By Laura Measher By Laura Measher | January 6, 2025 | Food & Drink, Guides,
Here are the best vegan restaurants in Silicon Valley.
17230 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, 408-612-8297 / 1026 W. Evelyn Ave., Sunnyvale, 831-515-8407 / Website
If you're looking for a plant-based meal that still feels hearty, Craft Roots is the place for you. With locations in Morgan Hill and Sunnycale, Craft Roots is a family-run vegan bar and grill with an artisanal touch. Enjoy small plates of fries, buffalo cauliflower, pumpkin fritters and the like, as well as salads, wood-fired pizzas, mains of cheeseburgers, tofu katsu sandwiches, Korean bbq bowls and more. There's a kid's menu with corn dogs, tofu nuggets and other kid-friendly delights, plus desserts. Come for happy hour Wednesday to Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. for discounted meals and drinks.
1688 Hostetter Road, Ste. C, San Jose, 408-573-8699 / Website
Located in north San Jose, Happiness Café serves vegan options that delight, from dishes to drinks. This comfortable spot also serves organic and lactose-, cholesterol- and MSG-free fare. Standouts include a vegan hotdog or sandwiches like the Pesto Grill, served on an organic ciabatta roll with vegan strips, pesto sauce, lettuce and tomato. Diners can also chow down on more filling meals, like the Happiness over rice with pineapple, vegan chunk, broccoli and a house-special sweet and sour sauce. The drink menu features boba teas, milkshakes and coffee, offered with a soy milk option. For a sweet treat, this spot offers both traditionally Eastern and Western desserts, from hot grass jelly to vegan cheesecake.
548 Lawrence Expy, Ste. 2, Sunnyvale, 408-245-8988 / Website
Merit Vegan serves up East-West fusion that’s good for your body and the planet, focusing on health- and environment-conscious dining. Inside the Sunnyvale café-style space, wood paneling and expansive windows create a bright and comfortable atmosphere. Diners can relax while enjoying flavorful meals like Tom Kha Thai soup with yam-based shrimp, pineapple, organic tofu and bean curds in Thai tamarind- and herbs-based broth. A list of house specials includes Vietnamese crepes, a teriyaki lover, a spicy pineapple sensation, and a spicy Gourmet Deluxe with fried gluten-free protein and spicy lemongrass—the most popular choice. Iced coffees and teas are also on the menu, alongside refreshing fruit smoothies and juices.
37 South First Street San Jose, 408-294-2694 / Website
Vegan food packed with flavor—that's what Good Karma has in store. This Asian-Mexican fusion joint serves kimchi bowls, Buddha buns, pulled "pork" street tacos, baklava, Mayan chocolate pie, knife-and-fork nachos with melted Daiya cheese, rice plates, drumstick chicken, and so much more. they even have refreshing salads, kombucha, hop water and more, NA gin and tonic cocktails in a can, and more. Good Karma is open Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 10 p.m., and offers live jazz on Sundays from 7 to 9 p.m.
1679 N Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas, 408-359-3706 / Website
With the power of both superfoods and an inspiring backstory, RawASF is serving up 100% plant-based dishes with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. It was founded by owners Quan Nguyen and Catherine Trinh, a married couple who completely overhauled their diet after struggling with personal health issues. Aiming to empower diners to take charge of their own health, they opened RawASF. They specialize in acai bowls and smoothies, featuring fresh fruit and toppings like coconut chia seed pudding, flaxseed and diced almond. Larger meals are also available, such as avocado truffle burgers with umami spread and pickled cucumbers served in a fresh-baked, artisan bun. Set in a sleek, modern interior, RawASF is the perfect place to enjoy a guilt-free meal.
Photography by: Photo by Ella Olsson