A vegan holiday spread from Polk Gulch's Vegan Picnic. Photo courtesy of Vegan Picnic.

Creative plant-based eateries are having a moment within the food trend sphere. And though the Bay Area is home to countless vegan eateries, the level of inventive ways in which vegan food is being conceived and served is reaching new heights. These chefs and restaurateurs craft menus and dining experiences that appeal to non-meat eaters and meat-eaters alike. We’ve pulled some great examples of plant-based restaurants that serve delicious food that happens to be vegan.

San Francisco

A comforting bowl of Cha-Ya's vegetable and tofu soup. Photo courtesy of Happy Cow.

Cha-Ya | 16th St Mission

Cha-Ya’s mission is to serve Japanese vegan food inspired by Japanese Buddhist cuisine. Dishes like vegetable tempura, vegan sukiyaki, soba and udon noodle soups are so flavorful that you won’t miss the meat. They also serve lots of stews that translate to bowls of comfort. Dine-in or take out. Take BART to 16th St Mission and walk eight minutes to 762 Valencia St.

A "meatball" sandwich and macaroni salad from Vegan Picnic. Photo courtesy of Happy Cow.

Vegan Picnic | Civic Center/UN Plaza

Sandwiches, salads, and other portable vegan foods fill this compact storefront on Polk St. Consider stopping by before heading to the park or beach and fill up on hot and cold sandwiches, salads, chips, and classic treats like brownies or cookies. They also have old-school hot items like a “fish” filet and a “meatball” sandwich. Most of the food is prepared in-house. Yum. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza and walk 21 minutes to 1323 Polk St.

Señor Sisig’s Filipino-Mexican fusion dishes. Photo courtesy of EaterSF.

Señor Sisig | 24th St Mission

This popular Filipino fusion food truck and restaurant is rapidly expanding, having secured a space in the Ferry Building, which will be super convenient for those using the Embarcadero station. But, for now, head to the Mission and explore the vegan options on their menu. “Sisig” refers to the leftover parts of a pig that are highly seasoned and chopped, and the team does an incredible job replacing the pork protein with a plant-based product. You won’t feel like you’re eating vegan, just an indulgent take on tacos, burritos, and fries. Take BART to  24th St Mission and walk nine minutes to 990 Valencia St.

Baia's garlic knots. Photo courtesy of SFGate.

Baia | Civic Center/UN Plaza

Italian-inspired plant-based menu in an elegant dining space? Yep, that’s what you’ll find at Matthew Kenney’s Baia. Kenney and his team took over the former Jardiniere space in Hayes Valley and gave it a nice refresh. The menu reflects Kenney’s elevated approach to vegan food. Look for dishes like chicken (TiNDLE) parmigiana, risotto al Funghi, and charred and chewy-crusted Neapolitan pizzas. It’s the perfect venue for a special occasion. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza and walk eight minutes to 300 Grove St.

East Bay

Some of Tane Vegan Izakaya's sushi options. Photo courtesy of Happy Cow.

Tane Vegan Izakaya | Downtown Berkeley

This is the newest location for Tane Vegan Izakaya, which has a location on the island of Oahu. The team also runs San Francisco’s Shizen, which has been a leader in the faux sushi scene for a while now. The North Berkeley location on Shattuck is a great addition to the already popular vegan scene with The Butcher’s Son and take-out spot The Flying Falafel nearby. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley and walk six minutes to 1956 Shattuck Ave.

A sampling of healthy, comfort-food classics from Roasted and Raw. Photo courtesy of the SF Chronicle.

Roasted and Raw | 12th St/Oakland City Center

This former pop-up restaurant recently signed a lease in the heart of downtown Oakland. Look for a wide range of raw and cooked plant-based dishes, including hearty, comfort-style options like lasagna and pasta with “meat” sauce. Some items like the walnut “chorizo” used in his empanada are unique to Imani Greer and his creativity. It’s a great all-day cafe for lunch bowls and juices or dinner service. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center and walk seven minutes to 607 14th St.

Taqueria la Venganza's creative use of tofu skins is transformative. Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Taqueria La Venganza | 19th St/Oakland

Carne asada and carnitas made from dehydrated tofu skins are just some of the creative ways that owner Raul Medina is redefining vegan Mexican food. This unassuming spot whips up amazing burritos, tacos, nachos, and pozole just like his mother makes. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland and walk seven minutes to 597 15th St.

Fresh, vegan dishes and drinks are on the menu at Walnut Creek's Rooted Coffee. Photo courtesy of Rooted Coffee.

Rooted Coffee | Walnut Creek

Rooted Coffee is the type of place that you wish you had down the street from where you live and/or work. Its friendly coffee shop vibe is so seamless that you’d never know that the menu is plant-based, from the fun hot and cold drinks to the creative toasts, breakfast sammies, and parfaits to the sweet and savory waffles. Weekend evenings offer beer on tap and live music. Take BART to Walnut Creek and walk 16 minutes to 1321 Locust St.

Where do you go for a plant-based meal?

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