Maybe you just haven't tried them in a way you like them? Get a few vegetarian friends to take you out to some good restaurants and tell you what's good for people who are meat eaters
Also, try Indian food. They have tons of great vegetarian dishes. You have to get over that mental block that veggies are a side, not a main. A good vegetarian dish can be your main, and your carb and a bit of meat can be a side dish. It's all in the perspective.
Good luck!