Famously known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley,” sunny Palo Alto is brimming with rich culture, tradition, fantastic restaurants and captivating technological development. But it doesn’t just end there. If you’re on the hunt for a tranquil hike, then you’ll be spoilt for choice as nearby are Foothills Park, Esther Clark Park, Pearson-Arastradero Preserve and Baylands Nature Preserve which is known as the largest tract of pristine salt marches found in the San Francisco Bay.
So whether you’re exploring the history and heritage of the city or taking on a thrilling hike, there’s one thing for sure – you’ll work up an appetite!
Thankfully Palo Alto has an incredible selection of vegan restaurants to discover! Whether you’re looking for traditional comfort food or innovative cuisine, Palo Alto has a cuisine scene that doesn’t disappoint!
You’ll find purely vegan restaurants here, as well as some restaurants that serve both meat and vegan dishes – but we just had to include them as their vegan menus are well worth checking out.
So read on to discover some of the best vegan restaurants in Palo Alto for you!
The Six Best Vegan Restaurants In Palo Alto For Food & Experiences!
1. Wildseed
We believe veganism should always be connected to fresh, nutritious food that’s good for your body – as well as your ethics. And that’s why Wildseed is the ideal lunch or dinner pick. Because they have a good variety of globally-inspired cuisine, as well as nutrient-packed dishes.
Located just a few minutes walk away from Palo Alto Art Center, this restaurant boasts a very appealing indoor area, featuring a floral mural, large windows and comfortable seating. As for the outdoor patio area, it has a very hip and relaxed feel to it thanks to the comfy pillows and wooden seating – ideal for enjoying some vegan wine under the sun.
This eatery offers an extensive selection of creative, tasty and vibrant 100% plant-based food which vegans and non-vegans alike can indulge in. There’s a registered dietician as part of the team at Wildseed, and together they create super inventive farm-to-table grub with high-quality ingredients and a plethora of colors.
Some of our top picks are their Neatball Masala or Wildseed Burger comprising of a delicious mushroom and spinach patty, grilled onion, lettuce, tomato chutney and chipotle aioli. But if you’re looking for an ideal choice for sharing with friends, then their Mezze Plate consisting of green falafel, smoky hummus, baba ghanoush, marinated feta, pomegranate-tomato and parsley tabouli and seeded flatbread will be right up your street.
These delicious and very Insta-worthy dishes are beautifully complimented by their wide selection on the organic and vegan wine list. You can also go for their house cocktails or for something healthier we recommend the Telegraph Hill which includes aqua kefir, apricot preserves, lemon and ginger.
If you want to visit one of the best vegan restaurants in Palo Alto, then Wildseed is open from Monday to Friday as from 11:30am and on Saturday and Sunday as from 11am.
Address: 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301
2. Garden Fresh
This unassuming diner-like spot might not look impressive from the outside. But there’s a reason why this vegan restaurant serving authentic Chinese and pan-Asian cuisine attracts many customers.
This place has a very homey feel thanks to the hanging fairy lights on the outside windows, wooden tables and chairs and hanging pictures of food they specialize in. Garden Fresh has plenty of seating indoors but limited seating outdoors, so if you’d like to secure your spot outside, we recommend you turn up early.
However, one thing for sure is that Garden Fresh lets their food speak for itself. The delicious, flavorful and hearty meals have even left some customers baffled as to how vegan dishes can be made so good and at such reasonable prices!
If it’s your first time visiting this vegan restaurant, you should try their Steamed Vegi Bun, Szechuan Eggplant or Satay Vegetables. The Chef’s Specials are very popular too, where you can expect a tasty vegan take on popular meat dishes.
This vegan restaurant in Palo Alto is open from 11:45am to 2pm for lunch, and for dinner at 4:45pm to 8pm everyday, except on Tuesday.
Address: 460 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
3. True Food Kitchen
What better way to refuel during your shopping trip than with some of best globally inspired vegan dishes that Palo Alto has to offer?
True Food Kitchen is conveniently located right in the heart of Stanford Shopping Center, making it the ideal pit stop for healthy, fresh, seasonal dishes.
You’ll be impressed by how spacious, welcoming and lively this place is – the sleek wooden décor, knowledgeable staff and warm lighting all add to its charm. Their highly appealing outdoor patio featuring loads of tables that are beautifully decorated with plant pots. But if you’re concerned about the sun during your lunch, worry not as the outdoor space also boasts plenty of parasols to provide some shade while you enjoy delicious food and drinks.
When it comes to food choices, although True Food Kitchen isn’t solely vegan, the fresh and vibrant vegan options won’t disappoint. We recommend trying their Korean Noodle Bowl which is prepared with sweet potato glass noodle, pickled shiitake, organic spinach, carrot, bean sprout and toasted sesame (depending on availability).
If you’re looking for some comfort food, then grab the Pizza or Vegan Double Cheeseburger which will be right up your street. Or if you happen to be there during the weekend, then drop in for some delicious brunch.
We always make sure there’s always room for dessert, especially here. We recommend trying their seasonally inspired vegan cookies or tart, along with their tasty craft cocktails.
This restaurant is open from Monday to Thursday from 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 10pm and on Sunday from 10am to 9pm.
Address: 180 El Camino Real Ste 1140, Palo Alto, CA 94304
4. Vitality Bowls
We think this superfood café speaks for itself with its mouthwatering dishes ranging from Açaí bowls, breakfast bowls, salads, wraps, toasts, as well as a plethora of smoothies and cold-pressed juices to choose from.
Situated just minutes from the Stanford campus, there’s no doubt that Vitality Bowls is a clear winner among students thanks to their healthy and budget-friendly options. But the relaxed atmosphere, snug feel, friendly staff and comfortable seating options makes this place super appealing to all! So whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up during the day or want to sit back and read a book, this vegan-friendly restaurant in Palo Alto is a great choice.
Some of our top picks from Vitality Bowls include their Dragon Bowl which is prepared with dragon fruit, mango juice, pineapple and loads of other delicious ingredients. The Superfood bowl is also a great pick for the nutrient-packed superfruits they prepare it with. But if you’re craving a savory choice, we recommend their signature vegan Vitality Wrap which includes hummus, avocado, grains, potato, radish, onion, tahini, vegan garlic aioli among other ingredients.
As we mentioned, this place is popular for their smoothies too. So if you’re looking for smoothies and juices to power you through the day, then their energizing Matcha Madness Smoothie or Green Me Up Juice will be ideal.
Although not exclusively vegan, Vitality Bowls serves a great plant-based selection and that’s why it’s on our list of best vegan restaurants in Palo Alto. This eatery is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm and on weekends from 9am to 6pm.
Address: 209 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
5. Sweetgreen
Whether you’re visiting this picturesque city or just a local, we think Sweetgreen‘s health-conscious ethos of fresh, plant-forward, earth friendly food will appeal to all.
Why? Well, this vegan-friendly restaurant in Palo Alto prides itself on using fresh, organic, farm-to-table produce to create their hearty and filling dishes. Although vegan burgers and pizzas can hit the spot sometimes, you won’t get that here, but that’s no issue as nothing can beat a healthy, nutrient-dense and colorful bowl when it’s done right.
Walk into this restaurant and choose your seat either by the open kitchen or take one of the quieter spots. This place has an industrial feel with exposed pipes and hanging lights, but still feels cozy. One of the reasons for that is the friendly service, which also happens to be quick regardless of whether you’re eating in or take away.
This place specializes in bowls, and with such a huge variety you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice. Sweetgreen makes sure that they incorporate the season’s freshest ingredients in those bowls, and the result is some of the most inventive and nourishing dishes in the city. Dishes that are – we kid you not – packed with the colors of the rainbow!
This restaurant is open from Monday to Friday from 10:30am to 9pm and on weekend from 10:30am to 7pm.
Address: 581 Ramona St Ste 120, Palo Alto, CA 94301
6. Mediterranean Wraps
We just had to include Mediterranean Wraps in our list of vegan-friendly restaurants in Palo Alto, not only for the incredible flavors and seasonings you get in Mediterranean cuisine, but also for some of the best falafel in this city!
The crispy yet fluffy texture of the falafels draws people in but the affordable prices at Mediterranean Wraps is what turns them into regulars. If you’re lucky, the super friendly and polite staff may even give you some falafel to munch on while you wait – what’s not to like?
Although this restaurant isn’t solely vegan, the vegan options here are plenty and well worth the visit. You can grab their delicious wraps on the go if you’re in a rush or take a seat on their outdoor patio which has loads of outdoor seating. It’s the perfect place to people watch.
Some of the popular items here include their Baba Ghanoush Plate, Falafel Deluxe Wrap and Vegetarian Combo Plate which is served with hummus, falafels, tabooleh, baba ghanoush, salad, dolmas and pita bread.
This restaurant is open everyday from 11am to 8:30pm.
Address: 433 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
The Best Vegan Restaurants In Palo Alto: The Takeaway
If you’re anything like us, your mouth will be watering at the idea of visiting any of these incredible vegan-friendly and vegan restaurants in Palo Alto!
Wherever you choose, we’re sure one of our six favorite vegan restaurants in Palo Alto will be perfect for you. Bon appetit!