Berkeley's history as a hippie city isn't only reflected in the tie-dyed T-shirts on Telegraph Avenue. It's still present throughout, as you can see from the wealth of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the city. Because this area is so food-oriented, you can expect most of these restaurants to really know what they're doing. In other words, much of the food is truly excellent in its own right, and many of these restaurants are frequented by non-vegans who simply enjoy the good food.
Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM Sunday through Thursday, 9 AM to 11 PM Friday and Saturday
The Basics: Herbivore's owners take pride in serving food that will please vegans and non-vegans alike. While all of the food is vegan, the menu is more accessible for non-vegans than places such as Cafe Gratitude. Many of the dishes contain faux meat, for example. Be warned, though: while the food is consistently good, the service can be questionable.More »
Hours: 12 PM to 2:30 PM and 5 PM to 9:30 PM Monday through Thursday, 12:30 PM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM Friday, 12 PM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM Saturday, and 12 PM to 3 PM Sunday.
The Basics: Cha-Ya's vegan Japanese food lacks the inspiration of some other vegan places in the area. I've often heard it described as being “fine... for vegan food.” In other words, don't expect to be blown away. However, if you're in the Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley and you're in the mood for vegan sushi or other Japanese fare, this place is a solid option.More »
Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM Tuesday through Saturday
The Basics: Vegan UC Berkeley students, rejoice! This shop serves vegan cinnamon rolls to satisfy those sweet cravings. Yes, that's all they serve... but don't worry about being bored. You get to choose the icing flavor and the toppings to create your own customized roll. Alternatively, order one of the options from the menu or the daily special. You can expect to pay $5 or so for a roll.More »
Hours: 4 PM to 9 PM Monday, 11:30 AM to 9 PM Tuesday through Saturday
The Basics: You may have noticed by now that Berkeley has quite a few vegan and vegetarian restaurants serving different ethnic cuisines. Flacos is no exception: it's a vegan Mexican restaurant. In addition to being vegan, Flacos does not use any genetically modified ingredients. If you frequent the area's farmers' markets, you may already be familiar with Flacos: they serve food at all three of the weekly Berkeley farmers' markets.More »
Hours: 11 AM to 3 PM and 5:30 PM to 9 PM daily
The Basics: Yes, Albany does have its very own vegan restaurant! The menu changes frequently, so try not to get too attached to any particular item. However, the updated menu is posted online daily, so you can check before you go to have some idea of what to expect. The items in the meal are already selected, leaving you to decide whether to order the full-sized portion or a medium one. Alternatively, you may order individual items from the meal at a reduced price.More »
1. Herbivore
Location: 2451 Shattuck Ave, BerkeleyHours: 9 AM to 10 PM Sunday through Thursday, 9 AM to 11 PM Friday and Saturday
The Basics: Herbivore's owners take pride in serving food that will please vegans and non-vegans alike. While all of the food is vegan, the menu is more accessible for non-vegans than places such as Cafe Gratitude. Many of the dishes contain faux meat, for example. Be warned, though: while the food is consistently good, the service can be questionable.More »
2. Cha-Ya
Location: 1686 Shattuck Ave, BerkeleyHours: 12 PM to 2:30 PM and 5 PM to 9:30 PM Monday through Thursday, 12:30 PM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM Friday, 12 PM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM Saturday, and 12 PM to 3 PM Sunday.
The Basics: Cha-Ya's vegan Japanese food lacks the inspiration of some other vegan places in the area. I've often heard it described as being “fine... for vegan food.” In other words, don't expect to be blown away. However, if you're in the Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley and you're in the mood for vegan sushi or other Japanese fare, this place is a solid option.More »
3. Cinnaholic
Location: 2132 Oxford St, BerkeleyHours: 10 AM to 7 PM Tuesday through Saturday
The Basics: Vegan UC Berkeley students, rejoice! This shop serves vegan cinnamon rolls to satisfy those sweet cravings. Yes, that's all they serve... but don't worry about being bored. You get to choose the icing flavor and the toppings to create your own customized roll. Alternatively, order one of the options from the menu or the daily special. You can expect to pay $5 or so for a roll.More »
4. Flacos
Location: 3031 Adeline St., BerkeleyHours: 4 PM to 9 PM Monday, 11:30 AM to 9 PM Tuesday through Saturday
The Basics: You may have noticed by now that Berkeley has quite a few vegan and vegetarian restaurants serving different ethnic cuisines. Flacos is no exception: it's a vegan Mexican restaurant. In addition to being vegan, Flacos does not use any genetically modified ingredients. If you frequent the area's farmers' markets, you may already be familiar with Flacos: they serve food at all three of the weekly Berkeley farmers' markets.More »
5. Potala Organic Cafe
Location: 1045 San Pablo Ave, AlbanyHours: 11 AM to 3 PM and 5:30 PM to 9 PM daily
The Basics: Yes, Albany does have its very own vegan restaurant! The menu changes frequently, so try not to get too attached to any particular item. However, the updated menu is posted online daily, so you can check before you go to have some idea of what to expect. The items in the meal are already selected, leaving you to decide whether to order the full-sized portion or a medium one. Alternatively, you may order individual items from the meal at a reduced price.More »
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