Greens Restaurant in San Francisco is the Fort Mason vegetarian room since 1979, run by the San Francisco Zen Center, with a Bay-view dining room and a long Cal-veg menu.
Tip: Book the bay window at sunset; the Saturday brunch is easier than the dinner room for walk-ins.
Address: Building A, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123
Udupi Palace in San Francisco is the Mission's South Indian vegetarian counter, with masala dosas, idli sambar and a long thali plate the local Indian community books.
Tip: Order the masala dosa fresh from the griddle; ask for an extra coconut chutney on the side.
Mariposa Baking Company in San Francisco runs a Ferry Building counter for a 100% gluten-free bakery, with country loaves, sandwich bread and a clean cross-contamination policy.
Tip: The country loaf reheats well in a 180 C oven for 10 minutes; ask for whole loaves at the counter.
Kitava in San Francisco is the Mission paleo and gluten-free room, with a fully GF kitchen, a sweet potato burger bun and a brunch menu that takes drop-ins.
Tip: Brunch books fast on weekends; arrive at 09:00 or join the digital waitlist before you leave the house.
Shalimar in San Francisco is the Tenderloin's halal Pakistani counter, with a tandoor at the door turning out chicken tikka, seekh kebab and karahi lamb under fifteen dollars.
Tip: Cash and card; lunch service moves fast, dinner has a small back room with shorter wait.
Z Zoul Cafe in San Francisco is the SoMa Sudanese halal counter, with a foul medames stew, ful ta'amia (Sudanese falafel) and a tea service that runs all day.
Tip: The breakfast foul plate is the right first order; the staff will explain the spice blend if you ask.
Old Jerusalem in San Francisco is the Mission halal Palestinian counter, with a strong chicken shawarma, a mezze platter and a knafeh that draws cross-town visits.
Tip: The knafeh sells out by 21:00 on Friday; arrive earlier or call ahead to hold a portion.
