Imagine turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches and lush green hillsides - this is St. John, the smallest and most enchanting of the U.S. Virgin Islands! Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with two-thirds of the island protected as a national park, St. John is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquillity and adventure. But for vegan travellers, the question often is: can I find food that didn't come at the expense of animals in paradise?
The answer is: yes, you can! As interest in veganism and mindful travel grows, St. John has blossomed with exciting plant-based culinary options: from fine dining to casual beachside bites, the island offers a surprising variety of vegan-friendly fare.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about enjoying a delicious vegan vacation in St. John, from the best restaurants to hidden gems and local markets. Here we go!
St. John’s island culture naturally aligns with a plant-based lifestyle, making it an ideal destination for vegan travellers. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and a wellness-focused mindset creates a welcoming environment for anyone looking to eat well while on vacation - sounds nice, doesn't it?
The Caribbean is home to an abundance of tropical fruits and vegetables. In St. John, you can find locally grown mangoes, papayas, passion fruit and coconuts (root vegetables like sweet potatoes and yams are also staples). The island’s commitment to freshness means you’re often eating produce that was picked just hours before it lands on your plate!
The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Food in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about enjoying a delicious vegan vacation in St. John, from the best restaurants to hidden gems and local markets. Here we go!
Why St. John is a Vegan's Paradise
St. John’s island culture naturally aligns with a plant-based lifestyle, making it an ideal destination for vegan travellers. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and a wellness-focused mindset creates a welcoming environment for anyone looking to eat well while on vacation - sounds nice, doesn't it?
Fresh, Local Produce
The Caribbean is home to an abundance of tropical fruits and vegetables. In St. John, you can find locally grown mangoes, papayas, passion fruit and coconuts (root vegetables like sweet potatoes and yams are also staples). The island’s commitment to freshness means you’re often eating produce that was picked just hours before it lands on your plate!
This not only makes for incredible flavour but also supports the local agricultural community.
St. John attracts visitors who are passionate about health and wellness, the island is a hub for activities like hiking, snorkelling, yoga and paddleboarding. This health-conscious vibe extends to the food scene, with many eateries offering fresh juices, smoothies and light, healthy dishes that are often naturally vegan (or can be easily adapted).
Many businesses in St. John are dedicated to sustainability. By choosing to dine at establishments that source their ingredients locally, you are supporting small farmers and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. This conscious approach to dining allows you to enjoy your meals knowing you’re making a positive impact on the local community and environment, yay!
While St. John may not have a plethora of exclusively vegan restaurants, many establishments offer fantastic plant-based options. Here are some of the top spots to check out.
A Focus on Health and Wellness
St. John attracts visitors who are passionate about health and wellness, the island is a hub for activities like hiking, snorkelling, yoga and paddleboarding. This health-conscious vibe extends to the food scene, with many eateries offering fresh juices, smoothies and light, healthy dishes that are often naturally vegan (or can be easily adapted).
Supporting Sustainable Practices
Many businesses in St. John are dedicated to sustainability. By choosing to dine at establishments that source their ingredients locally, you are supporting small farmers and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. This conscious approach to dining allows you to enjoy your meals knowing you’re making a positive impact on the local community and environment, yay!
The Best Vegan and Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in St. John
While St. John may not have a plethora of exclusively vegan restaurants, many establishments offer fantastic plant-based options. Here are some of the top spots to check out.
- Amore Arowako Vegan Club: not only is this restaurant 100% vegan, it also offers authentic indigenous island food (think plantain, stew chunks and more!)
- Sam & Jack's Deli: although this place is neither vegan nor even vegetarian (it serves flesh), it's still probably the best place for vegans like us to get falafel, hummus and tofu;
- Sun Dog Cafe: Also a fleshy place, with fewer options than Sam & Jack's, Sun Dog Cafe has good salads.
A Note on Fine Dining at Finisterre
For travellers seeking a truly luxurious and personalised dining experience, consider staying at a private villa like Finisterre Estate. One of the unique perks is access to a private chef who can cater to any dietary need, including creating bespoke vegan menus. Imagine enjoying a gourmet plant-based meal prepared just for you, with the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean Sea!
This is an excellent option for special occasions or for those who want to ensure their culinary experience is as exceptional as their accommodations. Your concierge can arrange everything, from sourcing the freshest local ingredients to designing a menu that will literally tantalise your taste buds!
To truly experience the flavours of St. John, you should really venture beyond the main restaurants and explore the local markets.
Visiting a local market is a must for any food-loving traveller: you'll be able to find an array of fresh, seasonal produce that you can use to prepare your own meals:
If you're staying somewhere with a kitchen (like the beautiful aforementioned Finisterre Estate), you have the wonderful opportunity to cook with local ingredients.
Hidden Gems and Local Markets
To truly experience the flavours of St. John, you should really venture beyond the main restaurants and explore the local markets.
Exploring Local Markets
Visiting a local market is a must for any food-loving traveller: you'll be able to find an array of fresh, seasonal produce that you can use to prepare your own meals:
- Josephine's Greens: A local organic farm that often has a stand at various spots around the island, they offer fresh greens, herbs, and other vegetables so it's a great way to get super-local produce!
- Grocery stores: Starfish Market and Dolphin Market in Cruz Bay are well-stocked with a variety of vegan staples, including tofu, plant-based milks and vegan snacks too! You'll find everything you need to whip up a delicious meal in your kitchen.
Preparing Your Own Meals
If you're staying somewhere with a kitchen (like the beautiful aforementioned Finisterre Estate), you have the wonderful opportunity to cook with local ingredients.
- Breakfast: You might want to start your day with a tropical fruit salad featuring fresh mango, papaya and passion fruit, topped with coconut flakes.
- Easy lunch: Make a hearty salad with greens from Josephine's, topped with avocado, beans and a simple lime vinaigrette.
- Gourmet dinner: Try your hand at making a Caribbean-inspired dish! Just sauté local vegetables with coconut milk and spices and serve with a side of rice and peas for a flavourful meal.
Tips for Vegan Travellers in St. John
A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable vegan travel experience.
Packing Essentials
- Vegan snacks: While you can find plenty of options on the island, it’s always a good idea to pack some of your favourite protein bars, nuts or dried fruit for hikes or beach days!
- Reusable water bottle and cutlery: St. John is committed to reducing plastic waste so please bring your own reusable items to stay hydrated and enjoy take-out meals sustainably!
Communicating Your Needs
- Be clear: When dining out, clearly state that you are vegan and explain what that means (no meat, dairy, eggs or honey, etc). Most restaurant staff will be accommodating and happy to help!
- Call ahead: If you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, especially a more upscale one, call ahead to inquire about their vegan options (this will give the kitchen time to prepare something special for you).
Staying Active
Embrace the active lifestyle that St. John offers: start your day with a hike on one of the many scenic trails in the Virgin Islands National Park, followed by a refreshing swim at one of the world-famous beaches like Trunk Bay or Maho Bay. Staying active will not only make you feel great but also build up a healthy appetite for all the delicious vegan food you’ll be discovering!
More Vegan Caribbean
Whilst you're in the Caribbean, you might also find yourself in Jamaica and if so I have a vegan Jamaica guide just for you. The to be honest, if you're travelling from St John to Jamaica you'll probably won't be going direct, you'll go via Miami - luckily we have a guide for that too!
Your Vegan Adventure in St. John Awaits
St. John is a destination that nourishes the soul with its natural beauty and the body with its fresh, vibrant food. With a little planning, you can enjoy an incredible vegan culinary journey that complements the island's stunning landscapes. From fine dining under the stars to casual beachside snacks, the plant-based options are plentiful and delicious, believe me! Also, it's also worth checking out St. Thomas for vegan spots:
