The best vegetarian restaurants in Miami

The local fast-casual chain (with locations in Sunset Harbour, Brickell and South Beach) caters to healthy eaters with big appetites. Bowls are large and packed with plant-based proteins (though grass-fed meat, free-range chicken and other animal proteins are an option), whole grains and vegetables, and all can be topped with a delicious cage-free egg. Calories, carbs and other nutritional facts are clearly listed on the menu—so no cheating, guys.

From healthy takes on Cuban food (sorry, Abuela) and a selection of wholesome savory bowls to standard salads, GreenLife does nutritious food well, fast and cheap. Don’t miss their rotating selection of vegan soups, like lentil and veggie, which change daily or any of the acai bowls—which you can customize with your favorite toppings.

Farmers and foragers are at the core of this laidback eatery, which sources quality ingredients regionally and responsibly. The laidback farm-to-table style of cooking defers to clean cooking methods, so veggies are baked or roasted—never fried—and healthy grains like farro and quinoa take the place of starchy alternatives. Sustainable proteins are available as an option, but with choices like the colorful pesto harvest skillet, there’s no need for meat.

No-frills is a term that gets thrown around a bunch, but that’s really the only way to describe this hippie health-food cafe that’s been around for decades. With just a handful of tables and a wrap-around counter, it’s a small operation wherein the person taking your order is also the person making it and packing it up for you. Whether it’s the chicken salad (sans mayo) or the spinach pie, make sure to double up on the irresistible ginger dressing—it makes everything taste infinitely better.

Carrot Express has been a cult favorite of South Beach vegetarians for decades, namely those who’ve followed the restaurant’s moves from hole-in-the-wall to gas station café to its recent stand-alone spot on Alton Road. Now that Carrot Express has expanded over the bridge to Midtown and up Collins to Sunny Isles, more people can enjoy its famous teeka and green goddess salads, plus the tofu bowl, spinach pies and other veggie items.

Commanding a corner in Sunset Harbour, Soul Tavern is as spacious and its menu is expansive—from salads and vegan maki rolls to shareable sides, like the kimchi fried rice overflowing with umami flavors, this place caters to vegetarians and carnivores. The Soul Fired pizzas, like classic margherita made with wholesome ingredients, is always a crowd pleaser.

While not entirely veggie, the Miami Springs café is happy to hold the bacon, chicken or any other kind of meat standing in the way of you and one of their tasty creations. Harvest Moon is perhaps best known for its melts—cheesy sandwiches stuffed with veggies and cut in squares like a pizza. Don’t leave without trying one.

Got your fill of jerk chicken minus the poultry at this vegetarian spot, serving all sorts of Jamaican and Caribbean classics. Portions are generous and include a heaping side of rice, beans or stew and a fresh green salad. Our favorite? The crispy empanadas stuffed with veggies and beans.

This South Beach café serves up organic health food in a casual atmosphere. There’s no shortage of bowls and toast to get you through breakfast, like the avocado smash with flaky Zak the Baker bread. Looking for something healthy, on the go? Pura Vida makes and bottles fresh-pressed juices daily.

If you’re a vegetarian in South Beach, you’re like a supporter of this longtime organic juice bar. The smoothie-heavy menu is what most people come here for, like the protein-packed Marley or the veggie-forward Hulk, but the bowls are not to be missed. In the mood for something sweet? Go for the chocolate, a naturally sweetened acai bowl with zero guilt.

Beehive Juice Bar is actually a small counter in the back of a South Miami health food store, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. Go here for the fresh juices and smoothies, which are affordable and available in a variety of combinations. Pair your beverage with one of the vegan empanadas or sandwiches on sprouted Ezekiel bread and you have yourself a cheap, satisfying meal.