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.
Address: 2966 Mission St, San Francisco
Wise Sons in San Francisco is the Mission Jewish deli (kosher-style, not certified), with house-cured pastrami, a real challah board and a Saturday brunch line that takes patience.
Tip: The pastrami on rye with mustard is the canonical order; the bagel pop-up runs Sundays only.
Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar in San Francisco is the Mission's plant-based omakase, with a vegan unagi roll, tomato 'tuna' sashimi and a 16-seat counter facing the chefs.
Tip: Walk in at 17:30 on a weekday; the counter takes early seatings without a reservation.
Wildseed in San Francisco is the Marina plant-based room with a Beyond burger, a long produce board, plus oat-milk soft-serve at the counter.
Tip: The oat-milk soft-serve from the counter is a four-dollar walk-away order, no sit-down needed.
Golden Era in San Francisco is the Civic Center Vietnamese vegan room since 1992, with a strong vermicelli bowl, pho-style noodles and the city's longest-running vegan menu.
Tip: The lunch combo of vermicelli and spring rolls is fifteen dollars and the cheapest sit-down vegan in the area.
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.
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.
