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Golden Era Vegan Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Golden Era Vegan Restaurant
7.8
Operating since 1999, this fully vegan Vietnamese restaurant offers plant-based versions of traditional dishes including several pho variations. The clay pot dishes and house-made desserts have earned a devoted following among vegans and omnivores alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Pho with Tofu, Lemongrass 'Chicken' Clay Pot, Spicy Noodle Soup
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: 100% vegan Vietnamese cuisine with no compromise on traditional flavors
Who should go: Plant-based eaters and curious omnivores
When to visit: Dinner service for full menu availability
What to order: Vegan pho, clay pot dishes, house-made vegan desserts
Insider tip: Large groups of 5+ can make reservations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Civic Center garage across street ($3/hour, $20 max), metered street parking until 6pm
Dress code: Casual dining - anything goes from workout clothes to business casual
Noise level: Family-friendly buzz - moderate noise, comfortable for conversation
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, 45 min peak times Saturday
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Everything is vegetarian - 100% plant-based menu
Vegan options: Entire menu is vegan - no animal products whatsoever
Gluten-free options: Extensive GF options marked on menu, including GF pho noodles and rice dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date is vegan/vegetarian or health-conscious. Casual but clean atmosphere, reasonable prices, and interesting conversation starter about plant-based Vietnamese food
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for parties under 5. Weeknights rarely have waits, weekends may require 20-30 minute wait. Groups of 5+ should definitely reserve
Is it kid-friendly? Very - families welcome, casual atmosphere, familiar flavors in vegan form that kids enjoy, and they're patient with dietary questions and modifications
Best For
Better for: Only 100% vegan pho option in 94102, best for mixed groups with dietary restrictions, and when you want Vietnamese comfort food without meat
Skip if: You're a pho purist wanting traditional beef bone broth or skeptical about vegan substitutes - try Pho Tan Hoa for authentic meat-based pho
Golden Era Vegan Restaurant
7.8
Plant-based Vietnamese-leaning menu featuring vegan phở, lemongrass “chicken,” and a crisp-edged bánh xèo. It’s a reliable Civic Center choice for affordable, vegetable-forward plates and quick service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Phở, Lemongrass “Chicken”, Bánh Xèo (Vegan Crêpe)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Vegetarian and vegan takes on Vietnamese comfort staples.
Who should go: Plant-based diners and mixed groups
When to visit: Weekdays 11–2 for smooth counter service
What to order: Vegan phở; lemongrass “chicken”; bánh xèo
Insider tip: Order ahead online during Civic Center lunch rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; best option is Civic Center Garage a block away.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; work attire or jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are easy, though lunch rush can get lively.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, usually manageable without reservation.
Weekday lunch: Often a short line 5–10 minutes during Civic Center lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes — nearly all dishes are vegan or can be made vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some options available such as rice noodle dishes, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates with a shared interest in plant-based dining than for a romantic setting; the atmosphere is relaxed but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are standard; tables turn quickly, especially during weekday lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family friendly with roomy tables and mild dishes that kids can enjoy.
Best For
Better for: Stronger vegan and vegetarian variety than nearby Vietnamese spots, with consistent service and quick turnaround.
Skip if: You want an upscale atmosphere or authentic meat-based Vietnamese — this is strictly plant-based.