As the Miami heat intensifies, the desire for light, refreshing, and healthy meals grows stronger. Luckily, Miami boasts a vibrant health food scene, offering everything from breezy cafes to fast-casual spots brimming with flavor and nutritious ingredients. This guide highlights some of the best healthy restaurants in Miami, perfect for maintaining a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
Carrot Express: A Miami Staple
Carrot Express is more than just a restaurant; it's a Miami institution. With a diverse menu that includes juices, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and platters, Carrot Express offers something for everyone. The emphasis is on fresh, clean ingredients that don't compromise on flavor.
Recently, Carrot Express revamped its breakfast menu, and their coffee has quickly become a favorite among locals. The freshly squeezed Carrot Orange Juice is another standout, with one customer admitting to ordering three in a single weekend. Other popular dishes include the Banana Bread, Granola, Pesto Salmon Platter, Liv Wrap, Pesto Chicken Bowl, and Teeka Salad. Don't forget to add the Cilantro Lime Dressing for an extra burst of flavor.
Pura Vida: The Corner Cafe Phenomenon
Pura Vida has rapidly expanded its presence throughout Miami, becoming a ubiquitous corner cafe. Known for its bright and lively atmosphere, Pura Vida is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The restaurant is also a great place to work from.
While Pura Vida offers a variety of food options, their smoothies, coffees, and baked goods are particularly noteworthy. The Banana Brew has gained a cult following. For lunch, consider the Bali Crunch Acai Bowl, Perfect Egg Sandwich, Kale Chicken Caesar Wrap, or Tuna Sprout Sandwich.
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Miami Juice: A Family Institution
Miami Juice is a long-standing Aventura establishment and a true family institution. This casual lunch spot boasts an extensive menu, freshly made juices, and even a market selling organic products used in their dishes. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available.
What started as a single location has now expanded to over five, with more on the way. The space is perfect for working or enjoying lunch meetings, and it also offers a great post-workout smoothie. In addition to the food, Miami Juice is known for its unique and innovative coffees and pastries, such as the Iced Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte and Lemon Lavender Iced Matcha. Popular food items include Raquel's Chicken Caesar Salad, the Croque Maman, Chicken Sandwich, and Breakfast Bowl. For a sweet treat, don't miss their famous cookie.
Naked Farmer: Farm-to-Table Freshness
Naked Farmer focuses on providing clean, healthy food made with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. This farm-to-table restaurant avoids seed oils and emphasizes fresh, flavorful dishes.
A popular choice is the Market Plate, which allows you to select a protein such as charred chicken, grass-fed steak, Faroe Island salmon, or roasted blue oyster mushrooms, along with sides like sweet potato, Charred Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic, and Pecan Kale Caesar. Naked Farmer also offers healthy catering services in the Miami area, serving locally sourced meals in compostable containers.
Planta: Vegan Dining at Its Finest
Located on South Beach, Planta is a favorite vegan restaurant known for its delicious plant-based cuisine. The restaurant's bright, greenery-filled interior creates a perfect ambiance for a summer lunch or dinner.
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Planta's alcoholic drinks are made with fresh green juices, and their brunch menu is also a hit. Standout dishes include the Spicy Crab Handroll, Kelp Caesar, Chinese Chick’n Salad, Hawaiian Crunch Roll, Spicy Lumaconi Pasta, Bang Bang Broccoli, and Vodka Pizza.
Ojo De Agua: A Mexican Refreshment
Ojo De Agua in Brickell is a popular spot for a refreshing Mexican breakfast. While they offer heartier options, their acai bowls are a standout. The menu also includes fresh ceviches, salads, and tacos, all prepared with authentic flavors.
The Last Carrot: A Coconut Grove Classic
The Last Carrot has been a Coconut Grove institution for many years, serving healthy food long before it became a trend. This no-frills cafe offers a wholesome ambiance and is ideal for picking up a quick and healthy lunch. Popular choices include their pita sandwiches with chicken salad and the Cream Cheese and Veggie Pita, as well as the Tuna Salad Melt.
Avo Miami: Organic and Refined
Avo in Sunset Harbour offers clean, simple, and fresh food made with organic ingredients. While it may be on the pricier side, many customers find the quality of the ingredients to be worth the cost.
Avo is known for its colorful Acai Bowls, energizing Protein Shakes, and artisanal Avo Toasts. The restaurant prides itself on nourishing the body and inspiring a healthy lifestyle.
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Other Notable Options
In addition to the restaurants listed above, Miami offers a variety of other healthy dining options, including:
- D’Lite (Key Biscayne): An all-day healthy cafe known for its rice bowls, açai, and smoothies.
- Nu Real Food (Midtown): A sensible lunch spot offering nutritious meals.
- Tap’s (Brickell): A great option for açai and tapioca sandwiches after a workout.
- Celis: A takeout spot for sandwiches and healthy juices.
- Beehive Cafe & Juice Bar (Bird Road): A health food store with salads, sandwiches, and a wide selection of vitamins.
- Blue Lavender Cafe (Collins Avenue): A spot with vegan and gluten-free options.
- Flora (MiMo): A cafe with vegetarian breakfast and lunch options.
- Aguacate Sanctuary Of Love (Tamiami): A vegan spot that doubles as an animal sanctuary.
- Prana (South Beach): A casual cafe for a quick breakfast or lunch.
- True Food Kitchen: A restaurant chain offering seasonal dishes with fresh ingredients.