Jyoti-bihanga - San Diego

This is my go-to vegetarian spot in San Diego. I've been dining here for more than 25 years. Despite living in Florida, whenever I visit my sister in town, I always make sure to stop by at least once.

I've been here just a few times over the years. I'd probably have gone more if closer to where I live. I've had their nut loaf and other dishes. Interesting energy there with an air of religious and friendly energy.

I (vegan) went there for the first time with two out of town friends (one considering vegetarianism, and the other omni), as well as my fiancé (vegetarian), so it was a pretty good mix of veg and non-veg. All of us were more than satisfied with the food, including the vegan apple pie. The entrees were delicious, and there were no shortcuts for flavor (no reliance on sugar or fat to make it taste better). Prices for everything were quite reasonable. It wasn't the cheapest, but most certainly worth it (about $8-10 for an entree, which came with soup or salad). The only thing that surpassed the food was the service. Our waiter was very friendly, and never pushy. He was happy to answer all questions, and talk a bit. It all felt very causal and comfortable. This seemed to be pretty much indicative of the service as a whole, since I noticed the rest of the staff getting on well with the customers. I also appreciated the spiritual atmosphere of the restaurant. While it wasn't forced on anyone, it was still present, and the staff was more than willing to talk about it. I definitely want to go there again.

I went to the brunch buffet. They labeled all the items and almost everything was vegan. The restaurant has a religious affiliation, but the employees/members did not even mention it, so I did not feel uncomfortable. They continuously refilled buffet items and cleared dishes. Good price for all-you-can-eat. It started to get crowded as we were finishing, so go early.

I volunteer next door to this restaurant once a week and usually get food to go from there. The PLB (peace-light-bliss) burger with mashed potatoes and gravy is one of my favorites. If I am wanting something lighter I will have the soup and salad combo. The staff is friendly and the place is clean and bright. This is probably the longest lasting vegetarian restaurant in San Diego-it has been here for at least 20 years and the quality of the food has been consistent. There is a connection to Sri Chinmoy, and there are pictures and books of his there. The service can be a little slow at times but part of that is because they make everything fresh to order. The food is not strictly vegan, as they use some dairy and eggs, however they are very clear about what is vegan and what is not and there are plenty of vegan choices. The neat loaf, one of their most popular plates, has eggs, though they do have a vegan version.