Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in San Jose, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.
Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian sushi to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 20+ restaurants serving up meat-free fare in San Jose.
🍕 Casual bites
De La Tierra Vegan Food , 326 Commercial St. | Indulge in “asada” crunchy tacos, loaded breakfast burritos, and soyrizo street tacos at this 100% plant-based food truck. Pro tip: See where it’ll pop up next on its website .
Pizza Flora , 78 S. First St. | Sold by the slice or a full pie, you can get a taste of its most popular pizza, “Pesto Porcini,” made with white sauce, vegan pesto, and a house-made vegan mozzarella.
Veggie Grill , 3055 Olin Ave. | From loaded “beef” bowls to Beyond burgers, this spot tucked in the Row offers just about any comfort food you can think of — as well as delicious desserts.
Bossman’s Pizza , 418 W. Capitol Expy. | While not 100% plant-based, this pizzeria offers a full vegan menu offering Tandoori, BBQ, Cajun, and Buffalo wings, as well as garlic sticks and a build-your-own vegan pizza.
🍛 Indian fare
A2B Indian , 55 River Oaks Pl., Ste. 90 | Get a taste of North and South Indian dishes at this restaurant that offers plenty of shareable combos and family-style appetizers. Try this: The mini podi idli (popular South Indian side made with lentils + chilies)
Saravanaa Bhavan , 1305 S. Mary Ave., Sunnyvale | This vegetarian eatery serves all your Indian cuisine favorites, including 60+ different dosas, a variety of uttapams, and sweet desserts.
🍔 For the vegan carnivore
Gardenbird ,1088 E. Brokaw Rd., Ste. 10 | Their special plant-based protein is the main star in their salads, sandwiches, and tenders boxes. Try this: The “Nashville Hot” made with classic slaw, dill pickles, greek yogurt ranch, and mayo.
Loving Hut , 925 Blossom Hill Rd., Ste. 1746 | This Asian-fusion spot lets you try a little bit of everything — wontons with soy protein, satay bites made from vegan nuggets, burgers + melts, and even ramen, pho, and pad thai.
Who said going plant-based had to be boring?
Photo via @foodelaventures
🍜 Vietnamese cravings
Golden Bamboo Vegetarian House , 3245 S. White Rd. | Grab tofu + veggie pork spring rolls, a mango salad, or vegan fish + pork served in a clay pot — family-style. Try this: The deep-fried Lotus Root served with sweet & sour sauce.
Green Lotus , 1143 Story Rd., Ste. 180 | Get all of your favorite Vietnamese take-out items — but 100% vegan. Try this: The salted fish fried rice + caramelized tofu + mushroom in a clay pot.
Dong Phuong Tofu , 2359 McKee Rd. | Almost all of the menu is vegan, aside from some baked pastries + egg noodles, and the fan favorite is the Bun Bo Hue. Pro tip: This restaurant is cash-only.
DiLac Vegetarian Cuisine , 2850 Quimby Rd., Ste. 125 | Come hungry, because portions are large here. Many Yelp fans rave about the imitation meat tasting just like the real deal. Try this: The Lotus salad with vegan pineapple dressing.
Hoa Dang , 3005 Silver Creek Rd., Ste. 136 | This spot is perfect for a rejuvenating bowl of vegan or vegetarian pho. Grab some shredded “pork” spring rolls to complete your meal.
🍽️ Bring a date
Good Karma Artisan Ales & Café , 37 S. First St. | Share a plate of pulled ‘pork’ tacos, knife & fork nachos, or a Mayan chocolate pie over some brews.
Blue Mango , 635 Coleman Ave. | This Asian-fusion spot’s menu offers a whole section with vegetarian sushi — which can be made vegan. Try this: The deep-fried “Vegetable Mafia” roll with sweet potato, cucumber, avocado, and pickled radish.
Vegetarian House , 520 E. Santa Clara St. | A downtown staple for plant-based diets since 1994, this restaurant is the spot to relax on the patio and share noodles, rice plates, and other Asian dishes with a friend.
Vegan Cutie Pot , 5130 Cherry Ave., Ste. 30, Saratoga | Order a family hot pot that serves up to four people, and share its “All Season” sampler featuring different spring rolls. Try this: The vegan flan or fried banana with ice cream for dessert.
Merit Vegan Restaurant , 548 Lawrence Expy., Ste. 2, Sunnyvale | Enjoy shareable plates like its Tom Kha Thai soup made with yam “shrimp” or the curry vermicelli soup with sweet potatoes.
🥡 Pick-up or delivery only
The Sexxy Mexxy , 949 Ruff Dr. | Fill up with vegan burritos, burrito bowls, burgers, or sliders with all plant-based ingredients like nopales, portobello mushrooms, vegan cheese + sour cream. Try this: The vegan potato patty sliders with housemade chutney.
The Vegan Lasagna Garden , 17 S. Fourth St. (inside Kronas) | These gourmet lasagnas will knock carnivores off their feet. The menu features a truffle mushroom lasagna, a vegan cheese + cashew cream lasagna, and even a Mexican lasagna with grilled veggies.
Happiness Cafe , 1688 Hostetter Rd., Ste. C | Get your classic nuggets, sub sandwiches, burgers, melts, pastas, and rice dishes at this casual American eatery.
What did we miss? If you know a restaurant that’s not on the list, let us know .