Hot Spots for Tasty Plant-Based Bites

“Plant-based cuisine” and “Miami” don’t usually appear in the same sentence, but the 305 is home to some stellar vegetarian- and vegan-friendly spots – you just have to know where to look. So this month we’re highlighting five restaurants known for their inventive and tasty plant-based offerings, offerings that will make even the staunchest meat-eaters say “Wow!”

If you’re interested in venturing into the world of plant-based food and don’t know where to begin, start with Miami Beach’s Planta (850 Commerce St., 305.397.8513). It’s here that we experienced some of our favorite non-meat bites in the city. The South of Fifth eatery boasts a 100% vegan menu.

On that menu are delicious, mostly Asian-inspired options like sushi with fillings such as tempura broccoli and ahi watermelon. But you’ll also find selections like cauliflower tots, mushroom bacon croquetas, ahi watermelon nigiri and chick’n fried mushrooms. All of these items were so good that we never noticed the lack of meat. Just know that this place isn’t cheap, though it’s well worth the price tag.

For those who prefer an upscale experience on the mainland, there’s Plant Miami (105 NE 24th St., 305.814.5365). The Wynwood hot spot pulls influences from all over the globe to create a unique menu loaded with fun flavors and textures. You can come here and fill yourself up on small plates like carrots en mole, tahini eggplant and melon ceviche, or go big with mouthwatering mains like tonkotsu ramen, sunflower mushroom risotto and truffle noodles. Everything here is 100% vegan. There’s also a full bar available with refreshments like mezcal mules and Aperol spritzes.

Over at Carrot Express in Miami Gardens (2530 NE Miami Gardens Dr., 305.760.2049), guests will find budget-friendly vegetarian options with an emphasis on healthy ingredients. Highlights here include the vegan picadillo bowl, the Impossible Burger, the acai bowls and the eateries signature stuffed baked potatoes. Whatever you order, make sure to include one of Carrot Express’ awesome juices, like the B-52. With carrot, celery, beet, ginger and cucumber, it’s a crowd favorite for good reason – it’s yummy. There are also a ton of carnivore-friendly options for your meat-eating friends. The best part: This local business has multiple locations across Miami-Dade County, including Aventura, Brickell and downtown Miami, so you’re never too far away from one.

Pura Vida (3818 NE First Ave.). Our go-to location is the Design District outpost, but there are also locations in Sunset Harbour, Bay Harbor and other major neighborhoods. The local brand is big on wellness, and its vegetarian-friendly offerings are not only tasty, they make you feel good. It’s a feeling you’ll experience firsthand as you take bites of the spiced mango adashah (lentil and chickpea-based protein), the vegan lentil bowl, the shaved Brussels salad and the pesto tuna wrap. The vegan carrot muffin and banana bread loaf are also big hits. And again, there’s something for everyone as the restaurant caters to both meat-eaters and vegetarians.

Openings

This summer in Miami continues to be busier than usual when it comes to new openings. Among the biggest openings lately is Edgewater’s Klaw (1737 N Bayshore Dr., 305.239.2523), which is located inside the historic Woman’s Club building. The restaurant is big on steak and seafood, with an emphasis on dry-aged cuts and raw bar selections. Patrons will find items like oysters, red snapper crudo and king crab. The other big draw: rooftop views galore.

And in Coconut Grove, Amal (3480 Main Hwy., 786.369.0846) is one of the hottest reservations right now. Created by the team behind Miami Beach’s Byblos, this Lebanese concept will have you in awe the second you walk in because it’s absolutely gorgeous. The food is just as incredible and runs the gamut from small bites like kibbeh nayeh (beef tartare), seared halloumi, mini spinach pies and octopus to substantial mains like lamb chops, fried sea bream and grilled tiger shrimps. Try to visit early as this place fills up fast.

Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Rubin-Anderson are co-founders of Miami Food Pug, an award-winning South Florida food blog that fuses the couple’s love of dogs and food.