Vegetarian & vegan restaurants in Broward and Palm Beach counties

Vegetarian & vegan restaurants in Broward and Palm Beach counties

You can find vegetarian options at almost any restaurant now. But how many South Florida restaurants are exclusively vegetarian or vegan?

More than I thought. Restaurants that serve no animal products or use them sparingly are spread throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties now, showing widespread support for evolving eating habits.

Some serve only dishes with raw fruits and vegetables; others offer thickly stacked Impossible or Beyond Burgers designed to resemble Big Macs, with lots of fixings. Several emphasize baked goods, while others are sit-down, gourmet dining rooms showing that healthful food does not mean pick-up-at-the-counter only.

Owner Antoinette Atkinson, left, serves her special fare on a recent Wednesday at Natuurlik in Boynton Beach.

Our area lacked a definitive vegan/vegetarian dining guide, so I’ve compiled a detailed list of restaurants and bakeries that will keep growing as new establishments open. Let me know if I’ve missed any and I’ll add them to this directory.

Finally, those of us looking for vegan dining choices in South Florida have a place to figure out where to meet a friend for dinner.

Burgerhive, 4607 S. University Drive, Davie; 754-701-0960; burgerhive.com

Billed as “South Florida’s premier plant-based burger joint,” Burgerhive offers vegan burgers with tastes resembling chicken, bacon and cheeseburgers. Owner Mcashley Joseph, a Broward College graduate, became a vegan not long after his family emigrated from Haiti when he was a teenager.

Vegan “milkshakes” and smoothies are made from dairy-free products. A classic burger costs $8.97; a strawberry banana smoothie is $6.95. All hamburgers use a restaurant-grade version of Beyond meat, marinated overnight in Caribbean spices.

C4Eats, 2003 Harrison St., Hollywood, 954-404-8065; c4eats.com

Right in downtown Hollywood, C-4 serves vegan breakfasts and lunches that include diner favorites that taste like traditional sausage, bacon, eggs, fish filets and pancakes. Juice drinks are made in-house. “Da Vegan Guru,” Daudi McLean, crafts breakfast burritos, turk’y burgers, scrambled eggs and chicken-and-waffles combos. Recipes for vegan butter and vegan cheese are used to prepare baked mac ‘n’ cheese and Fluff Daddy Pancakes, which includes scrambled vegan eggs, apple sage sausage and “guru bacon” made with soy protein.

Christopher’s Kitchen, 4783 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-318-6191; christopherskitchenfl.com

All food is organic and plant-based, with specialties including Fettucine Alfredo made with cashew cheese ($19) and a Mexican Grain Bowl full of black beans and roasted vegetables ($16). Weekend brunch menu offerings include waffles with vanilla cream, maple syrup and fresh fruit ($14) and a Breakfast Sandwich with a Beyond Sausage patty ($14). There are lots of dairy-free ice cream options, such as sundaes, shakes and scoops, priced from $4.95 to $14.95.

Cinnaholic, locations in Boca Raton and Coral Springs; cinnaholic.com

You may have seen the founders of Cinnaholic on ABC’s “Shark Tank” in 2014. Now they have locations around the country for their plant-based dessert shop. The Monkey Business Roll ($7.15) is made of chocolate frosting topped with fresh bananas, chocolate chips and powdered sugar, or try the Apple Crumb Cookies ($3.75), with fresh apples and homemade pie crumble baked into Cinnaholic’s cinnamon cookie.

Darbster, 8020 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; 561-586-2622; darbster.com

Pets are welcome at Darbster, which donates profits to animal rescue charities. The restaurant’s menu presents classics with a vegan spin. Dishes include barley risotto, a New York pasta and meatless lasagna, all $19.50. There are also raw food items, a kids’ menu and an extensive dessert list (imagine New York cheesecake and tres leches with no dairy, both $10.50).

Delicious Raw Kitchen & Juice Bar, 2276 S. University Drive, Davie; 754-223-2582; delraw.com

Have you ever tried a lentil meatball? Delicious Raw makes them with portobello mushrooms and parmesan cheese. The menu also includes vegan pad Thai, raw zucchini noodle bowls, waffles and vegan burgers. The restaurant describes itself as “a sanctuary for anyone who wants to improve their wellbeing and quality of life.”

Dina’s Vegan Deli & Desserts, 1880 W. 10th St., No. 106, Riviera Beach; 561-623-8643; dinasvegandeli.com

Inspired by the flavors of their native Philadelphia, the founders say they have created the “Best Vegan Philly Cheesesteak.” Prices range from $11.95 to $13.95, and you can also order taco pizza, cheesy bread, hot dogs and hoagies. There’s a creamy yellow “Cheese Whiz” sauce for dipping chips; it’s gluten-free and made from vegetables ($3 for a 3-ounce cup).

Dope Vegan, two locations in West Palm Beach; 561-788-5139; eatdopevegan.com

Beef-, chicken- and fish-flavored food is on the menu, designed to appeal to “vegans, vegetarians, semi-vegetarians, flexitarians and meat reducers.” The Complete Meltdown ($16) is made of a plant-based burger, with a double helping of vegan cheese, caramelized onions and a homemade sauce, while the Seems Fishy ($16) is a plant-based fish filet with creamy sauces, lettuce and tomato on brioche.

Earth’s Goddess Holistics & Juicebar, 1032 NW 10th Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 754-701-8134; earthsgoddess.com

Tacos, wraps, burgers, salads, smoothies, juices and acai bowls are all 100% vegan. The shop also sells supplements, skin-care and hair products.

Holi Vegan Kitchen, 701 N. Federal Highway, suite 104, Hallandale Beach; 954-251-3028; holivegankitchen.com

Burgers, bowls, wraps, quesadillas, pastas and pizzas: They’re all on the menu at this lovely little find you could easily pass on Federal Highway without noticing. There are also homemade cakes, cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies. If you like smoothies, try the No. 3: It’s made of espresso coffee, bananas, blueberries, dates, coconut milk and vanilla ($9.95).

The Hummus House, 900 NE 20th Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 754-247-1310; thehummushouseftl.com

Vegan Mediterranean food? Count me in! The restaurant makes its own creamy hummus fresh each day. There’s an assortment of pita pockets with falafel or imitation chicken or shawarma. Shakshuka ($14.95) is a pan of eggs simmered in tomato, jalapeño, roasted pepper, garlic, hot paprika, parsley and olive oil, served with pita and side salads. For dessert, try the baklava or halva ($6.95). Homemade Frozen Limonana, made of mint, ginger and lemonade, will quench your thirst on a scorching day.

Inika Foods, 2410 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors; 954-278-2222; inikafoods.com.

“Inika” means “little Earth” in Sanskrit. This cafe, operated by two sisters, has a menu that changes daily but usually offers empanadas, falafel, stews and bakery items. The sisters also have a stand at the Delray Beach Greenmarket, Saturdays from October to May.

Joey’s Home Bakery, 1532 SW 8th St., Boynton Beach; 561-292-4004; joeyshomebakeryglutenfree.com

This bakehouse shows that vegan and gluten-free does not mean you must deny yourself doughy pleasures. They make bread, bagels, cinnamon buns, cakes, scones, challahs and cookies, all from scratch and without trans fats, artificial colorings or high fructose corn syrup. A sticky cinnamon bun is $9.99; a loaf of rye bread, $10.

The Krazy Vegan, 645 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Suite 111, Hallandale Beach; 305-475-7299; thekrazyvegan.com

This restaurant is “not krazy enough to put meat in your mouth!” Their signature dish is a big fat Krazy Mon, a meatless burger with grilled onion, fried jackfruit, vegan bacon and sauce on a brioche bun with fries ($23.50). There are also smaller burger combos beginning at $12.75, as well as tacos, chick’n sandwiches, quesadillas, Philly Cheezesteaks and a Krazy Shrimp Basket, made of six vegan shrimp with fries ($15.75).

Leaves & Roots Lounge, 1231 NE Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-637-3250; leavesandrootslounge.com

Leaves & Roots describes itself as “the only all-vegan Kava and Kratom bar in Florida.” They offer kava and kratom drinks as well as coffees, teas, CBD products and vegan munchies, including pizza, hot dogs and muffins.

Maoz Vegetarian, locations in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Wellington; maozusa.com

With falafel, vegan shawarma or a vegan burger as the base of every meal, customers can design their own pita sandwiches and bowls ($9.99 to $11.99). There are also acai bowls and freshly made juices. Maoz, which means “courage” or “strength” in Hebrew, started in Amsterdam in 1991 and now has franchises throughout the Netherlands and in France, Spain and Brazil.

Meraki Juice Kitchen, locations in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens; merakijuicekitchen.com

Salads, bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, Beyond burgers, desserts, juices, are all under the supervision of chef Matthew Lower, a vegan since 2015.

Mood, 235 U.S. 1, Tequesta; 561-766-2317; moodvegan.com

This vegan lunch and dinner destination has a lot of fun playing with the word “mood,” with “Get in the mood” appetizers; “MOODwiches” with bread from Sullivan Street Bakery, the famous New York eatery with a Miami outpost; and “Full Mood” main courses, such as Holy Shiitake Ramen ($24). There’s also a daily happy hour with cocktails and beers.

Owner Mark Atkinson blends together a pepper sauce at Natuurlik on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022 in Boynton Beach.

Natuurlik, 4956 Le Chalet Blvd., Nos. 5-6, Boynton Beach; 561-507-7117; natuurlik.net

Natuurlik, which means “natural” in Afrikaans, serves dishes with Caribbean influences, including jerk stew ($10.99), jackfruit burrito ($13.99) and curry bean stew ($10.99). There are also tacos, soups and whipped coffee ($4.25).

Origamy Gelato, 1380 SW 160th Ave., Sunrise; 786-731-1198; origamygelato.com

Vegan burgers, oatmeal, pastries, pancakes, muffins, gelato and shakes: All products are 100% vegan. Creative gelato flavors include bubble gum and pomegranate/carrot.

Pause…itively Vegan, 1965 NE Second St., Deerfield Beach; 954-708-2987; pauseitivelyvegan.com

You can walk over from your chair in the sand to this vegan restaurant in the beach business area and order an Impossible Cheezeburger ($15.55) or Chloe’s Tofu Grain Bowl, made of brown rice, quinoa and vegetables with a coconut peanut butter sauce ($17.63). The family-owned café is also a kava bar with Open Mic Wednesdays and Friday Pizza Nights.

Parlour Vegan Bakery, locations in Boca Raton and Plantation; parlourvegan.com

Cakes, cookies, cupcakes, empanadas, donuts, rolls, pastelitos: This bakery makes you feel like you are not missing anything by leaving out butter and other animal fats. Some items can be ordered gluten-free, including cupcakes and donuts. Cakes can be made to order. Sandwiches and drinks are also available.

Plant Based Mafia, 7100 Fairway Dr., Palm Beach Gardens; 561-223-2432; plantbasedmafia.com.

A Mafia-themed vegan franchise? Yes! With dishes including “The Hitman” and “The 4 AM and SH%% Faced,” this restaurant wants you to become “part of the family.” They offer $45 all-you-can-eat buffets as well as entertainment on Saturday nights. Try the “Don’t Breaka My Balls,” a vegan meatball sandwich ($22.95 for a 12-inch sub) or the “Italian Coronary,” an interesting combination of vegan sausage, cheeses, tomato sauce and caramelized onions between two burgers on deep-fried dough with powdered sugar ($26.95).

Plant Pizza, 8763 Stirling Road, Cooper City; 754-223-5835; PlantPizza.net

Specializing in all-vegan, brick-oven pies and lentil-based pastas, this New York-style pizzeria from owner Samuel Cobas opened in early September within the Stirling Town Center. The shop, located next door to Coba’s other all-vegan restaurant in the same plaza, Vegan Tierra, serves specialty pizzas including Jackfruit BBQ and Meatless Lovers, as well as cauliflower wings, gluten-free baked ziti, salads, soups and calzones.

PS Green Vegan Express, 2306 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-999-5474; psgreenvegan.com

Main dishes include meatless burgers, empanadas, tacos, quesadillas, sandwiches and Italian specialties such as eggplant parmesan ($14.99) and baked penne alla vodka ($13.99). The CEO, chef and owner is Jose Pablo Luque, a native of Argentina who worked in his father’s restaurant as a kid and helped birth several South Florida vegan ventures.

Planta, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., Suite 142, West Palm Beach; 561-208-5222; and Planta Queen, 1201 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 754-732-1952; plantarestaurants.com

Planta’s South Beach flagship became a celebrity magnet from the moment it opened in 2018, courting famous faces from rapper Pharrell to supermodel Bella Hadid. Planta showcases all-vegan, plant-based versions of comfort foods, including truffle burgers, coconut ceviche, meat lover’s pizza and creamy bucatini pasta with mushroom Bolognese.

Chef Samuel Woods of The Rabbit Hole vegan restaurant in Pompano Beach.

Rabbit Hole Elevated Vegan Comfort Cuisine, 2659 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach; 954-399-7459; TheRabbitHole.life

Samuel Woods, the chef behind The Rabbit Hole, transforms the soul food of his youth into meatless vegan comfort foods, with Coney Island-style chili dogs, burgers and a barbecue plate called Smoke in the Woods, made of citrus-lime spare ribs, mac ‘n’ cheese, baked beans and corn bread. Plant-based fried chicken sandwiches are triple-battered and seasoned with house spices.

Roots Vegan Kitchen, 33 SE Third Ave., Delray Beach; rootsvegankitchen.com

Inside the Delray Beach Market food hall, Roots cooks a fresh daily soup ($10), Hearts of Palm Tacos ($16) and a veggie burger made of mushrooms, beets and black rice on a brioche bun ($17). Gorditas, made of blue corn masa, fava bean puree, guacamole, salsa fresca, summer squash pico and cilantro, are $15.

Screaming Carrots, 826 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach; 754-400-9614; screamingcarrots.com

Screaming Carrots fashions vegan meals with Mediterranean influences: hummus bowls, sabich (fried eggplant sandwich with hummus and potatoes, $17.95), shakshuka, shawarma ($17.95), falafel, kibbeh (fried bulgur wheat dough pockets stuffed with pine nut crumbles, $11.95). There are other influences, too; you can order a Philly Cheesesteak ($18.95) and Thai mango salad ($15.95). I recommend the Espresso Mocha Shake (sweetened with banana, dates, cacao and vanilla, $11.95).

SoBe Vegan, 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-368-4640; sobev.com

SoBe Vegan offers an extensive menu of bowls ($11.99 to $12.99), all-day breakfast items, salads, meatless burgers ($12.99 to $16.99), smoothies and freshly made juice combos. Located in the W Hotel, SoBe also has a flagship restaurant in Miami Beach. Don’t worry about having to find parking on Fort Lauderdale beach; you can use the W valet and SoBe will validate your parking stub at the end of your meal.

SpaJuiceBar, 1217 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-769-1806; spajuicebar.com

Lots of creative offerings here, including Creamy Raw Oatmeal with cashew date custard ($9), organic carrot chipotle slaw ($9) and Roasted Beet Sandwich with burrata, avocado and sun-dried tomato aioli ($15). There are also cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls. They have a fun promotion: 15% off when it’s raining (useful in this hurricane season).

Sprouty Pie Vegan Pizzeria & More, 797 Northlake Blvd., North Palm Beach; 561-332-9040; sproutypie.com

Pizzas are made with cashew mozzarella, and you can add vegan pepperoni or soy ham crumbles. Build your own for $13 (small) and $17 (large). There are also calzones, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Stalk and Spade, opening soon in Coconut Creek and Plantation; stalkandspade.com

This Minnesota-based vegan chain says its “100% plant-based, dairy-free menu consists of healthier alternatives to your fast food favorites.” It will offer six meatless hamburgers ($9.95 to $11.95), chick’n sandwiches and nuggets, fries, wraps, oat milk shakes ($6.95) and kids’ meals ($7.95).

Stephanie’s Vegan Bakery + Cafe, 1436 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 954-368-5596; stephaniesveganbakery.com

Vegan breads, cheesecakes, croissants, cupcakes and tarts are on the menu at Stephanie’s, along with all-day breakfast items including bagels, toasts and empanadas. The family-owned business also makes creative coffees and colorful smoothies and designs custom-made cakes.

Sweet Love Pastry, 6678 Stirling Road, Hollywood; 954-322-8291; sweetlovepastries.com

Kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, peanut-free, “vegan friendly” and nothing genetically modified: Pastry Chef Ana Buendia seems to have covered most of the bases for people with allergies or other concerns about food ingredients. Custom-made cakes are $40.95, while mini-cupcakes are $1.75 and a 10-inch pizza is $12.99. Buendia is a Pompano Beach High School graduate who immigrated from Barranquilla, Colombia, with her family at age 11.

Treelion, 5705 Hallandale Beach Blvd., West Park; 954-589-1579; 3treelion.com

A natural foods store with herbal and body-care products, Treelion’s menu includes $6 lunch boxes made of vegan proteins and vegetables and a small cup of porridge for $3. Falafel, Italian stew and Rasta Pasta are also available. Lots of fruits and vegetables from the Caribbean, including ackee, plantains, breadfruit and calaloo, a leafy green.

The Eat Beat – Restaurants, Bars and Recipes

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Vegan On The Go, 5552 NW 31st Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-535-5363; veganonthego.com

Vegan On The Go serves Impossible burgers with an assortment of toppings, including The Bucket List, made of two patties, two slices of vegan cheddar cheese, mayo, ketchup, mustard, grilled onions, tomato, lettuce, vegan bacon and egg on a potato bun with fries and dip ($20; 1,140 calories). You can also build your own smoothie ($9.50) and order salads, wraps, tacos and desserts.

VegEats, 335 E. Linton Blvd., No. B12, Delray Beach; 561-562-6673; vegeatsfoods.com

This vegan restaurant describes the main protein source of its dishes as peas. The chefs make their own cheese from nuts. An assortment of daily specials are posted on Facebook. Banh mi is made of grilled sausage, pistachio and portobella pate, cucumber, red onion, jalapeños and carrots in rice wine vinegar ($17). The New England “fish” sandwich, served on Fridays, consists of crisp filets covered in cheddar, tartar sauce and pickles in a bed of lettuce on a sesame seed bun ($16.50).

Woodlands Pure Vegetarian Indian Cuisine, 4816 N. University Drive, Lauderhill; 954-749-3221; woodlandsusa.com

Woodlands has an extensive menu of classic Indian dishes including curries, soups, rice combinations and dosai, or crepes, with vegetables, cheeses and rice. There’s also an assortment of freshly baked breads and even a section of Chinese specialties.

Do you know of other vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Broward or Palm Beach counties? Send them to Lois at [email protected].

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