A simple fact of life is, sometimes we all just need to get along. That's never more true than when a picky omnivore and a picky vegetarian are choosing a restaurant. If you find yourself stuck between two such charming individuals (or find that you are one), split the difference and head to one of these restaurants. Plus, meat-mouths take note: if you take a vegetarian or vegan to a restaurant with veg selections beyond the dreaded, uninspired grilled vegetable plate, you'll invariably get lucky. Rowr.
5. Minako, 2154 Mission, 864-1888.
Run by a sassy mother and daughter team in the Mission, Minako is an extremely veg-friendly Japanese restaurant. It's small, so it's not great for groups, but if you want to find a place where a die-hard fish eater and veg-head sushi lover can coexist in blissful peace, definitely check it out. Menu favorites include the fried veggie eel and avocado roll and the grilled eggplant with miso glaze appetizer. Just get there early, and prepare yourself to be reprimanded about something you order. Example: You will probably be told you're ordering too many fried things, but stay strong, that's only a suggestion.
4. Assab Eritrean Restaurant, 2845 Geary, 441-7083.
I believe Assab serves the best Ethiopian food in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I'm also prone to favoritism for reasons like, "they have pretty bowls," and, "I ate there with a cute boy once!" Regardless, Assab's vegetarian combo rivals the best meals I've ever eaten. If omni's want, they can order a meat dish on the side. That way, you can still dine communally, and everyone is happy. Plus, it's a good place for groups and you get to eat with your hands. What brings together people more than eating with their hands? Most things! But still!
3. Saha, 1075 Sutter, 345-9547.
An Arabic-fusion cuisine tucked inside the Hotel Carleton, Saha is probably the sexiest restaurant in San Francisco, if not the ENTIRE WORLD. Okay, maybe that's ridiculous, but really, it's all gauzy red fabric draped here, and stack of satin pillows there. If I were a grosser writer, I could say that it might remind you of something that rhymes with "badgeeyena." Sensual sexiness aside, the food at Saha can't be beat! They've got a great prix-fixe menu deal, as well. Fill up on fried avocado salad, Yemeni fouel, and the amazing vegan Slap Yo' Mama dessert, which basically a pile of sweet phyllo and chocolate. Double rowr.
2. Gather, 2200 Oxford, Berkeley, 510-809-0400.
Gather is so Berkeley, it's almost painful. It's all "local-this" and "sustainable-that", and I kinda love it. A wide variety of options for vegans and meat-eaters alike, and a truly excellent drink menu. Sometimes all you need to eat is a cocktail, you know? The one dish that garners consistently excellent reviews from everyone ever, is the Vegan Charcuterie Plate. It's just a bunch of vegetables sliced, diced, julienned, and combined to create a taste sensation heretofore unknown. Mushroom pâté, eggplant "brandade," and carpaccio of watermelon radish and turnip. I don't understand a word I just typed but damn, is it tasty.
1. Plum, 2214 Broadway, Oakland, 510-444-7586.
S.F. Cheflebrity and good looking person, Daniel Patterson opened his Oakland outpost last fall, and it's a legitimate hit. Our Jonathan Kauffman is enthusiastic about it, saying, "the vegetables made the meal." About 60% of the menu is vegetarian, and it's good stuff, too. On a recent visit, we gorged on onion crisps, caramelized broccoli, and basil risotto. It's impressive what chefs can do when part of their kitchen is a chemistry lab. Science is amazing!
