Vegan
Chinese
Delivery
Take-out
Asian
Vietnamese

Long-time established pure veg Asian cuisine restaurant. Its menu features a varied range of choices from rice and noodle dishes to soy meats, hot pots, refreshing beverages and vegan desserts. Moved here 2014 from its former location on O'Farrell St. Open Mon-Sun 11:00am-7:30pm.


224 Reviews

First Review by baruchadam

soma_10

Points +31

Vegetarian
29 Oct 2022

Underwhelming

Unfortunately the food we ordered (spicy Mongolian delight and lemongrass deluxe with mango sticky rice for dessert) last night was too bland. May be it was a one-off bad day. Spicy was not spicy in the Mongolian delight. Lemongrass deluxe was missing the classic lemongrass one would expect.

Pros: Fast Service , Good ambiance inside

Cons: Sketchy area (not the fault of the restaurant)

Dconstructivist

Points +87

Vegan
19 Mar 2024

What a nice surprise!

First time here. Ordered lemongrass chicken with a side of white rice. So gooood. Would come back everyday if I lived here to try out the rest of the menu!

Pros: Food, Cleanliness, Fast

MaPa

Points +96

Vegan
14 Mar 2024

Delicious food and great service

What can I say. The food was delicious, the menu was extensive and the staff were so friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed it and wish we had more time in SF so we could go back for a visit. So good. The location maybe not great, but even so it was quite busy even at lunchtime

Pros: taste, extensive menu, price

Cons: location

lisamariaschreiber

Points +2050

Vegan
10 Feb 2024

Great Food

I could not have imagined better Food. Highly recommend it! I’ve been here twice and I love it. Make sure if you walk to not walk through tenderloin to come here as it’s not super safe. Best would be to take an Uber!

Updated from previous review on 2023-12-24

McMallory

Points +2033

Vegan
05 Feb 2024

Really great

Everything we got was really great. We tried one of the specialties, a veggie side, and a wonton soup. The soup was HUGE and could have been a meal on its own. The curried king trumpet mushrooms were excellent (if a little over-sauces) and the clay pot tofu and rice dish was phenomenal. The dishes all came out at different times but we were eating family style so we didn’t really care (keep that in mind if you’re not sharing). We ate until we were stuffed and didn’t have room for dessert, but the dessert options looked good.

The service isn’t the most attentive in the world and is maybe a little brusque. But I’m used to that in this style of no-frills, good-food place and it didn’t bother me. I wouldn’t have mentioned it if not for other reviews that complained about service. The food didn’t come out super fast but it wasn’t that slow either. Everyone was friendly, just not effusive. If this sort of service bothers you this might not be the place for you, but you’ll be missing out because the food is really good.

gabs1205

Points +210

Vegan
31 Jan 2024

Go to spot for takeout

Genuinely love the options they have here and it’s always been a solid doordash option for me when I lived in the city. Highly recommend their lemon grass soy chicken.

madmadgrrl

Points +215

Vegan
28 Jan 2024

Go to for take away

Been enjoying them since they were on O'Farrell & love them for an in- person visit but it's a favorite of ours for a take away. Love the pot stickers to start or the rainbow or seaweed salad. Saigon rice plate is nicely balanced & the claypots & noodles are delicious. Yea!

tampopo

Points +470

Vegetarian
24 Jan 2024

Lots of choice

I’ve been here a few times over the years and it is always quite tasty, decent portions and I know what to expect.

clamchow

Points +1034

Vegan
21 Jan 2024

Yummy

I thought the queens special had a good texture and taste.

hrn126

Points +557

Vegan
19 Jan 2024

Amazing spring rolls

I ordered spring rolls on ubereats and they are truly the best spring rolls I have ever had in my life. Highly recommend.

Gopala108

Points +2860

Vegan
15 Jan 2024

Horrible service

Had a horrible experience at Golden Era recently. Yes, it is a vegan restaurant , and it was busy yet service was extremely poor. I dined here with my beloved and our date night was ruined.

We ordered an appetizer, a pho, entree, and brown rice. The pho was brought out and no appetizer. We waited 30 min having the pho. We checked on the order and server was rude. Still nothing.

My beloved worked 22 years as a waitress raising a child as a single mother and earning her PhD. We went up again and decided to call it. We said we could either get the pho comped and returned or pay the $15 or so for it and never return losing our business. They said they wanted the $15. We paid and split.

I would give zero stars for horrendous service. We won't return.

Updated from previous review on 2023-05-05

Pros: All Vegan Vietnamese and Thai Cuisine, Affordable

Cons: Horrible service

Lol638

Points +330

Vegan
06 Jan 2024

Miam

Very good
I really enjoyed it.

But I am tired to have the check before I even touch my dessert...

Pros: Very good food

MoLu

Points +220

Vegan
29 Oct 2023

Lovely, comfort food

I went here a number years ago with my friend and coincidentally just went last night for dinner with the same friend! We were happy to see that Golden era was still here😄

All the food sounded amazing, so it was really hard to choose. I tried the Bahn Xeo, bc it seemed the most unique to find a vegan version and it was pretty satisfying. It might have been too authentic for me, as I've never liked the taste of eggs and it definitely had a bit of that sulfury taste...it wasn't too strong, though and it was cool to try something new.

My favorite thing to order however, are the curry wraps. So delicious and pure comfort food for me!

Pros: Delicious flavors, Unique dishes, Fast and friendly service

andyjng

Points +4701

Vegan
22 Oct 2023

Fantastic Dine In & Take Out

The golden era of food should be going plant based and this spot really shows how delicious Asian food can be no matter the palette.

I came here with a friend before a concert. Restaurant is located in the Tenderloin but don't let that prevent you from coming. They have wide open seating indoors and food that gets prepped quickly that you'll be eating in no time.

We started with their Cucumber Kelp Salad ($12) and the Banh Xeo ($14), and both options really hit the spot. The salad was absolutely refreshing with a sweet, tangy dressing over kelp noodles and veggies. The banh xeo was prepared well with mushrooms and tofu, and came with a large batch of lettuce wraps, basil, and mint to enjoy.

For our mains, we tried their House Rice Claypot ($14) and the Curry Okra ($15). The claypot was fine as a fried rice fish but the curry okra was really the winner of the two. The fragrant coconut milk based curry was full of flavor with a nice kick to it. We forgot to order rice to accompany it but it was still great with the claypot.

Our meal ended with their Mango Sticky Rice ($8) which was a nice sweet dessert to finish off a great meal.

Service was great and they kept checking in to make sure we were doing okay. I gotta say - this is now one of my favorite vegan Asian restaurants in SF and would be happy to come back and try more soon.

Pros: Great Asian vegan options, Takeout was also solid

Lol638

06 Jan 2024

For 2024 all the price mentioned went up of 1$

taiwanesetexan

Points +8332

Vegan
21 Oct 2023

Improved

It's time to update my review from late 2021. Staff is super sweet, and the produce seems much fresher. I'm grateful that this spot is only a ten-minute walk away. I've been three times in the past month, and I keep finding great dishes to try. The banh xeo is on my list of items to give a second chance to. And I really just want to dedicate at least one visit to enjoying their dessert!

Updated from previous review on 2021-10-03

Pros: all vegan

LisaSpykers

Points +6995

Vegan
14 Oct 2023

An affordable option in SF

One of the more affordable options in San Fran. Good flavors and service. The steamed bun is yummy and filled with tofu and veg instead of red 'pork' (I prefer the fake pork version) and the king mushroom and veg curry had a nice flavor although a bit oily. They also have cakes by the slice and sell vegan chocolate bars for $3 (try the English brittle one).

Updated from previous review on 2023-10-12

Trotech

Points +28

Vegan
18 Sep 2023

GOOD DINING

Ordered three items (spring rolls, chickn drumettes and chow mien).

Pros: spring rolls and drummettes were awesome.

Cons: Chow mein was average and could be improved, No utensils in takeout

TaylorGoVegan

Points +820

Vegan
25 Jul 2023

Great food!

I LOVED the orange chick’n & sticky white rice I got from here.

AprilJoyce

Points +282

Vegan
03 Jul 2023

Nice dinner!

We had great service. I asked for some oil free options. Our servers went back, talked to the kitchen, came back to our table and offered several oil free options. We were even given the soy protein on the side because it contained a small amount of oil. I’m thankful for the staff going out of the way to accommodate our request. The food was delicious.

Pros: Prices reasonable, Food delicious, clean restaurant, Walking distance from hotels, shopping, tourism

Cons: Not many oil free dishes, Sketchy location

Zombiecynthia

Points +5012

Vegan
17 Jun 2023

OG Vegan Spot in the TL

I love their new location! It’s so airy and allows plenty of light, I remember when it used to be one of the only vegan spots in The City - and now it’s a well known gem!

Super glad I stopped in after placing a takeaway order. Plenty of indoor seating and personnel were super friendly!

I was even complimented while walking back to my fur pal - friendly folks everywhere!

Ordered the Spring Rolls and Chowmein w/Faux Chicken and broccoli. Since I was with my fur pal, I decided to enjoy it picnic style along the shoreline.

Pros: Fully Vegan/Plant-Based • Delicious and Savory, Great Portion of Noodles • Easy Ordering Online, Friendly Personnel • Streamline Layout

Cons: It’s in the Heart of SF • Parking May Be Limited, Parking Garage Nearby (Pro)

JulienneSlice

18 Jun 2023

An OG spot, nice to hear they are still around!

Zombiecynthia

18 Jun 2023

RandySage

Points +51

Herbivore
30 Apr 2023

Yum!

Large menu, delicious food. Stopped in after visiting the Asian Art Museum, very nearby.

Pros: Large menu, including desserts, Delicious, Close to Civic Center transit station

Cons: Need to use shared key to get into restroom, American style desserts (I prefer Asian desserts)

shnuges

Points +108

Vegan
01 Apr 2023

so glad I veg’ed with them

First time visit, and it was wonderful! Overheard someone in the next booth say it was his favorite place to eat in SF

Pros: So many options, Labeled GF items, Friendly and helpful staff

33dst

Points +38

Vegan
21 Mar 2023

Excellent!

Tons of options, everything was great!

Easyybella

Points +450

Vegan
20 Mar 2023

Taste and variety is great

The variety and taste is amazing! Don’t be afraid because of the look outside. The restaurant is clean and tidy. Good price-quality ratio!

Updated from previous review on 2023-03-20

Forman

Points +5404

Vegan
26 Jan 2023

Yummy food!

In the area and HC delivered again. Friendly employees, great food too. The spring rolls and Asian wraps were the best. My wife liked her flan and my chocolate cake was a little dry.
We need to come back for dinner or a little more hungry. #Veganuary

DonnaF

Points +168

Vegan
26 Jan 2023

Fresh and Vegan

We were in the area of the Asian Museum and decided to have lunch and lucky for us Golden Era was nearby. The restaurant is very clean and neatly decorated inside. My husband and I ordered the spring rolls and Asian wraps to share. Both were nice portions, favorable and yummy! We appreciated that the rolls were served with a large serving of a delicious peanut sauce. We finished off our lunch with dessert, we had the mocha cake and the caramel flan which satisfied our sweet tooth's. Everything was really fresh and tasty, the service was good and the food was reasonably priced. So glad we stopped here for lunch! #Veganuary

Pros: All vegan, Good service, Fresh and tasty food

paulalecht

Points +209

Vegan
02 Jan 2023

Super Delicious Comfort Food!

What can I say that hasn't been said about the amazing Golden Era. I've inspired many meat loving coworkers to embrace vegan cuisine because of Golden Era. Their food is fresh and delicious, the place is super clean, and the wait staff are fast and friendly.

Updated from previous review on 2018-04-07

Pros: Fresh, delicious affordable food, Clean, modern place, Friendly, fast service




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