Naturally Gainesville
Discovering Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants, Farmers Markets, and Animal Sanctuaries in North Central Florida.
When asked for ideas for vegetarian and vegan dining options in Gainesville, the impressive and informative team from the Alachua County Visitors Convention Bureau (VisitGainesville) provided so many options for vegan-friendly dining in the area that we decided to make it a shareable post.
"There are many vegan-friendly places in Gainesville and Alachua County," stated Elizabeth Reyes, Sales and Marketing Manager at Visit Gainesville, "We were covered in VegNews magazine as the Most Vegan-Friendly City You Never Heard Of." Read the article by Lauren Keys here.
There are several impressive food companies in Gainesville that offer delicious, vegan foods such as AHA Pure Foods which can be ordered online and found at select farmer's markets and local shops (see a list on their website). Many local restaurants offer vegan options on their menu. Vegetarian dishes are available at most local restaurants. Covey Kitchen + Cocktails offers a photogenic and tasty avocado toast, popular crispy cauliflower, Covey Roast (all veggies), and several fresh salad options. To discover new vegan-specific places, be sure to follow the Instagram feed by Gainesville Vegans.
Below we share a list of vegan-friendly restaurants, farmer's markets, and farm animal sanctuaries (kudos to @VisitGainesville for compiling such a great list!). Do let us know your suggestions!
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants
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.
http://bambisfarm.com/
Curia on the Drag
Located on a 2.5-acre oasis, Curia on the Drag offers a plant-based menu, coffees, Dad's Bar and irresistible desserts and pastries: https://curiaonthedrag.com/?page_id=25
Daily Green
Located near Depot Park and downtown Gainesville, Daily Green is an organic eatery offering take-out. Outdoor picnic benches are available.
http://www.dailygreendowntown.org/
https://www.facebook.com/dailygreengainesville
https://www.instagram.com/dailygreengnv/
Humble Wood Fire Pie Pizza
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 and bagels. Look for their wood-paneled pizza trailer and mobile ovens in and around Gainesville.
https://humblewoodfire.com/
https://www.facebook.com/humblewoodfire
https://www.instagram.com/humblewoodfire/
Joyfully Baked
Donuts, cakes, cookies, ice cream and more! Joyfully Baked is a vegan bakery that also offers gluten-free options.
https://joyfullybakedvgf.com
https://www.instagram.com/joyfullybakedvgf
JunkiStop
This bakery describes itself as offering "vegan junk food." Gotta love that! JunkiStop delivers and options are on their Instagram feed.
https://www.instagram.com/junkistop
Indian Cuisine Restaurant
With a menu full of vegetarian delights, this restaurant offers authentic curries and numerous specialties.
http://www.indiancuisinerestaurant.com
Karma Cream
Soy-based vegan ice cream cones are just the start! This cafe offers sandwiches, ice cream and baked goods.
https://karma-cream.square.site
Krishna Lunch
Famous for the $5 all-you-can-eat lunch at Plaza of the Americas on campus. It's a great place to meet for a super casual, unique and healthy lunch.
https://krishnalunch.com
https://www.facebook.com/krishnalunch
https://www.instagram.com/krishnalunch
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.
https://munecasdowntown.com
https://www.instagram.com/munecas.downtown
https://www.facebook.com/munecasdowntown
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 farmers markets and have live music often. Check their website for the schedule and their menu.
http://www.onelove.cafe
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!
https://www.pinkflamingodiner.com/diner-menus#VeganFavorites
https://www.instagram.com/pinkflamingodiner
https://www.facebook.com/PinkFlamingoDiner
Sababa
Offering Israeli cuisine, Sababa offers many vegan options.
https://www.facebook.com/SababaGville
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 a few nice vegan options on the menu.
https://www.gohighsprings.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GreatOutdoorsRestaurant
https://www.instagram.com/greatoutdoorsrestaurant
The Top
As their website says, The top caters to vegan, vegetarian, and meat-loving carnivores alike.
https://www.thetophub.com/home
https://www.facebook.com/thetophub
https://www.instagram.com/thetop_gnv
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.
www.facebook.com/tomkatkafe
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
www.facebook.com/VeganGatorFoodTruck
Farmer's Markets
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.
http://441market.com
https://www.facebook.com/441acfmarket
Cypress & Grove Farmer's Market
This vibrant, weekly farmer's market is located in Grove Street neighborhood.
Mondays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
https://www.facebook.com/grovestreetfarmersmarket
GNV Market at Heartwood Soundstage
GNV is Gainesville's downtown farmer's market.
Thursdays, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
https://www.facebook.com/GNVMarket
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.
http://www.hailefarmersmarket.com
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.
https://www.highsprings.gov/farmers
https://www.facebook.com/farmersmarkethighsprings
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.
https://newberrymainstreet.com/farmers-market
https://www.facebook.com/NewberryMainStreet
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.
https://waldofleamarket.com
https://www.facebook.com/waldoflea
Farm Animal Sanctuaries
Gainesville is also home to any farm animal sanctuaries.
• Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary
• Kindred Spirits Sanctuary (45 minutes south of Gainesville)