Veggie Delights in San Francisco

Featuring breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge on a sunny day, and a reputation as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the country, Greens was high on my list of must-dos. I scheduled a business lunch with a colleague and settled in for a taste adventure. I ordered the "Monk's Lunch"- a three-course lunch prix fixe ($14) that changes daily according to what produce is available. I enjoyed a green garlic/potato/leek soup, a mushroom melt on toast with a side of pasta salad (penne, thin crunchy green beans, radicchio, capers and goat cheese), and a meyer lemon sherbet. The food was as amazing as the view. "Greens to Go" offers the same food experience for those looking for quality veggie takeout on their way to a picnic. Four-star yum!

Colorful all-organic juice bar offering over 40 spectacular juices and simple, fresh vegan food. Juices are served in earthy clay bowls which influence customers to linger. I tried an orange/banana/mint/ginger juice- cool and zingy, it was the perfect mid-morning pick me up. One caveat- the owner very loosely adheres to the posted hours of 10-6, so solid midday is your best bet to guarantee that you will get your juice on.

I wanted cactus and I wanted it now. My crazy lunch urge was met at El Balazo, a copper-plated burrito counter in the Upper Haight. I had "the Jerry" (yes, named after Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia) - a monstrous foil-wrapped package of black beans, rice, nopales, and goat cheese. It was good and surprisingly basic. Numerous veggie options.

This popular North Beach breakfast cafe came highly recommended from my SF friends. The line outside the door on a sunny Friday morning confirmed its popularity with the locals. Giant fluffy omelets, zany French toast combos, and to-die-for fruit made our mouths water as we stood on line to order and be seated in the cheery dining room. Mimosas and coffee kept us happy until our order of a leek/spinach/goat cheese omelet and apple yogurt French toast (made with egg whites) finally landed on our table. The friendly owner recommended schmearing the toast with the jam provided on every table. I wish I lived here so that I could try all of the breakfast offerings!