When asking yourself about something to do near me in Mountain View with a group of friends or family, consider
Veggie Garden
Why Veggie Garden is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Veggie Garden in Mountain View, California, stands out as a premier destination for those craving authentic American-style Chinese food that is entirely plant-based. Renowned for its impressive array of mock meat dishes that effectively mimic the textures and flavors of traditional meat, Veggie Garden offers a vast and varied menu suited for vegans and vegetarians alike. The restaurant's commitment to fresh vegetables and plant-based proteins makes it a popular spot for friends to gather over delicious, healthy meals. Highlights include the popular Kung Pao chicken made with mock meats, the refreshing Thai iced tea, and the flavorful green onion pancakes, all served alongside options like brown rice and rice noodles. The inviting ambiance, clean environment, and efficient service further contribute to the dining experience, making it ideal for casual lunch or dinner meet-ups. Veggie Garden also excels in takeout options, appealing to both locals and visitors looking for quick, satisfying vegan Chinese meals. The pleasant setting combined with good prices encourages repeat visits, underscoring its status as a favored local vegan spot.
Here's what people think of Veggie Garden
As of recent, Veggie Garden holds a 4.5-star rating based on 857 reviews.
Reviews of Veggie Garden overwhelmingly celebrate the restaurant's delicious and diverse vegan Chinese cuisine, impressive mock meat preparations, and attentive customer service. Many diners praise the restaurant for its quick service, fresh ingredients, and flavorful dishes, with specific mentions of well-executed classics like Kung Pao chicken and Thai iced tea. Several reviewers appreciate the clean and pleasant environment, including décor and restrooms, contributing to a comfortable dining experience. Positive reviews frequently mention the authenticity of taste and the surprising realism of the plant-based meats, which appeal not only to vegans but also to omnivores seeking healthier alternatives. On the other hand, there are few negative remarks; some customers note occasional capacity limitations due to the popularity of the place, and a few find the small restaurant space slightly constraining. However, these minor issues do not overshadow the consistent praise for food quality and service. Overall, the reviews affirm Veggie Garden as a reliable and delightful destination for vegan Chinese cuisine, combining taste, ambiance, and value effectively for a memorable dining experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kiran Ranganath
One of the best Chinese restaurants in the Bay Area. You cannot go wrong with any order. Their chow mein, chow fun, stir fries, fried rice is a must have. They also have a plethora of tofu dishes. If you want spicy ask for extra spicy.
Catty Kitty
Had high hopes for this place but I was a bit disappointed. The menu is extensive and I had fun picking out some of my favorite dishes. However I ordered sesame chicken and it just tasted like sweet and sour chicken. Didn’t look very appetizing either. The wontons were mentioned to be in chili oil but they were drizzled with a sweet sauce that overpowered the dish. It was giving fusion vibes and not in a good way. Then I had a side salad and all together with rest of my dishes, the restaurant was just… all over the place. I can’t give the cuisine here any real identity, which makes the flavor profiles weak. The beef and broccoli was the best thing but it had the fake meat taste that made it really hard to enjoy. Sauce was tasty though. I want to return and give it another try, but for first impressions, I’d say go in with lower expectations
Vinita Jain
This restaurant is a great find for vegan Chinese food in the Bay Area. Their menu is full food options, from appetizers to main course to desserts. The taste is out of the world! And the service is very fast. The servers are kind and the prices are reasonably good. I highly recommend you try this place and bet you will love it!
Gabriel Motola
Got takeout from here. The Basil Eggplant is straight 🔥. I enjoyed the Kung Pao Chicken as well. Some of the other food (Chow Mein, Hot and Sour Soup) was good but not exceptional. Would order from here again!
Apoorv Mehrotra
I was trying to have some good vegan food and just happened to cross path with this place. It was an absolute delight to eat here. I ordered a hot and sour soup, vegetarian pot stickers, vegetarian chicken noodles. All the dishes lived up to their expectations. There was only one lady serving, possible the owner. She attends you well, serves you very well. The service is very fast and good. I highly recommend trying this vegan place.
How to reach Veggie Garden
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Website: None
Why rally at Veggie Garden with your friends?
Gathering with friends for a memorable outing is all about finding the perfect place that combines great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and opportunities for shared experiences. Veggie Garden, a highly rated vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant located in Mountain View, California, stands out as an exceptional choice for a group meetup. With a stellar rating of 4.5 from over 850 reviews, it clearly resonates with many who seek quality, flavor, and hospitality in their dining experience. The restaurant’s specialty lies in authentic “American style” Chinese cuisine crafted entirely from plant-based ingredients, featuring impressive mock meats that taste and look remarkably like traditional meat dishes. This unique blend appeals both to vegetarians and to those simply looking to try something deliciously different. The spacious yet cozy environment is ideal for socializing, whether you are catching up over lunch or celebrating an event with close friends or family.
Moreover, Veggie Garden is known for offering quick service without compromising quality, making it easy to fit a fun group meal into any schedule. The cleanliness and friendly service further bolster the inviting ambiance, ensuring that groups feel comfortable and well attended. The variety on the menu means everyone in your group can find a dish to delight their palate—from spicy Kung Pao “chicken” to refreshing Thai iced tea and delectable green onion pancakes. For groups who value wellness, sustainability, or simply crave tasty food in a warm setting, Veggie Garden is an excellent rally point.
What activities and experiences can you enjoy at Veggie Garden for a group meetup?
Veggie Garden offers more than just a place to eat; it cultivates a relaxed, community-focused environment perfect for group activities that encourage connection. Sharing food is the central activity — the menu encourages communal dining with dishes designed to be shared among friends. This shared dining experience fosters conversation and laughter as everyone tries different flavors ranging from mock meats crafted with seitan and mushrooms to fresh vegetable-based specialties. The generous portions and diverse choices mean no one leaves hungry or disappointed.
The restaurant also provides an opportunity to engage in culinary exploration. Many groups enjoy comparing notes on their favorite dishes or discovering how vegan “meats” can mimic traditional dishes with extraordinary accuracy. This sparks friendly debates and shared appreciation for innovation in plant-based cuisine. Parties can experiment with various tea options like Thai iced tea or soy milk tea, adding a refreshing and novel touch to the meal.
Veggie Garden’s environment is casual yet clean, with tables arranged to accommodate both small and larger groups comfortably. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family reunion, or a casual meet-and-greet with friends, the space is flexible enough to host meaningful gatherings. The staff’s attentive service helps groups by managing large orders efficiently and making sure everyone’s needs are met, whether for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Why is Veggie Garden perfect for hosting group meetings or family gatherings?
Hosting a group event requires a venue that is welcoming, accessible, and accommodating, and Veggie Garden meets all these criteria with distinction. The restaurant’s focus on vegetarian and vegan cuisine makes it an inclusive choice for groups with varied dietary preferences, ensuring that guests who avoid meat for health, ethical, or religious reasons have plenty of delicious options. This inclusivity removes the stress often associated with group dining for those with special diets.
Moreover, the restaurant’s location in Mountain View makes it convenient and accessible, which is particularly important for groups traveling together. The comfortable interior and casual layout lend themselves well to socializing without the noise or discomfort sometimes found in larger commercial spaces. The décor is tasteful, with an ambiance that balances modern simplicity and warmth, making guests feel at home.
Veggie Garden also places a high value on cleanliness and service quality, which significantly enhances the group dining experience. Families with children appreciate the hygiene and safety measures in place, while adults enjoy attentive service that allows them to relax and enjoy their time together. The quick preparation of meals ensures groups don’t experience long waits, keeping the energy and flow of conversation lively.
Additionally, the versatility of the menu makes Veggie Garden suitable for diverse group sizes—from intimate gatherings of friends to larger family celebrations. You can customize orders and even plan ahead for larger parties, helping your event run smoothly.
What can you expect from the food and menu offered at Veggie Garden?
Veggie Garden’s menu is a celebration of vegetarian and vegan Chinese cuisine that is both authentic and inventive. The chefs have perfected the art of transforming plant-based ingredients into mouthwatering dishes that closely replicate traditional Chinese favorites. The extensive menu offers a wide range of choices, including star dishes like Kung Pao chicken, mock roasted duck made with seitan and shiitake mushrooms, a variety of stir-fries, and flavorful rice and noodle plates that complement the main courses.
One of the standout features of Veggie Garden’s food is the quality and freshness of the vegetables and plant-based proteins used. The dishes are prepared with care to balance taste, texture, and nutrition. For example, their mock meats have been praised for looking and tasting so genuine that even non-vegetarians are pleasantly surprised. This culinary craftsmanship creates an enjoyable experience for all, from vegetarians to curious food lovers.
Beverage options like Thai iced tea and soy milk tea are refreshing accompaniments that enhance the flavors of the dishes. Customers often rave about desserts such as lychee slushies, which add a sweet, cooling finish to the meal.
Furthermore, Veggie Garden’s affordability makes it accessible for groups who want a high-quality dining experience without breaking the bank. The combination of reasonable prices, generous portions, and fast service enhances its appeal for group outings.
How does Veggie Garden’s atmosphere contribute to a perfect meetup?
The atmosphere at Veggie Garden plays a crucial role in making it an ideal venue for friend and family gatherings. The layout is spacious enough to seat groups comfortably while maintaining a cozy feel that encourages conversation and connection. Clean tables, tasteful décor, and thoughtful lighting create a pleasant environment that is neither overly formal nor too casual—striking a perfect balance for diverse occasions.
The friendly staff adds warmth to the overall experience by providing prompt, courteous service that helps maintain a smooth dining flow. Whether groups need assistance with menu selections, have special requests, or want recommendations for pairings, the staff is attentive without being intrusive. This professional yet approachable service sets a welcoming tone that puts guests at ease.
Moreover, Veggie Garden’s commitment to cleanliness, reported consistently by customers, means guests can focus on their company and conversation without distractions. This supportive environment enhances the experience of hosting events such as birthday dinners, casual reunions, or even more intimate gatherings.
The background ambiance, combined with the quality of food and service, turns every meal here into a convivial experience that invites guests to linger comfortably and enjoy each other’s company without feeling rushed.
What makes Veggie Garden stand out compared to other dining options in Mountain View?
Veggie Garden shines in the Mountain View dining scene due to its unique niche as a vegan and vegetarian-friendly Chinese restaurant with exceptional food quality. Unlike many typical eateries, it offers a novel culinary experience where plant-based cuisine is elevated to replicate classic dishes with striking authenticity. This specialization appeals to a wide audience segment, including vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, and those simply eager to try innovative dining.
The restaurant also stands out because of its high customer satisfaction, reflected in thousands of positive reviews highlighting excellent food, speedy service, and a clean, pleasant environment. Many reviewers emphasize how surprising and delicious the mock meat dishes are, an endorsement that draws curious diners beyond the usual vegan crowd.
Additionally, for groups looking for a reliable and enjoyable meeting place, Veggie Garden’s consistent performance in service and food quality sets it apart. It combines the familiarity of well-loved Asian flavors with modern, health-conscious dining trends, creating an accessible but distinctive experience.
Finally, its reasonable pricing and convenient location in Mountain View make Veggie Garden not just a place to eat, but a destination for shared social experiences that bring friends and family together, enriching their time with delicious food and memorable moments.