40 Best Vegan Restaurants in Albany

“Friends here visiting and found this gem of a place! Best thing is we didn’t have to go far! Food was delicious!“

“Was really sad to see my favorite unique + quality brunch spot in the bay change format to being fast casual. It was such an easy brunch pick to take out of towners or friends to.

Now instead, they've become easily one of the best fast-casual food in the bay. So I really can't complain. I guess their format changed worked because I've eaten here more often than when they were full service. The value for the money you get here is pretty nuts. Still just as good ingredients & just as good preparation, all at a more approachable price point & form factor. What really gets me is I'm truly getting restaurant quality cooking for a unique cuisine I don't see very often, just a version that works better to-go. When you compare to some of the other casual lunch/dinner places in the area that have a similar format, it's really no competition. You'd be hard pressed to find a better way to spend $20-30/pp. I also love that they kept some of my favorite guilty pleasures from when they were a full service restaurant, like the knafe pancake.

Their in-house online ordering system is pretty slick and a good deal too. Works just as well as doordash without any of the bloated prices. Wouldn't mind seeing this spread around to more restaurants.“

“It’s been a long time since I last visited and it was all and more than I remembered. I eat only whole plant foods that are gluten-free & SOS-free (no salt, oil, sugar). I ordered the large plate, no seasonings, with sauces on the side and their chocolate pie for dessert. The soup was salty so I guess I should’ve asked. All in all a colorful and beautiful lunch made with love!! Updated from previous review on 2026-03-17“

“First time here - I’ve been wanting to try it for quite a while. I love that the have a Jersey Girl bagel. The bagels were very tasty and beautiful. They were very understaffed for a Friday holiday - one person on till and one in the kitchen. This made for a very slow bagel experience. We waited 30 minutes for our food after ordering. And this was with no one in line before us. I will likely come back, but definitely not if I show up already hungry.“

“Best saag I’ve ever had! Wonderful salmon tandoori. Amazing chai 👏🏻!“

“Un rendez-vous avec la bonne gastronomie le service rapide et l’endroit agréable merci 🙏“

“Atmosphere, customer service, prices and the freaking food is amazing 😍. Highest rated casual dining from Hayward to Vallejo! For good reason! This is a must if in the area. We will be back!“

“Our first visit but absolutely not our last! What delicious flavors! Everyone loved their desserts, the toppings are incredible (vegan hot fudge, vegan caramel, toasted almonds,) and we all left full and happy! Definitely stop in when you’re in the neighborhood!“

“I order the pumpkin curry. It was delicious. I also ordered the Tom Ka chicken soup. It was too tart, the chicken over cooked. A disappointment for a soup I usually love“

“This place will always be my favorite Hunan restaurant in the East Bay. I've been here several times already and it hits every time!! I've dined solo and taken my family and friends here. It's that good. Super consistent in flavor. Street parking.
Must try:
- Eggplant with green beans
- Vine pepper fish
- Spicy fried chicken
- Lamb stir fry with chilis
I'm really going to miss it when I'm not longer living near by.“

“Good food, I always like to eat over here because food are soo good and tasty, momo is best and chowmein too“

“The best pork bun in the Bay Area, no joke, great value!“

“I’ve only had their smoothies and tasted the ice cream . It’s pretty good haven’t been disappointed . Thai tea ice cream is fire 🔥 . They do close early , earlier than their posted hours though sometimes a half hour early so best to arrive over an hour before they close . I haven’t tried their banh mi but they do seem pricey at nearly 18 dollars each!“

“We stumbled on this great family owned pizza shop after a comedy show when everything else was closing. They stay open until 10 PM! The owners are super friendly and mentioned they are doing lunch hours now too.
The pizza was incredibly fresh and delicious. They also make Indian inspired pies. We got a traditional pizza this time, but I will definitely be back for the chicken tikka next time. Highly recommend! 5 stars!“

“Everytime I go there, the staff are always warm and welcoming. The prices are great as far as I'm concerned. They keep it very clean and tidy. It's never been too busy. And the atmosphere is perfect for a random after school treat worth the kids.“

“One of the best Cumin Lab seasoned with veggies, elegant radish and some red peppers!

Accompanied by herbal tea and delicious Thai Tea.

I came in for dine in, food was super fast and delicious, rice was sweet and fresh. Thai tea and herbal tea were also freshly made and served.“

“Ate here 4 times. 1: salmon w fish, 2nd: branzino w lime , 3: seabass eggplant and 4th: sweet sour fried pompano. all of them were excellent. thai fish cakes and mushroom dumpling for appetizers were great . My wife had Tom yum soup and coconut pad Thai : both of which she loved . our service was great as well. we live in San jose but we're up in Berkeley for about a few weeks and this Thai restaurant is better than any in South Bay. highly recommended!“

“We arrived here shortly after opening on a Sunday morning and we were seated immediately. We had the vegetarian omelette and hash brown hill along with an Americano. The omelette was 5/5 and well seasoned. The hash brown hill was hearty and deftly seasoned. We really enjoyed the Americano! The dining area is welcoming. We will be back.“

“Came to try the lemongrass chicken banh mi. The bread was mildly crunchy, and not as airy as I like. The chicken was good with some sweetness but not very lemon-grassy. I’m not sure it’s worth $11 but I think that is the going rate unless you drive farther out.

There is a covered parklet you can eat on, or you can eat inside but it’s rather dark inside.
.“

“We were in the area, nice 👍 to be able to enjoy our yogurt plus close to coffee shop as well & lots of benches to relax👋🤙👋“

“A classic donut shop with some interesting flavors! I came here on a whim in the middle of a long run bc I needed some energy. The donuts absolutely delivered. I tried the pistachio glazed and a donut hole, and they both hit the spot. They even made a fresh batch of decaf coffee just for me (it was late). The area is a bit sketch after dark, but the donuts are absolutely worth it. I plan on returning for the ube cake donut on my next run!“

“23 years a customer, only great meals! Looking forward to stopping by on my next visit to the area.“

“Delicious food! Great Bar and desserts! Super friendly staff and owners.“

“While we were remodeling our kitchen we went to joes maybe 3-5 days each week! We love this place. Great lattes, my kids love the milkshakes/ice cream and we all really appreciate the fresh Acme bread you can pick up from here! Thanks Joes!“

“The food is amazing! We had a great experience“

“What an amazing night at Chez Mansour! We went to watch Terga Group, and everything was absolutely wonderful. The music was incredible, the ambiance was vibrant and welcoming, and the food was delicious.

On top of that, the owner is extremely kind and made us feel right at home. You can really feel the passion and care behind this place. A perfect spot for a great evening with live music, good vibes, and amazing food.

Highly recommend, we’ll definitely be back!“

“Our group of five enjoyed lunch on a quiet afternoon. Their pies are 9' or 12' and offer numerable custom options ~ rare amongst many pizza spots! with that in mind know wait time up to 25 minutes for delivery; we only ordered one starter roasted cauliflower to share. The pies were generous, prepped as ordered and service was relaxed. Fun !“

“Food is delicious! My server was welcoming and the food was served hot and neatly. I was offered GF and vegetarian options that were delicious! Definitely recommended.“

“It’s the best Restaurant in town came with Family and we had a great time! Food was great and drinks 🍹 we all loved the dessert as well! Just amazing service and food! My Favorite for sure! 2914 College Ave Berkeley Ca“

“Bua Luang is hands down the BEST Thai restaurant in the entire Bay Area, not just in Albany! I have been enjoying Thai cuisine all around the Bay for over 25 years. My family and I have Thai food at least 2-3 times a week, so we have tried many (and I mean MANY) Thai restaurants over the decades, and without a doubt we all agree that Bua Luang offers the freshest, tastiest, and most delicately prepared Thai cuisine of all. Every dish is packed with the freshest ingredients. The flavors and textures are amazing. Restaurants in Thailand don’t make a Pad Thai as delicious as the Pad Thai at Bua Luang—believe us, we have tried Pad Thai all over Thailand and we still longed for the Pad Thai at Bua Luang. The chef at this restaurant is a culinary master!

Not only are the dishes at this restaurant superb, the atmosphere is serene and delightful. The indoor space is clean, cozy, and modern with soft old-world touches and whimsical lighting. The ambiance music is very pleasant. It’s not too loud, and it’s easy to talk with and hear others in your party. If you choose to dine outside, you are greeted by the most beautiful outdoor seating area on all of Solano Avenue. The space is gorgeous and inviting. And then there is the staff: always friendly and attentive. They provide a truly exceptional dining experience all around.

This restaurant is an absolute gem. If I could give it more stars I would. Don’t walk, run to this spot!“

“Scones are freshly baked, delicious, yams and eggs, my favorite, it’s healthy and yummy, hot mocha/chocolate taste great, not an ordinary….. love it 😍“

“Great food and quick service! A must try place if you’re in the area!“

“Great lady who gave me her charger since I was stuck there in Albany area with a dead phone and in need of getting an UBER. So I went in, asked for charger and ordered their chicken+Beef Teriyaki lunch box. And it was delicious. Got my phone charged too. Happy customer here. Will eat there again if in the area.“

“Always delicious Indian food! My family and I always come here when we are in the neighborhood. Maude and Rosemarie are very gracious hosts. I highly recommend this restaurant seven days a week. :)“

“Words cand describe how delicious this food was! Not my first time either! 10 out of 10 for me! VERY FRIENDLY AND ATTENTIVE STAFF! Make you feel so comfortable OMG IM DEFINITELY GOING BACK! 🤤🤤🤤🤤♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️“

“Good cheap eats. Sort of fun to get your own chai, as much as you want.“

“This is the only coffee shop in Albany that’s open before 8am. For that reason, I really appreciate them and will come back. Don’t expect a craft latte here , however. The milk is over frothed, temperature brought up too high, and there’s simply too many choices on the menu for anything to be perfected here. However, for a quick coffee before an early morning job this place hits the spot. The service was friendly and they opened right on time. A great little neighborhood coffee spot.“

“This is my favorite dominoes pizza— the staff here is what truly makes a place and its atmosphere. The guys and gals here are pleasant, friendly, proactive, fair, and they work as a team who knows how to make some pizza pies! This is not a sit down place, so that’s why I have only 2 seats for atmosphere… but it’s Che cosi et bello- andiamo! Tutti la mangia la pizza!“

“Delicious food 🍔🍟🍦🥤yummy 😍“

“I placed my Drive-Thru order on the mobile app before a chore run, well ahead of time, as I have done for years, at 6:21pm. I pulled up around 7:01pm and was handed my order immediately. A little confused, I shrugged it off though soon realized my food was cold and soggy.

I noticed on the bag that it was ready for pickup at 6:27pm, well before I was there. Upon returning to inquire, I was told that you cannot specify a time for Drive-Thru, and had to argue/insist that it's Taco Bell policy to not start making the order until the name is given at the Drive-Thru.

I had checked the website before leaving, so it felt extremely disrespectful to be argued with around the matter because they didn't want to admit the mistake. They finally gave in and remade my order as they should. I understand trying to get ahead of orders, but you shouldn't break policy to do so or this kind of thing can happen.

The situation was appropriately remediated and I feel bad if I stressed anyone out (thus the 4-star), thank you.“