Foodies flock to the Bay Area for its creative and varietal restaurants, cafes and bistros. But in the past, if you had special dietary preferences such as vegetarian or vegan, it could sometimes feel like you were missing out on this vast food scene. That is, until now. Silicon Valley has created a hub for vegans and vegetarians to come, fill their plate and chow down. Here’s our pick of the best eateries for non-meat-eaters.
Merit Vegetarian has been serving vegan and vegetarian food to Silicon Valley from Sunnyvale since 2007. Every dish is both 100% plant-based and delicious. What makes Merit unique is its unique blend of flavors. Concentrating predominantly on Asian influence, the cuisine derives from Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Indian and Japanese origins. The care and dedication Merit’s staff has to its food and patrons is second to none and the restaurant prides itself on serving the best. The food is guaranteed to contain no eggs, honey, dairy, or even MSG, with some dishes completely organic and non-GMO.
Only the freshest plant-based food can be found at Veggie Garden. Some of the best and healthiest vegan Chinese dishes are served at this Mountain View favorite. All the flavors are exciting and complement each other fluidly. There’s even vegan orange chicken on the menu! The staff is attentive, knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions, especially for those new to vegan cuisine.
This popular eatery is trailblazing vegan and vegetarian cuisine with cross-regional dishes. Not only that, but The Green Barn swears by using organic, all natural, hormone and antibiotic-free, and locally sourced ingredients for its menu whenever possible. Most of the food has some sort of Asian influence, however, touches of American and Mediterranean fare can be detected too. There is also an extensive drink menu, featuring vegan smoothies, shakes and juices – a plant-based dieter’s dream.
True Food Kitchen offers a truly unique experience with a rotating, seasonal menu that guarantees freshness and happy tastebuds. An open kitchen allows guests to watch the ingredients come together into a delicious creation. This eatery prides itself on a menu for any dietary preference; offering organic, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The atmosphere is welcoming and it’s always evident that the staff values your custom at True Food Kitchen.
This vegan Chinese restaurant is serving Palo Alto with an outstanding plant-based menu. Garden Fresh is a great place for both vegans and meat-eaters. The chefs seemed to have mastered the art of making vegan meat substitute actually taste like the meat it’s replacing! Everything on this menu is delicious and the rest of Palo Alto knows it – it can get quite busy here on weekends, so either catch a table early or opt for a weekday visit. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
The faces behind Crepes Bistro believe so strongly in the power of a vegetarian diet, they follow it themselves. Offering both vegetarian and vegan options, the dishes consist of truly delectable and wholesome ingredients that promote healthy living. The predominantly breakfast food menu ranges from savory to sweet. Dig into a spicy arugula crepe and quinoa bowl or satisfy that sweet-tooth with an apple cinnamon crepe and naturally sweetened acai bowl. Not to mention the added delicious vegetable juices, fruit smoothies, salads and soups.
Juice Bar, Healthy, American, Vegetarian, Vegan, $$$
Bowl of Heaven specializes in acai bowls, smoothies and juices. But the mission at this Bowl of Heaven Mountain View location is to inspire its guests to live well and responsibly. Everything on the menu is vegetarian and can easily be made full vegan to suit anyone’s dietary needs. The ingredients in every menu item are fresh, wholesome and, above all, scrumptious.
