Not too long ago, the words “vegan” and “gourmet” weren’t found in the same sentence. The cuisine was typically reserved for health-focused eateries and obscure cafés—not buzzed-about restaurants. But the tides are turning, and plant-based eating has officially gone mainstream with a slew of notable spots that are turning even the most tried-and-true carnivore into fans.
Adding to plant-based eating’s newly found “it-factor” is mega-club mogul David Grutman—the man behind perpetual hot spots LIV, Story, Komodo and OTL—who recently brought Toronto-based vegan concept, Planta, to South Beach. The instantly popular restaurant serves plant-based fare in a chic setting. The menu includes vegan spins on classic dishes like cauliflower tots, sweet potato queso, charred octopus created with king oyster mushrooms, and even sushi and nigiri made entirely of plant-based ingredients.
“Eating a plant-based diet is more than just a trend, it's the way the world is moving. Simply put, people want to know where their food is coming from,” notes Grutman. “We want guests to leave Planta asking themselves, 'Wow, did I just eat a fully plant-based meal?'”
But Planta isn’t the only eatery in town garnering praise from vegans and non-vegans alike. In Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood is Soul Tavern, which offers vegan and vegetarian offerings in a laid-back, gastropub outpost. Its comfort food inspired menu boasts dishes like pizzas topped with exotic mushrooms, ginseng, beets and lotus root; jackfruit-filled gyoza; and bahn-mi sliders made with Korean barbecue tempeh. In true gastropub fashion, it also features a variety of beers, wine, a large sake list and a full bar.
“Our menu is approachable. We recognize that healthful food doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating,” explains Soul Tavern owner Jason Gordon.
For those looking for a high-end, gourmet vegan experience, head to Plant Miami in Wynwood’s Sacred Space. The sleek restaurant o ers an elevated global menu created by executive chef Horacio Rivadero, whose offerings are all gluten-free, raw and vegan. The intricately designed dishes like the cacio di funghi made with kelp noodles and a decadent truffle cashew béchamel sauce or the harvest dumplings wrapped with a sweet potato- coconut wrapper and topped with a ginger foam are a testament to how elevated plant-based cuisine has become in recent years.
“It doesn’t matter if you follow a vegan lifestyle or not. You’ll come in for a delicious meal and you’ll leave healthier and satisfied on all levels,” adds Gordon.
Miami Bach's Full Bloom has made a name for itself over the years with its plant-based cheese platters, spinach gnocchi, nori rolls and standout desserts, like tiramisu.
But regardless of diet preference or palate, vibrant, plant-based eating in South Florida is proving it's more than a trend – it’s here to stay.