Maria Maria
Danville, California
710 Camino Ramon Road
710 Camino Ramon Road
Walnut Creek, California
1470 N. Broadway
1470 N. Broadway
I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. Maria Maria helpfully has a whole vegetarian section of their menu that is easily adaptable for a vegan diet. I recommend the wild mushroom fajitas; just ask for them without cheese. They are so flavorful and satisfying that I can only eat half. The vegetarian enchiladas are also great, and you can get them with a traditional red sauce to eliminate the cream in the original sauce. The tortillas are fresh and warm, the chips are salty and crisp, and the trio of salsas is delicious. They have an extensive margarita menu that is also excellent.
La Ultima
Danville, California
455 Hartz Avenue
I am including this restaurant on my list, even though I do have some complaints about the restaurant because they have some good vegan options. On my most recent visit, I noticed a small note on the bottom of their menu, stating that the first basket of chips is free, but subsequent baskets cost you extra. I can't remember how much, but it was exorbitant, far and away beyond the actual cost of tortilla chips. They also couch this message in a patronizing comment claiming to be doing this for you, so that you don't spoil your appetite. I have never been to a Mexican restaurant that did not provide unlimited complimentary chips and salsa. And I have never seen a table eat so many chips as to bankrupt a restaurant. All in all I find this move to be cheap and ungracious. However, you may end up here with a group of friends, or a date, and I want you to know that you have a good option: the veggie burrito sans cheese of course; it’s delicious and filling, so fret not, you will not go hungry here.
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
Chipotlé
www.chipotle.com
God, I love this place. I have loved this place since I was introduced to it in college. I have eaten there almost weekly since I discovered it six years ago. When in Denver, my only request was to make a pilgrimage to the original Chipotlé location. Chipotlé should pay me for all the good press I give them. But, this place is even more magnificent now that I’m vegan. It is quick, delicious, and filling. I prefer the burrito bowl, but I’ve tried burritos, soft and crispy tacos with corn and flour tortillas. They are all delicious. So here’s what you need to know about Chipotlé: the tortillas are vegan, corn and flour; the rice is vegan; the black beans are vegan, the pinto beans are not; the sautéed veggies are vegan; all of the salsas and the guacamole are vegan. So now that you know your options, you can mix and match to your heart’s desire. Thank you Chipotlé for being so good to the vegan population!
Casa Orozco
Livermore and Dublin, California
www.casaorozco.com
I’ve been to both locations of this restaurant, and had great experiences. The chips are good, and the salsa is great, full of cilantro, and super flavorful. The menu is great for vegans, because along with the traditional chicken, beef, and pork, they also have a veggie mix option. So you can get veg tostadas, burritos, enchiladas, and tacos, and they will make anything without cheese. I love the enchiladas and the tostada. They also have delicious rice and beans that are vegan. I often like to share dishes so that I can try more than one thing in a visit. On my last visit, our waiter, the charming Eduardo, was kind enough to put the enchiladas on separate plates with individual servings of rice and beans. This was truly above and beyond.
