My Favorite Vegan Spots in Miami
Before we even continue, I have a confession to make…
I. Am. Not. Vegan.
There, I said it. It feels damn good to admit that. I hate the pressure that comes with food labels. I do, however, support the vegan and plant-based movement. I’m all about that plant-based life!
Besides the obvious physical health benefits (weight-loss, lower risk of heart disease, increased longevity), a plant-based diet is also better for Mama Earth. Factory farms in the U.S. alone produce 300 million tons of waste each year.
“Raising livestock for meat, eggs and milk generates 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the second highest source of emissions and greater than all transportation combined! It also uses about 70% of agricultural land, and is one of the leading causes of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution.” - The Guardian
A plant-based lifestyle reduces water and land use, lowers pollution, slows deforestation and can save thousands of animals from being born for the mere sake of consumption. We are no longer hunters-gatheres. There is not a scarcity of food, but rather an abundance, and it’s time to reconsider how much meat we are consuming and spend some time at our local vegan joints. They’re better for the planet and for you (one and the same, right?).
I’ve noticed that vegan restaurants tend to be more conscious when it comes to the quality of ingredients. The food is fresher, healthier and overall better. The people behind the businesses seem to have a higher mission besides profit and I’m happy, no THRILLED, to support the cause.
I am lucky to live in Miami, where all things trendy don’t waste time making a home here. But like all things trendy, it’s now common to spend $50+ on a fancy vegan meal in South Beach. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that, but that’s not my style.
I’ve spent an ungodly amount of time, money and energy scouring down the best vegan spots in the 305. To make the list they must meet these conditions:
Affordable: Not “cheap” per say, but also not $30 a plate for raw fruit. What is that!?
Chill: I should be able to strut on over in flip-flops and unbrushed hair.
Tasty: It’s gotta have sazon or it’s not happening.
Consistent: It’s gotta consistently have sazon, or it’s not happening.
Good energy: Llife is too short to spend time in places with wack energy. I wanna leave with a full belly and heart.
It was hard to narrow it down because there are so many vegan spots I love in Miami, but these are the places that got me hooked. They met my criteria and then some.
After a year of searching and tasting, here are the vegan spots that had me coming back time and time again:
Gluten-free, vegan donut at Choices Cafe
Choices Cafe
This is my go-to spot. I’m here at lest once a week. Choices is located in vShops, the world’s first all vegan food hall right here in Miami! It’s a small food hall, but with 5 different vegan food vendors there is something for every picky eater.
What I love: Everything is organic and Non-GMO! Which is why it’s consistently good. I’ve never had a bad meal here. And the team members are incredibly nice and down to earth.
What I don’t love: The coffee. At $5 a mug, perhaps I’m setting my expectations too high, but I just don’t love the coffee. It tastes weird and extra bitter. Get a tea or a kombucha instead.
My favorite dish: Tres Pancakes: 3 gluten free pancakes with a choice of 2 toppings (banana, chocolate chip, walnut, strawberry, blueberry, chia, coconut, hemp, cashew cheese, kale). Or, if I’m in a savory mood, the Deluxe Quesadillas, sans the soy chorizo and on a gluten-free wrap. Also, the donuts are to die for!
Choices Organic Cafe
2895 McFarlane Rd, Miami, FL 33133
Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 9:00
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 – 9:00
The Best Veggie Burger in America. For real.
Love Life
This is my favorite vegan spot in Miami. I say this with no hesitation whatsoever. Located on the outskirts of the madness of Wynwood Walls, Love Life is serving up some the tastiest vegan food I’ve ever had. Their creativity shines through in all of their dishes and they’re doing things with plants that I didn't even know was possible. Hello, the plant-based version of a Burger King egg croissant. SAY WHAT?!
What I love: How they’ve managed to turn all of my favorite junk food into healthy, flavorful as f*&k altertnatives. Burger, pizza, tacos, brownie a la mode…if you’re craving it, they got it, sans the guilt. When I eat here, I don’t feel like I’m neglecting foods I love for the sake of health. At Love Life, I get the best of both worlds!
What I don’t love: It’s far from me. Does that even count?!
My favorite dish: Best Veggie Burger in America. Yes, that’s the name of the dish, and with a name like that it better deliver. And deliver it does. It’s unexpected flavors and juiciness will convert any carnivore. I’m also currently obsessed with the Taco Salad, the only salad I actually enjoy devouring. Don’t leave without trying the brownie a la mode. Even with all of that tasty food, and you won’t leave feeling bloated or exhausted. Plant-powered!
2616 NW 5 Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Sunday - Monday: 9am-10pm
Friday & Saturday: 9am-11pm
source: happy cow.net
Vegan and Juice
Latinos, rejoice. You don’t have to sacrifice sazon eating vegan when Domincans get their hands on some vegetables. Vegan and Juice is the definition of a hole in the wall. A homey, cafeteria style spot you’d be lucky to find. This Dominican family-run establishment never disappoints and always delivers flavor.
What I love: The location. South beach, Coconut grove, Wynwood, Coral Gables…vegan restaurants in these neighborhoods are nice. BUT, its the people in the burbs of Miami that need the education and options. Here in Sweetwater, in the heart of Miami, it’s not just nice, it’s a necessity. To open up a vegan restaurant in Sweetwater, in a sea of Sergios and La Carretas, takes courage. The world needs more people to take these kinds of risks for the betterment of their community. The place is always packed and runs out of food!
What I don’t love: I’m pretty sure nothing here is organic. And the Styrofoam to-go plates and cups make me cringe every time. I started eating at the bar to avoid getting a Styrofoam to-go container.
My favorite dish: El plato del dia. The plate of the day. For just $8.99 you get four choices of hot, homemade Dominican goodness. It’s also one of the few places in Miami where you can get a freshly pressed juice of your choice. I can’t forget to mention how affordable this place is. 16+ ounces of a made-to-order juice for just $5?! That’s unheard of in Miami.
115 SW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33174
Monday-Friday: 10am-6pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm
At the Coconut Grove Farmers Market.
Coconut Grove Farmers Market
Nestled in what seems to be the only empty tree-lush corner in the grove is the Coconut Grover Farmers Market, a Saturday morning landmark run by Glacer Farms. Every Saturday morning that empty lot is transformed into Miami’s best open-air farmers market. Here you can find all of Miami’s tree hugging, veggie-loving hippies scattered about taste testing the day’s lunch options. Although Glacer Farms is the only farm, you don’t necessarily come here to purchase produce. You come here to eat! From an all raw salad bar to authentic Indian samosas to a Mediterranean feast, this is the place to eat and support local.
What I love: The array of options from small local vendors. I feel good knowing my money is supporting a conscious Miami entrepreneur on a mission. Plus the food options are unique, homemade and prepared with so much love.
What I don’t love: Not everything is vegan. I’m pretty sure my spring roll from the Vietnamese vendor had chicken, but luckily I’m not one to throw a fit if I accidentally eat meat. Don’t assume every vendor is vegan and ask about ingredients. Also, the customer service at Glacer Farms is horrific. I’ve seen the way the owner talks to their young employees and, well, I don’t blame the kids for not wanting to be there.
My favorite dish: My absolute favorite vendor is Courtney’s Cookies serving up vegan, gluten-free ice cream sandwiches that are hands down better than the real thing. The raspberry vanilla sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies makes it so easy to indulge your sweet tooth. And don’t forget to pick-up a bottle of Thai coconut water before you leave. It’s the most refreshing, sweetest coconut water I’ve ever had!
3300 Grand Ave, Miami, FL 33133
Saturday 10am-6:30pm
My happy place : ).
Whole Foods Market Dadeland
This list wouldn’t be complete without my happy place. I know Whole Foods is not a Miami specific eatery, but this is my second home and it deserves to be on this list. Specifically the Dadeland store down in Pinecrest.
What I love: More than anything, the energy. I am instantly uplifted the second I enter the store. The friendly team members, the upbeat music, the natural lighting, the abundance of gluten-free chocolate snacks. It’s my favorite form of therapy.
What I don’t love: I don’t love that with the Amazon buyout, Whole Foods is becoming more corporate. I still see and experience traces of the golden days, when every Whole Foods had that neighborhood, mom and pop shop feel, but I also see corporate giant moves happening. It’s not all bad. Prices have drastically lowered since the buyout, which makes the healthy food here more accessible, but I can’t help but wonder at what cost.
My favorite dish: The organic lentil soup. It’s just as much of a comfort dish for me as my mother’s lasagna. Pair this with a bag of Siete chips and you’re good to go.
7930 SW 104 Street, Miami, FL 33156
8am-10pm Daily
Before you go:
I am well aware that eating a vegan, gluten-free diet is my choice, a choice that is a privilege. Although I believe a plant-based diet is our birthright and the most natural way for humans to eat, I also understand that we live in a world where classics turn into trends and then eventually turn into industries. The vegan movement has become such a trend that eating this way and dining at these establishments is not accessible to all in our communities.
Cheap food is so cheap to make, profit-driven companies can get away with selling chemicals concocted into food for $1 and calling it food, while more conscious food companies have to charge a premium because their prices just can’t compete with fake food.
How can we raise awareness of this issue and help all communities in America have access to fresh, healthy food? I don’t know if there is one solution. But I will share with you a couple of non-profits in my community that are doing something about this:
Hungry Harvest: Have you ever noticed how nearly perfect the produce in our grocery stores are? Have you ever been to a farm? Have you noticed how imperfect the produce is there? Have you ever wondered what happens to “ugly” fruit and vegetables? Believe it or not, if the vendor doesn’t think it’s pretty enough to sell, they throw it away. THEY TRASH IT. 20 billion pounds of produce is lost before it even leaves the farm. It is the most absurd thing on the planet, and Hungry Harvest thinks so too. So they created this mission-driven non-profit to fight food waste and hunger by selling produce boxes with in-season ugly fruit and veggies for a fraction of the cost. Visit their website for more information and ways to support.
Eat Well Exchange: Two girlfriends teaching healthy foods for every culture to populations that need it most, locally and abroad. “EatWell Exchange learns the values, religious preferences, beliefs and concerns of a location before suggesting any changes. Allowing the conversation to begin, we acknowledge their lifestyle and learn from them as well.” Visit their website for more information and ways to support.
Health in Hood: This Miami non-profit builds community gardens in “food desserts”, areas where it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food. They provide produce free of charge to the residents as well as hire a resident Master Gardener to maintain the garden. The gardens are community driven and not only provide fruits and veggies for the community, but are also living classrooms for kids to connect with their food. Visit their Facebook page for more information and ways to support.
If you feel called to support and raise awareness, please share this post with your loved ones and support one of the causes listed above. Thank you for reading my words! Share with me your favorite vegan spots in the comments below.
Love,
Janelle
The Free Spirit Foodie
