5 Friendly Restaurants for Vegetarians

Siesta Key may be known for its pristine beaches and fresh seafood, but that doesn’t mean there is a lack of great dining options for vegetarians and vegans. Here are five local places that have a bounty of tasty and innovative recipes. Some serve exclusively vegetarian or vegan meals, while others have them peppered throughout their extensive menus. Whatever you’re into, all these unique restaurants pack a punch with many healthy, delicious options. Best of all, they’re all close by to one of our Crescent Beach Siesta Key rentals!

Nutritious You

Nutritious You is a store and restaurant tucked away on 6583 Midnight Pass Road that specializes in raw foods and other vegan products. Don’t let its low profile fool you. They have an abundance of choices to suit every palate and even offer take out. The organic items on the menu are creative, healthy and artfully arranged. Nutritious You serves up everything from pizza to pad Thai in their own style. You’ll also find many snacks like kale chips and pickled veggies, spreads, and smoothies. Finally, try their takes on classic desserts like tiramisu and Key lime pie. 

The Cottage

The Cottage on 153 Avenida Messina in the heart of Siesta Key is a staple with a diverse menu and a great atmosphere. True to its name, space feels like a cabin with a very warm, homey vibe. It also offers outdoor dining in a secluded area surrounded by palm trees and plants, giving the feel of an oasis in the city. The Cottage has all the standard fare of steak and seafood if you are dining with any non-vegetarians. But keep an eye out for the delicious salads and tapas. The plantains with chimichurri and gorgonzola cheese gnocchi are excellent, rich and flavorful additions to a meal. Enjoy a stroll before or after your meal as you are right by the white sand beaches of the Florida gulf coast!

Green Zebra Cafe

Green Zebra Cafe are masters of gluten-free dining found on 476 John Ringling Blvd, just north of Siesta Key. The café has a minimalist setup with cool, wooden furnishings. You can see their full menu on the blackboard wall, going from head to toe with nutritious foods and drinks. Tofu scrambled eggs and gluten-free pancakes with fresh berries are breakfast favorites. Sandwiches, wraps, and salads are also always available. The chicken pesto sandwich and mushroom and goat cheese wrap are very popular and well worth a try. For those looking to try something new or interesting, there are also tons of fresh, colorful juice options and fruit bowls served in real coconut shells.

Clayton’s Siesta Grille

Clayton’s Siesta Grille on 1256 Old Stickney Point Road is a renowned local restaurant that’s open for dinner nightly. Clayton’s strikes a balance between casual and fine dining and has a reputation for charity and sustainability. The Italian-style salads and soups are rich and creatively designed. Delectable vegetarian entrees include the Gochujang Stir Fry Tofu, served on a bed of coconut-jasmine rice, and the Vegan Cauliflower “Steak” on risotto with mushrooms, fresh cheese, and chimichurri. Also, check out the Margherita or Funghi brick oven pizzas. Clayton’s provides a full culinary experience for all palates, so you can have a great dinner no matter who you’re with.

Veg

Last but definitely not least, there’s Veg on 2164 Gulf Gate Drive in Sarasota. It sits a couple of minutes from the bridge to Siesta Key – perfectly positioned to jump right into the many things to do in Siesta Key like watersports, beaching, or hitting the trails. If the name hasn’t already given it away, be prepared for a surplus of vegetarian and vegan meals. There’s also a healthy dose of seafood for those inclined. Veg has many wraps and burgers with creative meat substitutes and a variety of enticing flavors. Some of their most interesting courses for both lunch and dinner are built around BBQ jackfruit, cauliflower, or Portobello mushrooms. Their creative apps, salads, and stir-fries are sure to please as well.

After you’re done checking out the vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the area, you may want to explore all Siesta Key has to offer. Shop around hit the beach, or relax in your ground floor condo.