By Beth Wood Special to the U-T6 a.m.Nov. 13, 2014

The spicy basil chicken at Sipz Vegetarian Fuzion Caf. Sipz has locations in North Park and Clairemont/Kearny Mesa.

Vegans and vegetarians can be foodies, too! Here are some tantalizing dining options for meat-free eaters.

San Diegos oldest continuously operating vegetarian restaurant is run by devotees of the late Sri Chinmoy. The daily special usually features a mock-meat entree, while the excellent curries and soups vary each day. A popular menu item is the delicious neat loaf, which can be ordered as an entree or sandwich. Because of varying operating hours, its wise to call ahead. 3351 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. (619) 282-4116 or jyotibihanga.com

Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and Japanese foods are served with flair at two locations. Everything is vegetarian and many items are vegan, including sushi and all desserts. For main dishes, choose mock meat, tofu or vegetables for plates that range from spicy basil and teriyaki to the tasty wok-fried drunken noodles. 5501 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont/Kearny Mesa. (858) 279-3747. 3914 30th St., North Park. (619) 795-2889 or sipz.com

The owners of this small, cozy eatery have a background in vegan catering. The entrees include hearty chicken and dumplings, and linguine with a rich garlic-kale sauce. The yucca black bean cakes with mango mustard habanero sauce are a highlight; the cakes have a perfect texture, and the topping is sublime. Check out the daily specials and the homemade desserts. 3131 University Ave., North Park. (619) 228-9881 or moncai-vegan.com

Meat-free diners visiting high-end restaurants often are told that the chef can whip them up something special. While it sounds accommodating, those customers are deprived of the enjoyable ritual of browsing through the menu and making choices. No such deprivation here. The menu indicates vegetarian, vegan or ask, meaning that the dish can be modified. Oh, and the food? Divine! 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla. (858) 454-4244 or georgesatthecove.com/california-modern

San Diegos two Ranchos restaurants are decidedly separate entities, connected only by history and similar menus. Mouthwatering vegan and vegetarian dishes include such traditional Mexican combination plates as enchiladas verdes and tamales, either vegan or vegetarian. More unusual are the shiitake tostada with either nopales or tempeh and the tantalizing lentil, avocado and cheese burrito. Ranchos Cocina, 3910 30th St., North Park. (619) 574-1288 (no website). Ranchos Mexican & Vegetarian Cuisine, 1830 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ocean Beach, (619) 226-7619 or ranchoscocina.com

Most Indian restaurants offer veggie options, but here vegetarians are especially welcomed. The menu, featuring Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan food, has a separate vegetarian section and includes meatless dishes in others. The roomy restaurant, tucked into a shopping mall but with a lovely interior, offers a top-notch veggie vindaloo, not a typical item in other Indian eateries. 7918 El Cajon Blvd. La Mesa. (619) 461-2503 or himalayancuisineone.com

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Mmm without the meat