What’s Happening in The Bay Area – The Bay’s Best Vegan Food
January 11, 2022
Joke as you will, vegan food is BOMB. Especially in the Bay. These restaurants will turn any carnivore into a be-leaf-er and have you craving another meal. From cinnamon rolls to sushi and everything in between, we’ve got your list of the most mouthwatering picks across the Bay.
Remember: “Fish are friends, not food”. This wood-decked restaurant will have you feeling fancy as you nom down on sushi so good you’ll forget it’s not freshly caught. It’s only open for dinner, so plan ahead.
Serving up Vietnamese-style goodness since 1999, this spot has an upscale vibe with an affordable price range. You can’t go wrong with the Garden Vermicelli and a slice of decadent cheesecake for dessert.
If you’re craving some cute vegan sweets and a nice cup of coffee, this is the spot for you. This woman-owned and operated bakery makes all their goodies not only vegan but gluten-free, soy-free, local and organic as well.
Want to feel real healthy in your plant-based practice? Pop over to Nourish Cafe for a delightfully satisfying salad, bowl, toast, or smoothie that’ll get you feeling energized and wholesome.
If Californians love one thing, it’s Mexican food. Ingredients are locally grown and organic, and you don’t have to worry about dairy getting mixed in by accident. Enjoy tacos or pozole at one of their communal tables and leave with some new friends.
With locations worldwide, this fast-food spot (think Panda Express meets quality ingredients) does vegan food right. Grab a meal of chow mein or eggplant curry and move on with your busy day!
Judahlicious is perfect if you’re looking to enjoy the health benefits of a plant-based diet, eat delicious food, and NOT break the bank. They’ve got juices, açaí bowls, and sandwiches that are kind to your body, your environment, and your wallet.
If the vegan mozzarella sticks and garlic knots don’t sell you on this spot, we’re not sure what will. Baia serves up tasty dishes in elevated digs, and this Italian-inspired comfort food just might be our love language.
Another 100% plant-based restaurant, we are shook at the choices on the menu. If you’re craving something healthy, but not too healthy (IYKYK), Wildseed strikes the perfect balance. Be sure to get the Belga Fries!
Hinodeya Ramen (1737 Buchanan St // Japantown + 680 Clay St // Chinatown)
Okay, this isn’t a fully vegan restaurant, but you’ll forgive us once you have a slurp of their vegan Creamy Ramen made with soy milk and sesame. Their Zen version offers a lighter mushroom-based broth.
Your picnic basket’s never seen American comfort food like this before. Stuff your face with all kinds of good from the Maple PB Banana Waffles to The Crispy Chicken sandwich to the Slawpy Crab on a challah bun.
Home to all things you didn’t even think could be vegan: beignets, carbonara, BBQ wings, and oh so much more. If you’re thinking about cheating on your veganism for something cheesy or meaty, head over to Cybelle’s and go crazy. You probably won’t be able to tell the difference anyway.
Ride with the (vegan) mob and drop what you’ve heard about bland, boring vegan food. Rapper and SF-native Toriano Gordon is whipping up soul fusion in the form of plant-based brisket, po’boys, and Smackaroni and cheese.
Despite the visual image the name provides, this spot is fully vegan, though you might be hard-pressed to believe it once you’ve tasted it. Their menu rotates regularly with plenty of mouth watering options.
These donuts are so good that one of their FAQs is “Do you ship donuts?” Spoiler: no, they do not, but they do deliver! All of Donut Farm’s donuts are organic and plant-based, making for the perfect pick-me-up any time of day.
If you’re in search of a quick lunch under $15 in East or South Bay (and 7 varieties of plant-based cakes), this vegan comfort food spot has you covered. One order of Bacon Ranch Cheese Fries, please!
Previously located in SF, Millennium now brings that five-star feel to the East Bay. With desserts that are almost too gorgeous to eat and a constantly changing menu, you won’t be able to wait to come back for more.
A fast, casual spot for vegan Mexican food including tamales, pozole, and hand pressed corn tortillas. Flacos’ menu is filled with options that combine signature Mexican ingredients with vegetarian and vegan preparation.
What’s better than mamma’s cooking? Two mammas! They’re open Thursday through Sunday for brunch and lunch. Make sure to try the Tofu Benedict – that sauce is something worth waiting for.
On those days that you want a home-cooked meal, but can’t bring yourself to do the actual cooking, check out Shangri-La Buddha. They serve up plates in two different portion sizes, and the menu changes twice a day.
Creole comfort food – those words alone bring about a vision of homey vibes and a happy belly. Chef and owner Tamearra Dyson has been whipping these vegan dishes up since she was 18, so you know you’re in good hands.
Ginger Espice cranks out crafty dishes like the Magic Breakfast Burrito and hella plant-based donuts on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Former co-owner of Hella Vegan Eats, Espice also supports the community by offering free meals to transgender people of color.
Ooey gooey and made-to-order, these cinnamon rolls will satisfy any sweet tooth. Hope you’re not on a diet, with 20 flavors of icing and 22 toppings we know you’ll be back again and again. They were even featured on Shark Tank!
The extensive Asian fusion menu at Golden Lotus might actually cause some problems for the indecisive folk. How could you choose between Sweet & Sour Soy Chicken, Spicy Szechuan Pineapple “Beef,” and Lemongrass Tofu? Our rec: go for all three!
The name may be a little misleading, but all of their dishes are vegan and downright delicious. We recommend getting the Spicy Cha Cha: fried “shrimp” made of root flour that will have you thinkin’ you’re eating the real thing.
Vegan burritos, bowls, and tacos served up with delicious craft beer? We’re sold. If you’re not in a taco kind of mood (if such a thing is possible), Pizza Flora is just across the street, and serves up decadent ‘za, complete with vegan cheese.
Believe it or not, you can indulge on bubble tea and milkshakes that are vegan and organic. Grab a sweet treat to go, or fill your belly with a plate of Crispy Nuggets. Their logo is framed by silhouettes of cats, so it’s basically guaranteed you’ll leave this place happy.
Sky Cafe has a frequently changing menu with dishes inspired by places all over the world. Start with spicy Cauliflower Wings, then venture to Thailand for Green Curry, or Northern Africa for “Lamb” Kebabs. Don’t forget dessert!
You can take the whole crew to Garden Fresh for Chinese food, and everyone will be content — vegan or not! In other words, order the Happy Family (soy and veggies in brown sauce), and you’ll have a happy family, every time.
This is one of those places that will have you working up an appetite just looking at the menu. Vermicellis, salads, soups, and fried rices galore! Plus, should you need an entire vegan cake for some occasion, they’ll hook you up with that too.
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North Bay
Amy’s Drive Thru (58 Golf Course Dr W // Rohnert Park + 5839 Paradise Dr // Corte Madera)
Fast, affordable, and delicious: America’s first vegetarian drive-through created quite a buzz when it first opened in 2015 and it shows no signs of slowing down. Grab The Amy Burger to go or sit down with a bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Mac. Vegan and gluten-free options are available for almost all items!
While the name suggests pizza, this local joint boasts quick and healthy bites, including breakfast all day! Not all options are vegan, but there’s more than enough to choose from. We’re coming for you, Avocado Ranch Burger!
Finding vegan options in North Bay can prove challenging, and while this spot isn’t strictly vegan, they have more plant-based offerings than you could imagine. Satisfy your Chinese food craving with everything from Kung Pao Vegan Chicken to Broccoli Vegan Beef.
How can you turn down hearty vegan comfort food in a super chill setting? Cozy Plum serves up decked out tacos, burgers, burritos, pizzas, and so much more. They even bring in goodies from Morning Ritual Bakery on weekends!
If you’re on the hunt for authentic Southeast Asian fare with vegan-friendly choices across the Golden Gate, look no further than Boo Koo. Their Mighty Mint Salad, Tofu Bánh Mì, and Yellow Curry are all sure to please your tastebuds.
Located within several grocery stores across the US, their brick and mortars in Marin County are your one-stop-shop for healthy, wholesome food and snacks. Creative bowls, rich raw desserts, and cold-pressed juices will have you feeling energized in no time.
