Can’t Miss Walnut Creek Vegan Dishes
Attention Bay Area peeps looking for delicious plant-based grub! Walnut Creek vegan options are rather impressive these days…from casual coffee shop to trendy new restaurant and everything in between.
As an Easy Bay resident, I keep tabs on the local spots to check out. Having dined at dozens of Walnut Creek restaurants over the past few years (exclusively outdoors since COVID), a handful of standouts have me frequenting regularly and recommending often. And some of the newer joints are the most noteworthy!
Here are the top spots to get Walnut Creek vegan food right now.
Rooted Coffee
This modern plant-based coffee shop is a favorite for adults and kids alike! With perfectly crafted java drinks (did you say cardamom maple latte?!) and a simple but dynamite food menu, this family owned spot simply knocks it out of the park.
I am not exaggerating when I say that THE AVOCADO TOAST (“Make It Sunny”) IS THE BEST AROUND! It starts with super fresh artisan bread, slathered with homemade cashew cream cheese, perfectly ripe avocado, a hefty scoop of turmeric smashed chickpeas, and topped with homemade pesto, salt, pepper, lemon, hemp seeds, and chili flakes.
As if this wasn’t enough to RUN there, the baked goods do not disappoint. In addition to in house made items like blueberry scones and chocolate chip cookies, they also offer vegan donuts and vegan croissants. The blueberry donuts are our favorite!
Rooted has an especially impressive offering of plant-based milks for your gourmet coffee delights: oat, almond, sweet pea, macadamia, hemp, coconut, and soy.
The cafe is centrally located on downtown Locust Street has both indoor and outdoor seating. If you are looking to start your morning on a high, this Walnut Creek vegan joint does not disappoint.
Burma 2
If you haven’t tried Burmese food before, you are missing out on some of the most flavorful and unique cuisine around! And Burma 2 is a perfect place to make your entry. In addition to nailing popular Burmese dishes like samosa soup and tea leaf salad, other plant-based choices include noodles, curries, veggies, and fried rice. Some of our favorites include pumpkin tofu curry, mango tofu, eggplant & garlic, and simple coconut rice. Be sure to request all dishes vegan (many are already, and they are very accommodating).
Burma 2 is centrally located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek and offers both indoor and outdoor dining as well as take out and delivery.
Mixed Grain
This Korean joint offers something for everyone, including plenty of plant-based dishes to choose from. I personally can’t get past the dolsot: a sizzling bibimbap, where the red rice sticks to the clay pot for the most delicious, crispy and chewy texture ever (add fried tofu, hold the egg), served with eleven vegetables plus additional sides! With a mix of fresh and fermented produce, it doesn’t get more delicious and healthy!
Mixed Grain also offers savory pancakes, bibimbap, noodle bowls, and stews.
Located on Bonanza Street downtown, Mixed Grain offers both indoor as well as outdoor seating, plus delivery and take out.
Lita
Newcomer Lita brings Miami flavor with Caribbean influences to Walnut Creek. And the ambiance is as fresh and modern as the food.
The menu’s plant-based offering is primarily dishes using the delectable jerk maitake mushrooms (be sure to ask for it vegan so they don’t use butter). For example, the Caribbean bowl includes coconut rice, pinto beans, charred pineapple guacamole, Caribbean slaw, Scotch-Bonnet tomatoes, and plantains. Perhaps not for the spice averse, this well-balanced dish is packed with flavor and spice.
Other highlights include the roasted heirloom beet tartare with sweet potato crisps and housemade chips and dips (guac and salsas).
On the corner of Bonanza and Locust, Lita offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, including at the gorgeous bar!
True Food Kitchen
This upscale chain offers healthy, wholesome dishes for omnivores and herbivores alike. With an extensive menu, True Food Kitchen offers not only seasonally fresh options but a handful of everyday favorites.
While there are literally dozens of vegan options, standouts include the charred cauliflower with harissa tahini and medjool dates, the Korean noodle bowl (I add tofu), the butternut squash pizza with house made vegan almond ricotta, and the vegan double cheeseburger.
Located at the outdoor mall of Broadway Plaza, the restaurant has plenty of outdoor and indoor dining options, as well as take out and delivery.
Sweetgreen
This casual chain makes a mean vegan bowl (and salad). Choose from the menu, or better yet, build your own. The possibilities are endless, but must-try elements include the raw beets, za’atar croutons, crispy rice, roasted tofu, caramelized onions, roasted squash/sweet potatoes, the spicy cashew dressing, and the lime cilantro jalapeno dressing.
Veggie Grill for Walnut Creek vegan food
Another awesome chain, my kids’ favorite local eatery is Veggie Grill. As my son says, “I prefer to go to vegan restaurants because I can order anything on the menu!” And their kids menu does not disappoint, with a handful of entrees that include a a side, drink, and dessert.
And because it is fast casual, Veggie Grill is our most frequented spot as well. Plus, the extensive menu and seasonal updates guarantee that I can try something new each time.
Tastiest dishes IMO include the Reuben on Rye, Far East Bowl, Kimchi Beef Bowl, and Buffalo Mini Wraps. Kids go for Mac-n-Cheese or Crispy Chickin’ almost every time.
Mas Veggies Vegan Taqueria
This new Mexican-inspired spot comes from the folks behind successful chain Veggie Grill. A pick up and delivery only restaurant (they share the kitchen with Veggie Grill), Mas Veggies makes it easy and delicious to eat plant-based.
Mas Veggies offers 5 proteins:
- chipotle carnitas made from jackfruit: amazingly flavorful and smoky (my favorite!)
- chickin’ tinga: deliciously spicy
- crispy baja fish: impressively similar to fried fish, especially topped with slaw
- mushroom asada: mild and wholesome
- Tejano beef: simple and classic
Next, each protein can be served as tacos, burrito, nachos, or a bowl.
This is my new go-to spot for Walnut Creek vegan food! When my kids beg for Veggie Grill (the fries and dessert make it their preference;)), I can order online from Mas Veggie too! And then we can eat together on the Veggie Grill outdoor patio.
Torsap Thai Kitchen
For beautifully plated dishes and tasty cocktails, check out Torsap. This Thai spot has a handful of plant-based choices on the menu, like spring rolls, soups, noodles, and curries. Plus, even more dishes that they can amend to be vegan as well. Hightlights include the Thai samosas, green curry, and pad thai.
Located in the center of downtown on Locust Street, Torsap is a great choice for cozy outdoor seating too. The back patio has a spacious fire pit, which allows kiddos a bit of room to roam as well.
Sunrise Bistro
For a solid brunch, head to Sunrise Bistro. The morning options include a loaded avocado toast, tofu hash, and tofu breakfast bowl/burrito. Tip: when ordering the bowl or hash, request half potato, half sweet potato;).
In addition, they also offer healthy lunch options like the kale salad, tahini lentil salad, and the Happy Hippy bowl/burrito.
Sunrise Bistro is located at the East end of Locust Street in the shopping center. Currently it offers outdoor, heated seating. Simply order at the counter and they bring the food to you.
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
I would be remiss not to include this legendary sandwich shop in the mix. I can proudly say that I used to wait in the hour+ line that wrapped around the block two decades ago when Ike opened his first shop in San Francisco’s Castro district. Even back then, I couldn’t get enough of the plant-based sandwiches…years before I went vegan!
This Bay Area franchise offers 9 loaded vegan subs. Two standouts include the Maya Angelou, with vegan steak and yellow BBQ sauce, and the Meatless Mike, with vegan meatballs, marinara, and pepper jack.
Located on Locust Street, those lines are no longer thanks to Ike’s easy online ordering system…plus, a dozen Bay Area locations!
The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating.
Vanessa’s Bistro 2
Vanessa’s Bistro features Vietnamese tapas with a French twist. Highlights include the crispy salt and pepper tofu, spicy green papaya salad (ask for it vegan), and the spicy lemongrass tofu sandwich.
Located downtown on Locust, this cute and cozy restaurant is a wonderful selection for an evening out. They offer indoor and outdoor seating.
Note: Vanessa’s is currently only open for dinner from 4-8 pm; check for current hours before you go.
I hope you find this list helpful in your East Bay culinary adventures! Please, let me know what you think about these Walnut Creek vegan dishes in comments below once you try em’. And if I have missed your favorite spot, holler!
Finally, for more restaurant recos, check out:
Cheers!
Jenn
