San Diego’s proximity and accessibility to both bountiful produce and fresh, sustainable seafood make it seem as if the growing number of vegetarians or at least non-red meat eaters would be a no-brainer.

Although some restaurateurs and chefs have become hip to that fact and have begun to utilize seasonal produce and offer more conscious cuisine, come Restaurant Week in San Diego, the task of finding both vegetarian and flavorful options can be frustrating.

The ambiguous “Vegetarian Prix Fixed menu available” at the bottom of some menus on the San Diego Restaurant Week website lends itself to instigate the daunting task of the vegetarian to now call up each and every restaurant and ask what they might be served. I would feel less compelled to do this had I not encountered in years past being served frozen spinach topped with whatever garnish was on hand, or simply a plate of sides as a slap in the face for my meatless ways...

Taking the fear out of Restaurant Week for “locavores”, the health-conscious, and veggies, I present to you a breakdown of local eateries offering thoughtful and flavorful fare during San Diego Restaurant Week September 13 – 18, 2009.

The Wine Vault & Bistro– Mission Hills
This easy to miss location above Saffron restaurant boosts a serene and modern atmosphere and offers delicious pairings utilizing boutique wine labels and an ever-changing menu to reflect seasonal selections. Its romantic and intimate candlelight setting is perfect for couples looking to indulge in delectable and conscious culinary creations and to learn a thing or two about wine from owners Chris and Mary Gluck, who are both very passionate and very knowledgeable about their wine!

Restaurant Week Menu Spotlight: Utilizing the late summer harvest’s bounty, Connelly Gardens Heirloom Tomatoes are placed with a Gazpacho Gelée, a rich and creamy Crescenza Cheese, and Farmers' Market Figs to make a powerful flavor statement with each bite.

Wine Vault & Bistro will offer a special $30 three-course menu

Kensington Grill– Kensington

This neighborhood favorite is known for its upscale yet rustic comfort fare. The interior reflects the warmth and modernity of its food, and provides patrons with a comfortable and hip setting.

Restaurant Week Menu Spotlight: Executive Chef Hanis Cavin will be preparing several veggie-friendly dishes, including the Kabocha Squash Ravioli, served with a goat cheese cream, walnut pesto, and a petite herb salad to finish off the simply tantalizing concoction.

Kensington Grill offers a special $30 three-course menu

Delicias– Rancho Santa Fe

For nearly 20 years, this Rancho Santa Fe staple has served simple yet innovative and thoughtful cuisine by staying true to its said support for local farmers. Executive Chef Michael Knowles has a longtime renowned background for using only local produce and sustainable seafood in his cutting edge cuisine.

Restaurant Week Menu Spotlight: The Chino Farms Chopped Salad presents a variety of the local farm’s recent harvest topped simply with a sherry vinaigrette and Parmigiano reggiano to allow the quality of the fresh ingredients to speak for themselves.

Delicias is offering a special $40 three-course menu

Insider Tip: For Vegans! George’s California Modern in La Jolla will offer a prix fixed menu for both vegetarians and vegans. Vegetarian options like the pasta w/ ricotta, spring onions, artichokes, white beans, and tomato ragu sprinkled with a basil pesto and the grilled mushrooms with pineapple, bok choy, and eggplant tofu can all be made vegan as well.

Discover more picks and tips for San Diego Restaurant Week.