San Francisco Vegetarians! Greens and Cha-Ya restaurants! January 27, 2026

Mentioned in this episode:

• Grace Kelly music video by Mika on YouTube
• Greens Restaurant in Building A at Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
• Cha-Ya at 762 Valencia Street, San Francisco

Check out past episodes of this podcast at the To Do San Francisco podcast archive.

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Transcript

Jamie Whitaker: 0:17

Happy Tuesday! This is Jamie, and you're listening to the To Do San Francisco podcast for Tuesday, January 27, 2026. What new music are you keeping on heavy repeat these days? I like the new album released this past Friday by Mika called Hyperlove. If Mika is not familiar, try watching the music video for his song Grace Kelly linked in the show notes at YouTube. Let's start today on the right note with a positive affirmation. "I am capable of handling whatever this day brings with grace and a clear mind." Take that feeling with you as you head out the door. Today we are highlighting two legendary vegetarian spots that represent the very best of our city's culinary heart. First, we head over to the historic building A at Fort Mason to visit Greens restaurant. This place isn't just a meal, it's an experience with those floor to ceiling views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Right now, the buzz among reviewers is all about the wild mushroom papperdelle. It's served with a housemade chili crisp and a savory sesame sauce that is perfect for a chilly January or February day. For those with a sweet tooth, the black sesame cheesecake is the current standout. It's light, earthy, and topped with a bright passion fruit glaze that cuts through the richness beautifully. Next restaurant to highlight, we move to the vibrant energy of the Mission District to visit Cha-Ya on Valencia Street. If you're looking for high-end vegan Japanese cuisine, this is the spot. The undisputed favorite here is the Cha-Ya roll, a tempura fried delight filled with yam, avocado, and asparagus. If you're looking for something soul warming, reviewers consistently point to the Kinoko Mushroom Medley Noodle Soup. It's a deep, flavorful broth that reminds you why simple, fresh ingredients are often the best. I also recommend the curry. Take a Bay Bridge breathing break. Inhale for four, exhale for six, three times. As you navigate the hills and streets of our beautiful city today, remember to say to yourself, "I choose to find joy in the small moments and to be a source of light for those around me." There's a lot going on in this world, but try to infect others with kindness and optimism while on your journey. Have a joyful Tuesday, San Francisco. Next episode drops tomorrow.