Photo - Veg-N-Out

Even for people quite versed in the veggie food scene, new (and some only new to me) San Diego sites for meat-free munching keep popping up.

Influx Cafe in Golden Hill and Little Italy is a modern place serving a rather tasty and original vegan sandwich with a funny name: “Tofu 1,” composed of baked tofu, veggies and chili Vegenaise on focaccia. They also offer a few vegan bagel sandwiches with hummus or peanut butter and sliced apples. Salads, vegan cupcakes and chai round out the yummy choices.

Naked Cafe is not all vegetarian, but with restaurants in Point Loma, Solana Beach, Carlsbad and Encinitas, they have San Diego covered — especially North County. They are known for creating environmentally-conscious cuisine from around the globe, and sell many veggie options from Ginger Rice and Black Beans with shiitake mushrooms to the Artichoke and Avocado sandwich. The coffee is 100% organic fair trade beans.

Friends also liked Lean and Green Organic Health Bar close to the beach in La Jolla. They have several veggie food options like wraps, salads and acai bowls. It is rather customer-friendly; people can select vegan, organic, and/or gluten-free options, and design their meals with certain ingredients. It looks like a good place to go when catching a cold- try the Organic Immunity smart shot with garlic, ginger, and lemon oregano oil.

Here’s another shout out to Veg-N-Out in North Park, who housed me for a long day recently when my Internet was down at home. It is a relaxing place, often playing reggae reminding one of Caribbean travels. They satisfy the soul with large portions, whether a salad or the filling veggie burgers which come with homemade potato wedges or a side salad.

I have to disagree with those who say San Diego does not offer much for vegetarians and vegans. For additional restaurant updates, see VegSanDiego.com. If you know of any other new places, please leave a comment!