here and I know that it's definately going to become a staple on our restaurant list.
