Food & Wine

Sebastopol Offers Some of the Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants

The Nectary at the Barlow

Capitalizing on the bounty of the many farms and orchards in the area, the small town of Sebastopol offers some of Sonoma County’s best vegetarian restaurants . Whether it’s casual or more upscale eating you’re after, there’s something to satisfy every meatless appetite.

Slice of Life

The owners of Slice of Life in downtown Sebastopol have been crafting vegetarian American, Italian, and Mexican cuisine since 1974. That means recipes contain no animal products except dairy cheeses, and many dishes are fat-free, low-fat, dairy-free, and lactose-free.

Even carnivores will eat up the burgers, presented on organic whole wheat buns, topped with grilled onions and mushrooms, sprouts, dairy-free mayo, and pickles. Inside the bun, you’ll find thick, moist patties fashioned from nuts, seeds, and grains; tempeh, wild rice, and barbecue sauce; sunflower seeds, brown rice, and carrots; or a tasty blend of wheat gluten and soy protein best topped with ‘fakin’ bacon’ and guacamole.

Even the French fries are special here, called ‘hot airs’ since they’re oil-free, fat-free, and guilt-free, offered in regular, sweet potato, or coated in fresh garlic.

East West Café

A lengthy and ambitious menu offers something for all appetites at the East West Café. More mainstream eaters might lean to the friendly and delicious veggie Benedict, bringing a toasted English muffin topped with avocado, tomato, sautéed shiitake mushrooms, poached eggs, and homemade hollandaise alongside country potatoes and salsa.

Yet practiced vegans will zero in on the organic Macro Plate, brimming with braised tofu or grilled tempeh with vegetables, arame seaweed, black beans, brown rice, hummus, and tahini. And by the end of the meal, both will be sharing plates, sipping glasses of organic wine, and planning dessert around chocolate-beet cake.

Muir’s Tea Room

The garden has many blooming flowers and a white picket fence in front of the restaurant — Muir’s Tea Room

Located in a lavishly restored historic Queen Anne Victorian, Muir’s Tea Room is inspired by legendary Scottish born conservationist and tea lover, John Muir. Muir’s combines the beauty of nature with whimsical decor, a stunning cottage garden and delicious, plant-based savories and desserts.

Jam’s Joy Bungalow

Two people stand in front of the counter where you order — Jam’s Joy Bungalow

Grab a mouthful of pickled carrots, fried tofu, cilantro, and jalapeños, all served on a crunchy baguette in the Bahn Mi at Jam Joy Bungalow’s restaurant on the Sebastopol Square. This popular sandwich isn’t the only thing on the menu that features French and Vietnamese culinary influence. There’s also a Vietnamese Ice Coffee served with locally brewed Bella Rosa and condensed milk.

Jamilah Nixon-Mathis’ take on Southeast Asian flavors at her brick and mortar is a blend of cultures celebrating the fresh ingredients abundantly available in Sonoma County. Hints of Jamilah’s time spent cooking in Thailand emerges from each bite as it swirls around with the kind of fresh ingredients that the region is known for.

The Nectary at the Barlow

A person smiles while holding bottles of green juic — The Nectary at the Barlow

You’ll find all sorts of Vegan and raw food options in the to-go case at The Nectary, the first juice and smoothie apothecary bar of its kind. It serves a unique assortment of 100 percent organic fresh cold-pressed juices; superfood and green smoothies; and probiotic beverages such as fruit-and-herbal-infused Kefir, Jun, and Kombucha.

Other Sebastopol restaurants that offer vegetarian or vegan options include:

For more ideas, read Vegetarian Adventures in Sonoma County and check our listings of Sonoma County Restaurants and click on Sebastopol or Vegetarian/Vegan.