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Ben & Esther’s Vegan Delicatessen - San Diego

Ben & Esther’s Vegan Delicatessen - San Diego Ben & Esther's Vegan Delicatessen - San Diego is a popular vegetarian/vegan restaurant located on El Cajon Boulevard. The restaurant recently won the title of Best Vegan Deli in the USA and is known for its delicious plant-based options. They offer a diverse menu, including items like the Bacon Egg and Cheese sandwich, Challah bread, and mouthwatering cinnamon rolls. Ben & Esther's also actively participates in charitable events, such as donating 20% of all sales to different organizations. Come and enjoy their drinks while supporting a good cause.

Recent social media posts

06/03/2026

2 June Specials:

Our vegan Chili Cheese Dog starts with a pea protein hot dog, gets smothered in hearty soy chorizo chili, and finished with melted cheddar cheese. Messy? A little. Worth it? Absolutely.

Available now at Ben & Esther’s San Diego.

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06/03/2026

Comfort food season is here. 🌶️🥑

Our vegan Chili Bowl is loaded with hearty soy chorizo chili and topped with fresh avocado and cilantro for the perfect balance of flavor and comfort.

Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or just need something warm and satisfying, this one hits the spot every time.

Available now at Ben & Esther’s San Diego.

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05/12/2026

Come see us :)

05/05/2026

For the Animals

05/04/2026

Happy Birthday, Zane! 🎉

The creative mind behind so many of the videos you see on our page — and a huge part of what makes everything feel the way it does. We’re lucky to have you on the team. Long-time vegan, all-around solid human, and a true asset.

And yes… we can make a vegan cake like this for your next celebration too. Don’t hesitate to inquire. 🎂🌱

05/03/2026

Did you know we cater? Let Ben & Esther’s handle your next party — because everyone should be included, especially your vegan guests. 🌱

VeganFood

05/01/2026

The Bensonhurst on jalapeño — a fully vegan deli sandwich stacked with veggie schmear, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, tofu egg salad, all served on your choice of bagel or bread.

04/29/2026

Vegan lemon poppy cupcakes at Ben & Esther’s San Diego — topped with luscious lemon curd and ready for you. 🍋🧁

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04/17/2026

Ben & Esther’s–shaped latke… just for fun. Crispy, golden, and a little nod to what we do every day — keeping it vegan in San Diego. 🥔✨

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04/12/2026

TURKEY BACON CLUB

04/02/2026

Vegan Spring Sandwich is here.

Marinated tofu patty with liquid aminos, topped with nutritional yeast, fresh tomato, sprouts, cucumber, avocado, and a kick of spicy mayo — all on sourdough.

Fresh, loaded, and only at Ben & Esther’s in San Diego.

03/25/2026

Carrot cupcakes are back at Ben & Esther’s 🥕✨
Loaded with raisins, walnuts, and topped with rich vegan cream cheese frosting — the kind you think about all day.

VeganEats

03/19/2026

Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup is on at Ben & Esther’s.

Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor — everything you want, just done vegan. Perfect for a quick lunch or something warm on the go here in San Diego.

Grab a bowl while it’s hot.

03/18/2026

Vegan Tuna Melt is back.

Melty, savory, and everything you want in a classic — just done the Ben & Esther’s way. Back for a limited time, so don’t wait on this one.

03/17/2026

St. Patty’s Day Green Bagels are here.

Fresh baked, bright green, and ready for your favorite schmear or sandwich. It’s a once-a-year tradition at Ben & Esther’s and they always go fast.

Come grab one before they’re gone.

03/13/2026

Our St. Patty’s Day Vegan Pistachio Cheesecake is back and this one sells out fast—come grab a slice ASAP! 🍀

03/06/2026

Vegan Pistachio Cheesecake just landed.

Rich, creamy, slightly nutty, and completely dairy-free. If you’re a pistachio fan, this one is going to make your day.

Available now at Ben & Esther’s while it lasts.

02/05/2026

“Baby don’t worry… I got you on the Turkey Bacon Club.”
Classic comfort, vegan style, holding it down in San Diego.

02/04/2026

BEETING HEART PASTA ❤️
Heart-shaped pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce crafted from cashews and beets, seasoned with fragrant garlic and herbs, finished with chives and our vegan parmesan.

Comfort food with a pulse.

02/02/2026

Meatball parm (vegan style)

You asked — it’s back for a limited time. Don’t sleep on this one.

01/29/2026

Vegan pistachio chocolate swirls just dropped. 💚🍫
Soft, rich, and dangerously addictive. Come grab one while they last.

01/28/2026

Introducing: EDWARD’S KISS
A chocolate raspberry cupcake so good it sparkles in the sunlight.
100% vegan. 0% creepy stalking

01/22/2026

Our vegan sticky buns are calling… and yes, they’re as insane as they look.
Soft, gooey, plant-based perfection with that pecan glaze on top. 🤤✨

Swing by our San Diego location and grab one fresh — your morning just got upgraded.
🌱 100% plant-based
🥯 100% delicious

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Address

6663 El Cajon Boulevard
San Diego, CA
92115

If you're looking to visit a vegan delicatessen on El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego, here are some brief travel directions:

Public Transport:
1. Take the bus or tram to the El Cajon Boulevard stop.
2. Walk east on El Cajon Boulevard until you reach your destination.

Driving/Parking:
1. From downtown San Diego, take Interstate 5 North.
2. Merge onto CA-94 East and continue for about 4 miles.
3. Take the exit toward College Avenue/El Cajon Boulevard.
4. Keep right at the fork and follow signs for El Cajon Boulevard.
5. Turn right onto El Cajon Boulevard and look for parking options along the street or in nearby parking lots.

Please note that these directions are general and may not be specific to Ben & Esther’s Vegan Delicatessen - San Diego.

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 7pm
Tuesday 7am - 7pm
Wednesday 7am - 7pm
Thursday 7am - 7pm
Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday 7am - 7pm
Sunday 7am - 7pm

Telephone

+16194677825

Alerts

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What people say

Ben & Esther’s Vegan Delicatessen - San Diego, located on El Cajon Boulevard, is a vegetarian/vegan restaurant that has gained quite a reputation for its delicious and innovative plant-based dishes. With their recent win of the Best Vegan Deli in the USA award, it's no surprise that this place is a must-visit for vegans and vegetarians alike.

One of the standout features of Ben & Esther’s Vegan Delicatessen is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients in their dishes. From fresh vegetables to flavorful spices, every bite at this restaurant is bursting with taste and goodness. Their menu offers a wide range of options, from classic deli sandwiches to creative vegan twists on traditional favorites.

One dish that has garnered a lot of attention is their BACON EGG and CHEESE sandwich. This mouthwatering creation proves that you don't need animal products to enjoy a hearty and satisfying breakfast. The combination of flavors in this sandwich is simply divine.

Another highlight at Ben & Esther’s Vegan Delicatessen is their Challah bread. Every Friday, they serve up this traditional Jewish bread, which is soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or as part of a sandwich, the Challah bread at this restaurant will leave you wanting more.

If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try their cinnamon rolls. These delectable treats are the perfect way to indulge in something sweet without compromising your vegan lifestyle. They are soft, gooey, and packed with cinnamon flavor - truly irresistible!

Aside from their delicious food offerings, Ben & Esther’s Vegan Delicatessen also deserves praise for their community involvement. They frequently organize events where a portion of all sales goes towards benefiting various organizations and causes. This demonstrates their commitment not only to providing great food but also to making a positive impact on society.

Overall, Ben & Esther’s Vegan Delicatessen - San Diego is a gem in the vegetarian/vegan restaurant scene. With their award-winning dishes, commitment to quality ingredients, and community involvement, this place is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious plant-based options in San Diego.

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