Veg Out: The Bay Area's Best Vegan Restaurants
The seitan steak at Oakland's popular Souley Vegan. (Courtesy of the restaurant)

Veg Out: The Bay Area's Best Vegan Restaurants

By

Thinking about a vegan cleanse or a full-on plant-based conversion? The Bay Area's bountiful veg-based dining destinations mean you don't need to breakup with Postmates just because you're committing to vegetables.

From raw bowls in the Inner Richmond to hearty Mexican in the heart of the Mission, the range of local vegan options has you covered.


(Courtesy of @donutfarmoakland)

Donut Farm

You've undoubtedly treated yourself to a donut or two from their Ferry Building kiosk, but we've got one word of encouragement for getting you to Donut Farm's casual Oakland eatery: brunch. The weekend meal has returned post-Covid with hot specials like pancakes, pesto tofu scramble, and "chikkin" and waffles. And, of course, top-shelf vegan donuts, coffee, and tea. // 6037 San Pablo (Oakland), vegandonut.farm

Vegan Mob

This Oakland-based Black-owned eatery claims a hearty dose of buzz. Opened in late 2019, the walkup vegan barbecue and soul food spot is loved for its fully loaded nachos, fries, Impossible tacos, and barbequito. Order online for pickup, and keep an eye on Instagram for Vegan Mob food truck appearances in San Francisco. // 500 Lake Park Ave. (Oakland), veganmob.biz

Timeless Coffee

Entirely vegan Timeless Coffee pairs a rotating selection of sweet and savory eats with fresh coffee in an inviting setting. Cure the Sunday scaries with croissants and gluten-free carrot walnut tea cake, or go more substantial with quiche, empanadas, and fritata. // Multiple locations in Oakland and Berkeley; timelesscoffee.com

Gracias Madre

This Mission eatery's fried cauliflower (with cashew-based queso and a side of fresh AF guac) paired with warm tortillas is the ultimate margarita pairing for vegan taco Tuesdays. Speaking of margs, all drinks here are soju-based for more sipping and less buzzing. Gracias Madre is also open for takeout and delivery. // 2211 Mission St. (Mission), gracias-madre.com

(Courtesy of @shizensf)

Shizen

This gorgeous restaurant uses vegetables in place of fish so artfully, you'll do a double take at both their specialty rolls and traditional-looking nigiri. On chillier days, order a companion bowl of miso soup as well as gyoza and sunomono salad. // For takeout orders, call 415-678-5767; 370 14th St. (Mission), shizensf.com

Cha-Ya

Cha-Ya is beloved for its veggie-filled Japanese dishes like soups, sushi, and salads that won't break the bank. Tuck into a piping hot boiled gyoza and vegetable hot pot. Outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery are available. // 762 Valencia St. (Mission), chayasf.com

Indochine Vegan

For those days when you want a meal that falls somewhere between raw, superfood bowl, and chili cheese fries, Indochine doesn't disappoint. This Mission restaurant has a lengthy menu of healthyish Asian dishes ranging from spring rolls to Szechuan green beans and tofu to spicy sushi rolls. Dine in or order takeout online at menupages.com. // 508 Valencia St. (Mission), indochinevegan.com

(Courtesy of @nourishcafesf)

Nourish Cafe

Local herbivores know all about Nourish Cafe's massive plant-based bowls, salads, and sweet treats. This vegan joint is an easy pick for a healthy and mostly raw mid-week lunch or early dinner. Try the signature Nourish bowl or bibimbap salad. // 189 6th Ave. (Inner Richmond) and 1030 Hyde St. (Nob Hill), nourishcafesf.com

Judahlicious

Vegan beach bums flock to Judahlicious for healthy eats in a laidback, order-at-the-counter setting. Munch on heaping plates including the grilled veggie–filled, walnut parmesan–topped Nekked burrito and raw Dahnu wrap stuffed with almond pâté, and of course Judahlicious's signature "jungle-style" raw açaí bowl. In true plant-based fashion, Judahlicious relies on organic produce and works towards zero waste. // 3906 Judah St. (Outer Sunset), judahlicious.com

Earthbar

RIP Project Juice, welcome Earthbar. The same old smoothies and breakfast bowls you've come to love at this mini health food empire are being served under a new name at locations Bay Area–wide. // earthbar.com

(Courtesy of @thebutchersson_official)

The Butcher's Son

If you think vegan food is all açaí bowls and spiralized zucchini, try the #thisismyaddiction breakfast dish (the ultimate vegan calorie bomb) at this East Bay vegan deli. Butcher's Son makes all its "meats" and "cheeses" in house to serve up plant-based takes on deli classics as well as out-of-this-world pastries. //1954 University Ave. (Berkeley, thebutchersveganson.com

CyBelle's Front Room

Expect carb-centric, drool-worthy vegan eats at this unassuming pizza—plus everything else—joint. Though it's not entirely vegan, they offer a multipage plant-based menu of decadent dishes. Munch on mac 'n' cheese–topped monster pizza slices, Impossible burger loaded fries, and inject hot pink Unicorn Beignets with salted caramel sauce before going into a food coma. // Call 415-665-8088 for pickup and order online for delivery; 1385 9th Ave. (Inner Sunset), cybellesfrontroom.com

Souley Vegan

Team your plant-based comfort food with live music at Souley Vegan's Sunday brunch. This is the place for cruelty-free takes on Southern classics—think vegan mac 'n' cheese and fried tofu—with attitude (and a full bar). The restaurant is also an easy go-to for weeknight dinners (closed Mondays). // 301 Broadway St. (Oakland), souleyvegan.com

Next Level Burger

Appropriately housed at the base of Whole Foods, Oregon transplant Next Level Burger serves up a range of patties, including mushroom and quinoa, Beyond burger, and crispy chik'n, topped with decadent sauces and organic veggies, alongside hot dogs and fries. Don't forget to treat yourself to one of their 14 soy- or coconut-based milkshakes. // 450 Rhode Island St. (Potrero Hill), nextlevelburger.com.

Veggie Grill

It's a rare vegan who doesn't swear by Veggie Grill's fast-casual vegan magic. The schlep to Corte Madera from SF is worth it for a fix of their buffalo wings, crispy cauliflower, and seasonal entree specials. // Additional locations in Walnut Creek and Mountain View; veggiegrill.com

Millenium

Ask any Bay Area vegan for the ultimate date-night spot and they will all agree: Millennium. In 2015, this SF special occasion vegan institution moved across the Bay Bridge to Oakland where menu highlights might include an heirloom tomato and melon salad; a burger with carrot-cashew cheddar cheese and beer battered onion ring; pumpkin curry; and bay leaf creme brulee. Also expect an assortment of wines and cocktails. // 5912 College Ave. (Oakland), millenniumrestaurant.com

Wholesome Bakery

This entirely gluten-free and plant-based bakery serves up beautiful sweet treats including brownies, layer cakes, and cookie sandwiches so good you'd have no idea they're not the real deal. Not in the mood to indulge? The sunny shop also offers up savory snacks like bagels, pizza rolls, and stuffed pesto rolls, and a seasonal harvest menu with healthy toasts. // 299 Divisadero St. (Lower Haight), wholesome-bakery.myshopify.com

Related Articles
Now Playing at SF Symphony
View this profile on Instagram

7x7 (@7x7bayarea) • Instagram photos and videos

Neighborhoods
From Our Partners