Super friendly and attentive service. Answered a million questions and flexible with menu items. Delicious salads, the roasted sweet potato with walnut is my favorite but if like lamb, go for that one! The soup can be a bit salty. The frozen yogurt is a petfect dessert! Atmosphere is upscale for order at the counter spot. Clean and pleasant. Will go back!

Lamb Sandwich, great lamb meat yogurt,cucumber and ralish giro style sandwich worth the try. Bear the oil that comes with it, it made my pants a mess. Veggie Salad bowl, olives, kale, lettuce,nuts, greek yogurt and sweet potato make this salad a great choice for a kinda healthy option. Blue Mak Greek beer, refreshing pale ale beer good to combine with the dishes.

I was looking for a place to eat and it was getting late like around 8 o’clock on a weekday so we went to go to get Thai food, but they rejected us. They told us we can only take the food to go and we never have time to eat so we were very upset, but we walked down and found Souvla! Knowing they were closing in 40 minutes, they were still very nice and welcoming. They allow us to sit down and just notified us that they were going to close soon. We honestly don’t take long to eat maybe 15 minutes or so and we just needed some time to eat so I would really appreciate the fact that they gave us a time that atmosphere was great. The customer service was five out of five I will definitely recommend coming back. The restaurant is a little pricey, but it’s definitely a different type of flavor and you get to enjoy the american-Mediterranean culture. If you’re a fan of Greek ice cream, you would love the desserts!

My wife and I have been regularly eating here for ~10 years. We absolutely love it and is our “go-to” spot whenever we don’t want to cook and want something consistently satisfying. We also enjoy treating ourselves to their yogurt with baklava.

Evan

There aren't many 'pure' vegan restaurants in the city, but this is one of them! (Aside from the one near the Buddha temple in Chinatown). They don't take reservations, so it's first-come, first-served. This place even survived the pandemic—that really speaks volumes about its popularity!

Katia Martha

Enjoyed and would come back, especially during happy hour! You can get 3 small dishes for $20 during happy hour. We got the 1/2 cha-ya roll, Sansai udon bowl, and agedashi tofu. All of it was great. My friend and I admired all the paper lanterns hanging around us. It was a quiet, small, calm atmosphere. Edit: I have come back several times since my first visit, often bringing friends. Everything has been good!

+2

Vanda Borba

The food is exceptional! I went with my husband two days in a row, and we tried five items from the happy hour menu, ordered two dishes from the regular menu, and tasted two of the desserts. I also tried both Japanese beers (Asahi is light, while Sapporo has more character). Everything — absolutely everything — was delicious and worth it. Excellent experience, truly one of the best vegan restaurants in the Bay. The service is friendly and attentive, and the place has a simple decor (it would be nice if it were a bit prettier; it’s not ugly, just simple). The happy hour menu is really worth it! The location is great. One day I sat at a regular table, but I actually preferred sitting at the bar-style counter facing the street.

+6

Brinda Rao

2025 year review - I am glad I had a chance to revisit Cha-ya after 7 long years to try their Noodles. Every dish I had in 2025 was well balanced, nutritious and not too heavy! 2018(7 years ago) - Amazing Vegetarian Japanese restaurant. Loved everything we had . I'll visit back to have the noodles. :) highly recommend it.

+2

Leonardo Parra

I loved it. I love Japanese food but it’s often hard to find kosher options. You can’t go wrong when going vegan!

Gururaj Sridhar

Fantastic restaurant with great food. Very clean (Japanese like 😉) .. Everything was spot on .. and as vegetarians this is a haven ..

Jeffrey A Brick

In the bustling heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, where the clamor of modernity often drowns the whispers of tradition, I chanced upon a sanctuary of serenity and sustenance: Cha-Ya, a vegan Japanese eatery that beckons the weary traveler with promises of wholesome fare and tranquil ambiance. Upon entering this modest establishment, one is greeted not by the ostentation of opulence, but by the humble elegance reminiscent of a Zen monk’s abode. The air is imbued with the subtle aromas of miso and sesame, evoking memories of distant Kyoto temples and the disciplined artistry of shōjin ryōri. On my recent visit, I partook in a repast that commenced with a sushi ensemble, where golden daikon and an array of verdant vegetables were ensconced within delicate rice and nori. Each morsel was a testament to the chef’s devotion to purity and balance. Accompanying this was a sunomono salad—crisp cucumber slices mingled with a hint of cinnamon, presenting a dance of flavors both refreshing and unexpected. A bowl of miso soup, rich yet unassuming, provided warmth to the soul, while a chilled Sapporo lent a crisp counterpoint to the meal’s gentle nuances. Though my appetite was sated, the menu’s offerings whispered temptations yet unexplored. The Cha-Ya Roll, a signature creation, boasts tempura-fried vegetables enveloped in sushi rice, drizzled with a soy-ginger glaze—a harmonious blend of texture and taste. The Kinoko Udon, with its medley of mushrooms in a savory broth, promises comfort on fog-laden evenings. For those seeking variety, the Cha-Ya Nabe presents a hearty hot pot brimming with tofu, vegetables, and delicate noodles, inviting communal indulgence. In an age where the essence of Japanese cuisine is often overshadowed by the ubiquity of meat and fish, Cha-Ya stands as a beacon for those yearning for authenticity without compromise. It is a place where the principles of compassion and culinary excellence converge, offering nourishment that transcends the mere physical. As I departed, the lingering flavors and the establishment’s quiet dignity left an indelible impression. Cha-Ya is not merely a restaurant; it is a haven—a reminder that amidst the cacophony of city life, one can still find pockets of peace and purity.

+3

Adamo Stivala

Very good for vegan fare. The udon was tasty, and the rolls were inventive. I could do with less of the seaweed salad inside the bigger roll though it was hard to eat. Otherwise great spot and will be back!

Aaron Rigby

Family seating, amazing food that warms the heart and body. Easy to find fully vegan with the menu. Staff is more than happy to answer questions, even when trying to figure out which direction a cab might pick up from

Khushboo Katara

This cozy, family-run restaurant is an absolute gem! The food is incredible—seriously, you have to try it. Their Gyoza, Inari Sushi, and Sansai Noodles are my personal favorites. Plus, they have amazing Happy Hour deals on Saturdays and Sundays! The staff is also the sweetest and makes the whole experience even better. Highly recommend checking this place out!

Luke Schmidt

I took a lot of accidental live photos here, I would have preferred stagnant. I just wanted to capture one moment, I didn't need any of the moments leading up to that one moment. I'll smile for photos because I want to believe I'm happy in most moments of my life. Live photos are showing me that sometimes I look miserable right before smiling. Anyway, at least food doesn't change much with live photos. It looked and tasted great.

Dan Brook

Cha-Ya is a family-run restaurant serving traditional vegan Japanese food that is beautifully presented, absolutely delicious, healthy, and compassionate. I’ve been eating here for years.

+7

dravya jain

OMG this place was so nice! The food was delicious, especially the gyoza because they were soooooo crispy and flavorful. The prices are a bit high relative to other asian places, but the quality of the food and the ambience is elevated. Our waiter was super nice and helpful, and the food came quickly. And, as a vegetarian myself, it was nice knowing that the whole menu is vegan! 10/10!!!

Ilan Keshet

Perfect Japanese restaurant. The flavors are so authentic and accurate, that which should be rich in flavor is rich and that should be flat and single tone in flavor is exquisite and expertly made. The soba noodles are very good and the kinoko (type of mushroom) noodle soup is delicious. There is also a very affordable Sake tasting deal featuring three types of tasty excellent Sake

+2

Wonderful Greek yogurt! I love their olive oil flavor however this baklava one didn’t hit the spot for me. The baklava topping was very soft and too mushy for my taste I was hoping for something crispier.

Two of us came for lunch. The service was fast and we got outside seating right away. While the menus is classic the execution is more fusion than Greek. We got the grilled chicken sandwich. The wrap came with a little bit of vegetable and even an orange but the chicken was cut so fine and dressed so heavily it was more like a chicken salad sandwich than a classic Greek dish. It was tasty just not what I was expecting. The fries were fine. Portions are good but it’s an Al a cart menu so order your sides accordingly. This is a order at the counter style service. Makes for a good fast lunch.

Delicious food, friendly staff. Chicken sandwich and salad were fresh and tasty. Keep the sandwich in it's wrap, it is juicy. No fault of the restaurant. I ended up wearing some home! Nice flavor and sauce. Very light. I tried a cola drink. Real cane sugar but very small size. Staff was very friendly and welcoming. Great for a casual lunch or a meeting with friends! Not too loud and feels welcoming inside. Order at the counter and get a number. That's the 4 vs 5 star difference.

Affordable and tasty, fast casual Greek cuisine. Choose a wrap or a salad and your choice of protein. Very excited about the new black bean, plant-based lamb substitute. It’s not traditional, but it’s definitely delicious. The texture is perfect and when dressed with yogurt, pickled onions, and more, it definitely holds its own against the lamb, pork, or chicken. The kale salad is also excellent. Fries are standard fare, have had better at Ayola downtown.

jasmine

Pros: Menu is all vegetarian. Atmosphere is cozy. Service is super fast. Ordered arrived within minutes of placing the order. Run by old Japanese folks. Servers are super sweet old Japanese ladies. Loved the service. Food is delicious too with so much variety and flavor. Cons : It’s just a little on the pricy side.

Anna Piovesan Micheletti

The food was good, the lady that served us was stunningly kind and nice about explaining the foods to us, the atmosphere was nice. They serve you water immediately after you get your seat and they come check if your glass is empty or not and keep re-filling it. The food arrives almost immediately and they give you wood sticks. There is a paper menu and an online one where you can check out the photos too :) The prices are acceptable and there is one bathroom at the end of the room and you kinda have to walk through the kitchen to get there, maybe it’s not the best thing, at least they are transparent about the cooking process though. We payed $61 for 4 meals + 1 desert. Much fair. I would recommend it! Very cute place for vegetarians and vegans as well. I think a lot of the stuff is gluten-free, too. All is cute and fun. Thank you love youu

Ingrid

The friendliest service and cleanest vegetarian food! Finally vegan sushi and dishes not smothered in sauces and oils 😊 Most dishes are light but nutritious and filling. The agedashi tofu and gyoza are great for non veg eaters. The dumpling “hotpot” has a light but umami soup based and is filled with veggies. The tempura noodles are nice but nothing special. The rolls are nice too but again nothing special. Chaya roll for a heavier option (fried) and mushroom avocado one for a lighter option. Would love to come back again to support plant based family businesses 😊

Daniel Olshansky

Delicious vegetarian restaurant that really brings out the flavor of the actual vegetables as opposed to mascarading them in sauce. The food is really good, reasonably priced, but some of the portions are a little small and the price is not representative of how big the dish is. I recommend asking the waiter in advance. This place won't astonish your tastes buds, but it's great if you're in the mood for a veggy dish.

It was good! Flavors are very fresh. But somehow feels like something I could make at home. That’s the reason for the three stars. I did really appreciate the ambience. It’s rare to find a counter-serve fast-casual restaurant that doesn’t feel like it’s designed to get you in and out. Here I felt like I could sit down and stay a while. Candles at each table are a nice touch.

Shachar Sharon

Food is tasty! it use to be so good you don't mind it's vegan. Now it's OK but nothing felt as good as fish or meat. One of those old sf establishments that I believe won't stay open for long unless they find a way to go back to the old quality. Since it's on Valencia Street the vibe outside is always great and inside feels like a small Japanese oasis.

Chris Crisol

I really wanted to like this restaurant. I read the reviews and arrived with much hope and excitement; $90 later, I left unimpressed and disappointed. The service was welcoming but not warm. We were seated quickly but it took about 20-30 minutes for someone to take our order. The food was lackluster. The broccoli in the goma-e was watery and undercooked while the sauce was sparse. The rolls were nothing special. Most of the veg in the tempura were sliced too thickly, so the batter to veg ratio was off for my preference. We were hungry, finished everything, but we're left wondering why so many folks gave this place rave reviews. The atmosphere was dismal. There was a dog constantly barking because it's owner tied it to the restaurant's front door and it could not be appeased by the staff. There was a large table behind us with poorly behaved children smacking the table with spoons, launching chopsticks onto the floor, and flapping an inflatable sword about. The adults were no better, yelling at each other across the table and coddling their annoying children. It did not help that there is no sound insulation so the cacophony just reverberated throughout the space. Perhaps if the service was better and/or the atmosphere more calming, the overall experience would not be as bad. I don't see myself returning to this establishment.

Came to try this modern take on Greek food, but we left disappointed. The salads were overwhelmed with raw kale, the oranges tasted past their prime, and the chicken was stale and flavorless. Overall, the food felt old and underwhelming. For the price, it doesn’t live up to the hype. On top of that, being prompted for a 20% tip for counter service didn’t sit right. We won’t be returning.