Cha Ya

The vegan food is out of this world. It's definitely the best vegan restaurant I've ever been to, with a tremendous variety and exceptional food. Not fancy, but it's the top choice among all vegans I know, with good reason.

Excellent food, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Reasonable prices and fast, friendly service. A gem.

This is the place! Whenever I am in the area, I make it a point of visiting this place. The menu dishes are inventive and go beyond standard Japanese fare like sushi. I love that everything is vegan and that the menu is so expansive. Food comes out quickly and the prices are reasonable. They take venmo for payment, no credit card!

A gem of a vegan restaurant. So many choices we were unable to decide. Each on wasvgood potion and delicious. I tried a vegetable bun for the first time in my life. My 3 y/o grandaughter loves them I did not too much dough for ne but I had an amazing soup very flavorful and filling. Took home for a whole lunch the next day

Tasty, simple yet expansive menu, with several very tasty sakes available. The photo is of the Cha-Ya Delight, and was as tasty as it looks

Came with a group while traveling. Accommodating and kind staff. Very fresh and healthy options.

Absolutely delicious! Very fresh and tasty. I love the pumpkin soup.

I have lived in Oakland for 9 years did not even know about this place until yesterday it's some of the best food that I've ever had it's vegetarian and vegan but you won't mind at all just phenomenal I can't say enough good things about this food everything that we had was fantastic

An old standby that’s still so good after two decades around on Shattuck. The staff some of whom have been around since the beginning. I hope to return soon! It’s a destination for me.

in the top 3 best vegan restaurant in berkeley in my opinion, been here forever, always good, you can order more salty/fried things if you want that, or order more simple, not so salty, not friend things if you are in the mood for that. it really has everything. the berkeley location is definitely better than the valencia street location, but i still love them both <3 love the hasami age, mikuri age, bao bun, pumpkin soup, inari, vege-tofu curry! cash only!

This place is in the heart of Berkeley. It has been around for years now and has a refined menu with lots of options. Simply prepared with wonderful flavors. My favorite was the sesame sauce in the broccolini and blanced spinach. As well, the sauce on the sea vegetables was smooth, creamy and delicious. I can't wait to go back. It was 25 dollars each person, and we were happy with that. No leftovers, but satisfied.

The food quality is good. However, be aware that this is a vegetarian restaurant. I was expecting seafood sushi. It’s a bit disappointing. They don’t offer dine in for now. You need to make an order in person or phone and then pay through cash or Venmo.

Amazing vegetarian food, flavorful but without any fat. A large variety of soups for a cold day, the menu itself is huge and has a lot of options. It is a bit sad inside, maybe some music would make the ambiance better. It is cash or Venmo only.

love love love this place so much thank u. my only really big issue is that they’re cash only and a little pricey. if they took card i would eat here every single day vegetable tempura - 10/10 standard. delicious!! they use asparagus and string beans which is not typical for veg tempura soba - 10/10 good both with or without soup! the soup has a really tasty and comforting broth. i usually add kitsune (sweet tofu pouch) to the soup soba salad - 10/10 beautiful and soooo good. makes for really impressive photos and tastes really refreshing. this is literally the only salad i’ve ever enjoyed with sliced strawberries i have to come back more to try everything else!!

AMAZING vegetarian & vegan restaurant!! (⁎⁍̴̛ᴗ⁍̴̛⁎)❤️🍲 I’ve been wanting to visit this place since my second year in Berkeley, and I’m glad I finally did! You can tell they made their food with great care and the ingredients are yummy and fresh! The staff are very nice; the vibe inside is clean and chill. This is a great place for you to hang out with a small group of friends or come alone to recharge your mental health (I mean seriously, their food is tasty, healthy, and pretty!) I’d definitely come back very often to try out all other creative cuisines! 🥰

Amazing food. It feels like a home-cooked meal. Everything is vegan, too, so I can eat everything nom nom. You should bring cash or be ready to pay via Venmo.

I love this vegan establishment with exquisite presentation. Highly recommend moon garden with bean curd (the mushrooms were cutely planted in the garden!) It’s so hard to find such a restaurant without excessive salt and oil. I could eat here everyday.

Best place to eat vegetarian Japanese food. Everything that we tried was amazing. Sushi was gone in seconds and we ended up reordering twice.

Food was great! Tasted like real Japanese food even if it was vegan. I loved every dish we ordered. Prices are reasonable. The place is clean. Staff are friendly.

To me, Cha Ya Berkeley is the best restaurant in the world, and I am truly not exaggerating. I have tried many vegan restaurants globally, and the beauty, attention to detail, and pure deliciousness (not to mention wholesome healthfulness) are unparalleled. You may think it's pricey, and it can be, but to us the price is well worth it. The products are exceptional, as is the culinary quality and craftsmanship. My partner and I are regulars--we have been going weekly for over two years, and every single time, we are blown away. Thank you Cha Ya Berkeley!

Took my mom for her first vegan restaurant she loved it. The wait is a little longer than I expected. Overall great food!

First time here and we struggled with choosing from the extensive menu, so many things called my name. Have to go back soon!

Two Sticks & Tea

An old standby that’s still so good after two decades around on Shattuck. The staff some of whom have been around since the beginning. I hope to return soon! It’s a destination for me.

Camilo Dolorier

in the top 3 best vegan restaurant in berkeley in my opinion, been here forever, always good, you can order more salty/fried things if you want that, or order more simple, not so salty, not friend things if you are in the mood for that. it really has everything. the berkeley location is definitely better than the valencia street location, but i still love them both <3 love the hasami age, mikuri age, bao bun, pumpkin soup, inari, vege-tofu curry! cash only!

Deborah Keller

This place is in the heart of Berkeley. It has been around for years now and has a refined menu with lots of options. Simply prepared with wonderful flavors. My favorite was the sesame sauce in the broccolini and blanced spinach. As well, the sauce on the sea vegetables was smooth, creamy and delicious. I can't wait to go back. It was 25 dollars each person, and we were happy with that. No leftovers, but satisfied.

Henry Wang

The food quality is good. However, be aware that this is a vegetarian restaurant. I was expecting seafood sushi. It’s a bit disappointing. They don’t offer dine in for now. You need to make an order in person or phone and then pay through cash or Venmo.

Kate S

Amazing vegetarian food, flavorful but without any fat. A large variety of soups for a cold day, the menu itself is huge and has a lot of options. It is a bit sad inside, maybe some music would make the ambiance better. It is cash or Venmo only.

chris giang

love love love this place so much thank u. my only really big issue is that they’re cash only and a little pricey. if they took card i would eat here every single day vegetable tempura - 10/10 standard. delicious!! they use asparagus and string beans which is not typical for veg tempura soba - 10/10 good both with or without soup! the soup has a really tasty and comforting broth. i usually add kitsune (sweet tofu pouch) to the soup soba salad - 10/10 beautiful and soooo good. makes for really impressive photos and tastes really refreshing. this is literally the only salad i’ve ever enjoyed with sliced strawberries i have to come back more to try everything else!!

Yona L.

AMAZING vegetarian & vegan restaurant!! (⁎⁍̴̛ᴗ⁍̴̛⁎)❤️🍲 I’ve been wanting to visit this place since my second year in Berkeley, and I’m glad I finally did! You can tell they made their food with great care and the ingredients are yummy and fresh! The staff are very nice; the vibe inside is clean and chill. This is a great place for you to hang out with a small group of friends or come alone to recharge your mental health (I mean seriously, their food is tasty, healthy, and pretty!) I’d definitely come back very often to try out all other creative cuisines! 🥰

Aditya Parekh

Amazing food. It feels like a home-cooked meal. Everything is vegan, too, so I can eat everything nom nom. You should bring cash or be ready to pay via Venmo.

Yining Chen

I love this vegan establishment with exquisite presentation. Highly recommend moon garden with bean curd (the mushrooms were cutely planted in the garden!) It’s so hard to find such a restaurant without excessive salt and oil. I could eat here everyday.

Shikha Tawari

Best place to eat vegetarian Japanese food. Everything that we tried was amazing. Sushi was gone in seconds and we ended up reordering twice.

L Solon

Food was great! Tasted like real Japanese food even if it was vegan. I loved every dish we ordered. Prices are reasonable. The place is clean. Staff are friendly.

Nina Gheihman

To me, Cha Ya Berkeley is the best restaurant in the world, and I am truly not exaggerating. I have tried many vegan restaurants globally, and the beauty, attention to detail, and pure deliciousness (not to mention wholesome healthfulness) are unparalleled. You may think it's pricey, and it can be, but to us the price is well worth it. The products are exceptional, as is the culinary quality and craftsmanship. My partner and I are regulars--we have been going weekly for over two years, and every single time, we are blown away. Thank you Cha Ya Berkeley!

John Adrian Pile

Took my mom for her first vegan restaurant she loved it. The wait is a little longer than I expected. Overall great food!

Ushma Kriplani

First time here and we struggled with choosing from the extensive menu, so many things called my name. Have to go back soon!

This is our fourth time coming here and we're always so impressed with the delicious, fresh, creative,unique dishes that are beautifully presented. It's an unpretentious atmosphere and a great value as well. A true Berkeley institution!

Nice vegetarian Japanese restaurant. Everything we ordered was great and we'd love to explore more of the menu. Would recommend.

Luna L.

Absolutely delicious! Very fresh and tasty. I love the pumpkin soup.

Josh Cleveland

This is our fourth time coming here and we're always so impressed with the delicious, fresh, creative,unique dishes that are beautifully presented. It's an unpretentious atmosphere and a great value as well. A true Berkeley institution!

Delicious vegan food! Huge selection.

I have only had vegetarian sushi once before in NYC. I had really high expectations from this place and was not disappointed at all. The menu is really huge and should be a delight for all vegetarian folks. My friend and I had the Tempura Roll and Subaru Roll. Personally, I liked the tempura roll over the Subaru Roll. Also, special mention to the Ho ji cha, which was amazingly refreshing. Overall, this place is really good and I would definitely try other options on my next visit here.

This is a good place to go if you're craving basic vegan sushi options. The prices are decent and the food is flavorful, though nothing flashy. The service has been pretty good every time I've been here. Prices are reasonable. They take cash only but they have an ATM machine in the restaurant.

Food is wonderful. 4 stars as they have only 2 tables outside which pretty much means you have to take it to go and well sushi is usually a meal you like to sit and eat fresh. Otherwise great tasting and friendly staff. Be aware cash or Venmo only…!

Super fresh ingredients, I could eat here every night. Lots of vegan and vegetarian options! :)

Good vegetarian & vegan food, friendly staff.

I want to go back and try more dishes. We got gyoza (yum!), cha ya roll, and the curry soup.

Very good and consistent vegan food. We love its soups, shredded salad and spring roll.

Fully Vegan Japanese restaurant, cash or Venmo only! (5/5 green stars) Cha-ya has been around for decades and it’s still a good choice for tasty, vegan Japanese food. Yes, it’s actually a fully vegan restaurant even though it’s more widely known as “merely” vegetarian. If you search for vegan Japanese restaurants in Berkeley, the limelight may be stolen by Tane Vegan Izakaya, also on Shattuck Ave. But Cha-ya is well worth a visit for lovers of Japanese food and/or vegans and vegetarians. It’s not as hip or stylish as Tane (honestly, Cha-ya could do with a bit of a makeover) but they do the best version of several Japanese dishes that I’ve had. From the website: “no product derived from animals of any kind are ever used” (no meat, dairy, fish, gelatin, etc.). Definitely considering having the agadashi tofu and goma ae to share (or have all on your own). Then, one of my favorites is the Taku-Sui which is described as Pot stickers, tofu, zucchini, nappa cabbage, snap peas, asparagus , broccoli, cauliflower, silver noodles, and mushrooms in a light broth and served with a ponzu citrus sauce. This dish has inspired me to make something similar at home, quite often. The Cha-ya nabe is similar but with delicious fresh ingredients like kabocha squash and spinach instead of the potstickers. Another favorite, if you’re in the mood for lots of salty miso, is the Dengaku: Broiled eggplant tofu, and portobello mushroom with miso-paste glaze. There’s a second branch in The Mission district in SF and remember that this Berkeley branch is Cash or Venmo ONLY! I’m also giving Cha-ya 5/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact because Cha-ya is a completely vegan restaurant. Adopting a plant-based diet is the top thing you can do to mitigate climate change, deforestation, animal cruelty, and food scarcity. They could do a better job at providing information on ingredient sourcing, however (e.g., is any pesticide-free or organic?) Please join in and include a Green Stars rating with your own reviews!

Consistently good even though not the original owners. A good variety of vegan Japanese ...nicely presented..somewhat mirroring Japanese Buddhist monk food. Reasonably priced.

Superb food if you like veggie Japanese food this is the best. 4 ⭐ instead of 5, because they don't have credit or debit card, only cash or Venmo. There is also an ATM there, but I prefer not to use it and use that surcharge for tips.

Pretty unique vegetarian Japanese restaurant. Lots of choices.

Sebastian Bassi

Superb food if you like veggie Japanese food this is the best. 4 ⭐ instead of 5, because they don't have credit or debit card, only cash or Venmo. There is also an ATM there, but I prefer not to use it and use that surcharge for tips.

Prashant Shamarao

Pretty unique vegetarian Japanese restaurant. Lots of choices.

It was okay but with so many great places in the neighborhood I probably won’t come back. We had the Cha-ya roll and the sansai noodles. The roll was okay but the batter was quite thick, not light and fluffy like great tempura. The sauce was okay but not great. The soup was really salty. Prices are reasonable.

Definitely just missed the mark for me. As a meat lover reviewing a vegetarian and vegan restaurant, the flavors for the food have to be very savory and almost meat like to satisfy my craving and hunger. I ordered the dengaku which is organic tofu and eggplant and while I'm impressed by how large the eggplant steak was, you don't get much food for how much you pay. It's not a good value for money. The miso sauce over the eggplant was very one dimensional and didn't offer much complexity of flavor.

Sara Allan

It was okay but with so many great places in the neighborhood I probably won’t come back. We had the Cha-ya roll and the sansai noodles. The roll was okay but the batter was quite thick, not light and fluffy like great tempura. The sauce was okay but not great. The soup was really salty. Prices are reasonable.

Victor

Definitely just missed the mark for me. As a meat lover reviewing a vegetarian and vegan restaurant, the flavors for the food have to be very savory and almost meat like to satisfy my craving and hunger. I ordered the dengaku which is organic tofu and eggplant and while I'm impressed by how large the eggplant steak was, you don't get much food for how much you pay. It's not a good value for money. The miso sauce over the eggplant was very one dimensional and didn't offer much complexity of flavor.

Their presentation of the sushi rolls is great. However, they are mediocre because they lack flavor and are too bland. The soy sauce is also way too salty. The rolls look better than they taste. They just need to figure out how to add more flavor to the rolls and I believe it will help improve the taste greatly.

Cash only. Their menu is nice, the selections seemed promising. I ordered a Summer Veggie Roll. It wasn't bad but didn't really have any flavor. There was soy sauce on the table, but I'm not a big fan (I tried it any way.. was mediocre as expected). Aside: I was a bit concerned that the main entrance is chained and padlocked from the outside. It has a fire code label that reads "This door must remain unlocked when building is occupied." There wasn't even a courtesy sign saying "please use other door". This is clearly illegal; and especially concerning is because there were ~30 patrons in that side of the restaurant whose only obvious exit was through a narrow doorway in the separating wall, past the open kitchen and out the other door. If there were ever a fire in the kitchen it would not end well.