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An all-vegan/vegetarian menu sets this eatery apart from typical Japanese options.
Hours
| Friday | 5–8:45 PM |
| Saturday | 12–2:30 PM, 5–8:45 PM |
| Sunday | 12–2:30 PM, 5–8:45 PM |
| Monday | 5–8:45 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–8:45 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8:45 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 762 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 252-7825
Website: http://chayasf.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
San Francisco Japanese Vegan Food | Cha-Ya | United States
We are a family owned and operated restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District. Cha-Ya serves contemporary Japanese vegetarian and all vegan cuisine inspired …
Cha-Ya SF (@chayasanfrancisco) – Instagram
1.4K+ followers · 167 posts · Authentic vegan-Japanese cuisine. Dinner @ 5pm. Weekend Lunch 12-3pm. Last seating at 8:45pm nightly. Closed on Tues.
Cha-Ya – Square
Japanese Vegan Cuisine You are ordering from the San Francisco location 762 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94110 415-252-7825 · PICK UP IN-STORE.
Reviews
Hiroko Maruyama
The hostess had a wonderful atmosphere, and the restaurant was very lively! ✨
The curry udon was full of flavor, something only a Japanese person could do, and it was a delight to have Japanese food for the first time in a while. Thank you for a delicious dinner. The fried eggplant rolls were also delicious.
… moreThe curry udon was full of flavor, something only a Japanese person could do, and it was a delight to have Japanese food for the first time in a while. Thank you for a delicious dinner. The fried eggplant rolls were also delicious.
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.
… moreI 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.
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!
… moreEdit: I have come back several times since my first visit, often bringing friends. Everything has been good!
Carol LeMaitre
This is a beautiful, cozy and clean restaurant. I went with a friend and took advantage of their happy hour special which is 3 dishes for $20. We shared everything and every dish was incredibly delicious and beautiful. The place has a friendly,
family feel and the staff could not be more engaged and helpful. Why did it take me so many years of walking by this restaurant before walking in? We will definitely be back.
… morefamily feel and the staff could not be more engaged and helpful. Why did it take me so many years of walking by this restaurant before walking in? We will definitely be back.
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!
… moreJeffrey 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.
… moreUpon 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.
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.
… moreThe 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.
Shine
Clean and tasty, a cute and pleasant date spot
A little pricey, but hey it’s the bay in 2026.
… moreA little pricey, but hey it’s the bay in 2026.
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.
… moreCons : It’s just a little on the pricy side.
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
… moreThe 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