Roaming Paso Robles

Kelly Simmerman

I know many of you out there have been happily vegan for years, and many of you have absolutely no intention of going vegan at all. A few years ago, my partner and I tried going vegan and decided to have a heavy veggie diet instead of fully vegan. In any case, doctors’ recommendations point us in one clear direction. To be healthier, we should eat more plant-based foods.

With local farms abound and the neighboring Salad Bowl of the World to the north in Salinas Valley, CA, our Paso Robles chefs have bountiful resources at their fingertips to create fresh, flavorful, and innovative dishes focused on plant-based ingredients. I thought I’d spotlight a few.

Here you go! Get to Paso and enjoy these vegan and vegetarian yummy spots.

Ziggy’s, originally from San Luis Obispo, opened a restaurant in Paso in January 2022. We can’t be more thrilled! Ziggy’s just wants to make GOOD FOOD… that is less impactful on the environment. With no judgment and no agenda, they strive to provide a positive and inclusive environment. Co-owners, Matt Martinez and Brian Englund wanted to open a restaurant “they would want to eat at,” says Martinez.

Their menu is diverse, but we know them for their homemade Ziggy patty made from black and pinto beans, carrots, corn, bell peppers, and spices. It’s delicious, and they serve it with their hand-dipped onion strings. Don’t pass on their shakes, either. They have chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, made from coconut, cashews, oats, and almonds, from Scoop the Magic. Scoop the Magic is a woman-owned, San Luis Obispo based non-dairy dessert brand.

Ziggy’s also has tacos, breakfast burritos, and salads. My favorite is the Kale Salad with red & green cabbage, lightly tossed in ranch dressing. I love to add the avocado egg rolls and wash it all down with their homemade ginger lemonade.

1227 Pine St, Paso Robles (805) 221-5999

The Vreamery located inside the Paso Market Walk is a non-dairy gold mine. Make this your first stop when staying in Paso.

A Vegan Cheese Shop and Melt Bar, they curate dozens of artisan vegan cheeses crafted by the best small-batch makers nationwide. The Vreamery serves seasonal and scratch-made fare, including signature sandwiches, bagels and sides, custom curated grazing boxes, vegan grab-and-go, and fun vegan cheese-making kits.

The Vreamery started in 2018 and quickly expanded into multiple San Luis Obispo area farmer’s markets and health food stores with their signature cashew cream line. In late 2018, owner Jennifer Golden attended PLANTLAB, an international Raw Vegan Culinary Academy, where she further expanded her education with culturing, vegan cheese making, and raw food preparation.

In August 2020, The Vreamery opened its first storefront at the Paso Market Walk Public Market, becoming the third vegan cheese shop in the United States to showcase a variety of small-batch, plant-based artisan vegan cheese makers from all over the country.

The Paso Market Walk is a perfect location if you have vegans, vegetarians, or all other eating choices in your group. Having several restaurants, there’s something for everyone.

1815 Spring St, Paso Robles (805) 423-5835

Check out The Neighborhood for more than just acai bowls. They also have healthful and delicious plant-based lunch options and fresh juices. They focus on superfoods, which are nutritionally dense foods that provide powerful sources of antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and other health-promoting properties.

I’m a sucker for beet juice, so I tried their I ♥ Beets that has, of course, beets with apple, celery, cilantro, and lime. And yes, it holds up. They also have plant-based wraps, salads, avocado toast, and a matcha waffle to round out the menu.

811 13th St, Paso Robles (805) 369-2119

Red Scooter Deli is tiny but mighty with a huge menu and their items pack tons of flavor. Seriously, I can’t believe everything they offer, including delicious vegetarian and vegan options. My favorite is the veggie wrap with house-made peanut sauce.

If you’re on the go, they have breakfast boxes that include your choice of a tofu breakfast wrap, Fauxy Loxy bagel sandwich, or oatmeal. Plus, a fresh-baked scone and fresh fruit cup. I love the fact that they have biodegradable cutlery served in a compostable box.

This is my go-to place to pick up wraps and snacks for a day of wine tasting out in Paso’s gorgeous wine country.

1102 Pine St, Paso Robles (805) 237-1780

Finally, if you have a hankering for a pizza, try Rustic Fire and Blaze. They both have veggie pizzas with vegan cheese. Blaze now has vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO chorizo. Way to go, Blaze!

Rustic Fire 1145 24th St D, Paso Robles (805) 238-7711

Blaze 2051-A, Theatre Dr, Paso Robles (805) 825-2002

I’m sure you’ll love these vegan and vegetarian options in Paso Robles as much as I have! Hope to see you at one of these amazing restaurants.