Vegetarian and Vegan Eating in Berkeley
Great Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Berkeley
It wouldn’t surprise most people to hear that Berkeley has its fair share of vegetarian and vegan options at most restaurants. However, there are far fewer places (and far fewer great places) that focus on vegetarian and vegan dishes in the city than one would it expect.
Fortunately, we’ve gathered together a diverse selection of great options for guilt-free eating around Berkeley.
Long Life Vegi House
Long Life Vegi House has been a fixture in Berkeley’s downtown area for years. While popular for their tofu dishes, their meatless meat is where they excel. You have plenty of good options for vegetarian or vegan meats in Berkeley but nearly none prepared in Asian dishes. Long Life Vegi House is the exception and manages to bring the flavors of popular Chinese dishes to Berkeley’s vegetarian population. Looking for a deal? Try their inexpensive lunch specials ($6 to $8) that are served till four in the afternoon every Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday).
Saturn Cafe
Saturn Cafe’s extensive and eclectic menu is focused on showcasing all the flavorful possibilities of a vegan and vegetarian diet (a lot of their vegetarian dishes can also be made vegan upon request). They even do a weekend brunch. The Saturn Cafe is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a great American diner-style experience without all the meat that experience usually brings with it. It’s also an ideal location for groups. With such a large menu there’s something for everybody. Even the most dedicated carnivore will be satisfied with the animal-friendly options available here.
Udupi Palace
Most of Berkeley’s Indian restaurants have great vegetarian options, but Udupi Palace still comes out on top. Vegetarian is, after all, their specialty. Dosas are what they’re known for and their curries are wonderful too. A great representation of South Indian cuisine. Unlike the rest of this list, if you’re after something spicy Udupi Palace is your best (and most satisfying) bet.
Cha-Ya
Looking for vegetarian sushi? Then look no further than Cha-Ya. You’re not going to find a small selection of traditional vegetarian and vegan sushi options here. Cha-Ya’s menu has all sorts of interesting and delicious flavors you won’t find at other sushi restaurants in town. However, Cha-Ya isn’t just about sushi. Their soups and salads are also quite good. This spot is cash only so be sure to hit up one of the nearby banks (or you’ll need to use their ATM).
Juice Bar Collective
It’s easy to overlook the Juice Bar. But you’d be missing out. This small shop sandwiched between two large storefronts in the heart of Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto regularly serves up fresh and warm vegetarian pizzas, soups, salads, smoothies, and an assortment of other hot dishes. They also produce some very delicious baked goods and desserts. The sweet potato pie they make during the fall and winter months is a local favorite as is their focaccia. Looking for something to go with your coffee from the Peet’s (the very first Peet’s) a few doors down? Try their cookies.
The Butcher’s Son
Don’t be misled by the name, this place definitely belongs on the list. Even looking at the menu it might seem like The Butcher’s Son is a carnivore's paradise. Words like bacon, roast beef, and pulled pork litter their dish descriptions but it’s all vegan. If you’re looking for all the great food you’d expect at a deli with none of the real meat and cheese, this spot is for you. Their sandwiches are huge and amazing. Also, be sure to try their maple donuts.
Cheeseboard
You’ll find the Cheeseboard on a lot of Berkeley lists and part of what makes it popular is undoubtedly the fact that their pizzas can be enjoyed by both vegetarians and carnivores alike. Six days a week they serve up creative and delicious pies that are vegetarian-friendly and always delicious. What really sets their pizzas apart is their sourdough crust that really amplifies the flavor of the toppings instead of losing the taste amongst too much dough. If you’re looking for a substitute closer to Berkeley’s downtown area check out Sliver.
Cinnaholic
After so many great meals you’ll probably be wondering where you can cap it all off with a tasty treat. Look no further than Cinnaholic. Their vegan cinnamon buns (and other sweet baked goods) come in a variety of frosting and topping combinations. Served warm and gooey, their desserts are big enough to share (though you may find that hard to do). It definitely pairs well with the vegan and vegetarian options at both Sliver and Saturn Cafe less than a block away.
You’re Ready for Meatless Monday
It’s not difficult to find a vegetarian (and even a vegan) option on a menu in Berkeley. However, it’s definitely a challenge to find a great place focused on serving the city’s vegetarian and vegan community.
Now you’ve got a list of some awesome local spots you can hit up the next time hunger strikes. Want an easier way to refer to this list? You can always find this guide and plenty of other great community curated collections on the Gojurn app (available for iOS and Android). Discover a place that deserves recognition? Let us know here.