Top Vegetarian Restaurant in Castro Valley
Taco Bell
20925 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
They are very rude to their customers. The guy is the worst and threatens to call the police if you dont leave after his 5 minute warning they are closing. Prior to this an employee announced she would be mopping the floor in 10 minutes and was surprised and told her about what has happened many times when we were still eating. Paul also knocked on the door and waited outside the restroom for me to hurry up they were closed. Hes also given 5 min notice to last min hungry customers and refusing service or being out of food they wanted to order. It really sucks because they are open until 2am on weekends to eat inside but I do not want my food spit on with his threatening behavior, bad attitude, refusing to give his name, no apologies for messing up the orders. There is also a girl that is the supervisor or Mgr both of them that are very LAZY and RUDE and need to be fired for being so arrogant and disrespectful!!!
Papa Murphys Take N Bake Pizza
20895 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
This location is nearest me and I have frequented this place over the years for quite a long while now, which is also how Ive noticed the quality has gone down significantly because they skimp on the toppings a lot. I believe theres a newer owner, Im not too sure because I dont see the same big man I used to see there. Now its another smaller dorkier man, and a woman thats there sometimes I think. The workers there have REALLY downgraded to the most basic, arrogant, no-future having, worthless, unprofessional service people ever. I usually have to bite my tongue cursing them out because the location is so close to me.So anyways, for the last experience recently that was the last straw, I called to place a phone order as I usually do; Family Size half and half pizza (wont say exactly what just in case they are watching), and since it was a signature pizza, I ask to switch out one of the veggie toppings (green onions) for another topping (bell peppers) as I do occasionally. Tell me why this rude harlot-sounding girl tells me in a rude voice Theres going to be a 1.50 charge still. Im like Why? Im switching out one topping for another-- she cuts me off and snob-ily says It doesnt matter what it is, we do not do substitutions. So to make a long story short, I had to get into a screaming match with both her and another worker who claimed to be the manager for 1) lacking customer service over the phone and 2) trying to tell me it really costs 1.50 even though Im TAKING OFF an item and REPLACING it with a similar item thats NOT a gourmet topping. I hang up, call corporate to make complaint and they basically tell me its the franchise owner who can only handle the issue and they would have him reach out to me.. Well that doesnt help me because if there are rude people working at the location, most likely the owner is rude as well which is why he hired them.Fast forward to me having to call the store back since I NEVER received a phone call from the Franchise owner after THREE calls to corporate and going in circles, the same rude trick answers the phone, so I question the stupid policy yet again. She tells me that since they do not charge for onions, they cannot substitute any veggie topping for onions. Seriously, WHAT TYPE OF SENSE DOES THAT MAKE???? SO YOURE TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE FOR A SIGNATURE PIZZA, PLUS AN EXTRA $1.50 EVEN THOUGH IM TAKING A TOPPING OFF AND REPLACING IT WITH A SIMILAR TOPPING?? AND ITS A REGULAR VEGGIE?? NOT GOURMET VEGGIE??? ITS NOT EVEN A MEAT!!!Fast-Fast forward to the owner finally getting in contact with me, and of course he has the same unprofessional, rude, immature attitude as his staff right at the beginning of the phone call when speaking to me. I swear he thought he was Kanye or something because he was really feelin himself for no reason, trying to talk over me and scold me for being upset over toppings. He didnt even let me explain how I have gotten substitutions before and how I was just trying to understand the exact policy, and he kept saying Its just a topping--YES MOFO, ITS JUST A TOPPING. SO WHY ARE YOU FIGHTING WITH THE CUSTOMER OVER A TOPPING INSTEAD OF BEING A GOOD BUSINESS OWNER AND PROVIDING A SOLUTION BY JUST GIVING ME THE DAMN TOPPING WITHOUT AN EXTRA CHARGE??? Honestly, had they not been so gdamn rude about the whole situation from the get-go, I would have just paid extra. I just wanted clarity about the policy.
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PAMPAS CAFE
22222 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
This is the team, the food, and the atmosphere I want to bring everyone to when they visit Castro Valley. It feels like a family running this business and the genuine warmth from the staff invites customers to share in that feeling. The empanada quality is consistent, making it worth coming back regularly - toasty warm and flavorful! Hot cups of coffee AND tea - good size. I recommend dining in AND taking empanadas home.Top empanadas for me:ChickenChorizoBreakfastApple (like apple pie done better)Weekday hours as of Mar 2023Tues-Fri 7:30am - 2:30pmPampas moved locations March 2023 (new location is open as of March 25!), and this is a convenient location next to Castro Valleys popular Trader Joes. Nice open floor plan and high ceilings with ample indoor seating for the dozen customers that were there. No outdoor seating at this time. It is different from the classic Pampas location, and although its different, happy to say equally as inviting and cozy! Im excited to see what they do with the piano and intimately-sized stage in the corner of the entryway.Breakfast empanada was STUFFED today, which makes me think the change in location is only going to do good things for the quality of Pampas offerings. So glad!My family eats enough Pampas to justify a subscription service if they had one. I recommend getting punches on their punch card (loyalty rewards)!
Luccas Italian Delicatessen
3121 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
Still the best deli in Alameda Cty. Maybe the Bay area? Prices have risen substantially over the past year. While eating here is still a good deal (as compared to other delis - like Genova, who are just way over the top with pricing), sandwiches are creeping up to $11 each (most are between $8 & $9). Drinks (even bottle waters) are pricey. They have constant turnover with help, so service has suffered a bit too. But their following/fans are real. Get here B4 1130am on most weekend days, or stand in line for about 30 minutes (take a #, literally). Week days arent as busy but do get here as early as you can. Because after 1145am and there will be a line.Make sure you look for the red numbering machine (near the front register/counter). Take a number upon your arrival, or else youll waste time waiting. Call to pre-order is the best way to be served. You can still eat there, if you like but seats are limited. They also have other mediterranean foods for sale but prices are expensiveEdit: (5/30/2020) - Ate here/takeout dinner. I had the hot/dry cured coppa (sandwich now $9) with sourdough roll. It is still an excellent meal. But I noticed it is now filled with about 4 ounces of meat (used to be 6 oz.). I saw how the sandwich-maker measured it out on a scale. 4 ounces of meat is a joke. Never thought Id say it at Luccas (who have won best deli in Alameda county for over 20-yrs.) but that is downright skimpy. It is now not worth $9 for one sandwich. With the pricing going up and the amount of meat shrinking, this is not a place I frequent anymore. Its just too expensive for not enough meat. And I also noticed the help has turned over a lot. Not a good combination. I used to come here 2-3x a month but not for a lousy 4 ounces of meat for $9. Nope.
Lake Chabot Public Market
18911 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
Great concept. Love the Market Hall idea with multiple restaurants in one common space. Not a huge variety of options, but still good. Ate at Shumi Ramen, we got Vegetarian Ramen, fried purple sweet potatoes and agedashi tofu. All pretty good, but not amazing. Started with Devout coffee from the little shop out front which is open earlier than the Market opens. Devout Coffee is always a win, today was no different. Tried a couple new drinks: Eggnog latte and Espresso tonic - both interesting and tasty!
Phulkari Indian Cuisine
3418 Village Dr, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
Ordered takeout. The two vegetarian dishes (chick peas and okra), the lamb curry, naan, and mango lassis were delicious. Castro Valley lacks good restaurants but this new location doesnt disappoint! I think its the best indian within the area (cv & tri-valley). I see complaints about portions and prices. Portions have been shrinking at many restaurants, so Im not at all surprised there. This place is pretty average size in terms of proportion, to be fair. Prices are on high end for sure for cv. But I think the food is worth the price, considering its just minutes from home for me. I feel that cv neighbors complain too much about high prices but you get what you paid for. There are cheaper restaurants but its below average, so is it really worth it? I hope restaurant qualities improve in the area - Im happy to pay the premium for good food. We will definitely go back to try more.
El Rancho Supermercado
22291 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
I recently visited this Mexican market and restaurant and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with the experience! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a truly authentic Mexican atmosphere that made me feel like I was back in Mexico.The market had an impressive selection of traditional Mexican goods and ingredients, including fresh produce, meats, and spices that you cant find anywhere else. I was also impressed with the cleanliness and organization of the market, making it easy to navigate and find what I was looking for.Now, lets talk about the restaurant - the food was absolutely amazing! I tried a few different dishes and each one was bursting with authentic Mexican flavors that truly transported me to Mexico. The portions were generous, and the prices were more than fair for the quality of food.What really set this place apart, however, was the service. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure our experience was nothing short of perfect. They even offered us suggestions on what to try, which only added to the overall experience.Overall, I highly recommend this Mexican market and restaurant to anyone looking for a truly authentic Mexican experience. Five stars all around - you wont be disappointed!
Knudsens Restaurant-Ice Creamery
3323 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
As a diner / local eatery Knudsens Ice Creamery is flat average. The waitstaff are generally friendly but average in service. The tables and chairs have that not-quite-clean feeling you get in places like Dennys and the food (while better than you will find in any Dennys) is regular diner fare.But thats NOT why you come to Knudsens, its not Knudsens neighborhood diner, its not Knudsens burger joint, its Knudsens Ice Creamery and thats why it gets four stars from me. Its like Fentons in Piedmont and I think it is a fair comparison - also unlike Fentons this place is not as widely known and is easer to get to, park, and get served. If you dont want the wait but want a great ice cream something I recommend giving Knudsens a try!The selection of ice cream is large and the flavors are good. They make great Sundays and specialty piles of ice-creamy goodness. I try to get a different ice cream concoction each time I visit and have yet to be disappointed. The family has also made getting the sweet potato fries a regular, they come with marshmallow fluff!Knudsens also has an added bonus: A huge selection of house made chocolates and fudge, one that gives Sees a run for its money (in selection, for quality it leaves Sees in the dust).
Portales Taqueria
3153 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
Friendly courteous Service.Good food at Portales!!!----Yesterday, my partner and I decided to check Castro Valleys Portales Mexican restaurant out and were impressed w/ both service and the food!----The menu has a good selection. I chose machaca plate--it was delicious! The beans and rice were well made. The machaca beef and eggs/cheese tasty! Served nice and warm and the tortillas were fresh :)I liked the service too-- i recall the cashier/server was Ellie (or perhaps Ella). She was friendly and answered questions and even gave us a brief history of the restaurant--2 former Oakland locationd and now this Castro Valley place-- and her father actually prepared seasoned and plated my machaca plate!My partner is pescatarian so more fish/seafood options would be nice.Otherwise, we enjoyed the whole dining Portales experience--very good food and service at Portales!Ill definitely return and try more of the good food next time Im in downtown Castro Valley!!! -----Keep up the good work and courteous service!Allan Bodhi Reyes
Caf Rumi
4799 Heyer Ave, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
I came here for dinner with my girl to try something different that we dont normally do. This place is small but feels very alive and full of soul. Their menu is not huge but what I did see on it sounded great. The two ladies working behind the counter were very sweet. My girl ordered a chicken Kabob Sandwich and I ordered the gyros platter and an iced coffee. It didnt take long for our food to be ready. When I took first glance at my platter I thought, damn this looks delicious. Well, I was right. The lamb/beef was tender and juicy. The rice was tender and plentiful. And the tzatziki was smooth, cool and just phenomenal. Finally, there was cut up vegetables seasoned to perfection that when I mixed everything together there was so much flavor fighting for my attention I didnt know what to do. So, I ate everything. Even the bread that came with my meal was soft and brought the meal together like a traditional gyros. My girls chicken Kabob burger was scrumptious too. A soft bun smothered in that delicious tzatziki sauce with onions, tomatoes and chunks of tender chicken. Everything was delicious, including my iced coffee. Its a little pricey but no joke I feel that it was worth it.