Top 20 Salad restaurants in San Diego
In the vibrant city of San Diego, California, salad restaurants have gained significant popularity. These dining establishments specialize in creating fresh, nutritious, and flavorful salad bowls that cater to various dietary preferences. Salad restaurants in San Diego offer innovative combinations of ingredients, often featuring locally-sourced produce and proteins, to entice health-conscious foodies and those seeking lighter meal options (Word Count: 50).
- 1. Tender Greens
- 2. Urban Plates
- 3. Grater Greens
- 4. Tender Greens
- 5. Urbane Cafe
- 6. The Greenspot Salad Company Governor Park
- 7. Tender Greens
- 8. True Food Kitchen
- 9. sweetgreen
- 10. sweetgreen
- 11. MAKE pizza+salad
- 12. Fresheria - Be Fresh San Diego
- 13. Tender Greens
- 14. Mendocino Farms
- 15. Lemonade Restaurant
- 16. Our Green Affair
- 17. sweetgreen
- 18. Our Green Affair
- 19. Mendocino Farms
- 20. Mary's Gourmet Salads
1. Tender Greens
Sustainable, farm-to-table concept with a rotating menu

A group of twelve people recently dined together and the majority of them ordered salads. The salads stood out as exceptional – large, well-prepared, and incredibly fresh. The Chipotle BBQ chicken and grilled chicken cobb salads were especially delicious.
The food establishment consistently provides meals at reasonable prices, offering generous portions without compromising quality. The salads are a testament to their commitment to freshness and quality, with each plate appearing fresh and inviting.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. Urban Plates
Uses sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, has vegetarian and gluten-free options

Urban Plates is known for their impressive selection of salads. The Wild Ahi Nicoise salad is a standout, featuring fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The restaurant prides itself on offering healthy and delicious options, including the Chicken Cobb Salad, which is highly recommended.
The Wild Ahi Nicoise salad is a customer favorite at Urban Plates. It boasts an abundance of fresh ingredients, resulting in a meal that is both healthy and delicious. For those looking for a hearty option, the Chicken Cobb Salad is a great choice. It is packed with flavor and showcases Urban Plates' commitment to providing high-quality, nutritious meals.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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3. Grater Greens
Sustainable sourcing, USDA organic certified, homemade salad dressings, catering services

Grater Greens is a restaurant that provides fresh and trustworthy salads, offering a range of options that can be enjoyed in wrap form. The staff is noteworthy for their exceptional service, which includes being bilingual, helpful, and kind.
The salads at Grater Greens are fresh, delicious, and filling. The menu features a variety of salad options and generous portions, allowing customers to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. This establishment is an excellent choice for those seeking a flavorful and reliable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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4. Tender Greens
Committed to sustainability and reducing waste; Offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Tender Greens is a excellent choice for those seeking a healthy and delicious salad restaurant. The establishment is known for its tasty and nutritious salads, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals. One of the standout features of Tender Greens is their use of locally sourced ingredients, which not only supports local farmers but also ensures that the flavors are always fresh and vibrant.
The variety of salads at Tender Greens is impressive, with options to suit every taste preference. From classic salads like Caesar and Cobb to more unique offerings featuring ingredients like quinoa and beets, there is something for everyone. The flavors are consistently on point, with each salad skillfully crafted to balance taste and nutrition. Overall, Tender Greens is a top-notch salad restaurant that is definitely worth a visit.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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5. Urbane Cafe
Emphasizes on sustainability and health-conscious options

The Cilantro Chicken Salad is a highly recommended dish, known for its fresh ingredients and excellent balance of flavors. This salad is made with fresh cilantro, tender chicken, and an assortment of other ingredients that come together to create a truly delightful culinary experience.
Similarly, the Ahi Tuna Salad is another must-try option on the menu. This salad is also praised for its freshness and balance, with delicious ahi tuna taking center stage. Whether you are a seafood lover or just looking for something healthy and delicious, the Ahi Tuna Salad is an excellent choice. Both salads are standouts, offering a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Lunch
- Vegan Options
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6. The Greenspot Salad Company Governor Park

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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7. Tender Greens
Compostable packaging and zero waste goal; commitment to ethical and sustainable practices

The location of the eatery is ideal, with outdoor seating that allows patrons to enjoy their meals while being surrounded by shoppers. The lunch rush was busy, but the service and food were still exceptional.
The chicken plate with salt and pepper seasoning was a fantastic choice, as the chicken was flavorful and tender. The salad and tomato soup complemented the dish well, adding freshness and warmth. Overall, the meal was delicious and left a lasting impression.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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8. True Food Kitchen
Seasonal and health-conscious menu with gluten-free options

True Food Kitchen offers a wide selection of salads with fresh ingredients and tasty dressings, making it a standout choice for salad lovers. However, there are some concerns about the taste of their other dishes. The Korean noodle dish is too salty for some, while the turkey provolone burger lacks seasoning, which is disappointing given the concept of clean and healthy eating that True Food Kitchen promotes.
While True Food Kitchen's salads are commendable for their fresh ingredients and flavorful dressings, the same cannot be said for all of their dishes. The Korean noodle dish has been criticized for being too salty, and the turkey provolone burger lacks seasoning, which is a letdown for those seeking flavorful, healthy food options. It's essential to balance the clean and healthy aspects of the food with taste to ensure that customers leave satisfied and eager to return.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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9. sweetgreen

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
10. sweetgreen

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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11. MAKE pizza+salad
Cozy atmosphere, offers pizza and salad bar

Pizza is a popular food option that is known for its crispy crust and customizable toppings. Some guests have raved about the vegan and gluten-free pizza options, while others find the prices to be a bit steep. In addition to pizza, the menu also offers a variety of other food options such as salads, pastas, and drinks.
The food at this establishment is highly regarded for its delicious taste and amazing flavor. The crispy crust is a standout feature, and whether you opt for pizza, salad, pasta, or something else, you're sure to enjoy a meal that is fresh and customized to your liking. While the prices may be higher than some other places, many guests feel that the quality of the food is worth the extra cost.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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12. Fresheria - Be Fresh San Diego
Emphasizes organic, locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices.

Fresheria is known for its fresh and delicious salads. The chicken salad and quinoa wrap are particular standouts, offering delicious and healthy options for diners. In addition to their salad offerings, Fresheria also provides a variety of other healthy choices, including refreshing smoothies.
Whether you're in the mood for a nutritious meal or a refreshing drink, Fresheria has something for you. Their salads are always fresh, and their wraps are flavorful and satisfying. And with a variety of smoothies to choose from, you can quench your thirst and get a boost of nutrients at the same time. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a healthy snack, Fresheria is the perfect place to go.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
13. Tender Greens
Seasonal menus, community-focused, farm-to-table

Tender Greens is a restaurant that consistently provides excellent customer service and fresh, delicious food. The employees are known for being kind and attentive, making guests feel welcome. One visitor in particular appreciates the top-notch service and the delicious, healthy meal options.
For this individual, a favorite meal at Tender Greens includes fish with baby spinach and baby greens as sides. The greens are pre-seasoned and come with feta, adding just the right amount of flavor. The quality of the ingredients is evident in every bite, making for a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
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14. Mendocino Farms
Eco-friendly packaging, emphasis on sustainability
Mendocino Farms is a restaurant known for its dependable and enjoyable dining experiences, with a focus on well-prepared ingredients and fresh flavors. One of their most popular dishes is the chicken sandwich, a classic comfort food that offers a balanced and satisfying meal. The Pink Beet and goat cheese salad is another customer favorite, showcasing fresh ingredients and a creative fusion of tastes.
According to customers, the food at Mendocino Farms is highly rated, with many praising the freshness of the ingredients and the delightful flavors. Sandwiches are a popular option on the menu, along with soups and salads. The restaurant has gained a reputation for providing dishes that are not only delicious but also made with high-quality ingredients, making it a go-to spot for many diners.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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15. Lemonade Restaurant
Uses locally sourced and organic ingredients

Lemonade Restaurant provides a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, known for its quality food and service. The chicken pesto mozz sandwich and lavender elderberry lemonade are popular choices, though the cookie is less impressive. It is a cafeteria-style restaurant where you order and pay at the cashier, offering a fancy yet comfortable setting.
The restaurant focuses on providing healthy food options, with no sodas available, only lemonade and water. The menu features an ahi tuna bowl mixed half and half, which is a well-loved dish. While the food is delicious, it is a bit on the pricey side, making it a good choice for those looking for a healthy and flavorful dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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16. Our Green Affair
Eco-friendly packaging, Emphasis on organic and locally sourced produce, Supports sustainable farming practices

Our Green Affair is a local restaurant in San Diego that offers an extensive menu of healthy options, including salads, bowls, and soups. The establishment has been serving the community for several years and has gained a reputation for its fresh ingredients, homemade dressings, and affordable pricing. The restaurant's welcoming decor and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
During a recent visit, the playlist featured upbeat tracks from Rufus Du Sol and other artists that created a lively and enjoyable ambiance. The restaurant's menu caters to both vegan and non-vegan preferences, with dishes that are bursting with flavor and spices. The "Unicorn Bowl" and "Great in Bread" sandwich are popular choices among regulars, and adding a spicy kick is recommended for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Whether you're a long-time resident or a tourist exploring the city's food scene, Our Green Affair is a must-visit destination for healthy and delicious meals.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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17. sweetgreen

TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Suburban
18. Our Green Affair
Sustainable, eco-friendly practices, community involvement

Our Green Affair is a popular lunch spot in San Diego, known for its healthy and delicious food. The menu offers a variety of options such as the 'Seize Her' wrap, a unique Cesar salad, and a spinach broccoli soup that is highly recommended. The service is consistently friendly and helpful, with staff members like Jackie providing excellent service.
If you're looking for a healthy local restaurant, Our Green Affair is an excellent choice. With fresh ingredients, homemade dressings, and affordably priced food, it's no surprise that this has been a favorite spot among San Diego residents for 28 years. The restaurant's decor and atmosphere are also worth mentioning, providing a cozy and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Fusion Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
19. Mendocino Farms
Known for their creative and delicious sandwiches and salads.

The Chinese chicken salad and NotSoFried Chicken sandwich at this establishment are delicious. One particular highlight is the house-made green drink, made from kale, cucumber, and ginger. The drink has a refreshing and sweet taste, and it is a great value at $3.59. On the other hand, the Avocado and Quinoa salad was not as impressive. The salad had a strange smell and an unusual crunchiness, which made it difficult to enjoy.
Despite the disappointing salad, the Chinese chicken salad and NotSoFried Chicken sandwich are definitely worth trying. The salad is made with fresh ingredients and has a satisfying crunch, while the sandwich is flavorful and juicy. However, the Avocado and Quinoa salad is best avoided, as it does not live up to the same high standards as the other menu items. Overall, this restaurant is a great place to try some delicious and healthy options.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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20. Mary's Gourmet Salads
Sustainable sourcing, health-conscious options, community involvement

Mary's Gourmet Salads is known for its friendly and accommodating staff who are happy to fulfill special requests. Fresh and delicious salads make up the menu, with the restaurant's signature dishes being particularly popular. Among these are the Miso Ginger Chinese Salad and the 'Build Your Own' salad, which are highly regarded for their taste and quality. As a result, the restaurant has become a favorite lunch spot for many.
The dining experience at Mary's Gourmet Salads is exceptional, featuring fresh and flavorful ingredients, a welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service. The restaurant offers a range of salads that are not only delicious but also made with high-quality ingredients. The 'Build Your Own' salad option allows customers to create a personalized meal that meets their dietary needs and preferences. With its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Mary's Gourmet Salads has established a strong reputation in the food industry.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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