Plus Local Vegan and Gluten-Free Favorites
St. Augustine, Florida is a foodie paradise. You’ll find quaint cafés serving the fresh catch of the day, restaurants with sizzling steaks, and more than enough ice cream shops to keep you full until next July. However, vegetarians making their first trip to the Oldest City in America may feel lost among the powerful aromas and flavors.
Fear not!
You’ll find more than enough amazing vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options on these cobblestoned streets to fill your belly for a lifetime.
1. The Floridian
Tucked in an unassuming building on Spanish Street, The Floridian is an eclectic yet crowd-pleasing local favorite. From starters like their House-made Chips and Dip and Fried Green Tomatoes to entrees like the Cornbread Stack and Golden Curry, there are tasty treats for every dietary restriction. Gather up the gang and head on over, you won’t regret it!
The Floridian serves up lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday. The one drawback to this eatery is they are closed on Tuesdays.
2. Osprey Tacos
Osprey Tacos believes that “the tortilla is a vessel for delivering greatness” and we couldn’t agree more. The bulk of their tasteful creations pay homage to the humble street taco, but they also have a handful of vegetarian “Boulevard Tacos” like ‘The Boise’ (potatoes, cheese, scallions) and ‘The Sprout’ (brussel sprouts, black beans, pickled onions). Plus, they have a vegetarian ‘Fresh Catch’ created by the chef daily—you never know exactly what each day will bring, but you know it will be delicious.
Don’t be surprised if you run into us (and Louie) grabbing tacos here and sampling some brews from Old Coast Ales next door!
3. Crave
Crave is the ultimate St. Augustine success story. Originally a food truck parked at the San Sebastian Marina, Crave moved to a brick-and-mortar location on King Street a few years ago. Upsizing their operation has only fueled their mantra that “food should be healthy, local and fun.”
Be sure to check out their daily specials, which rotate through favorites like the Spicy Lotus Wrap, Happy Hummus Wrap, and more.
4. Juniper Market
If you find your nose leading you out of the historic downtown and along San Marco Ave, Juniper Market just might be the reason. Owner Jenn Ashton has turned her love for slow food into a community space for locals to come together and dine on food not only delicious, but fresh and healthy.
Juniper Market offers fresh baked goods and grab and go items perfect for a leisurely lunch with friends or a quick bite during the work day.
5. The Sprout Kitchen
Led by Chef Forrest Masters, The Sprout Kitchen is dedicated to offering foods that fuel the body with micronutrients and promote health and wellness. Inside this plant-based café and juice bar you’ll find organic cold-pressed juices and a variety of sweets and snacks that are sugar and gluten-free!
You’ll also find vegan takes on beloved junk food like their “Cheesy” Turmeric Kale Chips and Coconut & Dulse “Bacon”.
6. Buena Onda
Open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Saturday, Buena Onda is your one stop shop for all things vegan in St. Augustine. Every single item on their (pretty sizable) menu is either vegan or can be made vegan.
Wash down all that tasty tempeh and scrumptious soup with a Yerba Mate Iced Tea or Ginger Mint Lemonade for a truly elite experience.
7. The Manatee Cafe
The Manatee Cafe is another local institution where every single dish is vegan, or can be prepared vegan and gluten-free. Been missing out on pancakes and waffles ever since you cut out gluten? You can order a plate of fantastic flapjacks every day of the week.
Executive Chef Cheryl Crosley has been managing the Manatee Cafe for the last 25 years, so you know you’re in good hands—er, flippers.
8. Casa Maya
A quick look at the extensive menu for Casa Maya may leave vegetarians disappointed, but don’t despair! Alongside entrees for those with more carnivorous appetites are some truly decadent vegetarian dishes like the Yucatan Salad (avocado, mango, queso fresco) and Malinche Salad (butternut squash, beets, feta).
Of course, you can’t go wrong with veggie tacos, quesadillas or the mouthwatering Green Burrito.
9. Creative Juices Natural Cafe
Creative Juices Natural Café in St. Augustine, Florida, offers a refreshing take on healthy dining with a focus on local, nourishing ingredients. This cozy cafe specializes in a variety of fresh-squeezed juices, wholesome smoothies, and creative breakfast and lunch options, catering to gluten-free and vegan preferences.
Their commitment to community and environment shines through their locally sourced produce and eco-friendly practices.
10. Big Island Bowl
Dragons? Goddesses? Funky Monkeys!?
They’ve got it all at Big Island Bowls. With a menu full of nods towards Pacific Islander culture, Big Island Bowls brings the spirit of Hawai’i to the Sunshine State. Try the Maui Acai Bowl (dragonfruit, pineapple) or opt for one of their vegan teriyaki bowls if you’re feeling particularly peckish.
11. Mojo’s Tacos
Don’t let the name fool you, there’s so much more to Mojo’s Tacos than just tacos. Specifically burritos, salads, arepas, and nachos. You can let your imagination run wild here with avocado, tempeh, black beans, or tofu all as added protein options for every menu item.
Mojo’s Tacos is easy to find, with one location on Anastasia Island and one near St. Augustine Shores.
12. Lotus Noodle Bar
Once you sit down in Lotus Noodle Bar, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you’re in St. Augustine. This upscale ramen bar has 100% vegan options that are to die for, including tofu “eggs” that taste indistinguishable from the real thing.
Just because we’ve saved this spot for the end of the list doesn’t mean we have anything against it—in fact, Lotus Noodle Bar might be one of our favorite date night spots in town!
Welcome Home to St. Augustine
Whether you’ve just started thinking about life in St. Augustine, or if you’ve lived in the Ancient City your entire life, there is always something more to discover. Check out our newest real estate listings or give us a call at (904) 599-5633 to discuss listing your current home with The Newcomer Group.