Italiano Vegano? My 4 Favorite Spots in San Diego

Photo Credit: Condé Nast Traveler, Archana Ram

Okay I’m truly ashamed to admit this, I used to tell people that Italian was my least favorite type of food. I know, something was seriously wrong with me. And then I went on the most magical, Lizzie McGuire Movie (don’t judge) trip to Italy and Italian food became my one true love. The pasta, the pizza, the gnocchi, the olive oil, the bread, the PASTA, how did I ever survive without it?! Thank God, San Diego boasts some of the best vegan Italian food (outside of Italy of course.)

Here are my top 4 favorite spots for Vegan Italian in San Diego!

#1 Donna Jean

Donna Jean gets #1 because they are entirely vegan and that deserves first place. On top of being a fully vegan pizza paradise, they use locally made vegan cheese from Scratch House which you can purchase in their deli case on site. They serve a wide variety of vegan pizzas from your traditional margarita to creative specials like the Thunderskiss ‘65 (White wine garlic cream, mozzarella, ricotta, spinach, pistachios, lemon infused olive oil.) Small plates, salads, homemade pastas and desserts also grace their menu. Pro tip, get the House Bread with a side of garlic butter.

If brunch is more your style then you are in luck because Donna Jean serves up a phenomenal brunch. Biscuits and gravy? Yes please. Chicken Fried Shrooms? I’ll take two. The atmosphere is cool but casual, along with their menu, the service never disappoints. Donna Jean, if you are listening, you are my #1.

#2 Cesarina

Cesarina and I actually have a new budding relationship. I’ve been admiring the menu for a while and finally got the chance to go for a girls night. I was not disappointed. The atmosphere is fresh and cozy. It’s apparent love and care was put into each detail, from the lighting to the water jug shaped like a chicken, I loved it. They have a fully vegan section on their menu. Pair your choice of homemade pasta with one of their many sauce options. I got the Bucatini with the Romesco & Vodka sauce, it was delicious and filling. They don’t leave you hanging when it comes to dessert either, choose from a vegan sorbet or vegan Tiramisu (we all know the obvious choice here…)

#3 Cori Pacifico Tratorrio

My angel of a boyfriend took me on an Italian date night to Cori Pacifico, it had been on his want to go list for a while and we finally made it happen. It was truly lovely from the moment we walked in. Cozy, just dark enough lighting, uncrowded, great service. From the art to the table settings, we loved it.

Without asking they included the vegan menu, I enjoyed the FOCACCIA E CAPONATA (House-made 36 hours fermented Focaccia, Sicilian Eggplant Caponata Conserva) and the BIGOLI ALLA PUTTANESCA (Ancient Grain Bigoli Pasta (Thick Spaghetti), Tomato Sauce Kalamata Olives, Capers, Roasted Garlic, Calabrese Chili, Fresh Parsley.)

Alongside our yummy dinners we each ordered a glass of wine, I paired mine with a Benadryl…am I the only one who has random allergic reactions to wine? That being said, thank you to the liqueur store across the street for being equipped with Benadryl, to my loving boyfriend for saving my life and to Cori Pacifico for the delicious dinner.

Happy Date Night.

#4 Buona Forchetta

Bueno has grown quite a bit over the years and has a lost a bit of it’s coziness but still never disappoints with food. Their vegan salads, pizzas and pastas are insanely good. You can add vegan cheese to any of their pizzas or choose one of their vegan specials. My go to is the Grabiele (spinach, porcini, grape tomoatoes.) The OG South Park location is my personal fav and a great option if you have a larger group!

So there you have it, my top 4. Wherever you go on this list, I hope you enjoy a delicious, vegan Italian meal paired with wine, dessert, good company and hopefully no antihistamines.

buon appetito