Florida’s Treasure Coast, a palm-fringed community known for its vibrant community events and relaxed pace, features plenty of natural beauty and oceanfront charm. Recently, this region has become a welcoming place for plant-based diets, incorporating vegan restaurants.
Since coastal towns are steeped in seafood, vegan and vegetarian options were once challenging. But the Treasure Coast is no longer the scavenger hunt it once was, with plenty of options for vegan fare.
Whether you’re a health-conscious traveler or a local vegan looking for new eateries, the Treasure Coast offers a vibrant sampling of vegan-friendly dining options. This includes traditional restaurants with vegan offerings, presenting more vegan-friendly dining spots. Let’s explore some of the best vegan restaurants on the Treasure Coast, complete with vegan menus, and what to look for.
Fruits & Roots Vegan Café – Stuart
Fruits & Roots Vegan Café is nestled in the heart of Downtown Stuart and has become a staple in the local plant-based community. This fully vegan restaurant features a menu that blends comfort with creativity. You’ll find dishes such as mac ‘n cheeze, summer rolls, tofu wraps, and various grain bowls, making it perfect for brunch.
One of the best parts of this restaurant is its cold-pressed juice and smoothie menu, which features ingredients like spirulina, ginger, and beets for those looking for a nutrient-rich pick-me-up. It’s a popular restaurant in Stuart with outdoor seating, with tables right on Colorado Avenue. Fruits & Roots prides itself on sourcing many of its ingredients from local farms, supporting Treasure Coast businesses.
It frequently updates its menu with seasonal offerings, keeping things fresh. With its eco-conscious atmosphere and commitment to clean eating, Fruits & Roots is ideal for both longtime vegans and curious newcomers interested in trying something new.
Counter Culture Beachside – Vero Beach
Counter Culture Beachside brings refined yet approachable plant-based dishes. They pride themselves on accommodating their vegan and veggie-loving guests.
Guests frequently mention the balance of taste and nutrition across the menu. The dining space is chic and laid back yet modern. Whether you’re vegan or not, the plant-forward options are thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor. Try the Dinosaur Kale Pasta Bowl or one of their Funky Wiches.
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Bunkhouse Coffee Bar – Jensen Beach
Bunkhouse is fully plant-based and known for its high-quality coffee and espresso drinks. They use alternative milks and offer unique lattes and cold brews.
The vegan breakfast sandwich, muffins, smoothies, and cookies are frequently praised. One of the top Jensen Beach breakfast spots, customers love the quiet, welcoming space with its cottage vibe. It’s a small space that remains a go-to stop for both locals and visitors looking for solid coffee and light vegan fare.
Mood – Tequesta
Mood delivers unique plant-based meals with bold flavors. Popular dishes include the Bahn Mi sandwich, the Kashmir bowl, and seasonal mushroom-based entrees.
The space feels upscale yet relaxed, with a cocktail menu that complements the food. Diners often mention the attention to seasoning and the complexity of flavors. It’s a favorite for date nights and casual dinners alike.
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Kilted Mermaid – Vero Beach
The Kilted Mermaid combines creativity with comfort. The atmosphere is relaxed and artsy, and the menu includes rotating vegan options like roasted pepper hummus and an Asian Cashew Bowl.
Their vegan chocolate fondue surprises many with its richness. While not a dedicated vegan spot, it caters well to all diets. The staff is flexible and knowledgeable about substitutions.
Vegan Farmacy – Fort Pierce
Vegan Farmacy offers a unique dining experience with its organic, gluten-free, and soy-free menu. Dishes like the zoodle bolognese, made from cremini mushrooms, receive high praise for their flavor.
The establishment’s dedication to fresh, plant-based ingredients also includes cold-pressed juices, snacks, and plates served from their farm.
3Natives – Multiple Locations
Are you looking for something fast, fresh, and customizable? If so, 3Natives is a must.
This Florida-based chain has several Treasure Coast locations, including Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, and Hobe Sound. No, it’s not entirely vegan, but the menu is very plant-friendly and features acai bowls, smoothies, and wraps. These items can easily be made dairy-free or meat-free.
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Vegan-friendly additions like almond butter, coconut yogurt, and dairy-free protein powders level up smoothies, making any meal nourishing. Agave-based sweeteners and vegan cream cheese are also available, helping maintain flavor without sacrificing values while eating. This spot is perfect for a casual lunch and a snack between errands or beach visits.
Blaze Pizza – Port St. Lucie & Stuart
Blaze Pizza is a national chain that found a local home, and most people aren’t aware of its plant-based options. It quickly became the unsung hero for plant-based pizza lovers looking for vegan and vegetarian options. With a custom build-your-own model that makes skipping cheese a breeze, you won’t have to sacrifice flavor.
Choose from original, high-rise, and gluten-free doughs, all of which are vegan, and customize your pizza from there. Stack it with veggies, vegan cheese, and even spicy vegan chorizo. If you’re looking for something smoky, spicy, or savory, Blaze Pizza provides the goods.
Berry Fresh Café – Port St. Lucie
Berry Fresh Café isn’t necessarily a vegan restaurant, but it’s earned attention for its thoughtful accommodations. One such item is the vegan breakfast sandwich. It features plant-based egg and cheese and is a local standout.
You’ll also find several bowls and smoothies that are either fully vegan or easily modifiable, perfect for various diners. For example, the spring berry acai bowl. This crowd favorite is topped with fresh fruit, granola, and coconut flakes. Thanks to its commitment to sourcing local ingredients and offering seasonal specials, Berry Fresh is a great place for vegans looking to relax and eat in a laid-back setting.
Just Salad – Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is home to Just Salad, and offers exactly what the name suggests, but with a plant-based twist. Since this incredible spot features customizable food, diners can easily create salads or wraps.
Choose from various bases, toppings, and proteins, including tofu, vegan feta, and avocado. You can even add plant-based chicken.
And the best part is that a reusable bowl program makes this a sustainability-minded choice for diners. If you’re vegan and want a hearty, balanced salad, Just Salad is the place to be.
Nature’s Way Café – Jupiter
Nature’s Way Café has multiple locations throughout Florida and blends a health food café with a casual lunch spot. Although this eatery isn’t exclusively vegan, plenty of smoothies, wraps, and sandwiches can quickly be customized into something plant-based and delicious by substituting or omitting ingredients like cheese or meat.
Nature’s Way Café also focuses on fresh produce, whole grains, and simple preparation, making it a great choice for a grab-and-go vegan meal. It’s ideal for enjoying a laid-back lunch with friends in a relaxed, sunny setting, perfect for anyone seeking varied dietary preferences.
What to Look for in a Vegan Restaurant
When exploring vegan options on the Treasure Coast, there are some key things to look for, especially in areas not traditionally known for plant-based eating. For starters, menu transparency is key.
Look for restaurants that clearly mark their vegan options, as this removes the guesswork and makes dining out a much smoother experience. Customizing meals is also important, so look for spots that offer plenty of flexibility. Swapping out something dairy-based or adding extra vegetables makes all the difference when choosing a vegan-friendly restaurant on the Treasure Coast.
When looking for vegan restaurants, it’s also important to focus on the quality of ingredients being used. This shows how seriously a restaurant takes its vegan offerings.
Look for fresh, organic, or locally sourced ingredients, as this shows a commitment to flavor, ethics, and sustainability. Additionally, a well-informed staff can be invaluable, as they understand a variety of diets. You’re more likely to enjoy a safe and satisfying meal at a flexible restaurant!
Explore Plant-Based Restaurants on the Treasure Coast
Just because a restaurant doesn’t describe itself as vegan-friendly on the Treasure Coast, plant-based options are often closer than they seem. As this Treasure Coast Restaurant Guide highlights, look for salads and side dishes that can be easily modified by removing meat and cheese and swapping out dressings. You can also add grains and legumes to satisfy your daily protein requirements, making a simple salad a complete meal.
Asking questions about ingredients is more than acceptable; it’s encouraged! More and more restaurants cater to various diets, so don’t be afraid to inquire about vegan accommodations. With a little creativity and a willingness to try new eateries, eating vegan while dining out becomes a fulfilling adventure!
