San Jose has a multitude of delicious vegetarian eating options. So if you’re hungry and looking for a meat-free meal, look no further.
Whether you’re in the mood for a steaming bowl of noodle soup or a fresh and fragrant salad, here is a list of vegetarian-friendly, as well as many vegan and plant-based, restaurants and cafes to visit.
Vegetarian House
Don’t let the name confuse you. This 100% plant-based restaurant serves entirely vegan cuisine. Their menu showcases dishes inspired by a variety of countries such as China, Thailand, India, Vietnam, and more.
Try their quinoa sushi stuffed with marinated portobello mushrooms, their spicy Bún bò Huế noodle soup, or their claypot sensation dish featuring bean curd cakes wrapped in seaweed, amongst the many other dishes they offer.
Fox Fermentation Project
Find this restaurant in the heart of downtown San Jose for a largely plant-based menu featuring tasty fermented foods and drinks.
Why not try their kimchi pasta or barley risotto? You can also sample their sour Szechuan cabbage or jalapeño garlic kraut, and any other items on their menu of fermented side dishes.
While this restaurant is on the pricier side, it boasts a unique menu for anyone looking to try something new.
Adelita’s Taqueria
While this restaurant is not fully plant-based, it offers an extensive selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. For example, you can try their chile verde tofu plate, vegan fajitas plate, or their vegan plantain burrito.
Overall, Adelita’s is a great option for vegetarian and vegan Mexican and Chilean cuisine. And after dinner, feel free to try their freshly-baked vegan churros, which I’ve heard great things about!
Mylapore Express
For a homestyle South Indian meal, try out Mylapore dine-in at the Westgate Mall. This restaurant serves entirely vegetarian food with a friendly and casual atmosphere.
So if you’re craving aromatic vegetable biryani, spicy onion samosas, or perhaps idlis served in hot sambar , be sure to check this place out! You can also get a rose milk or mango lassi drink to cool you down after.
Good Karma
If you’re close to San Jose State University and looking for vegan food, you can always walk over to Good Karma. They offer a diverse selection of dishes.
For instance, if you’re looking for something light and fresh, try their kale bowl with black beans and quinoa. Or if you’re in the mood for something else, I’ve heard good things about their barbecue sauce and jackfruit “pulled pork” street tacos.
And of course, you can’t go wrong with a comforting quesadilla served with chipotle ranch or cilantro lime tahini sauce.
Vegan Bistro
Maybe you’re in the mood for a sweet treat. In that case, Vegan Bistro has a variety of donut desserts to choose from. Whether you want a classic donut or cake donut, their menu can satiate your sweet tooth. Try their green tea cake donut, chocolate donut with cream filling, cherry donut with cake sprinkles, and much more.
Overall, San Jose has vegetarian and plant-based eating options to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Do you recommend any other restaurants? Let us know at @HerCampusSJSU!