BARTable SF Paleo Pals

Last Updated On Jan. 15, 2020

Photo courtesy of Caviar/Kitava SF.

Fueling up on hearty nutrients favored by cavemen doesn’t have to mean living like a recluse; refined restaurants that keep Paleo in mind are all the rage right now. That means you can leave your “cave” and socialize out in the wider world whilst following that strict regimen.

You want to try the Paleo diet but you don’t want to have to keep picking things off your plate to live by its rules. Substitute the decadence of more avocado when you’re craving cheese, try coconut milk curries when you’re craving dairy creams, chop up cauliflower when you’re on the hunt for rice. The following BARTable picks in SF know how to do it right, and just may be your next best pal when you want to go Paleo.

Photo courtesy of UberEats/Kitava.

Kitava

2011 Mission St, San Francisco, 1-min walk from 16th St/Mission Station

Meals free of gluten, dairy and refined sugars are the name of the health-food game at Kitava, the Mission restaurant just outside 16th St Mission station. It’s where “clean eating” is the daily call; bowls with cauliflower rice sit alongside fellow healthy substitutes like zoodles (that always fun to say and eat carb-free noodle alternative) and simple avocado mash. The popular Cuban Bowl is a go-to for those seeking Whole30 satisfaction, and Kitava is a place where vegans and meat-eaters find common ground.

When: Monday-Sunday: 11am-9pm

Where: 2011 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Nearest station: 16th St Mission

Walk time: One minute

Website: Kitava

Phone: (415) 780-1661

Photo courtesy of Elixiria.

Elixiria

Known for its slew of smoothies, acai bowls and cold-pressed juices, Elixiria extends its health-minded menu into paleo territory. Dairy-free smoothies with raw ingredients whet the palate where full plates of paleo-friendly recipes also live. Dig your fork into lemon chicken and poached salmon alongside plenty of veggie companions. Spinach and strawberry salad is also a reliable classic. Not done? Paleo and vegan pastries make sure even paleo enthusiasts get a dessert fix.

When: Monday-Sunday: 11am-9pm

Where: 25 Beale St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Nearest station: Embarcadero

Walk time: Two minutes

Website: Elixiria

Phone: (628) 444-3149

Photo courtesy of Caviar/Rooster & Rice.

Rooster & Rice

This Thai street food favorite in Union Square even has an item on the menu called The Paleo. Rooster & Rice (paleo aficionados skip the rice!) keeps its menu lean and mean: limited options have it sticking to what it does best, chicken. But not just any chicken. Large portions of poached poultry with skin still intact come garnished with cucumbers, cilantro and the winning chili-ginger dipping sauce that brings it all home.

When: Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm

Where: 125 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Nearest station: Montgomery St

Walk time: Three minutes

Website: Rooster & Rice

Phone: (415) 705-1500

Photo courtesy of Postmates/Tender Greens.

Tender Greens

Here’s how Tender Greens’ kitchen lets you decide on your feast with its straightforward instructions: Pick a protein, pick a green and pick a side. Chef Charlie Knowles is at the helm of the menu at this Tender Greens Downtown San Francisco location, where ingredients sourced from local farms include seasonal veggies, free-range meats, sustainable fish and more. You can mix and match each day of the week with choice of chicken (barbecue, salt and pepper, fried), salmon, tuna or steak as anchor to your feast of plentiful, yes, tender greens.

When: Monday-Sunday: 11am-8pm

Where: 30 Fremont St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Nearest station: Embarcadero

Walk time: Four minutes

Website: Tender Greens

Phone: (415) 543-5200

Let's get social.

Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and have fun around the Bay. Know of any good Paleo/Whole30 restaraunts near your home BART station? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable and your submission could be featured in our next article.