9 Best Places to Eat Plant-Based and Vegan in Oakland, California

In addition to being the bright side of the Bay, Oakland is home to a rich, multicultural food scene with exceptional vegan eateries. With something to please everyone’s palate, plant-based eaters won’t have any trouble finding spots to satisfy all of their plant cravings. Check out the top nine places to eat plant-based and vegan next time you’re in the city.

1. Souley Vegan

Plant Yourself: Whatever the occasion, Souley Vegan should be the first restaurant on the list when visiting Oakland. All of the entrees are prepared fresh to order with in-house spice blends that offer eccentric flavor to every dish.

Calling All: Soul food lovers! If you’re a fan of Louisiana Creole cuisine, this eatery will be sure to satisfy all of your cravings. Souley Vegan takes authentic Creole dishes and veganizes them with plant-based proteins such as tofu and seitan, making them delicious yet cruelty-free. Some fan favorites include Seitan Spicy Strips, Southern Fried Tofu Burger, and the Okra Gumbo.

Don’t Miss: In addition to your savory entrees, be sure to grab some of their warm beignets. This Louisiana staple is fried dough dusted in powdered sugar that will surely melt in your mouth.

Address: 301 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607

2. Golden Lotus

Plant Yourself: Located in the heart of downtown Oakland, this corner eatery serves Asian-Fusion plant-based fare. The restaurant prides itself on serving fresh and locally sourced produce for its menu offerings, making every dish delicious as well as nutritious.

Order to Share: Whether you arrive with one guest or multiple, grab some delicious bites for the table to share. Golden Lotus’s fresh Spring Rolls are a must-try as they are filled with lettuce, mint leaves, crunchy jicama, and seasoned tofu. For something warmer, grab some potstickers served with their tangy ginger sauce dip.

Leave Room for: Something sweet! This eatery boasts a variety of decadent plant-based desserts ranging from Caramel Flan to Mango Sticky Rice. If you’re not feeling a dessert, try their vegan Thai ice tea or Fresh Fruit Smoothie to wash down to satisfy your sweet tooth after your meal.

Address: 1301 Franklin St Oakland, CA 94612

3. Vegan Mob

Calling All: Barbeque lovers! From burgers to gumbo to po’boys, the Vegan Mob offers all of your favorite Soul food and BBQ dishes, in plant-based style. You can stop by the eatery for a quick snack or Mob Juice, but if you decide to stay for lunch or dinner, check out the entrees to be blown away by their dynamic menu offerings.

Take Note: Once you sit down, you’ll have trouble deciding between all of the delicious entrees. If you’re visiting for the first time, try the Mob Plate which comes with one protein and three sides of your choice. With protein choices such as spicy fried chicken or brisket and sides like Mob’bq Spaghetti or Garlic Rice, this will be sure not to disappoint.

Don’t Miss: Vegan Mob is famous for its mouthwatering fusion meals that are too good to miss. A fan favorite is their crispy Soul Mob Rolls, which are deep-fried spring rolls with creamy macaroni, cheese, and candied yams –– all topped with an irresistible country sausage gravy.

Address: 500 Lake Park Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

4. Shangri-La Vegan

Plant Yourself: This restaurant is a quaint little eatery that serves all organic plant-based fare. Menu offerings change daily and feature a variety of different seasonally-inspired dishes. Get there early to secure a spot outside in front of the restaurant.

Take Note: Their menu changes every day, so be sure to visit their website in advance to know what’s offered. Usually, they have flavorful vegetable stews or baked veggies with rice that will be sure to brighten up your day.

Leave Room for: Shangri-La Vegan serves up a diverse selection of kombucha beverages that make the perfect accompaniment to your savory meal. From Lavender Lemonade to Strawberry Mint, these chilled beverages will be sure to please your palate.

Address: 4001 Linden St, Oakland, CA 94608

5. Nature Vegetarian Restaurant

Calling All: Chinese cuisine lovers! Nature Vegetarian Restaurant is an Oakland staple for all Chinese plant-based fare. It offers veganized versions of authentic Chinese dishes made with high-quality, fresh ingredients.

Take Note: This eatery offers a weekly lunch special Monday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm, except for holidays. Those who dine in can get a deal on an entree served with their soup of the day, steamed or brown rice, and a spring roll. Some fan favorites include their tangy General Tso’s Veggie Chicken or their piquant Veggie Pork Chow Mein.

Be Sure to Enjoy: The fried rice! Nature Vegetarian Restaurant offers a diverse and exciting selection of fried rice entrees mixed with various plant-based proteins, like tofu or soy protein, in addition to steamed veggies. For a punch of flavor, try their Yang Chow Fried Rice which has their sweet BBQ pork and veggie shrimp.

Address: 1116 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94607

6. Two Mammas' Vegan Kitchen

Calling All: Breakfast and brunch lovers! If you enjoy a brunch filled with sweet and savory entrees, this eatery is the perfect spot for you. Two Mammas’ Vegan Kitchen provides a seasonally-inspired plant-based twist on traditional American brunch items, such as eggs benedict and pancakes.

Be Sure to Enjoy: Their sweet breakfast options will be sure to blow your mind. They offer a spiced stack of Apple Cinnamon Pancakes and a Belgian Waffle topped with fresh fruit. Trust us, these fan favorites will blow your mind.

Don’t Miss: Stop by the restaurant and give the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Ranch Sandwich a try. This meal consists of spicy soy chicken on a fresh-baked French roll with vegan mayo, spinach and tomatoes topped with ranch dressing. Served with your choice of potato salad or green salad, this meal definitely checks all the boxes as a hearty and delicious lunch.

Address: 3700 E 12th St, Oakland, CA 94601

7. Hella Nuts

Plant Yourself: Centered in the heart of the city, Hella Nuts is the perfect place to grab a lunch or dinner date and won’t break the bank. All of the entrees are 100 percent plant-based and made fresh to order, with no soy but nuts.

Order for a Crowd: If you’re ordering takeout for a large party, be sure to grab some of their munchies to please the crowd. Their onion bangles –– deep-fried onion rings –– make a delicious appetizer and will have everyone talking. For something a little sweet, order a few pies like their Lemon Cream Pie or their Organic Cobbler.

Don’t Miss: Hella Nuts is known for its selection of raw vegan items that are perfect for a midday pick-me-up. To satisfy your taste buds, order their coconut wrap filled with assorted seasonal organic veggies. They also have immaculate Raw Vegan Tacos, which are jicama shells topped with beet meat crumble, green of the day, tomato, onion, and raw sauce.

Address: 3645 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA 94609

8. Millennium

Plant Yourself: Millennium is the best plant-based fine dining experience in town. Their menu changes constantly to provide globally-inspired dishes prepared with local and organic produce. To taste their award-winning, innovative vegan cuisine, be sure to make a reservation in advance to secure seats for your party.

Take Note: Millennium’s starters are transformative spins on classic veggie-filled dishes that’ll be sure to delight both plant-based eaters and non-plant-based eaters alike. For instance, their cold Red Wine, Juniper, Caramelized Shallot Marinated Crimini Mushrooms are guaranteed to impress on a date.

Leave Room for: Their main courses are packed with flavor but don’t forget about the dessert. Their S'mores Torte with a crunchy graham cracker crust, old Rasputin stout ice cream, chocolate fudge, toasted marshmallow, espresso chocolate sauce, and smoked salt will be sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.

Address: 5912 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618

9. Don’t be Chick’n

Plant Yourself: This food truck concept provides homestyle, Southern cuisine-inspired dishes prepared with plants. With a Nashville Hot Chick Sandwich that will blow your mind and Boneless Wings that will savor your taste buds, you won’t leave here without a full stomach.

Be Sure to Enjoy: Sugar Daddy Fries, one of their most popular dishes. These are crinkle fries topped with fried chick'n, lettuce, fried jalapeños, ranch, 'honey' mustard, and cluck sauce – all guaranteed to warm your heart and soul.
Don’t Miss: Need something a little sweet after all that spice? Grab a bite of their Koko’s Banana Puddin’ featuring sweet bananas and creamy plant-based whipped cream, which will surely have you coming back for more!

Address: 277 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610