With only 10 seats and a heavy emphasis on takeout, Dreamboat delivers an inventive, entirely-vegan menu that stretches from fun morning coffee options to late-night dessert, all wrapped in mid-century Americana charm. Part of a two-concept project that also includes the vegan fine dining restaurant Vulture, Dreamboat is the more casual sibling, offering early morning through late-night service with distinctly themed menu shifts. Dreamboat is the brainchild of Kory Stetina, the creative force behind Kindred and Mothership, and his longtime collaborator Arsalun Tafazoli, founder of Consortium Holdings.
In the mornings, Dreamboat serves breakfast sandwiches made with sausage, cheddar, omelette, and hollandaise on a burger bun ($13), alongside pastries and potato latkes with sour cream and applesauce ($10). Coffee offerings include an array of inventive drinks such as the Orange Cream Latte ($7.25), Salted Toffee Latte ($7.75), and the Piña Matcha Fizz ($8.50). For the caffeine-curious, espresso tonics like the Lemon Marmalade and Cherry Colaare available at $8.25, alongside housemade macadamia almond milk for an extra $2.
Lunch includes a tight but satisfying menu of plant-based comfort food like the Double Patty Cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and sauce ($18), a Crackling Tofu Sandwich with slaw and dill tartar ($14), and a standout Braised Yuba Hoagie with broccolini, ricotta, and salsa macha ($23). Sides include Giardiniera ($4) and Wavy Fries ($4).
As the sun sets, Dreamboat transitions into a dessert-forward destination, serving cakes, pies, and daily sweets, plus vegan ice cream in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio ($4.50). Milkshakes (banana date, coffee, vanilla, chocolate malt) round out the late-night indulgence menu, with alcohol-infused options like the Dirty Shirley (tequila, strawberry grenadine, $13.75), Mai Tai with pistachio piloncillo orgeat and turmeric ($16.25), and the Pink Squirrel ($16.25) joining the lineup.
Designed by New York–based Home Studios, Dreamboat’s aesthetic blends vintage diner kitsch with elevated modern minimalism, setting the tone for both nostalgia and innovation. The space functions as the welcoming front room to Vulture, the upcoming dark, romantic fine dining restaurant located in the same building with an entrance at the back of Dreamboat.
While Vulture is still slated to open in the coming weeks, Dreamboat is already attracting attention for its creativity, character, and commitment to bold plant-based fare. It’s another testament to Stetina’s ability to reinvent vegan dining through immersive experiences and wildly imaginative menus. Dreamboat is hosting soft opening hours through the week with a Practice Day on Wednesday, May 21, that includes 50% off all food and drinks.
Dreamboat Diner is located at 4608 Park Boulevard in San Diego’s University Heights. For more information, visit dreamboatdiner.com and check out the launch menu below.
Originally published on May 20, 2025.
Designed by New York–based Home Studios, Dreamboat’s aesthetic blends vintage diner kitsch with elevated modern minimalism, setting the tone for both nostalgia and innovation. The space functions as the welcoming front room to Vulture, the upcoming dark, romantic fine dining restaurant located in the same building with an entrance at the back of Dreamboat.
While Vulture is still slated to open in the coming weeks, Dreamboat is already attracting attention for its creativity, character, and commitment to bold plant-based fare. It’s another testament to Stetina’s ability to reinvent vegan dining through immersive experiences and wildly imaginative menus. Dreamboat is hosting soft opening hours through the week with a Practice Day on Wednesday, May 21, that includes 50% off all food and drinks.
Dreamboat Diner is located at 4608 Park Boulevard in San Diego’s University Heights. For more information, visit dreamboatdiner.com and check out the launch menu below.
