Rad Radish: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Rad Radish is one of the most approachable all-vegan restaurants in San Francisco. It’s a fast-casual spot at 301 Hayes St in Hayes Valley, open since August 2022, backed by the Back of the House restaurant group (the team behind Wildseed, Beretta, and Super Duper Burgers). The entire menu is 100% plant-based, and you won’t find a single animal product in the kitchen. If you’re vegan or just vegan-curious, this is a reliable place to eat well without overthinking your order.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Rad Radish

Everything on the menu is vegan, full stop. HappyCow lists Rad Radish as 100% vegan, and the restaurant’s own site calls it “radically committed” to plant-based eating. The “american cheese” on the burgers is a vegan cheese, the tzatziki in the Mezze Wrap is dairy-free, and the eggs in the breakfast items are JUST Egg. There’s no need to ask your server to hold anything or substitute a dairy component. You can order without checking a single label.

Signature dishes to order

The Mezze Wrap ($17) is a standout: green falafel, hummus, pickled red onion, cool dairy-free tzatziki, arugula, cucumber, and tomato wrapped in a flour tortilla. The Masala Burger ($16) layers crispy spiced potatoes with tangy tomato chutney, mint yogurt, and peppery arugula. For something more familiar, the Impossible Burger ($14) comes with grilled onions, tomato, lettuce, and pickles. Breakfast runs from a $8 Breakfast Sandwich with plant-based egg and vegan cheese to a $15 Vegetable Scramble and Chilaquiles. On the drinks side, you can pair your meal with organic and biodynamic wine, local beer, low-ABV cocktails, kombucha, probiotic sodas, or fresh juice. The oat milk vanilla soft serve is worth ordering for dessert.

How to order

Rad Radish uses a kiosk and QR code ordering system. You place your order at a kiosk or scan a QR code at your table, pay there, and pick up your food when it’s ready. No reservations are needed, and the dining room is large enough to seat groups. The restaurant is open seven days a week: Monday through Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 9pm. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm. The location sits near Davies Symphony Hall and SFJAZZ Center, so it works well before or after a show. Takeout is available and the setup is takeout-friendly.

What to watch out for

Prices have crept up, and a 4% surcharge for employee benefits is added to every check. Expect to pay $14 to $17 for an entree, $5 to $7 for non-alcoholic drinks, and $10 for wine or beer. Some recent reviewers on Yelp and TripAdvisor have flagged slow service and long waits even during off-peak hours. The QR-code ordering flow can feel clunky if you’re not used to it. And if you’re looking for gluten-free options, they exist (gluten-free chickpea pasta sub for $3, gluten-free crust sub for $2 on some items) but aren’t abundant. The TripAdvisor critic noted the coconut mozzarella on the pizzas lacks the punch of regular cheese, so manage expectations there.

Is Rad Radish worth it?

Yes, if you’re in Hayes Valley and want a dependable all-vegan meal without a lot of fuss. The menu is broad enough to satisfy a group with different tastes, from a quick breakfast sandwich to a full grain bowl or burger dinner. It’s not the cheapest fast-casual option in the neighborhood, but the 100% vegan guarantee and the globally inspired menu (with Mediterranean, Mexican, and American touches all represented) make it worth the price for most plant-based eaters. The Yelp rating of 4 stars across 418 reviews and HappyCow’s 4.5 stars from 109 reviews reflect a place that consistently delivers. Timeout SF called it “the model citizen for vegan fast-casual,” and that holds up.