Seemor
Berkeley › Gourmet Ghetto › Cha-Ya Berkeley
Cha-Ya BerkeleyA-
1686 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709
· Vegan restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
· Gourmet Ghetto
Beloved vegan Japanese standby delivering fresh, carefully prepared vegetable sushi and homestyle plates at fair prices; cash or Venmo only and limited seating.
The verdict
Cha-Ya exemplifies thoughtful vegetarian dining through exceptional food quality and warm, attentive service, earning a solid A- grade. The restaurant's two-decade reputation and devoted regulars reflect reliable execution, though limited seating and modest ambiance prevent grade A territory. For diners seeking fresh, produce-driven Japanese cuisine in a low-key Berkeley institution, this delivers genuine value.
One caveat: Cash or Venmo only; bring payment method to avoid ATM fees
What to order
- Vegetable Sushi (Kappa, Vegan Roll, Inari)
- Agedashi Tofu
- Taku-Sui
What diners say
- Feeling nourished without heaviness
- Reliably good food across many visits
- Sesame dressings and delicate broths
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Saturday12:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
Sunday12:00–15:00, 17:00–20:00
See full Restaurant DNA analysis — grade reasoning, occasion fit, what to order & more →