38 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Santee

“First time to Broken Yolk Cafe. Loved the atmosphere and great food! The people who work there are so friendly makes you feel like you’re home💕Thank you Ron for my bread and the ladies behind the bar for wonderful drinks!!! We will definitely be back if I am rating it on a scale of 10 I give it a 20.“

“Great atmosphere and better beer! Love this place.“

“Felt bad arriving pretty late; 1945 when they closed at 2030. However it was a long day of flights and our hotel was far away and reviews for this place suggested it was excellent. I'd wager a guess I've eaten at at least 100 pho establishments in my time on earth and for sure this one ranks in the top 5. The food was great. The beef ribs were AMAZING and those deep fried buns were to die for. The prices are very fair and portions filling for most any adult. Most importantly the broth was rich and had a good mouth feel. Beefy but very light almost as clear as a consomme.

Wish I lived in San diego so I could visit this more than once but gives me something to look forward to coming back for.“

“Great portions and great taste. Very friendly servers, I recommend.“

“Man I’ve been coming to this place for years now and even still it never ceases to amaze me.

Let’s just get it out the way, the food is great high quality for such a reasonable price. That’s something you just can’t find these days in San Diego. Sure there’s other BBQ places that some may say have better BBQ, but Phil’s is a staple to San Diego just like Hodads (who also some could argue there are better burgers here, but they will never be Hodads).

Once my daughter Turned one years old, I took her here on a little father and daughter date. She absolutely loves the french fries and most days likes the rib meat from the ribless tickler ( beef rib meat without the bone, easier to feed daughter). With a decent tip we both leave happy and full for around $20 depending on tip and it “da-da” gets a beer or not… which also they have insanely good drink prices ($5 rotating beers monthly, and not bud light but good ass beers).

Today was an especially good when it comes to the service. Our food buzzer was broken or was the wrong one or something like that so we waited a little bit longer for food than normal. Samuel (god I hope I remembered this name right) noticed my daughter and I waiting and figured something was wrong. Totally helped us out. He then, super intuitively asked if I wanted a separate plate for my daughter, and a kids cup full of water. He also brought back plastic utensils for her to play with which she loved.

After all of that, I find out that Samuel is 19 and doesn’t have kids of his own. That dude is on fire and is super intuitive and on his mark. I don’t know when he gets paid, but I can tell you right now if I Own the company I would hire him in a heartbeat and pay him as much as I could physically afford. He is one of those assets to companies that’s so many bosses oversee.

I recently lost my job, And with the new job having hard times to catch up on bills. these are rare times I can take my daughter out now. I would tip this guy $100 bill if I could. And one day when I get back on my feet I will. Keep going strong, sir. You are a beast and you will succeed at everything you do in this life with the attitude and work ethic that you have.“

“Valentin was our waiter and he is excellent, the best!“

“great food! love this place 😀“

“amazing food 4 many decades in a family owned,family friendly atmosphere. a true east county gem“

“Having spent 20 years exploring the vibrant culinary scene in San Diego and visiting over 200 restaurants, I can confidently say that Emma’s Mexican Restaurant stands out as one of the best, hands down.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with the warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a genuine slice of Mexico. The décor is charmingly authentic, and the staff exude a friendliness that makes you feel right at home.

But it’s the food that truly sets Emma’s apart. Every dish is a celebration of traditional Mexican flavors, prepared with the freshest ingredients and a meticulous attention to detail. Whether it’s the perfectly seasoned carne asada, the rich and flavorful mole, or the mouth-watering enchiladas, each bite transports you straight to the heart of Mexico.

What truly impresses me is the consistency and quality of their offerings. Emma’s doesn’t just serve food; they craft an experience. The tortillas are handmade, the salsas burst with freshness, and the portions are generous without compromising on quality.

If you’re a San Diego native or just passing through, Emma’s Mexican Restaurant is a must-visit. It’s a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Mexico and a shining gem in San Diego’s dining landscape. Emma’s has earned its place as a top-tier restaurant, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.“

“Picked up some catered food (entrée: bbq chicken plus Kalua pork, sides: macaroni salad and rice. Also got the green salad w/mango dressing), for a gathering of about 40 people. Everyone raved about the food a lot. The Kalua pork was a hit.
Thanks to Terri, Juan, and their staff and the great food they make.“

“One of my favorite breakfast places in all of San Diego“

“Love they're food and prices are reasonable. Especially with discount of you eat in the restaurant. My favorite sushi restaurant!“

“Pizza Perfection!

If you’re looking for incredible pizza, FOX’S GIANT PIZZA is the spot! From the moment you walk in, the warm, welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for a fantastic meal. The staff was super friendly, and the aroma of fresh pizza from the oven instantly had my mouth watering. Steven was so friendly and sweet!

We tried the Meat Lover, Veggie Supreme, and Margherita pizzas—and wow, every bite was pure bliss.

The Meat Lover was packed with perfectly cooked, flavorful toppings—pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon—layered over a rich, tangy sauce and gooey cheese. Each bite was hearty and satisfying.

The Veggie Supreme was a garden-fresh masterpiece! It had vibrant peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, and the perfect hint of seasoning, all resting on a crispy-yet-fluffy crust. Even non-veggie lovers would enjoy this one!

And the Margherita? A classic done right. The simplicity of fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and their signature tomato sauce made it stand out. It was light, fresh, and absolutely delicious.

This is hands-down one of the best pizza places I’ve ever been to. Whether you’re a meat lover, veggie enthusiast, or crave a classic Margherita, they’ve got something amazing for you. I can’t wait to come back!“

“Came here with the family after a day at SeaWorld, the service was great the food was too. The wings were nice and crispy just how we like them they gave us the Buffalo sauce in separate little bowls something new but the Buffalo sauce was really good and the ranch was nice and creamy. We ordered 2 pizza's it was more than enough for all of us there were seven of us, if you like really and I mean really cheesy pizza this is the spot for you. The drinks all tasted great the only thing I found a bit silly is they limit the refill on fountain drinks to 3 if that was removed my rating would go up to 5 stars no doubt. Will definitely eat here aging next time we visit California.“

“I had the pleasure of visiting BNS Brewing and Distillery in Santee, California, and it was an experience worth talking about. The brewery exudes a welcoming atmosphere with its rustic yet laid-back charm, making it the perfect spot for both regulars and newcomers. On this visit, I was there to watch my friend compete in a lively cornhole tournament, which was one of the highlights of the night. The event was impressively organized, with smooth registration, clearly designated playing areas, and a schedule that kept everything running seamlessly. It was fantastic to see a mix of serious competitors and casual players enjoying themselves and interacting in friendly competition.

The crowd added to the experience with their energy—cheering, laughing, and sharing moments that brought everyone together. Whether you were there to play or just watch, like I was, the enthusiasm was infectious. The staff at BNS played a big part in creating such an enjoyable atmosphere, always attentive and ensuring everyone had a great time.

Beyond the event, BNS Brewery’s craft beers and distilled beverages were exceptional. With a diverse range of flavors to choose from, there’s truly something for everyone. For anyone looking for a place that blends community spirit, good drinks, and quality entertainment, BNS Brewing and Distillery is a must-visit. I highly recommend it!
Shout out to AJ Bell and Emilio!“

“the waitress was very nice and the food was good 👍 😋 👌“

“I absolutely love Marieta's in Santee. The food is delicious and the service is amazing. I have been enjoying this place since I was 16 years old and I have always felt like part of their family. Be sure to visit Pedro in the bar!“

“Good service good food good price just like the old days Good job“

“Carlton Oaks is a gorgeous venue with a wonderful staff. Gwen is a cheerful and fun server and my new friend💃…PLUS the food is delicious!“

“We got there around 800 or so. At about 830 we were told that they would be closing soon so we needed to order anything we wanted and close the bill. Oops, our bad. There was 4 of us and we just got the bill and paid in order to be out at 9pm. The food was great. The staff, were trying to get out of there so they probably weren't as friendly as they would have been had we come earlier. Overall the price was great, food was excellent and fast plus you get a discount if you pay with cash. Can't beat it. This was my first time here, although my kids have eaten here numerous times.“

“Great food and personal service. I commented that I was sharing the burrito with my bride and was asked if I’d like them to cut it in half for me. 👍“

“Highly recommend…this taco truck has ruined my hometown (Fargo ND) Mexican restaurant experience - nothing will measure up to Fernys! We had barbacoa taco, asada burrito, and super fries. Every bite was delicious. Meat perfectly seasoned and tender & homemade tortillas. If you’re in their area, you won’t be disappointed.“

“I can Honestly say that I have been going to Hilberto's seance I was two. The food is delicious and with a wide array of menu options I have eaten so much good food that I can describe how good this restaurant is. When I was younger I would make a mess when I eat but the staff always cleaned it up with a smile. The staff know who I am and they are really friendly I recommend that you go here anything you want friendly staff and good food.“

“The food was amazing as always.“

“Relaxed atmosphere, and quick service. Server took and delivered my order fast, and made sure had everything I needed.“

“Okay, the only reason I am giving the food a 3 is because..we hut this place after a ballgame. It hit the spot. It was what I wanted at the time, you know. Service was GREAT. They took our order with 10-20 mins to close. Come on, it doesn't get better than that. Carne asada Chips were great, from what I recall. So were the roll tacos. Next time, we'll have to stop by before the game for an update. Thank you Cazadores.“

“I happened upon this place today and fed our crew of workers lunch there. The pizza was fantastic. I wish they were located closer to our area. The people of Santee are lucky to have such a great tasting pizza place to go to. I will go out of my way to come back. The Man, running the counter is very gracious.“

“I go to L&L BBQ in Santee often. I love their katsu chicken with the curry. Also like their Moco loco. I don't normally stay there because there's not that many shares and the TV's very loud. I normally just go and wait for my food and leave. The service is good. Everyone seems to be very nice. I definitely recommend eating there. If you're in that plaza that's probably the best place to eat right there in that area. What I like the most about it is that it's the only Hawaiian place around that area so it's unique.

Kid-friendliness: Yes

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“

“Fantastic wings place in Santee. We've been going here for years. Their wings are juicy and their ranch and bread sticks are the best around! This Tuesday 7/29 is National Chicken Wing day so they are doing a buy one meal, get one free if you order on the app. Great deal and Great place. My son even had a summer job here one summer and we are still going back. Yum!“

“I have been coming here since they opened and they are the best !!!! Everything I have ordered has been beyond delicious and the owner Zak is the best !!! It’s a must try !!!!!“

“Their pork gyoza is the best! We went for sushi and enjoyed everything. Their hand rolls are large and stuffed. My only complaint was that my spicy scallop hand roll had sand or rocks or something in it, I thought I was going to bust out a filling, so I would skip the scallops next time. Lunch was pretty reasonable and wine pours are awesome“

“I had heard about Soriana's and considering how many taco shops we gave in Santee, I was curious how this one compared. So I ordered Carne Asada chips and a carnitas taco. Food 5 stars- chips were crispy and fresh, serving size was pretty big, carnitas was the perfect blend of crispy and soft. Both items were freshly prepared and flavorful with presentation in actual dishes- plate and bowl. Service 5 Stars - after placing my order I sat to wait and considering this is a taco shop I was surprised when my order was brought to my table not just called from the counter. Atmosphere was typical decor for a taco shop. Along with a moderate amount of seating for large or small groups. TV was on but at a reasonable level of volume. The tables, floors and countertops were all clean. Self serve soda station, refills don't include Agua frescas- that's customary. I didn't take a bunch of pics because there were other customers. I tried to find something wrong but all was 5 star. The counter at the soda station has a repair but that didn't affect my visit-the flaws were only cosmetic. I will eat here again.

Parking: Location is in a shopping center with open / free parking. Plenty of spots to choose from.

Kid-friendliness: Menu options seem to be kid friendly and modifications can be made - ie: no Pico“

“Ordered a pizza today for New Year’s Eve. The service was awesome! Everyone was friendly and courteous! The pizza was delicious! This will be one of our regular places to eat out! Thank you!“

“we get our pizza on Mondays regularly, I forgot what its his name but he works late night and he is the best when making the pizza every time I see him i know the pizza will be great he is awesome at what he does and I can see he takes pride in his work because his pizzas are just always great tasting, what a great employee, hope the Manager or the owner understands that he is a hardworking and he does just really great work always very friendly and just over all great worker, I will find out his name next Monday and will edit it.“

“We picked up food yesterday during their grand opening in Santee. Best pesto I’ve ever had! Staff was great too. We will definitely be back.“

“staff was warm and welcoming as we walked in. Super fast service, 3 different staff check on us to see if we needed anything. food came out in correct order, fresh, and hot! was a nice time. They even said thank you and goodbye on the way out which was nice. first time my hubby and I ate here, we will be back 😋“

“This place is absolutely delicious. My boyfriend and I have ate there 2 times dine in and around 4 times take out. The food is always fresh and the portions are very large. The service is fast, wait times typically low (we’ve been during there less busy days). I definitely recommend this place.“

“Another good breakfast. Food was par for IHOP. Miss the days of multiple flavored syrups on the table. We came during a busy time and only had to wait 20 minutes. Our server was Kelsey and she worked her butt off giving great service to all her tables. She definitely got her steps in and I’m not sure she stopped moving the whole time we were there. Nice young lady, pleasure to be served by her. We will be asking to be in her area on our next visit.“