Ever dreamt of basking in the Florida sun while indulging in a delicious, plant-based feast? You're not alone. The Sunshine State's food scene is quickly adapting to the growing demand for vegan cuisine. From the bustling streets of Miami to the charming avenues of St. Petersburg, vegan-friendly spots are popping up left and right. But which cities take the (vegan) cake when it comes to offering the best plant-based eats? Let's embark on a culinary journey through Florida's most vegan-friendly cities. You might just find your next foodie destination.
If you're looking for somewhere to stay, check out our guide to the best vegan-friendly resorts in Florida.
Orlando
Embracing the shift towards green cuisine, Orlando's vegan food scene flourishes with an impressive variety catering to diverse palates, so marking it as a haven for plant-based food enthusiasts. You'll find Ethos Vegan Kitchen serving homestyle dishes, such as mac 'n' cheese or burgers, that are as tasty as they are planet-friendly. Further indulge your sweet cravings at Valhalla Bakery where a delicious array of vegan pastries, cakes, and doughnuts from their sister store, Valkyrie Doughnuts awaits.
But it's not just about indulgence. For allergen-friendly options, you'd appreciate Plantees Burgers, a hotspot in the Mills 50 district, known for its detailed allergen information and classic burger combos, ingeniously crafted to be fully plant-based. Fancy a late-night vegan snack? Check out the Vegan Hot Dog Cart's delightful plant-based dogs.
Venture to Winter Park Biscuit Company for their acclaimed vegan biscuit variant, or explore Purple Ocean Superfood Bar's healthier, fresh, and organic provisions. The vibrant community atmosphere at Market on South teems with vegan vendors, offering a spectrum of food options from creamy ice cream to authentic Cuban fare. Finally, for vegan food, activities and community engagement, don't miss Central Florida Veg Fest, quite the vegan carnival happening annually in Orlando.
Miami
Engulfed in a diverse culinary landscape, Miami satiates every vegan palate, from wholesome burgers to international fusions. At the heart of Wynwood, Love Life Cafe plates up extraordinary vegan fare, charming patrons with its delightful burgers and refreshing smoothies. Minty Z, a paradise for vegan-friendly Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine, enthralls you with their vegan dim sum — a hot favorite among crowd. Then there's The Plantisserie in Little River, a vegan oasis sourcing organic, crafting remarkable deli items like empanadas and quiches.
Upscale dining shows off its green side at Planta and Planta Queen, with offerings stretching from vegan sushi to plant-based burgers and Asian delights. Then swing by Aguacate Sanctuary of Love in Tamiami, your vegan meal is complemented with a serene sanctuary ambiance. Finally, SoBe Vegan on Miami Beach reinvents American culinary classics, boasting a lineup of vegan hot dogs, sausages, and irresistible milkshakes.
Beyond dining, Miami buzzes with vegan events. From the SEED Food & Wine Festival, Vegan Block Party, to Soul Vegan Festival during Black History Month, and international Vegandale Festival, it's a city that blends veganism, culture, wellness, and entertainment.
Tampa
Tampa, a city that's no stranger to the vegan scene, hosts a standout event, the Tampa Bay Veg Fest. This annual extravaganza, curated by Florida Voices for Animals, is a haven for advocates of vegan living, offering enticing vegan cuisine, cooking demonstrations, lively music, and engaging activities for all ages. Held at Perry Harvey Sr. Park, the entry is gratis, with delectable food and beverages also in the offing.
Take your taste buds on a culinary expedition at Tampa's plethora of vegan eateries. Standouts include Voodu Vegan Bistro, which delivers a spectrum of global flavors, from Japanese and Thai to Latin, all in plant-based style. For hearty meals, Vegan International Co. boasts vegan drumsticks, gyros crafted from seitan, among other unique dishes. In the mood for Mediterranean? The Mediterranean Chickpea won't disappoint, catering perfectly to veggie-centric preferences.
For the sweets enthusiasts, there's Cinnaholic and HaleLife Bakery. Indulge in a customizable vegan cinnamon roll experience at Cinnaholic or opt for HaleLife Bakery, a spot that caters to gluten-free and allergen-friendly needs with their range of vegan baked goods.
St Petersburg
Moving further in our vegan culinary journey in Florida, the spotlight's next on St. Petersburg. Not just scenic beaches - it's a haven for vegans too. Here's why:
Dining and Retail Spots
With an array of-say 'delicious'-options, eating out in St. Pete is a plant eater's delight. The latest entrant, Good Intentions, is already turning heads. A snazzy restaurant located in the Grand Central District, it's a joint venture by the owners of Golden Dinosaurs, Black Radish Vegan Grocery, and Nah Dogs. More than just modern American cuisine, Good Intentions promises a stylish dining experience complete with a full bar.
But wait, there's more. Fancy some vegan sushi, ramen, poke, or dumplings? The House of Vegano, a fully vegan sushi bar, whips up some inventive dishes. For the budget-conscious, World Vegan Cuisine gets you a good bang for your buck, offering a range spanning from vegan sushi to New York-style cheesecake!
Vegan Events and Festivities
Communities in St. Petersburg embrace veganism with gusto. This shines through in their lifestyle events. Join in at Mastry's Brewing Co. for the Vegan Street Party, a fun-filled beachside event, or let your hair down at the PlantaPalozza Vegan Carnival at The Factory. VegFeast in December, hosted by Good Intentions, wraps up the year with food, fun, activities, and a celebration of compassion.
Jacksonville
As you journey through Florida's vegan-friendly cities, allow Jacksonville to be the next stop on your culinary tour. With its dynamic assortment of plant-based restaurants and events, the city's vibrant vegan scene remarkably stands out. Jacksonville-based Vegan Cafe Jax, for instance, serves up sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and salads with locally sourced whole food ingredients.
Got an itch for the Southern comfort food classics but want them vegan? Opt for the Murray Hillbilly, which cooks up vegan versions of fried chicken and mac 'n' cheese using local and all-natural ingredients. Don't forget to satisfy your sweet tooth either. Sweet Theory Baking Co. offers a variety of vegan doughnuts and cupcakes using organic ingredients.
Immerse yourself in the unique ambience at The Walrus, a Beatles-themed vegan restaurant serving up plant-based smoothies, sandwiches, and organic juices. For flavorful vegan soul food, Kravegan in the Orange Park Mall dishes out Smoked Ribz and Kalamari Po-Boys that you can't miss.
Throughout the year, Jacksonville celebrates veganism with events such as the Black Vegan Fest and the Jacksonville Vegan Chef Challenge. Expected on October 26, 2024, the Black Vegan Fest celebrates veganism and Black culture with an array of plant-based food, workshops, and live performances. Meanwhile, come June 2024, local restaurants compete in the Jacksonville Vegan Chef Challenge, offering exciting vegan menu options to earn the coveted spot as local diners' favorite.
In Jacksonville, there's no denying the extensive celebration of the vegan lifestyle through its cuisine and community events. So whether you're a longtime vegan or simply curious about plant-based eating, Jacksonville surely delights with its extensive vegan offerings.
Sarasota
As you journey further into Florida's vegan-friendly locales, Sarasota greets you with an abundance of plant-based indulgences. Eating out won't be a problem, given the array of vegan restaurants lining the city. You've Ionie Organic Raw Food Café, Project Coffee, and Nutritious You offering everything from smoothies to breakfast biscuit loaded with Just Egg and cheese. Lila and Lucile step up the game by adding vegan sushi rolls, wood-fired pizzas with walnut mushroom meatballs, and almond ricotta to their menus. While Green Zebra Café fills your brunch cravings with raw food entrées.
West Palm Beach
After exploring the vegan goodness in cities like Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville, let's shift our gourmet gaze to West Palm Beach. Noted for its vibrant plant-based scene, the city beckons with delightful dining options and events celebrating vegan cuisine. Sink your teeth into indulgent vegan junk food from the Dope Vegan Food Truck, or savor Italian-inspired treats at Plant-Based Mafia. Your pizza cravings get a vegan upgrade at Sprouty Pie, while VE by Subculture blends a warm coffee shop ambience with bao buns, lasagna, and other delicious treats. For a fancier outing, step into Planta for sophisticated vegan bites like chick'n fried mushrooms.
But it's not all about dining. West Palm Beach serves vegan fun, too. Community events, notably those organized by SoFlo Vegans, pop up regularly, offering free vegan tidbits and beverages, a fantastic chance to explore vegan offerings and engage with like-minded folks. Among its past events was the VE Plant-Based Pop-Up, a hit among the local vegan populace. So, make West Palm Beach your next destination for a flavorful vegan adventure.
Fort Lauderdale
Continuing the savory journey, you'll find Fort Lauderdale, another city gripping the vegan scene tightly. Here, it's not just the seaside that draws attention, but an abundance of plant-based dining options too. At the top of your must-try list could be PLANTA Queen, renowned for sophisticated dining featuring vegan sushi rolls and dumplings, serving both locals and foodie tourists alike.
Cravings for baked treats aren't to be ignored, thanks to Parlour Vegan Bakery, known to turn out an incredible range of vegan pastries and bread. Fancy a taste of the Middle East? The Hummus House won’t disappoint with its fresh, plant-centric spin on traditional dishes. Or, hop over to SoBe Vegan for a casual dining affair, where vegan versions of burgers, wraps, and salads rule the menu. Don't miss out on Blue Tree Cafe, either, if you're in the mood for vegan soul food, like spicy BBQ mushrooms and irresistible vegan mac 'n' cheese.
Fort Lauderdale's commitment to plant-based lifestyles goes beyond just restaurants. It's home to the spectacular Vegan Block Party - an annual celebration held on April 27, 2024 at Esplanade Park, brimming with food trucks, live music, wellness workshops, and family activities. In August and September, you'll find Dine Out Lauderdale, a city-wide affair shining a light on Fort Lauderdale's culinary expertise that prominently includes vegan and plant-based bites at multiple locations. It's a city tailor-made for vegan werewolf who loves to explore new cuisines, meet like-minded people, and stay up-to-date with the latest in vegan gastronomy, regardless of the time of year.
Conclusion
So there you have it! From Orlando's bustling vegan scene to the diverse offerings in Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Sarasota, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, you're spoilt for choice. These cities are a testament to Florida's growing love for vegan cuisine. Whether it's a quick bite at a food truck or a sit-down meal at a high-end restaurant, there's something for every palate. And let's not forget the vegan festivals that celebrate plant-based living in style. So next time you're in the Sunshine State, don't miss out on the chance to explore its vegan-friendly cities. Who knows, your new favorite meal might just be around the corner!