My 9 Favorite Healthy Spots in Miami
My favorite restaurants in Miami to grab a healthy (but delicious) meal
Summer is approaching friends and that means it will be 108 degrees in Miami and we must take our clothes off to survive. So in that case I wanted to create a list of my favorite health food spots that are still delicious, fresh, and full of flavor. From breezy cafés serving vibrant salads to fast casual spots serving protein-packed bowls and tropical smoothies, these are my go-to healthy restaurants that feel perfect for summer.
Carrot Express
Oh boy do I Love You, Carrot Express. Carrot is a spot I grew up on. I think I’ve had just about everything on the menu. Everything feels fresh and clean, but tasty at the same time. Besides loving their juices, wraps, sandwiches, salads and platters, they’ve just recently revamped their breakfast menu and their coffee is my absolute favorite in the city right now. I actively look forward to their lattes in the morning. I also loooove their freshly squeezed Carrot Orange Juice. I actually ordered 3 of them for myself last weekend, I couldn’t get enough. Other dishes I hyper fixate on are their Banana Bread, Granola (flies under the radar), Pesto Salmon Platter, Liv Wrap, Pesto Chicken Bowl, and their Teeka Salad. Of course, you can’t skip the Cilantro Lime Dressing.
Pura Vida
Pura Vida has officially taken over Miami. There isn’t a neighborhood that exists without a Pura Vida at the corner of its Main Street. If you’re posted up at their Sunset Harbour location, odds are you’ll run into at least three people you know (and probably their dogs too). The restaurant is bright and lively and a great place to work from. Funny enough, I’m actually typing this article with one hand and drinking Pura Vida’s Banana Brew in the other. This drink is actually addicting and I may have ordered it 4 times in the past week. I’m more of a fan of their smoothies, coffees, and baked goods (get their empanadas!) rather than their food, but they do have some great options for lunch like their Bali Crunch Acai Bowl, Perfect Egg Sandwich, Kale Chicken Caesar Wrap, and Tuna Sprout Sandwich.
Miami Juice
Shockingly enough, a lot of people have never heard of Miami Juice. This Aventura spot has been around for quite some time and is the definition of a family institution. Everyone knows everyone who comes here. This is a perfect casual lunch spot with an extensive menu, freshly made juices, and even a market to buy organic products they use in their dishes. They also have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. I always get Isaac’s Salad, Tuna Salad, their Spaghetti Squash Pasta, Japanese Sweet Potato, and they have a delicious fruit salad that comes with granola and chocolate.
Maman
Maman is a new (and wonderful) addition to the Miami food scene. It started with one location and now theres over 5, with more coming. The space is a perfect work environment and also a great spot for lunch meetings or a post workout smoothie. I absolutely love the food here but I am also obsessed with their unique and innovative coffees and pastries. Think drinks like an Iced Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte or a Lemon Lavender Iced Matcha. I really like Raquel's chicken caesar salad, the Croque Maman, Their Chicken Sandwich, and their Breakfast Bowl. If you’re feeling a little naughty, get their cookie too, its famous.
Naked Farmer
Naked Farmer flies happily under the radar and I love it. I actually haven’t eaten at the restaurant, I’ve only ordered delivery, but the food is probably the cleanest you’ll get from a “health food” place. They are a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasize locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. All of the dishes are super fresh and they don’t use seed oils either! I love their Market Plate where you can choose from the following proteins: charred chicken, grass-fed steak, Faroe Island salmon, and roasted blue oyster mushrooms. Then they have sides like sweet potato, Charred Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic, Pecan Kale Caesar and more. It’s just perfectly guilt free and delicious.
Planta
Planta on South Beach is one of my favorite vegan restaurants in the city. I will actually willingly come here despite everything being completely vegan friendly. The restaurant itself is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner with the girls. Its bright and filled with greenery. The alcoholic drinks are delicious and made with fresh green juices. I also love brunch here. Some of my favorite dishes are their Spicy Crab Handroll, Kelp Caesar, Chinese Chick’n Salad, Hawaiian Crunch Roll, Spicy Lumaconi Pasta, Bang Bang Broccoli, and Vodka Pizza.
Ojo De Agua
Ojo De Agua is a very popular Brickell spot that I think is perfect for a refreshing Mexican breakfast. You can go heavier if you’d like to, but I love the acai bowls here. They also have fresh ceviches, salads and tacos. All dishes taste authentic and delicious. Everything is baked and not fried.
The Last Carrot
The Last Carrot has been an institution in Coconut Grove for ages. It was doing healthy food before healthy food became a thing. They are a no-frills cafe with a wholesome ambiance. It’s perfect for picking up a sandwich on a lunch break. I love their pita sandwiches with chicken salad and weirdly enough I love their Cream Cheese and Veggie Pita. The Tuna Salad Melt is delicious also.
Avo
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Avo in Sunset Harbour. The food is clean, simple, and fresh. However, it is almost offensively expensive. You are paying $50 for a salad and iced matcha. On the other hand, many people find it worth it to spend that kind of money if you are getting fresh, organic ingredients. And Avo really is simple, refined and delicious. It is also a nice scene of people! I always get the salmon with lentils or their Halloumi Salad.
All of these places sound amazing! I’m ready for lunch now! 😋