My daughter went vegan a few months ago and until today had mostly been sticking to the plant-based offerings at already familiar restaurants. I guess she suddenly realized that she can't live on vegetable sushi rolls, falafel wraps, and tofu ramen bowls forever, though, because she asked if we could try delivery from Golden Era. Of course we had to order the most popular dish on the menu: The lemongrass deluxe. This was by far our favorite of the three items we ordered. Next time we'll get one order each so that we don't have to fight over it. It featured thin pieces of soy "chicken" fried with a crispy, spicy coating. If you like the chewiest, crispiest pieces of orange or sesame chicken you will love this dish. I thought it would need some steamed rice but it came on a substantial bed of vegetables and was a complete dish on its own. We also ordered the garden vermicelli, which is their version of Vietnamese bun. It had all the flavors we were expecting - tart, savory, sweet - with slices of a soy protein that reminded me a lot of beef, both in flavor and texture (not visible in my photo). Their meat substitutes are so impressive. Finally, we had the Thai fried rice. I liked that the grains had a slightly chewy texture. It was a simple and tasty version of this dish. We are excited now to try everything else they have. It's a big relief to my daughter to be able to order freely without wondering if a dish has a surprise non-vegan ingredient. Here we can work our way from the top of the menu to the bottom with abandon. We will enjoy the delicious challenge!
Mei Long
The best Vietnamese vegan restaurant outside of Vietnam. We ordered lemongrass deluxe and spicy noodle soup. They’re both soooo goooood! The owners are so kind and the place is spotless. What a great experience. We will definitely return.
We visited this restaurant on the way to the Asian Art Museum and it was a lucky break. The food was the best Asian food we have ever eaten in San Francisco. Well seasoned and tasty! The restaurant is clean and modern and the waiters are very attentive. A clear recommendation!Vegetarian options: It is a vegan restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Johannes Kosanetzky
Very tasty vegan food. Perfect service. We recommend. Had the won ton soup and curry mushroom king. Both very good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jaime T.
Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Ambiance 5/5 So delicious and healthy. Also SUPER AFFORDABLE in the middle of San Francisco. Very close to UC College of the Law and Civic Center. Come here if you want delicious, vegan, and healthy food. Food: -Spicy noodle soup 5/5 fresh noodles and the broth is rich. - spicy sweet and sour soup 5/5 this is a hot pot so make sure to eat out of the side bowl you are given. So many vegetables and fiber in this dish.
P G.
We have been going to Golden Era for years - even when they were in their previous location. The food is always great - I was joking that if I lived near there, I would go every few days and keep ordering a new item from the menu. We had a salad, the non-fried spring rolls, a soup and a couple of main course items. Service was prompt - and everything tasted great.
Lisa H.
The food was delicious (I got the Chow Fun) and the service was really quick. Lovely dining area, fresh bathroom, and overall great restaurant! The eggplant and mushroom dish was tender with a yummy, savory sauce too! Will visit again.
Freya Doliente
Ok food.ok place.Wasn't the greatest experience.Not sure what it needs.I will try it again some time
My whole family loves this place. We love all the dishes and the staff is so friendly. The restaurant is clean, spacious, and even when it's busy it isn't too loud. Our favorites are the garden vermicelli bowl, birds nest, lemon grass deluxe, and spicy noodle soup. We always eat too much, but rarely pass on the sticky mango rice for dessert. We usually go on Sunday evenings and have no trouble finding parking.
Anya Demianenko
Got takeout from here for a group dinner since some folks were vegan. I am not vegan, but I loved the food! I got Mama's clay pot. It was delicious and big enough for 2 full meals for me (with some brown rice). This place reminds me of a beloved restaurant from my college days, Veggie Heaven in Austin. I will definitely order or eat here again!!
I'm not a vegan so I'm glad I gave this place a chance! I got the spicy noodle soup and it was so good. Tofu is included in different textures which made the meal more satiating and interesting, as well as a sliced beef substitute I've never tried before. Really hearty and satisfying lunch! The staff and I think the chef/owner? were really nice.Something I also appreciated is the very spacious dining area, it didn't feel claustrophobic.
Ally Sue
Good service, great food and peaceful modern atmosphere. My favorite dish was the birds nest, which is delicious sautéed veggies on a bed of crispy noodles. The pho soup was a little salty. I would just ask for less salt next time. Otherwise, No complaints, everything was good. Love that everything was vegan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
luna bennett
The salad was tasty, Packaging was good. I wouldn't go seek it out to eat here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kat M
For the last 25 years one of the best vegan places in SF. Amazing Pho, orange chicken & ? smoothie. Thank you for feeding us ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SoyWatt Vegan
My mom and I shared the sp4 lemongrass vegan chicken with steamed broccoli, papaya salad, and the vegan Mongolian beef. The brown rice is slightly purple and the nutty flavor compliments the macrobiotic food better than steamed rice.
My daughter went vegan a few months ago and until today had mostly been sticking to the plant-based offerings at already familiar restaurants. I guess she suddenly realized that she can't live on vegetable sushi rolls, falafel wraps, and tofu ramen bowls forever, though, because she asked if we could try delivery from Golden Era. Of course we had to order the most popular dish on the menu: The lemongrass deluxe. This was by far our favorite of the three items we ordered. Next time we'll get one order each so that we don't have to fight over it. It featured thin pieces of soy "chicken" fried with a crispy, spicy coating. If you like the chewiest, crispiest pieces of orange or sesame chicken you will love this dish. I thought it would need some steamed rice but it came on a substantial bed of vegetables and was a complete dish on its own. We also ordered the garden vermicelli, which is their version of Vietnamese bun. It had all the flavors we were expecting - tart, savory, sweet - with slices of a soy protein that reminded me a lot of beef, both in flavor and texture (not visible in my photo). Their meat substitutes are so impressive. Finally, we had the Thai fried rice. I liked that the grains had a slightly chewy texture. It was a simple and tasty version of this dish. We are excited now to try everything else they have. It's a big relief to my daughter to be able to order freely without wondering if a dish has a surprise non-vegan ingredient. Here we can work our way from the top of the menu to the bottom with abandon. We will enjoy the delicious challenge!
The best Vietnamese vegan restaurant outside of Vietnam. We ordered lemongrass deluxe and spicy noodle soup. They’re both soooo goooood! The owners are so kind and the place is spotless. What a great experience. We will definitely return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lemongrass Deluxe, Spicy Noodle Soup
We visited this restaurant on the way to the Asian Art Museum and it was a lucky break. The food was the best Asian food we have ever eaten in San Francisco. Well seasoned and tasty! The restaurant is clean and modern and the waiters are very attentive. A clear recommendation!Vegetarian options: It is a vegan restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very tasty vegan food. Perfect service. We recommend. Had the won ton soup and curry mushroom king. Both very good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Ambiance 5/5 So delicious and healthy. Also SUPER AFFORDABLE in the middle of San Francisco. Very close to UC College of the Law and Civic Center. Come here if you want delicious, vegan, and healthy food. Food: -Spicy noodle soup 5/5 fresh noodles and the broth is rich. - spicy sweet and sour soup 5/5 this is a hot pot so make sure to eat out of the side bowl you are given. So many vegetables and fiber in this dish.
We have been going to Golden Era for years - even when they were in their previous location. The food is always great - I was joking that if I lived near there, I would go every few days and keep ordering a new item from the menu. We had a salad, the non-fried spring rolls, a soup and a couple of main course items. Service was prompt - and everything tasted great.
The food was delicious (I got the Chow Fun) and the service was really quick. Lovely dining area, fresh bathroom, and overall great restaurant! The eggplant and mushroom dish was tender with a yummy, savory sauce too! Will visit again.
Ok food.ok place.Wasn't the greatest experience.Not sure what it needs.I will try it again some time
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Oreo Cake, Spicy Thai Fried Rice, Lemongrass Deluxe
My whole family loves this place. We love all the dishes and the staff is so friendly. The restaurant is clean, spacious, and even when it's busy it isn't too loud. Our favorites are the garden vermicelli bowl, birds nest, lemon grass deluxe, and spicy noodle soup. We always eat too much, but rarely pass on the sticky mango rice for dessert. We usually go on Sunday evenings and have no trouble finding parking.
Got takeout from here for a group dinner since some folks were vegan. I am not vegan, but I loved the food! I got Mama's clay pot. It was delicious and big enough for 2 full meals for me (with some brown rice). This place reminds me of a beloved restaurant from my college days, Veggie Heaven in Austin. I will definitely order or eat here again!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I'm not a vegan so I'm glad I gave this place a chance! I got the spicy noodle soup and it was so good. Tofu is included in different textures which made the meal more satiating and interesting, as well as a sliced beef substitute I've never tried before. Really hearty and satisfying lunch! The staff and I think the chef/owner? were really nice.Something I also appreciated is the very spacious dining area, it didn't feel claustrophobic.
Good service, great food and peaceful modern atmosphere. My favorite dish was the birds nest, which is delicious sautéed veggies on a bed of crispy noodles. The pho soup was a little salty. I would just ask for less salt next time. Otherwise, No complaints, everything was good. Love that everything was vegan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The salad was tasty, Packaging was good. I wouldn't go seek it out to eat here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
For the last 25 years one of the best vegan places in SF. Amazing Pho, orange chicken & ? smoothie. Thank you for feeding us ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My mom and I shared the sp4 lemongrass vegan chicken with steamed broccoli, papaya salad, and the vegan Mongolian beef. The brown rice is slightly purple and the nutty flavor compliments the macrobiotic food better than steamed rice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5