Merit Vegetarian Cuisine: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Merit Vegan Restaurant in Sunnyvale is one of the Bay Area’s most established all-vegan spots, with a menu that spans Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, and beyond. Nothing on the menu contains meat, dairy, eggs, or MSG, so you don’t need to quiz your server or scan for hidden ingredients. It’s been serving plant-based Asian food since 2007 and has built a loyal following in Silicon Valley’s vegetarian and vegan community.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Merit Vegetarian Cuisine

Everything. The restaurant is 100% vegan, which means every single item, from the appetizers to the desserts, is free of animal products. There’s no cross-contamination risk from meat preparation because no meat ever enters the kitchen. The website explicitly states “no Animal Ingredients, no MSG, no Artificial Sweetener added.” You’ll find gluten-free options on the menu as well, though the kitchen handles wheat-containing items, so let staff know if you need to be strict about it.

Signature dishes to order

The Thai Fried Rice comes up in nearly every positive review, and for good reason. It’s a crowd favorite that even skeptical non-vegans tend to enjoy. The Pho and other noodle soups are also consistently praised, with rich broths that taste like the real thing. For appetizers, the Golden Rolls and Fresh Spring Rolls with peanut sauce are solid starting points. The BBQ Seitan Vermicelli Bowl and Vietnamese Crepe are both popular entrees worth ordering if they’re available.

Don’t skip dessert. The vegan cheesecakes, tiramisu, and pumpkin cheesecake get called out specifically in reviews. The Brownie with Ice Cream is another option if you want something more casual. Prices for desserts run $6.90 to $9.00, so it’s easy to add one on without blowing your budget.

How to order

Merit takes orders online through its own website, Square, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and GrubHub. You can also call ahead or walk in. The restaurant accepts reservations, which is worth doing for dinner, especially on weekends when the dining room fills up. Lunch tends to draw a busy weekday crowd, particularly from nearby tech offices, so expect a wait if you arrive at peak hours without a plan.

The menu runs to about 92 items across appetizers, salads, soups, noodle dishes, rice plates, entrees, specials, desserts, and beverages. Most entrees are priced in the $17 to $19 range, and specials top out around $25. That’s reasonable for a Bay Area restaurant with this level of variety.

What to watch out for

A few reviewers mention that service can be inconsistent. Some nights the staff is warm and attentive; other nights you might wait longer than you’d like. Several regulars recommend takeout as the most reliable experience if you’re in a hurry. The dining room is straightforward, no frills, so if you’re looking for a special-occasion atmosphere, this isn’t the vibe.

If you have a gluten sensitivity, the menu does include gluten-free options, and staff can point them out. The kitchen works with both gluten-containing and gluten-free ingredients, so ask about your specific needs before ordering.

Is Merit Vegetarian Cuisine worth it?

Yes, especially if you want a fully vegan meal with real variety and without the usual compromise. The menu is large enough that you won’t run out of things to try after a few visits. It’s been around since 2007, which says something about consistency in a competitive market. TripAdvisor ranks it in the top 10 restaurants in Sunnyvale, and the Google rating holds steady at 4.5 stars across nearly 2,000 reviews. For vegetarians and vegans in the South Bay, it’s a reliable go-to that tends to impress guests who don’t normally eat plant-based food.