A vegetarian restaurant wasn’t high on my wishlist of new neighborhood spots. But Flora's charming outdoor patio with its thatched roof and swaying basket lanterns lured me, along with aromas of potent espresso and fresh-baked pastries. As it turns out, Flora is a lovely spot for a morning catch-up with a friend. I found no fault in the earthy and sleek wood-clad dining room, nor in the vegetarian brunch (though my morning appetite typically calls for meat).
Then they launched dinner service, and I was officially sold. Flora Plant Kitchen serves mostly vegetables, but it’s not vegan. That means you’ll find animal products like dairy and eggs on the menu, which is a relief for anyone who’s ever considered going plant-based and shuddered at the thought of a life without cheese.
Who needs meat when a veggie tartare of charcoal asparagus and tricolor heirloom carrots tastes better than the real thing? My favorite dish of the night was drizzled with yuzu hollandaise and served with a side of yuka and mushroom chicharrón with mixed seeds. I am not embellishing when I say that the mushroom chicharrón delivered the same salty, umami, melt-in-your-mouth magic as the pork version (and maybe even tasted better knowing no animal was harmed in its creation.)
Another highlight from my meal was the Mushroom & Mash, a juicy and sizable maitake mushroom and Swiss chard grilled over charcoal and served in a bright and tangy sauce, paired with the silkiest truffle mashed potatoes. It hit every note you’d want out of a hearty, meaty main. For dessert, we ordered the pavlova, a deconstructed rendition full of subtle tropical flavors: yuzu meringue, white matcha ganache, and mixed berry compote served over vanilla and guanabana ice cream. We devoured the entire thing.
The vibe Bali-meets-Miami, but not in an obnoxious way.
The food Elevated vegetarian with Latin American influences.
The drink Flora currently only sells beer and wine, but they're expanding to a full cocktail menu soon.
Time Out tip You can just as easily get some work done with a coffee, come early for dinner with the kids or swoon over your date under the twinkly lights.