Vegan-Friendly Cafes in Miami: Where to Eat Plant-Based

Miami's Growing Vegan Scene

Miami's food scene has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past several years, and plant-based eating has been at the center of that shift. What was once a landscape dominated by steak houses, Cuban sandwiches, and seafood restaurants has expanded to include a thriving community of vegan-friendly establishments that cater to the growing number of South Florida residents who are reducing or eliminating animal products from their diets.

The numbers tell the story: plant-based food sales in the United States have grown by double digits year over year, and Miami has kept pace. From dedicated vegan restaurants in Wynwood and the Design District to neighborhood cafes in Coral Gables and Westchester that have quietly expanded their menus to include substantial plant-based options, there has never been a better time to eat vegan in South Florida. The days of being limited to a sad side salad or a plain bagel are long gone. Today, vegan diners in Miami can enjoy everything from fresh-baked cookies to protein-packed smoothie bowls to full lunch plates with plant-based proteins — all without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

What Makes a Cafe Truly Vegan-Friendly?

Having one token salad on the menu does not make a cafe vegan-friendly. Neither does offering a single non-dairy milk option while everything else on the menu contains butter, eggs, or cream. A truly vegan-friendly cafe goes beyond the bare minimum and makes plant-based eating feel like a first-class experience rather than an afterthought. Here is what to look for:

• Multiple vegan food options: Not just one item, but a genuine selection — baked goods, snacks, meals, and treats that happen to be plant-based.
• Plant-based milk alternatives on every drink: Oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk should be available as a substitute for any drink on the menu, not just select items.
• Clearly labeled menu items: Vegan options should be easy to identify without having to interrogate the staff about every ingredient in every dish.
• Baked goods without dairy or eggs: This is where most cafes fall short. Finding a cafe that bakes genuinely good vegan pastries and cookies is rare and worth celebrating.
• Knowledgeable staff: Employees who understand what vegan means, know which items contain hidden animal products, and can make informed recommendations.

When a cafe checks all of these boxes, it creates an environment where plant-based eaters feel welcome and supported — not like they are an inconvenience.

specialTEA's Vegan Menu Highlights

At specialTEA Lounge & Cafe on Coral Way, vegan options are woven throughout the entire menu rather than being confined to a separate section. Here is a breakdown of everything plant-based eaters can enjoy:

Vegan Cookies — 6 Flavors, Baked Fresh Daily

This is the crown jewel of our vegan offerings. Every single day, we bake a fresh batch of vegan cookies in six rotating flavors: Matcha Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, Choco-Mallow, Walnut Chocolate Chip, Classic Chocolate Chip, and Cookies & Cream. Each cookie is $1.50, or you can grab a dozen for $15 — making them one of the best deals on vegan baked goods anywhere in Miami. They are made without dairy or eggs, but they are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. People who are not vegan choose these cookies on taste alone, which is the highest compliment a vegan baked good can receive.

Frozen Drinks and Smoothies — 100% Vegan

Our entire frozen drink lineup is plant-based by default — no dairy, no added sugar, non-GMO verified. Five flavors are available:

• Banana + Oat Fiber: Creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with soluble fiber for sustained energy.
• Mango + Immunity: Tropical mango blended with immunity-boosting ingredients for a bright, refreshing drink.
• Strawberry + Antioxidants: Sweet strawberries with an antioxidant boost — vibrant and satisfying.
• Harvest Greens + Detox: A nutrient-dense green smoothie for those who want to pack in their vegetables.
• Pineapple + Prebiotic: Tropical pineapple with prebiotic fiber to support gut health.

Every Drink, Your Way

Every single drink on the specialTEA menu — from lattes to chai to matcha to London Fogs — can be made with organic soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk for just $0.50 extra. All 60+ loose leaf teas are naturally vegan, as are all fruit-based Italian sodas and fresh lemonades. This means a vegan customer can order literally anything on the drink menu without restriction, which is unfortunately still rare at many Miami cafes.

Sandwiches and Wraps — Plant-Based Protein Options

Any sandwich or wrap on the menu can be customized with TVP (textured vegetable protein) or beefless strips for $2.50 extra, replacing the standard meat option. This means you are not limited to a single "vegan sandwich" — you can build any combination you want with plant-based protein, fresh vegetables, and your choice of sauces.

Guac Smash Croissant ($4.25)

Our homemade guacamole pressed inside a grilled butter croissant is a popular savory option. One note for strict vegans: the croissant itself contains butter, so this item is vegetarian rather than fully vegan. However, the guacamole is 100% dairy-free and scratch-made, and many plant-based eaters who are flexible about occasional butter still enjoy this one.

Fresh Mint Lemonade ($3.50/$4.50)

Freshly squeezed lemon juice with vegan-friendly evaporated cane juice and fresh mint leaves. Simple, refreshing, and entirely plant-based. Available in regular or large sizes, and perfect for Miami's warm weather.

Tips for Vegan Dining in Miami

Whether you are a longtime vegan, newly plant-based, or just trying to eat more plants, here are some practical tips for navigating Miami's dining scene:

• Always ask about milk alternatives. Most Miami cafes now offer at least oat milk, and many have expanded to include almond, soy, and coconut options. Do not assume your only choice is regular dairy — ask.
• Check baked goods carefully. Even items that look vegan — like a fruit muffin or an oat bar — often contain butter, eggs, or honey. Ask specifically whether baked goods are made without animal products.
• Look for "vegan" labels on menus. Cafes that take the time to clearly mark vegan items on their menu are generally more knowledgeable and reliable about dietary accommodations across the board.
• Do not be afraid to customize. Most cafes in Miami are happy to modify dishes — swapping out cheese, removing mayo, substituting plant-based protein. Just ask politely and be specific about what you need.
• Download the HappyCow app. It is the most comprehensive database of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes, with user reviews, photos, and location data. It is an essential tool for finding plant-based options near you, especially when you are exploring a new neighborhood.

Visit Miami's Most Vegan-Friendly Tea Lounge

specialTEA Lounge & Cafe has been quietly serving one of Miami's most extensive vegan-friendly menus since opening in 2009 — long before "plant-based" became a marketing buzzword and long before oat milk was standard at every coffee shop. The commitment to offering genuine vegan options has been part of the cafe's DNA from the beginning, and it continues to evolve as new products and ingredients become available.

Located at 10766 SW 24th St on Coral Way, near FIU, specialTEA is the kind of place where a vegan customer can walk in and feel genuinely taken care of. Come for the vegan cookies — stay for the matcha lattes, the board games, the free WiFi, and the welcoming atmosphere that has made this Coral Way cafe a neighborhood institution for over fifteen years. Whether you are fully vegan, mostly plant-based, or just curious about eating more plants, you will find something to love on the menu.