These 10 Vegan Restaurants In NorCal Will Make Your Tastebuds Explode

The older I get, the more open I am to trying new things. Let's face it, in my world there's nothing better than a juicy steak and baked potato. And if I had my way, each morning would start off with a half dozen glazed donuts. But, sadly, the older I get the more my body seems to applaud when I fill up on veggies and whole foods, and the less processed the better. Which has brought me venturing into the land of vegan choices. Nope, I'll never give up my carnivore ways, but I have to admit, some of the vegan restaurants are amazing enough to make it easy to love eating healthy.

1. Baagan, Roseville

The reviews are in and they're off the charts. Looking for gluten free, organic, whole foods, herbal teas? Yes. Yes. Yes. and Yes!

910 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Suite 160 Roseville

2. Cafe Gratitude, Santa Cruz

Kale and navy bean soup, anyone? This place gets a whole sky full of stars on Yelp when it comes to reviews. Come one. Come all. Apparently, everyone else is.

103 Lincoln Street, Santa Cruz

3. Sky's Pure Food, Redding

From their amazing breakfast choices, Veggie Lasagna even a Pad Thai Spring Mix, this place has a lot to choose from and no lack of great reviews. But, it does close early. So, make sure to get there before 2pm.

2471 Athens Avenue, Redding

4. Sprouts Cafe, South Lake Tahoe

This plate of delicousness is aptly named "The BIG Salad." There are also fun soups like the sweet potato and peach soup, along with a bevy of vegan choices. BUT...you can bring your carnivore-loving friend along because this joint offers a few meat options like turkey and even tuna...because not all of us are daring enough to go wholly vegan all the time.

3123 Harrison Ave

South Lake Tahoe

5. Mother, Sacramento

Yuzu cream pie is on the menu here and we're up for it! Squash latkes and mushroom po'boys are just a tiny sampling of what you can expect here. There's a reason this place is so amazing. Sacramento LOVES it!

1023 K St

Sacramento

6. Sunflower Natural Food, Fair Oaks

Sunfower has been around for a while and all the locals love it here. I knew of some folks who loved riding their bikes to this place on a gorgeous weekend. This spot was always their go-to for great whole and healthy eats. They have black bean burritos to die for and nutburgers people travel miles to put in their mouths!

10344 Fair Oaks Blvd

Fair Oaks

7. Souley, Oakland

Louisiana-style food with a vegan twist is what you'll find at Souley. Rumor has it this place is off the hook. BBQ tofu chicken is one of their hits. They have music and free peanuts and apparently, a cool vibe inside, too. Bring along a non-vegan friend to this place. They'll leave a changed person.

301 Broadway

Oakland *Jack London Square

8. Pepples Donut Farm, Oakland

Ever heard of an organic donut shop? Now you have. This place is a favorite, too. They also offer yummy things like tofu scrambles and a variety of satisfying menu choices. If this photo isn't enough to put this vegan shop in your GPS then I don't know what is.

6037 San Pablo Ave

Oakland, CA 94608

b/t 60th St & 61st St

North Oakland

9. Gracias Madre, San Francisco

Interested in a few delicious vegan tacos? How about a butternut squash gordita? Mexican food on steroids--made the vegan way. This restaurant is a staple in the area and a favorite among locals. The reviews are very clear...they love it here.

2211 Mission St, San Francisco

10. Merit Vegetarian Restaurant, Sunnyvale

This here is called their "Clay Pot." Filled with assorted mushroom, tofu, and veggies on the top. Just one of an amazing amount of fabulous food. Their spring rolls are delicious and with over 700 reviews there's pretty much not one thing someone hasn't raved about.

548 Lawrence Expy

Sunnyvale

The more I eat vegan the more I LOVE it. We live in a part of the country that is king when it comes to fresh produce and farm to table agriculture...why not try it? You'll probably like it. I sure did.