Featured in VegNews magazine as “The Most Vegan-Friendly City You Never Heard Of” Gainesville, Alachua County features mouthwatering delectable options when it comes to vegan and vegetarian dining. (Read the article by Lauren Keys here.)
There are many local restaurants that offer vegan options on their menu. And even more that offer vegetarian dishes. To discover new vegan-specific places, be sure to follow the Instagram feed by Gainesville Vegans.
Below is a list of vegan-friendly restaurants, farmer’s markets, and farm animal sanctuaries. Also, you can sort through the delicious dining page on the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County website. If we missed any of your favorites, be sure to let us know!
Bambi’s Café (High Springs)
This permaculture homestead and natural farm features a cafe, cooking class and special events. The cafe has a 100% plant-based menu with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Boca Fiesta
Boca Fiesta is a locally owned Mexican-style restaurant serving up eclectic tacos and burritos in downtown Gainesville. Most of their dishes can be made vegan with tasty TVP or tempeh for your tacos, burritos, nachos or as a salad topping.
Chop Stix Cafe
Chop Stix Cafe has an extentive pan-Asian cuisine with a large varity of healthy vegan and vegetarian dishes to choose from.
Curia on the Drag
Located on a 2.5-acre oasis, Curia on the Drag is home to a permenatnt food truck that has a plant-based only menu. On site is a coffee shop with irresistible desserts and pastries, Dad’s Bar serving up tastly drinks, beer and wine (located in the back of the Auk Market botiuqe shop).
Daily Green
Located between Depot Park and downtown Gainesville, Daily Green is an organic eatery offering take-out and outdoor picnic benches.
Humble Wood Fire
The team at Humble Wood Fire can make everything on their menu gluten-free or vegan upon request. They are known for their Neapolitan style thin-crust wood-fired pizzas, delicious bagels and breakfast sandwiches with mouth watering toppings. Look for their permanent location in 4th Avenue Food Park or pizza trailer at Depot Park.
Joyfully Baked
Vegan delciousness – donuts, cakes, cookies, ice cream and more! Joyfully Baked is a vegan bakery that also offers gluten-free options.
JunkiStop
This bakery describes itself as offering “vegan junk food.” Gotta love that! JunkiStop delivers and options are on their Instagram feed.
Indian Cuisine Restaurant
With a menu full of vegetarian delights, this restaurant offers authentic curries and numerous specialties.
Karma Cream
Soy-based vegan ice cream cones are just the start! This cafe offers vegan sandwiches, ice cream and baked goods.
Krishna Lunch
Famous for the $5 all-you-can-eat lunch at Plaza of the Americas on the UF campus. It’s a great place to meet for a super casual, unique and healthy lunch.
Mint Indian Cuisine
Tasty vegetarian Indian restaurant which can make all dishes vegan. Minimal space inside with some outdoor seating.
Muñecas Taco Garden
The new menu has options for vegans (tempeh and tofu type bowls, plus tempeh tacos) and many options for carnivores as well.
One Love Cafe
One Love Cafe is located in the heart of Magnolia Parke Plaza with outdoor patio seating and a massive pet-friendly field. They host farmer’s markets and have live music often. Check their website for the schedule and their menu.
Pink Flamingo Diner (High Springs)
The Pink Flamingo Diner is a traditional diner that offers creative vegan menu options and mini-golf (ok – that is not so traditional!). They have two separate kitchens – one is completely vegan and the other is for all of the other food – so impressive!
Sababa
Offering Israeli cuisine, Sababa offers many vegan options. Their falafel is a must-try!
Sukis Catering
Vegan sushi and more is available at Sukis Catering Food Truck. They can be spotted around town, @grovestreetfarmersmarket, @cypressandgrovebrewing and at the Farmers Moo-Ket @crittercreekfarmsanctuary, which only allows vegan vendors. Follow them on Instagram for updates: https://www.instagram.com/sukiscatering
The Great Outdoors (High Springs)
With the same owner as the Pink Flamingo Diner, it is no surprise that this high-end establishment also has great vegan options on their menu.
The Top
As their website says, The top caters to vegan, vegetarian, and meat-loving carnivores alike.
Tom Cat Kafé
This eclectic cafe in downtown Gainesville offers vegetarian and vegan fare downstairs in the café, and an industrial, full-service liquor bar upstairs at the Fox Lounge.
Vegan Gator Food Truck
It is best to be the first in line for this food truck as it often sells out thanks to its great food and dedicated following.
220 NW 8th Ave Gainesville
Farmer’s markets are a delightful way to meet locals, learn about interesting local businesses and indulge in fresh, delicious foods!
Alachua County Farmer’s Market
This “growers only” market is impressive. Be sure to arrive early for the best selection.
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cypress & Grove Farmer’s Market
This vibrant, weekly farmer’s market is located in Grove Street neighborhood.
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
GNV Market at Heartwood Soundstage
GNV is Gainesville’s downtown farmer’s market.
Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Haile Farmer’s Market
This neighborhood event brings the local community together through accessible food and craft. With over 50 registered yearly vendors Haile Farmers Market is a rapidly growing market. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
High Springs Farmer’s Market
Food, arts, music and more, this farmer’s market is open all year round.
Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Newberry Farmer’s Market
Fresh produce, eggs, meat, breads, sweets, flowers, soaps and plants and just a few of the finds at this farmer’s market.
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Waldo Farmer’s Market
A combination of a farmer’s market and flea market, vendors offer “everything from green beans to blue jeans!”
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Gainesville is also home to many farm animal sanctuaries.
• Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
• Kindred Spirits Sanctuary (45 minutes south of Gainesville)
• Rooterville Animal Sanctuary
• SAGE Sanctuary And Gardens for Education
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