Visiting Miami as a vegan traveller can be an exciting, flavour-packed experience (believe me). While the city is well known for its sunshine, beaches and vibrant nightlife, there’s a growing plant-based scene, plenty of culture and lots of opportunity to explore consciously!
Below is a guide to help you enjoy Miami from a vegan perspective: how to eat, what to do and how to make the most of your time without compromising on values.
If you’re looking for restaurants that are fully vegan (not just vegan-friendly), Miami delivers some strong contenders. Here are a few stand-outs:
Located at the Coconut Grove Farmers Market (3300 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove, Miami FL 33133), Erawtica Loving Foods is a 100 % vegan, alkaline-focused food stall serving both raw and cooked dishes. Expect creative and nourishing plates such as raw tacos, soul food platters, stuffed dates and their popular banana cream pie! The menu changes with seasonal produce and everything is made from scratch. As it operates within the weekend market, it’s ideal for a casual lunch or to pick up something healthy while exploring Coconut Grove.
Found at 2644 SW 137th Ave, Miami FL 33175, JD’s VegMex is a fully vegan restaurant specialising in Tex-Mex comfort food (think burritos, tacos, quesadillas, crunch wraps, nachos and more, all made with plant-based ingredients). The kitchen focuses on clean, flavourful recipes using jackfruit, quinoa, potatoes and fresh salsas. It’s a relaxed and friendly spot perfect for satisfying vegan cravings after a day out exploring Miami’s vibrant neighbourhoods.
At 2616 NW 5th Ave in the Wynwood area, Love Life Café is a plant-based café that prides itself on “clean and delicious” vegan food made from scratch. A more casual and relaxed option - especially good for lunch or brunch!
Based in Little Haiti (7316 NE 2nd Ave), The Plantisserie vegan deli/market serves home-style, organic vegan dishes from lasagne to empanadas and everything in between. Ideal if you want somewhere more laid-back or to grab something to go.
Vegan Miami
Vegan Dining: Fully Vegan Restaurants to Visit
If you’re looking for restaurants that are fully vegan (not just vegan-friendly), Miami delivers some strong contenders. Here are a few stand-outs:
1. Erawtica Loving Foods
Located at the Coconut Grove Farmers Market (3300 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove, Miami FL 33133), Erawtica Loving Foods is a 100 % vegan, alkaline-focused food stall serving both raw and cooked dishes. Expect creative and nourishing plates such as raw tacos, soul food platters, stuffed dates and their popular banana cream pie! The menu changes with seasonal produce and everything is made from scratch. As it operates within the weekend market, it’s ideal for a casual lunch or to pick up something healthy while exploring Coconut Grove.
2. JD’s VegMex
Found at 2644 SW 137th Ave, Miami FL 33175, JD’s VegMex is a fully vegan restaurant specialising in Tex-Mex comfort food (think burritos, tacos, quesadillas, crunch wraps, nachos and more, all made with plant-based ingredients). The kitchen focuses on clean, flavourful recipes using jackfruit, quinoa, potatoes and fresh salsas. It’s a relaxed and friendly spot perfect for satisfying vegan cravings after a day out exploring Miami’s vibrant neighbourhoods.
3. Love Life Café
At 2616 NW 5th Ave in the Wynwood area, Love Life Café is a plant-based café that prides itself on “clean and delicious” vegan food made from scratch. A more casual and relaxed option - especially good for lunch or brunch!
4. The Plantisserie
Based in Little Haiti (7316 NE 2nd Ave), The Plantisserie vegan deli/market serves home-style, organic vegan dishes from lasagne to empanadas and everything in between. Ideal if you want somewhere more laid-back or to grab something to go.
These are just a sample of the many fully vegan spots in the city; indeed, Miami’s vegan scene has grown significantly. Hot tip: When you’re staying in the city, choose a base that gives convenient access to one of these neighbourhoods (Wynwood, Little Haiti, Miami Beach) to make your vegan dining easier.
Miami’s cuisine is strongly influenced by Cuban, Caribbean and Latin-American flavours. If you’re vegan, you won’t have to miss out: with a little adaptation you can enjoy the flavours of the city in plant-based form.
So the groundwork is already there: the region uses vibrant herbs, spices, tropical produce and strong flavour profiles. As a vegan you’re not just left with bland salad options: you can engage fully with local taste! Also: if your itinerary includes the Miami Design District or other trendy areas, you’ll definitely find chic cafés and vegan-forward spots alongside the more traditional fare.
When it comes to exploring Miami, much is the same whether you’re vegan or not: beaches, neighbourhoods, art, architecture, shopping and parks.
Embracing Traditional Miami / Cuban-influenced Foods - Veganised!
Miami’s cuisine is strongly influenced by Cuban, Caribbean and Latin-American flavours. If you’re vegan, you won’t have to miss out: with a little adaptation you can enjoy the flavours of the city in plant-based form.
Typical foods & how to veganise them
- Dishes such as moros y cristianos (rice & beans) are staples in Cuban cuisine: a vegan version is straightforward: skip any meat or animal-fat additions, go for black beans + rice + tomato/sofrito, plenty of vegetables.
- The classic Cuban sandwich (medianoche) features roast pig, sliced pig, cow cheese and pickles. To make it vegan: use plant-based cheese (or none), plant-based “pulled-pork” style jackfruit or seitan, vegan mayonnaise/mustard plus pickles, on Cuban-bread or a similar roll.
- Sweet plantains, yuca fries and tropical fruits are abundant - and naturally vegan!
- Many Cuban/Latin restaurants serve bean soups, rice dishes and fried plantains (just ask for no meat/animal products);
- If you like flavourful sauces, sofrito, garlic, peppers, cilantro and citrus are key in Miami-Latin cuisine - they carry over well into vegan versions!
So the groundwork is already there: the region uses vibrant herbs, spices, tropical produce and strong flavour profiles. As a vegan you’re not just left with bland salad options: you can engage fully with local taste! Also: if your itinerary includes the Miami Design District or other trendy areas, you’ll definitely find chic cafés and vegan-forward spots alongside the more traditional fare.
Sightseeing & Vegan-Friendly Activities
When it comes to exploring Miami, much is the same whether you’re vegan or not: beaches, neighbourhoods, art, architecture, shopping and parks.
For instance, you might head to the Miami Design District, explore the Art Deco Historic District of Miami Beach, stroll through Wynwood with its street-art walls - or just enjoy the waterfront!
One of the great aspects of Miami is its mix of architectural styles: the pastel Art Deco buildings of South Beach, sleek modern developments and creative re-uses of old buildings. This architectural variety adds extra interest to your sightseeing. When you’re walking around, keep an eye out for details like colourful façades, geometric motifs, vintage signage and enjoy how the built-environment reflects Miami’s cultural blend.
As vegans, we choose not to support traditional zoos or aquariums because they involve wild animals in captivity. The “entertainment” aspect of zoos as incompatible with vegan ethics (which promotes animals having their own autonomy and habitat). Thus, as a vegan traveller you should choose to skip the big aquarium or zoo and instead visit more open, plant-based or sanctuary-oriented nature spots, botanical gardens or eco-tours!
In summary: being vegan in Miami is not only entirely feasible but actually offers a rich and diverse experience! You’ll easily find fully vegan restaurants (not just partial menus), will be able to enjoy local flavours by adapting traditional dishes and can also explore the city’s architecture, neighbourhoods and culture without compromise.
Architecture, public spaces & neighbourhoods
One of the great aspects of Miami is its mix of architectural styles: the pastel Art Deco buildings of South Beach, sleek modern developments and creative re-uses of old buildings. This architectural variety adds extra interest to your sightseeing. When you’re walking around, keep an eye out for details like colourful façades, geometric motifs, vintage signage and enjoy how the built-environment reflects Miami’s cultural blend.
Vegan-friendly mindset for sightseeing:
- Opt for neighbourhood walking tours rather than heavy wildlife-oriented attractions!
- Choose public parks, beach time, outdoor art, local markets!
- If you want a nature fix, consider botanical gardens or fruit-and-spice parks (which are vegan-friendly).
Why skip zoos & aquariums?
As vegans, we choose not to support traditional zoos or aquariums because they involve wild animals in captivity. The “entertainment” aspect of zoos as incompatible with vegan ethics (which promotes animals having their own autonomy and habitat). Thus, as a vegan traveller you should choose to skip the big aquarium or zoo and instead visit more open, plant-based or sanctuary-oriented nature spots, botanical gardens or eco-tours!
Other Practical Vegan Travel Tips for Miami
- Stay hydrated & sun-ready: Miami is warm and humid; carry a refillable water bottle and choose shady lunch spots;
- Transport: There’s ride-share, buses, trolleys but walking and biking can help you soak in the local vibe (if you’re staying in a central neighbourhood);
- Check menus ahead: Even in vegan-friendly restaurants, it's worth calling ahead or checking online to confirm menu items (especially if you have gluten-free, diabetic or other dietary needs);
- Farmers markets & groceries: Explore local produce markets where fresh tropical fruits (mangoes, jackfruit, plantains and so on) are abundant and make for great vegan snacks!
- Cultural respect: Miami’s culture is diverse, Cuban, Caribbean and Latin-American influences mingle with American city life. Be open to the fusion and ask about vegan adaptations.
- Time your trip smartly: If you travel during hurricane season (June-November) you may face weather disruptions, meaning: vegan-friendly spots are year-round, but outdoor plans might need flexibility.
- Budgeting: Some vegan restaurants (the more upscale ones) may cost more than fast-food or casual spots (but there are still affordable vegan cafés and take-out delis);
- Stay ethical: Beyond your diet, consider how you engage with the city - choose experiences that align with your values (e.g., no big animal-shows, support local independent vegan eateries, reduce single-use plastics);
- Enjoy the local vegan community: Use apps like HappyCow and Facebook groups to find community-favourite vegan places in Miami.
Final Thoughts
In summary: being vegan in Miami is not only entirely feasible but actually offers a rich and diverse experience! You’ll easily find fully vegan restaurants (not just partial menus), will be able to enjoy local flavours by adapting traditional dishes and can also explore the city’s architecture, neighbourhoods and culture without compromise.
