By: Sophia Lalaounis By: Sophia Lalaounis | January 1, 2025 | Food & Drink, Guide, drink, Eat,
Start the year right with Miami’s best health-forward dining destinations, where fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors set the tone for a revitalizing, feel-good dining experience.
Photo courtesy of Pura Vida Miami
Pura Vida Miami is a South Florida staple for wellness-focused dining, with nearly 30 locations offering a vibrant menu crafted from high-quality, clean ingredients. Offering something for everyone, including an array of vegan delights like the Thai almond salad, a fresh mix of basil, edamame, mandarin orange and more, or the almond butter energy Bites, guests will enjoy a delicious and nutritious boost. Multiple locations, @puravidamiami
Discover vibrant Mediterranean flavors at MOTEK, where fresh, wholesome ingredients shine in every dish. The artichoke flat pita combines goat cheese, parmesan, kale, caramelized onions, and tender artichokes on perfectly baked flatbread. For a delicious vegan dish, choose the cauliflower couscous, which offers a savory mix of carrots, fresh herbs and bold spices or the crunchy cabbage salad for a refreshing bite. Multiple locations, @motekcafe
Photo courtesy of Lilikoi Organic Living
Nestled in the heart of Miami Beach, Lilikoi Organic Living is committed to serving guests with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. A standout on the menu includes the quinoa salad featuring criolla pico de gallo, avocado, radish, black beans and micro basil. If you’re looking for something quick on the go, look no further as this hot spot offers a variety of nutritious and refreshing pressed juices like its green detox or signature lemonade with lemon, mint, ginger and honey. 500 South Pointe Drive STE. #180, Miami Beach, @lilikoiorganicliving
A standout for health-conscious dining in Miami, The Strand offers dishes crafted from high-quality, local ingredients that make every meal a celebration of fresh, mindful eating. The vegan skillet haché is a hearty start for breakfast, featuring scrambled tofu, roasted tomatoes from Farmer Mikes in Naples, seasoned breakfast potatoes, and organic spinach. For a lighter bite, the tropical parfait offers a vibrant mix of hibiscus yogurt, local wildflower honey and tropical fruits and berries topped with organic granola. 6801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, @thestrandmiami
Photo courtesy of Elastika Miami
Nestled in the Miami Design District’s historic Moore Building, Elastika offers a modern American dining experience focused on sustainability and local sourcing. Executive chef Joe Anthony blends bold, health-forward flavors with plant-based options, such as the Florida tomato gazpacho with pickled tomatillos and avocado, local lettuces with broccoli rabe and toasted cashew vinaigrette, or the housemade gnocchi sardi with local mushrooms, tomato brodo and Florida sweet corn. With fresh ingredients and a space enhanced by Zaha Hadid’s iconic sculpture, Elastika provides a distinctive culinary journey. 191 NE 40th St., Miami, @elastikamiami
Carrot Express, a beloved health-focused eatery in South Florida, serves nourishing options like the carrot sweet potato soup, a creamy blend of coconut milk, onions, thyme, rosemary and pumpkin seeds, perfect for a comforting meal. Its housemade veggie burger features fresh ingredients, making it a hearty, plant-based choice that embodies Carrot Express’s dedication to wholesome, flavorful ingredients. Multiple locations, @carrotexpress
Photo credit: James Jackman; courtesy of Flora Plant Kitchen
Flora Plant Kitchen, a haven for creative plant-based cuisine, delivers bold, artful dishes that highlight the beauty of vegetables. The veggie tartare is a standout starter, featuring charcoal asparagus, heirloom carrots, yuzu hollandaise and crispy yuka and mushroom chicharrón for a perfect balance of textures. For a heartier option, the mushroom and mash pairs truffle mashed potatoes with charcoal Swiss chard, maitake mushrooms and shaved summer black truffle for an earthy, indulgent delight. 5580 NE 4th Court #4b, Miami, @floraplantkitchen
Nestled in Miami's vibrant South of Fifth neighborhood, PLANTA redefines plant-based dining with its innovative and flavorful offerings. Perfect for a leisurely meal or a quick grab-and-go option, this South Florida gem features a one-of-a-kind plant-based sushi bar, a lush rooftop garden, and freshly pressed juices. The menu boasts standout creations like the spicy katsu cauli roll, a delectable combination of tempura cauliflower, unagi, avocado, black garlic, and a drizzle of yum yum sauce. Another crowd favorite is the spicy chorizo pizza, topped with savory potato chorizo and fresh onions for a bold and satisfying bite. Whether you're a vegan enthusiast or simply seeking fresh, creative cuisine, PLANTA delivers a dining experience that’s anything but ordinary. 850 Commerce St, Miami Beach, @planta
Photography by: Photo credit: James Jackman; courtesy of brands