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Discover Miami’s Best Vegetarian and Health-Conscious Restaurants for a Flavorful New Year
Tomato SaladMilos
Starting the new year with healthier choices doesn’t mean giving up on flavor, especially in Miami’s vibrant dining scene. Whether you’re embracing a plant-based lifestyle or looking for wholesome, nutrient-packed meals, this city has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. From creative vegetarian dishes inspired by global cuisines to health-conscious menus that highlight fresh, local ingredients, these restaurants make sticking to your resolutions easier—and a lot more delicious. Let’s explore some of Miami’s best spots for veggie lovers and health-conscious foodies alike.
Vegetarian-Friendly
Aba Miami
Green FalafelAba Miami
Dish Name: Beet Carpaccio, Grilled Cauliflower, Green Falafel, Watermelon & Feta, Charred Eggplant Spread, Smoky Garlic Hummus
Description: Aba Miami brings bold Mediterranean flavors to its vibrant vegetarian dishes. Delight in favorites like Beet Carpaccio with candied walnut, lemon zest, and yuzu vinaigrette; Watermelon & Feta Salad with jalapeño, mint, and lemon honey vinaigrette; Green Falafel with avocado tzatziki and garlic tahini; and Roasted Romanesque Cauliflower with house yogurt, Aleppo pepper, and honey. There is something for everyone to enjoy with a menu full of options to explore.
Amal Miami
Amal Miami Special DishAmal Miami
Dish Name: Roasted Cauliflower; Amal’s Falafels; Seared Halloumi
Description: Coconut Grove’s enchanting Lebanese restaurant, Amal offers a number of vegetarian-friendly options. From roasted cauliflower served with vibrant flavors of green tahini, hawaij spice and feta cream to grilled vegetable skewers and fresh falafels, Amal has a number of options for guests to discover.
Motek
Tel Avivian CevicheLemon Pop
Dish Name: Artichoke Flat Pita, Za’atar Greek Salad, Crispy Eggplant, Cauliflower Couscous, Grilled Halloumi
Description: Motek offers a range of vibrant vegetarian dishes that showcase the best of Mediterranean flavors. The Artichoke Flat Pita combines goat cheese, parmesan, kale, caramelized onions, and tender artichoke on a perfectly baked flatbread. The Za’atar Greek Salad features cucumber, tomato, kalamata olives, red onion, and feta, all seasoned with aromatic za’atar spices. For a savory treat, the Grilled Halloumi is paired with cherry tomatoes and a spicy hot pepper salad. The Cauliflower Couscous is a flavorful blend of carrots, fresh herbs, and bold spices. Each dish at Motek celebrates the richness of Mediterranean cuisine with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Mayami
Mayami SpreadMayami
Description: Located in the heart of Miami’s artistic Wynwood neighborhood, Mayami is brought to life by Philippe Kalifa. The 10,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor restaurant and lounge transports guests to ancient Mayan Civilization, serving elevated cuisine, uniquely crafted cocktails, and a late-night party atmosphere with aerialists and fire dancers. The renowned Miami clubstaurant offers a variety of decadent dishes that make you wonder if it’s really vegan! Indulge in their fresh Guacamole and tortilla chips, and try their Wong-Tong Tacos made with sauteéd squash, as a replacement for tuna, shrimp, or salmon. The Aguachilé de Atun, a popular dish at Mayami, uses roasted tomatoes to mimic the taste and texture of raw ahi tuna.
Dish Name: Aguachilé de Atun
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
Black Bean Burger SaladBlack Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
Dish Name: Black Bean Burger, salsa verde, cilantro, charred corn, pickled onions on a Dave’s vegan bun
Description: Now open on the fourth floor of Brickell City Centre, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is a renowned burger establishment known globally for its award-winning craft burgers, delectable wings, fresh salads, iconic and whimsical CrazyShake® milkshakes, ice-cold craft beer, and inventive cocktails. Black Tap’s menu offers something for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan options. Highlights include the new Black Bean Burger (salsa verde, cilantro, charred corn, pickled onions on a Dave’s vegan bun), a selection of thoughtfully-curated salads, such as the Jennifer Aniston-inspired “It’s Not so Jennifer” (marinated kale, quinoa, vegan feta, cucumbers, diced red onion, pistachio, mint, parsley, lemon zest, and red wine vinaigrette), and delicious veggie sides like Crispy Brussel sprouts with sesame-tahini and Teriyaki broccoli with ginger, garlic, sesame, and scallion. Black Tap’s strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate classic shakes can also be made vegan, for diners looking to end their meal on a sweet note.
Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann
Wood Fired Butternut SquashFaena Miami Beach
Dish Name:
- Butternut Squash ($29) – Wood Fired Butternut Squash, Chermoula Sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano Cream, Pistachio Crumble
- Roasted Cauliflower ($39) – Almonds and Capers Vinaigrette, Fresh Herbs Salad, Crispy Rice, Cauliflower Purée
Description: Located within the Faena Miami Beach, Los Fuegos, by award-winning Argentine grillmaster Francis Mallmann, offers guests a modern take on traditional barbecue. With an open-fire kitchen, a focus on locally sourced ingredients, and the expert touch of the gaucho, this dining destination serves delicious dishes amidst a lively atmosphere. Guests can look forward to indulging in grilled and roasted meats, fresh seafood and vegetables, all complemented by an exceptional selection of Argentinean wines and craft cocktails. The rustic and theatrical plating and design will complement the cuisine, creating an authentic experience for diners, who will enjoy the juxtaposition of elegance and ruggedness.
Osaka Nikkei
Tumbo KarifawaOsaka Nikkei
Dish Name: Tumbo Karifawa
Description: Osaka Nikkei has just launched a vegetarian menu featuring an array of incredible plant-based dishes. Guests can find Osk-style nigiri, a ceviche, and flavorful Peruvian Izakaya options perfect for any palate. The Tumbo Karifawa stands out as a must-try vegetarian dish, featuring perfectly crispy cauliflower coated in a vibrant citrus sauce that adds a tangy depth to each bite. Finished with fresh scallions, this dish captures the essence of Nikkei flavors, blending bold textures and bright, balanced flavors for a memorable experience.
Toku
Toku Edamame DumplingsToku
Dish Name: Edamame Dumplings
Description: Toku offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes that showcase fresh flavors and textures, like the Edamame Dumplings – featuring smooth edamame filling encased in a delicate dumpling wrapper, they deliver a rich umami taste in every bite. Other options include the Jhap Chae, a vegetarian dish with glass noodles, shiitake mushrooms, and snow peas, and the Crispy Rice with Guacamole.
Koko
Koko Coliflor Tatemada en Mole de PistacheKoko
Dish Name: Coliflor Tatemada en Mole de Pistache
Description: Koko’s Coliflor Tatemada en Mole de Pistache is a bold vegetarian dish that brings charred cauliflower to life with deep, smoky flavors. Grilled to perfection, the cauliflower is served over a vibrant green pistachio mole. Topped with a crumble of pistachios and almonds and finished with a hint of chili oil, each bite offers a perfect balance of texture, spice, and earthiness—a must-try for plant-based diners.
Bakan
Bakan Tacos De Hongos Con Rajas Poblanas Y EpazoteBakan
Dish Name: Tacos de Hongos con Rajas Poblanas y Epazote
Description: Bakan’s Tacos de Hongos con Rajas Poblanas y Epazote are filled with tender mushrooms, smoky poblano peppers, and epazote, and are topped with a creamy layer of guacamole. Each bite brings a balanced mix of smoky, savory flavors, making these tacos a must-try for vegetarians and taco lovers alike.
Health-Conscious
MOMENTO By Ikaro
Ceviche Vuelve a La VidaMOMENTO By Ikaro
This Downtown culinary gem helmed by culinary chef couple Carolina Sanchez and Iñaki Murua, behind the Michelin-starred Ikaro in Spain, offers an upscale dining experience that seamlessly blends creativity with health-conscious sophistication. The menu features exquisitely crafted raw and fresh dishes such as ceviche, tuna tartare, steak tartare, tiradito, and oysters—each elevated with meticulous attention to detail and premium ingredients. For those seeking something heartier, MOMENTO’s wood-fired specials, like the perfectly roasted Branzino and tender Lamb Chops, deliver refined, bold flavors that highlight the restaurant’s dedication to elevated, wholesome cuisine.
Estiatorio Milos Miami
OctopusMilos
Renowned for its embrace of the Mediterranean diet—hailed as one of the world’s healthiest—Milos offers an exquisite dining experience that combines simplicity, flavor, and exceptional sourcing. Each dish highlights the finest ingredients, from ultra-fresh, line-caught fish and seafood flown in daily from the Greek isles to organic vegetables, every dish is thoughtfully prepared with heart-healthy olive oil and a touch of sea salt to let the ingredients shine. Standout offerings include the perfectly charred grilled octopus, whole fish baked in sea salt or grilled, and the vibrant tomato salad— ideal for starting the year on a lighter note.
Pura Vida Miami
Pura Vida Miami Table SpreadPhoto Courtesy of Pura Vida Miami
Founded in 2012 by Omer and Jennifer Horev, Pura Vida Miami has become South Florida’s premier spot for wellness-centered dining. Its extensive menu features nutrient-packed options like Superfood Smoothies, chef-inspired Salads, and protein-rich Bowls, striking the perfect balance between health and indulgence. With nearly 30 locations across South Florida and a recent expansion to New York, Pura Vida Miami has evolved into more than just a dining destination—it’s a wellness lifestyle brand that embodies the spirit of a healthier, happier community.
Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen
Abbalé Table SpreadPhoto Courtesy of Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen
Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to life with a health-conscious twist. Co-founded by Chef Sam Gorenstein and Pura Vida Miami’s Omer Horev, the kosher-style menu highlights fresh, nourishing dishes such as Grilled Faroe Island Salmon, Crunchy Kale Salad, and the Falafel Sababba Bowl, among other wholesome delights. With a focus on premium ingredients, every plate is crafted to support a clean and balanced lifestyle. Enhance your dining experience by pairing your meal with boutique Israeli wines for a touch of elegance.
Francisca Charcoal Chicken & Meats
Whole Chicken SpreadFrancisca Charcoal Chicken & Meats
This vibrant eatery with locations in Doral, Miami Lakes, Miami, Davie, Kendall, Wynwood and Bird Road offers a health-conscious spin on family-style dining. Their signature organic, cage-free rotisserie chicken “El Pollo de Doña Francisca,” is cooked to perfection in a Josper charcoal oven, a rare piece of culinary equipment that infuses every dish with a distinctive smoky flavor. Paired with nutrient-packed sides like fresh salads, creamy avocado, and hearty boiled yucca, it’s comfort food without the guilt—perfect for those seeking wholesome yet indulgent meals in 2025.
Read the original article here:
https://resident.com/food-and-drink/2024/12/30/vegetarian-friendly-health-conscious-restaurants-in-miami-for-new-year-resolutions