50 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Alameda

“I was expecting just another fried chicken sandwich spot but this place is different in a good way. The chicken had that perfect crunchy crust and the meat was actually juicy which is hard to find. Ive been back maybe four times now and honestly kind of embarrassed by how often I crave it. I usually get the classic but the spicy version has a real kick to it, not just heat for show. The pickles they use are tangy and cut through the richness just right. Service is quick even when theres a line out the door and the people working there always seem to actually care. Its my go to now when I dont feel like cooking and it never lets me down“

“Chicken and waffles ? ? on point as always. I think I’ll try dinner next time.“

“Wonderful hospitality and warmth coming from the Host Ty Do letting me know more about the Cambodian culture. And BIG Wow on the Sea Food dish: 637. SALMON IN GARLIC BASIL WINE SAUCE : Poached salmon topped w/ roasted garlic, basil, & black mushroom in reduced wine sauce. It's divine! It's my new hot restaurant spot in The Little Town of Alameda.“

“The food was great, the service was excellent, I was very satisfied“

“Hard to reserve seats at this 8 seat only Omakase behind an unmarked door in Alameda. Led by a quality, experience, and diner education obsessed chef who personally selects and imports most of the seafood from Japan.

It is a personally catered omakase bar service of very high quality. They also have a lovely sake selection.

Pricey, but worth it.“

“Everything we’ve had here is so delicious!!! Our faves are the Tom Kha soup, BMV platter, Pad Kee Mao, Chicken Satay, and Mango sticky rice dessert…all so very yummy!!!“

“The spicy broth here HITS the spot, like the broths in Asia, which is typically hard to find in the Western world. The owner was so sweet, and the food came quick.

The decor and vibe is also really authentic. I can't quite put my finger on what that je ne sais quoi is, but you really do feel transported to Asia for hearty, soul-warming bowl of noodles. What a hidden gem.“

“Asena is a truly unforgettable dining experience! The atmosphere is elegant yet inviting, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal. Every dish is crafted with care, showcasing rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

The menu offers a wonderful variety, and everything tastes fresh and perfectly seasoned. From the first bite to the last, you can tell the quality and passion that goes into each dish.

The staff is attentive, friendly, and makes you feel right at home. Whether you're celebrating something special or just enjoying a night out, Asena is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended!“

“The taste is very good, I will go there again next time.“

“We initially tried to come here on a Friday at 7 PM but there seemed to be a long wait so we decided to check it out on a Wednesday and we only had to wait about 10-15 minutes for a table. This location was originally a Taco Bell, but I love the atmosphere there, friendly, good service and comforting food! It's a cozy place perfect for a cold wintry day to have your own little boiling hot pot of tasty broth and hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed our meals! Hubby ordered the Lau Pork Bone Marrow and I had the Lau Oxtail. I ordered the Oxtail without the tripe, just more oxtail! The hot pot came out boiling with oxtail and beef balls. All I had to do was cook the egg noodles, taro, tofu, cabbage, veggies into the soup as there was plenty of delicious oxtail and meat balls in the delicious broth! Great for a bone chilling night! Next time I'd love to try the shaken beef!“

“They have a guest dock. Good food.“

“We usually get delivery, but have eaten at the restaurant a couple of times, and it's been a comfortable experience.

The food, though—the food is soooo good! The pizza is always a good choice, and I often find myself going for the rigatoni pasta with Alfredo sauce and chicken. It's cooked perfectly, and it comes with garlic bread!

The salads are a good size for sharing, and we usually order the Caesar.

They offer halal meat options, which is not a consideration for me, but it's good to see that they are conscious of their customers' needs and preferences.

The people are really nice, too!“

“Great variety of tasty dishes on the menu and the food was delicious! I loved the “secret” specials - you need to ask to find out what they are. Fun cocktail options. And, all of the dessert options were awesome! My fav was the cheeseburger - YUM! I would definitely go back!“

“Great family run sandwich shop with friendly service. I love the Alameda sandwich and homemade mac salad. I ordered ahead some sandwiches for and event and everything was nicely packed and ready for pickup at the requested time. My guests really loved the sandwiches, too.“

“Enjoyed the different meals thoroughly. Have had the Chicken Curry Rice Bowl, the Spicy Chicken Ramen Bowl, Bulgogi, and a few other dishes. Easy to become a repeat customer“

“Great food and superb service. love the beef wellington!!“

“Very good meal, service was great, I'll definitely be back.“

“Great location and selection of food and the selection is expanding from what I hear! Kid friendly and a great place to have birthday parties, happy hours, or for any reason. Indoor and outdoor seating options (dog friendly outdoors). They also have lots of TVs for MMA, European, Cricket, and all sports fanatics, inclusive of Baseball, Basketball, and Football! VJ’s also has a FULL COCKTAIL BAR! Great beer selection as well! The owner and his staff are all great. Come by and check out VJ’s! It’s next to the UPS Store at Marina Village.“

“Tempura, so crispy. Miso cod, sake toro. I also would like to to recommend the different tastings like the nigiri tasting, the sashimi tasting and also the salmon tasting. They also have raw oysters presented in Japanese style, so good.“

“I’ve been coming here for years and it has been my favorite. I work across the street so my colleagues and I love coming here for breakfast or lunch. The owners are so kind and sweet and always in the happiest mood. I highly recommend their open faced lox bagels and their hot link bagel dogs .“

“First time here and probably last time too. I hella liked how the inside was decorated reminded me of a restaurant in Japan. Kinda disappointed though. I hella love sushi. But the sushi selection was small. Nothing caught my eye. The only thing I did enjoy with my meal was the ikura. The waitress’s don’t even check up on you to see how your doing. We we’re seated all the way in the back. I asked for more water and it never came. And for those 2 reasons I won’t come back.“

“Faction Brewing is a wonderful, local brewery! On a perfect day, enjoy a beer or cider on their patio overlooking the San Francisco Bay and city skyline. Catch it on a gloomier day and you can still enjoy a crafted beverage in their large indoor spaces. We host our annual donation drive here in the spring and the staff is always so fantastic. Highly recommend Faction Brewing!“

“The cook came out to chat with us! Yummy food!“

“Always the best food and best service. May has done a fantastically amazing job of improving an already fantastic offering. Thank you may for the wonderful dining experiences“

“my favorite Mexican restaurant. great food, super friendly and consistent. been going here for almost 15 years.“

“Outdoor dining in heart of Alameda“

“Excellent food! The Pho was amazing clear and so yummy! Can’t wait to try more items on the menu; next time!“

“Reasonably priced tasty dinner of Shanghai Soup Dumplings, Sweet fried chicken wings, and beef stew noodle soup. Delicate XLB and juicy. Wings were crunchy, meaty, and lightly battered and fried. It’s one of our “go to places” for Chinese food in Alameda. Small local neighborhood place with nice service.“

“Highly recommend this spot.

This is the style I grew up eating and I’m so glad I live walking distance. Prices are also very reasonable!

There is only one table so I would expect to just take out instead. This isn’t really a dine in place.“

“The food and service were great. Fast, kind, and delicious. The interior space is definitely not a 5 atar dining experience. But for a place to sit and eat breakfast, it was fine. The selection was good, and the pastries were clearly made fresh. They did a great job making the food and drinks we ordered. Would definitely go back again.

Kid-friendliness: Kid friendly breakfast options. Donuts, bagels, cinnamon rolls, etc.“

“Food is delicious, especially their signature tea leaf salad!“

“Great beer selection, friendly staff and sunny warm patio to enjoy it all.“

“Delicious! I recommend to any wine worthy connoisseur!“

“Great place to enjoy a great dinner“

“Nice staff too, enjoyed the food and a nice cool Guinness“

“Tahina is an abslute delight for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful Mediterranean cuisine! Every dish is packed with vibrant ingredients and perfectly balanced flavors that leave a lasting impression.

The falafel is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, while the hummus is incredibly smooth and rich—some of the best you’ll ever have. Everything tastes fresh, healthy, and made with care.

The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff are warm and welcoming, making the experience even better. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, Tahina is a place you’ll want to return to again and again. Highly recommended!“

“My Mother and I enjoy eating here periodically. She loves their thick, Belgian waffles while I usually opt for the sausage only or sausage and mushroom omelet with tater tots. I cannot eat the entire omelet so I take half of it home for breakfast the next day. Service is quick and friendly and prices are reasonable. A nice, low-key gem in Alameda.“

“Great burger and truffle fries. Its a great spot on fridays for karaoke.“

“Cool tour, and The Rake has an excellent selection of their customers’ beers on tap!“

“Marugame is very good udon and fast! We ordered udon dinner time around 6 and still got our food and table quickly. The portions are generous and the 6 dollar bowl of udon is plenty to fill on. There are a variety of warm tempura sides as well; my croquette was delicious, soft, and importantly still hot. This is our go-to place at least once a week.“

“Good food and friendly staff“

“Super yummy and always fresh fish“

“We visited Alameda in April to attend a celebration of life for a family member that we lost suddenly. Our family was in town from all over the country, and we found Cafe Jolie Petit near our hotel. They took such great care of us, fed us meals on three or four consecutive days, and we could not have asked for better service or food during an emotional time. Pastries (Koiugn Amann!), Monte Cristo, and the coffee bar were our favorites, but everything we had was delicious. We hope to be back for happier circumstances at some point, and definitely will return!“

“Great food and service. My earring came off during dinner and I didn’t discover that it was missing until I got home. I called the next day and they went out of their way to find my favorite Christmas earring.“

“The fish tacos were really good, one of the best I've ever had“

“Delicious tacos with tender meat. Their stand is not guaranteed to be here every day but when they’re here they usually set up around 5-6pm and stay until midnight. As of this posting (5/10/26) they’ve been showing up almost every day for a week so keeping my fingers crossed for a long run this time!
They split their time between here and another location in San Mateo. I’ve also seen them set up on International Blvd
They take both cash and card, but charge a fee for card“

“very fresh and delicious food. I had the Super Nachos with Beef, and Tacos Grandes. very generous at reasonable price. Ready in 10 minutes, takeout or delivery only“

“Great food, variety, and quality of ingredients. Healthy options–gluten free, vegan, and dairy free friendly.“

“Was looking for a place to eat on my birthday new years day, my stepbro picked it out, he said he ate there 20 yrs ago, I was reluctant as it looked outdated and empty,but I was surprised when the food came in quickly, the staff was friendly and the plates of food were huge! I kept asking my bro if he accidentally ordered family size, nope. We ordered egg rolls, 1 order must have had 10 pieces! Delicious spare ribs, wonton soup, honey walnut prawns (jumbo!) Mongolian beef, they gave us almond cookies instead of fortune, that was a nice change,there was so much food leftover to take home, I'll be going back, I don't know how they can afford to give so much for so little $, very reasonable.the only thing was the place was so cold, we were both freezing. no heat!“

“Out past the polite skyline of San Francisco, where glass towers preen in their own reflections, there is a long exhale across the water.
You cross the bay to Alameda, then keep going. Another mile. Past what feels like the edge of intention. Onto the old bones of the Naval Air Station Alameda, where wind has room to rehearse and the sun refuses to share shade.
It is here that St. George Spirits lives.
San Francisco cannot feel further away. The isolation is medicinal. No towers. No elbows. Just open sky and concrete stretching like a retired runway remembering takeoffs. On a bright day the sun presses firmly on your shoulders, and stepping inside the distillery is like ducking into a cool chapel devoted to copper stills.
Airy. Industrial. Friendly.
The tasting room hums with the tail end of someone else’s story, laughter floating over the bar like citrus oils misted into a cocktail. I wait. I listen. I’m ready. I’ve come for the infamous St. George VPD Brandy, the one whispered about in reverent tones.
I’m seated beside a couple. They lean toward each other with easy choreography. I stand alone, bright thread in a neutral tapestry. I tell myself this shouldn’t matter. A tasting is a tasting. I should be able to arrive as myself, unedited. No shrinking. No smoothing the edges.
The first flight: gins.
Thoughtful. Botanical. Clean. A respectable 3 out of 5 in my private ledger. The stories behind them are lively, a dance of ingredients and inspiration. I want to stay in that dance.
Then the Chile vodka arrives. The narrative continues, bright and animated. I sip.
Cilantro.
And for me, that ancient genetic prank. Soap. Pure, frothy, dishwater opera. I smile, because that’s what we do, and say it’s not my favorite.
We pivot toward whiskey next. I’ve drifted from whiskey lately, a personal palate migration. I ask to be skipped on the pour.
And the music stutters.
What had been buoyant storytelling becomes something tighter. I feel the air recalibrate. I’m explaining myself now. Not a dramatic refusal, not a scene. Just a no thank you. Yet suddenly it is as if I have rejected the dance itself.
The couple beside me keeps the spotlight. Their glasses refill. Their questions blossom. I wait for space that never quite opens. It isn’t cruelty. It’s momentum. Still, it leaves a bruise.
I mention I’m here for the VPD Brandy. I light up at the thought. I’m told it’s an upsell. There are other tastings I could book in the future.
The future is not why I crossed a bay.
And then, redemption: spiced pear.
It lands like a warm scarf around the neck. Lush, fragrant, autumn pressed into liquid form. One sip and I am back. It alone nearly patches the earlier unraveling. If this were the only thing they made, it would be enough.
The mood, though, has shifted. The tasting concludes. There’s an invitation to see a special tank in the back. The couple goes. I am gently funneled toward the door, a footnote in someone else’s afternoon.
Outside, the wind is still magnificent. The sky still enormous.
Here is the complicated truth:
I love what St. George Spirits is doing. Their collaboration with The Interval at Long Now and The Long Now Foundation is brilliant, cerebral, deliciously nerdy. The ambition is real. The craft is undeniable.
And that VPD Brandy? I would find a way to smuggle it out of California in a hollowed out philosophy book if I had to.
This is a place of big ideas and bold spirits, set in a landscape that feels like the edge of the continent. The liquids are inventive. The setting is cinematic. The spiced pear sings.
I only wish the hospitality had been as expansive as the runway outside.“