Vegetarian option at non-vegetarian restaurants in Financial District or Union Square areas

[jag932]

I'm meeting three life-long friends who I rarely see for dinner next month, none of whom are vegetarian. I am vegan. I would like to find a good restaurant with an atmosphere conducive for comfortable conversation that gives me something to eat. I'm familiar with the vegetarian choices, but I'm having a hard time finding non-vegetarian restaurants that offer even a single vegetarian option. Everyone is staying in around Union Square or in the Financial District. Something in or near these areas would be preferable, but I'm open to suggestions that stray a little bit beyond.

[JasmineG]

Slanted Door might be a good option -- I've been there with a number of vegetarians, and everyone enjoys their meal (and as an omnivore, I've eaten and really enjoyed a lot of their vegetarian options, I love their tofu and actually prefer their vegetarian fresh spring rolls to the ones with meat).

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Slanted Door
Ferry Slip, San Francisco, CA 94111

[chezshanay]

Last time I was there, there was only ONE item on the menu that was vegetarian. Broccoli with Tofu. Very boring. Everything else was filled with meat and fish or fish sauce.

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Slanted Door
Ferry Slip, San Francisco, CA 94111

[JasmineG]

They always have vegetarian fresh spring rolls and fried spring rolls on the menu, as well as at least 5 vegetable items. I've been a number of times, and I've never seen the menu have less than 10 vegetarian items.

[Windy]

Italian's always a good option. If you went to Perbacco, you'd have a range of pastas, salads, vegetables to choose from. Hmm: although looking over the menu, you might have to ask them to leave off cheese or butter.

Globe's another thought. The vegetables there are always a highlight.

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Perbacco
230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Globe Restaurant
290 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94111

[DavidT]

I am a big fan of Perbacco. Here is a look at their dinner menu:

http://www.perbaccosf.com/menus/store...

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Perbacco
230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

[david de berkeley]

I'm not sure whether you are looking for vegan or vegetarian dishes. I run into this situation quite a bit, we will have group lunches or dinners where one person is vegetarian or vegan. For vegetarian, my standard choice is Italian (being able to consume cheese is the big issue), with Indian coming in second. For vegan, I usually go Chinese, Thai, or Vietnamese.

Italian: I am a big, big fan of Perbacco, this is the first place that pops into my mind when we have a vegetarian in the group.

Indian: Dosa is very vegetarian friendly, and the meat eaters in your group will also be happy. This is a cab ride away, though.

Chinese: R & G is an easy choice in Chinatown.

Vietnamese: Slanted Door is a nice place to take out of town guests, it is one of the most well known San Francisco restaurants. It has its supporters and detractors.

Thai: I have a thing for Sai Jai Thai, though it is a short cab ride away (the walk is not long, just the scenery in Tenderloin can be a bit . . . interesting). Osha Thai, though a chain, is not bad and there are several branches close to the Financial District and Union Square.

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Slanted Door
Ferry Slip, San Francisco, CA 94111

Perbacco
230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Osha Thai
819 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Sai Jai Thai Restaurant
771 Ofarrell St, San Francisco, CA 94109

[chezshanay]

I went there asking for food that didn't have fish sauce or could be prepared without fish sauce. Only two items. They are no longer on my list for options for vegatarians. Basil Thai is better and their food is wonderful. They appear to understand that I sincerely do not want fish sauce snuck into my vegies. Thank you, Basil Thai!

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OSHA Thai
2033 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar
1175 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103

[jag932]

Thanks for the suggestions. You've given me some good ideas. I'm intrigued by Slanted Door and Perbacco.

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Slanted Door
Ferry Slip, San Francisco, CA 94111

Perbacco
230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

[SimonF]

Any new ideas? I'm going next week. Also ideas for dinner are welcome - I already plan on eating at Millenium multiple times...

[Windy]

At the high end, Atelier Crenn has added a vegetarian tasting menu for $95, and La Folie also has a menu of the garden. Not near Union Square, but not that far either.

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La Folie
2316 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109

Atelier Crenn
3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123

[Robert Lauriston]

Barbacco and Cotogna have some great vegetarian dishes, but I'm not sure about vegan.

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Barbacco
230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Cotogna
490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

[osho]

I'd also look into Campton Place, one of my veggie friends recently loved the veggie food there. Not sure about the vegan bit, best to call ahead.