Top 4 Japanese Food in the Oakland and Berkeley with Vegan Options

In the Bay Area, there are a host of Japanese restaurants that have vegan options (a couple that are entirely vegan!). In this blog covers just a few mostly found in Oakland. None of these mentions are sponsored -- they're all based on my own opinion!

Find a map of all the featured restaurants here!

Japanese Restaurants with Lots of Vegan Options

Tane Vegan Izakaya (Berkeley)

This is a top choice if you love sushi but follow a vegan diet. Opened in 2022, this is the second location by owners Kin Lui, Raymond Ho and Casson Trenor who also own Shizen in San Francisco, another vegan sushi restaurant. Since everything is vegan, you can eat anything you'd like without a care in the world. What is especially impressive about Tane is the care they put into making vegetables delicious instead of just trying to remake meats.

Recommended Dishes: Grilled Mushrooms, Shoyu Ramen, and Eggplant Nigiri.

Address: 1956 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

Mensho (Oakland + Multiple Bay Area Locations)

Unlike a lot of places that just have one option, Mensho on Piedmont Ave in Oakland has multiple vegan options on all parts of the menu. From appetizers to entrees, be sure to bring your appetite. There's usually a bit of a wait, but it's worth it. Plus, if you're there before 6pm, you can check out some of the cute shops along the street.

Recommended Dishes: Vegan Fried Chicken, Corn Wings, and Vegan Shoyu Ramen.

If you can't make it to Oakland, Mensho has locations all over the Bay Area including San Francisco and Union City.

Address: 4258 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611

Restaurants with Fewer Vegan Options But Still Worth Checking Out

Aburaya (Oakland)

Opened in 2014, Aburaya is an Oakland classic. Even though they only have a couple of vegan options, they're both hitters. The vegan chicken drumsticks are super filling and the tator tots with vegan mayo are a great "guilty" treat.

Recommended Dishes: Fried Vegan Drumsticks and Aburaya Tator Tots (Vegan mayo).

Address: 362 17th St, Oakland, CA 94612

Yoshi's (Oakland)

If you want lighter fare, Yoshi's vegan sushi is a good place to stop. These vegan options have a simpler flavor than Tane but are good for a quick bite.

Recommended Dishes: Veggie Maki and Avocado Maki.

Address: 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA 94607