Located on Santa Rosa Island in Florida, Navarre Beach is renowned for its pristine beaches, laid-back atmosphere — and for having countless amazing seafood restaurants.
That sounds great, doesn't it? But what if you're vegetarian or vegan? Do you have options in Navarre Beach?
In contrast to some destinations like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and St. Petersburg, entirely vegan or vegetarian restaurants are hard to find in Navarre Beach.
However, you do have options for restaurants that are very accommodating to such dietary preferences.
At Navarre Beach Rentals, we know very well that some of our wonderful city offers fewer vegan or vegetarian-friendly restaurants, making it challenging to find suitable dining options.
Challenges can be of various types:
Social: when traveling with a group, social situations may revolve around non-vegetarian meals, and finding alternatives can be difficult. There might be pressure to conform to local eating customs.
Local specialties: some destinations have specific local specialties that may not align with vegan or vegetarian dietary preferences. Missing out on these culinary experiences can be disappointing.
Limited breakfast options: breakfast menus in certain places may heavily feature animal products, making it challenging to find a variety of vegan or vegetarian options.
That's only to name a few challenges. Still, despite those, with careful research, planning, and communication, it's possible to enjoy a fulfilling vegan or vegetarian dining experience in Navarre Beach.
We want to make things easier for you, so this blog will bring you a selection of the best vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Navarre Beach, Florida.
Let's dive right in!
1. Cactus Flower Cafe, an authentic place that gets creative with Mexican food.
This is a highly rated and authentic Mexican restaurant where food truly gets creative and is always fresh — you might even feel like you're on a trip down to good old Mexico!
The restaurant focuses on making food great on its own without adding too much butter, lard, sugar, or many of the other ingredients that would deceive your taste buds. All that's left to savor is the pure freshness of its great dishes.
Portions are large and tasty, and the restaurant is quite vegetarian-friendly. This is the place for fresh guacamole, crunchy tacos, and some of the best burrito bowls you'll ever have. Most dishes can be made vegetarian, and the staff is very accommodating.
Of course, your family members or friends can also enjoy regular shrimp or fish tacos, chicken quesadillas, and so on. Prices are generally fair.
For drinks, beer, wine, and... Wine margaritas? Yep, it might sound weird, but it's very tasty.
Extra tip: Save some space for dessert. You'll thank us later.
2. Alphy's Family Restaurant, a "dream come true" with southern specialties.
This place has been dubbed "a dream come true" by an eating-out column in the local Daily News and is all about southern specialties.
Easy to find, family-run, and vegan-friendly, Alphy's Family Restaurant is one of the perfect food spots in town. It's a great place to enjoy a fantastic meal, and many also say it offers the best breakfast in Navarre!
Speaking of breakfast, they are famous for their cinnamon bun pancakes, and you can expect all your classic favorites, as well as hotcakes, gravy biscuits, hash browns, and delicious toast & jelly.
For lunch, they are known for their southern catfish and seafood in general, including coleslaw salads. The staff is very adaptive to vegetarians, but the best bet for vegans is the salad bar available Monday through Friday until 1:00 pm.
Whether it's breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, this is a perfect choice before a session of golfing or a wonderful day at the beach.
3. JJ Chago's, small and cozy, and offers the best coffee in town.
Even if the outside might not look like much — although we actually think that the blue shack is pretty charming — you should never judge a book by its cover, should you?
Enter through the door, and JJ Chago's feels like a typical Florida diner — small and cozy and with not a lot of quirky art hanging on the walls. This place is a local institution, great for breakfast and lunch.
Let's start with the coffee. ☕ Whether you like it black, latte, or with some flavorful blend, it's simply fantastic. You will not be disappointed. (And they roast their own beans!)
They have avocado meals like avocado toast, and all kinds of sandwiches: multigrain croissants with avocado, avocado breakfast bowl, and even avocado cupcakes. It's an authentic avocado extravaganza!
You can easily go vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free with most options. Not sure what to get? Ask the staff. They have great advice in their pocket.
Oh, word of advice: don't leave without trying one of their delicious cakes!
4. Bella Luna Italian Bistro, the refined Mediterranean choice.
Feeling like something a bit more upscale? Located in a strip mall, this authentic Italian establishment, boasting fewer than 20 tables and a refined bar, exudes a sophisticated atmosphere. Bella Luna is often referred to as the premier Italian dining spot, not only in Navarre but throughout the entire Emerald Coast.
The setting is superb with ambient lighting, a neutral color palette, and impeccable table presentation.
On the menu, everything is delightful, from the bread appetizers to the exquisite tiramisu. The portions are generous, and they cater to vegetarian requests. Expect a variety of vegan-friendly pasta options, and some traditional pasta that can come egg-free.
Oh, the Caesar salads are a definite crowd-pleaser.
Prices are on the higher side, but this is, after all, a refined Mediterranean dining experience. The staff is dedicated to providing an authentic Mediterranean culinary journey!
5. The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar, a trendy sushi spot.
With two locations, one in Florida and another in Pennsylvania, The Slippery Mermaid offers a unique dining experience. The Navarre Beach location, in a charming cottage, provides both indoor and outdoor dining, and it stands out as one of the liveliest restaurants in town, boasting a relaxed and casual atmosphere.
This establishment features a range of vegan options, including a selection of vegan roll combinations incorporating fruits and veggies. While these options may not be clearly listed on the menu, special requests are always welcomed by the accommodating staff.
A good veggie roll includes cucumber, cream cheese, seaweed salad, and peppers, topped with cilantro, coconut, and a house-made honey sriracha sauce.
Even if sushi isn't your preference, The Slippery Mermaid still offers various creative bowls and is definitely worth a visit. However, we highly recommend trying their rolls to savor the freshness and tastiness they offer.
This is an ideal spot for a year-round "al fresco" experience, but keep in mind that it gets busy after 5:30 pm, and a bit of a wait may be expected. The experience is well worth it, though.
6. Taste of Thai 2, Thai flavors on the Emerald Coast.
Another Asian restaurant offering excellent vegetarian and vegan choices is the family-run Taste of Thai. Specializing in authentic and traditional Thai cuisine, this place is renowned as the best Thai restaurant in the area, delivering exceptional food at reasonable prices.
The vegetables are fresh and cooked to perfection, the sauces are flavorful, and the appetizers are delightfully crispy.
The menu is especially accommodating for vegan or vegetarian preferences, as all soups, salads, noodles, fried rice options, and curries can be ordered with tofu. Also, they feature Thai tea on the menu!
7. TC's Front Porch, a locals' favorite for comfort food.
A local favorite, TC's Front Porch specializes in all-American comfort food and seafood.
The atmosphere is inviting, offering a family-friendly indoor and outdoor cafe experience with fantastic sea views and an open patio.
While the menu is simple, it does feature vegetarian and vegan choices, including items like home fries, chips with salsa, and a garden salad. The friendly staff is used to accommodating vegan options upon request.
Even if you're not exploring the seafood delights of Florida for obvious reasons, TC's Front Porch still provides a wonderful ambiance for gathering with friends and enjoying a delightful meal out!
Best Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Navarre Beach
Looking for extra tips for vegans and vegetarians in Florida?
Check for vegan festivals and events: these are becoming more frequent every year, and attendees can enjoy a variety of plant-based foods, learn about new products, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Explore ethnic cuisines: Florida's cultural diversity is reflected in its cuisine. Besides Thai and Japanese, also keep an eye out for Indian restaurants.
Visit farmers' markets: Florida has vibrant farmers' markets where you can find fresh, local produce. Pick up fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based goodies for snacks or picnics during your travels.
Use apps designed for vegan travelers, such as HappyCow, Vegman, or Vanilla Bean.
Heads up! Even in restaurants with vegetarian and vegan options, staff may not be well-versed in dietary restrictions, which can lead to uncertainty about ingredients. It's always best to do your own research to avoid disappointments. Have your phone handy to double-check things before ordering.
As mentioned at the beginning of this blog, being a vegetarian or vegan traveler is not always easy, but planning ahead and exploring different areas will surely help you make the most out of your visit to Navarre Beach.
Do you know another way to enjoy your visit the most? Staying like a local and booking one of our Navarre Beach vacation rentals with all the space, privacy, and home-like amenities you need.
From luxury beachfront homes to amazing rental condos, at Navarre Beach Property, we guarantee you'll have a 5-star experience during your Navarre Beach vacation.
The best part? All of our rentals come equipped with great kitchens, so you can be the king of your own diet and cook whatever you want.
