12 yummy ways to VEG out!

You’ve heard that phrase “all things in balance” right? Well, it’s true! There are many days as a food blogger when I stuff myself full of lobster, goat cheese balls, and cookie dough, but it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet too…or so they say! If you’ve been following along, you may have seen my blog about some outstanding brussels sprouts dishes; if not, check it out and then keep reading below to see more must eat veggie dishes in San Diego. Oh and guess what, it’s #WorldVegetarianDay! Happy October 1 🙂

Barbusa

Have you heard of squash blossoms before? These are the edible flowers that grow from some varieties of squash and they’ll make you feel super fancy…or is that just me? These blossoms are usually stuffed with cheese, tempura battered, and fried to perfection. They’re delicate, fun, and oh soo delicious!

Fiori Di Zucca: tempura squash blossoms, quattro formaggi, apricot chile jam

Davanti Enoteca

Fact: I love cauliflower! I’m all about riced cauliflower, cauliflower mash, cauliflower pizzas, and THIS cauliflower steak. It was super tender cutting into it, and the flavors were singing despite my usual distaste for olive tapenade. It’s truly an incredible dish for any cauliflower lover.

Cauliflower Steak: ceci beans, olive tapenade, lemon jam, pecorino

California PIzza Kitchen

I fell in love with shishito peppers about a year ago and I haven’t looked back since (except for that one bag of baby shishitos from Trader Joe’s that were nuclear, haha). There’s a thrill in eating them because it’s said that one in every ten are very hot. It’s like playing pepper roulette. All of which is a bit bizarre coming from me, because truth to be told I’m lukewarm about most peppers, but for some reason, these are stupid addictive and I keep playing the game because I’m no quitter!

I experienced love at first bite last year when I bit into a Common Theory burger and from that moment on I knew I had to try more from their kitchen. Let me tell you about their buffalo cauliflower…it has just the right amount of kick to it while being hearty and flavorful. Hands down this is my favorite buffalo cauliflower dish to date. While you’re there trying to be “healthy” eating your veggies and all, be sure to also try their pretzels and burgers…because after all you can be healthy tomorrow!

Buffalo Cauliflower: Roasted cauliflower, rice flour, buffalo sauce, house ranch

True Food Kitchen

OH KALE! It’s not everyone’s cup of tea for sure, but it’s kind of like kombucha, you have to keep trying them until you find one (a kale dish) that you like. This kale salad, certainly changed my mind, but it probably helped that it has this crunchy breadcrumb texture on top, and who would say no to that? Other True Food favorites include the turkey burger (and I’m super picky about my turkey burgers!) and the edamame dumplings.

Organic Tuscan Kale: lemon, garlic, grana padano, breadcrumb

Herb and Wood

Anyone else finicky about carrots? Yeah, I’m that girl who used to only like carrots raw and not cooked. That is until I tasted what good roasted carrots are supposed to taste like (thanks Brian Malarkey!). I mean seriously, that cashew sauce, I nearly licked the plate clean! Oh but first things first, don’t forget to order the secret menu rolls…trust me!

Roasted Baby Carrots: Cashew Sesame Dukkah, Aleppo Yogurt, Carrot Top Pesto

Island Prime/ C Level

If the view wasn’t amazing enough to draw you toward Island Prime/ C Level, then certainly these artichoke fritters should. They’re lightly battered and crisp, topped with some cheese, served with lemons and this delicious aioli. And while you’re there, I highly suggest trying my new favorite cocktail, the Sol y Mar (Skyy grapefruit vodka, aloe juice, and fresh lemon).

Michael’s Crispy Artichoke Fritters: lemon-caper aioli

Sushi Deli 3

First of all, Sushi Deli is one of my favorite sushi places in San Diego! They’re reasonably priced with a lot of great items like the San Diego roll, California egg rolls, and tempura avocado. Tempura is a light batter used often for shrimp and vegetables, but the avocado has a light crunch with this creamy avocado inside and dressed with sweet and spicy sauces.

Tempura Avocado: Avocado in a tempura batter, drizzled with sweet sauce and spicy mayo

Lazy Dog Restaurant

As a girl who grew up in the Midwest, I’ve eaten a lot of corn in my days; I had no idea that west coast corn was so different, but the first time I had a taste of Mexican Street Corn, I was hooked for life! There’s just something about the seasonings and cheese that make this corn so cravable! This is a seasonal item for Lazy Dog, but don’t be sad if you miss out because you can always find something tasty here, like their Pad Thai Noodles…yummm!

Street Corn Wheels: fresh corn, grilled with lime, garlic, queso blanco, cilantro, and Tajin

Black Angus Steakhouse

Oh Artichokes, how I love thee! These fire-grilled artichokes are super tasty with lots of butter and lemon, and that lemon aioli will have you dancing in your seat! I may or may not have eaten two all by myself…#sorrynotsorry!

Fire-Grilled Fresh Artichokes: Served with our house-made lemon aioli and our signature basil pesto mayo for dipping

Eureka!

Broccoli is one of my favorite veggies, but out with the old and in with the broccolini! These long stem broccoli are full of florets and quite delicious. Eureka! uses a lot of lemon and red pepper for this yummy side dish with a quick sprinkle of cheese. I like mine with a bit less red pepper and a whole lotta lemon! P.s. their Eureka! cheeseburger is in my top 5 favorite burgers!

Broccolini: lemon zest, grated Parmesan, chili flakes

Solterra Winery

If you haven’t been to Solterra Winery, you are definitely missing out. Most will go for the wine, which is absolutely worth it, but don’t skip out on the food. I’m personally obsessed with their cheeseboards and these patatas bravas. Like chips, you can’t eat just one.

Patatas Bravas: sofrito aioli, chive creama, chives

So there you have it friends, twelve awesome veggie dishes that are a must eat in San Diego! I don’t know about you, but I certainly made myself hungry seeing all these yummy dishes again, hehe. Drop a comment below, and let me know which one you want to try first! And remember to eat your veggies 🙂