Plant-based Power: Discover some top vegan, vegetarian eats throughout Naples, Fort Myers and Cape Coral

Samantha Neely, Fort Myers News-Press
Updated ·10 min read
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With its decorated coasts and abundant waterways, Southwest Florida is known as a haven for seafood eaters but its growing vegan food scene is nothing to scoff at.

According to Plant Protein statistics, as many as 6% of U.S. consumers say they are vegan, which is a 6x increase compared to just 1% in 2014. Many SWFL residents are joining in, whether they are adopting the lifestyle or swapping out some items in their daily diet.

Looking for another local spot to try out and support? Need a new restaurant that accommodates your diet? We got you covered with this noncomprehensive list of the top vegan and vegetarian places to check out on your next outing.

Our past roundup of vegan eateries: Veg out: 63+ vegan and plant-based restaurants in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples

The newest cafe to join the lineup: New restaurant: Owner of hurricane-closed Olde Fish House is back with new venture

Are you a SWFL vegan and/or vegetarian spot, or do you offer vegan and/or vegetarian options? Shoot me an email at sneely@gannett.com or a DM @newsbyneely.

Vegan-friendly restaurants in Fort Myers

Ada's Natural Market & Cafe: The grocery market features multiple vegan-friendly grab-and-go counters offering everything from smoothies to soups, prepared meals and desserts. (7070 College Parkway, south Fort Myers; 239-939-9600; adasmarket.com)

Bahia Bowls: Bahia offers smoothie bowls, oatmeal, cold-brewed coffee, and kombucha. (20321 Grande Oak Shoppes Drive, No. 306, Estero; 239-249-6968; bahiabowls.com)

Bangkok Thai: This Thai restaurant offers plant-based broths for its soups, as well as vegan-friendly curries and noodle dishes. (11609 S. Cleveland Ave., No. 28, south Fort Myers; 239-939-6002; eatatbangkok.com)

Downtown House of Pizza: This pizzeria offers vegan-friendly pizzas made with non-dairy cheeses on egg-free crusts. They also offer gluten-free pies and occasionally stock up on vegan pepperoni alongside its numerous vegetable toppings. (1520 Hendry St., Fort Myers; 239-337-3467; downtownhouseofpizza.com)

Fine Folk Pizza: Their vegan selections include house-made cashew mozzarella, soy-based mozzarella, gluten-free and vegan crusts, and an array of vegetable toppings. (11300 Lindbergh Blvd., No. 114, Gateway; 239-313-5155; finefolkpizza.com)

Fine Folk Pizza in Gateway is offering heart-shaped pizzas throughout Valentine's week.
Fine Folk Pizza in Gateway is offering heart-shaped pizzas throughout Valentine's week.

India Palace: India Palace offers a wide range of chickpea, lentil, and cheese curries. Most entrees can be made vegan. (11605 S. Cleveland Ave., No. 20, south Fort Myers; 239-939-2323; indiapalacefortmyers.com)

Kabab Village: This Middle Eastern restaurant offers falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanouj and several more plant-based, vegan-friendly dishes and combos. (4805 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers; 239-335-2222; mykababvillage.com)

Liberty: The restaurant lists its vegan-friendly options on its ever-changing menu, and can tailor many of its non-vegan items to fit. (12995 S. Cleveland Ave., No. 112, south Fort Myers; 239-689-5528; eatliberty.us)

Check out our review: Restaurant review: At Liberty in Fort Myers, freedom tastes delicious — JLB

Living Vine Organic Cafe: Offering hemp-milk lattes, vegan wraps, salads, raw juices, and vegetarian quiches for dining in or takeout. (Royal Palm Square, 1400 Colonial Blvd., No. 59, Fort Myers; 239-936-2510; livingvineorganiccafe.com)

LYNQ: Their vegan and plant-based menu includes sushi, salads, coconut-tofu curry, tacos, ramen, and a barbecued jackfruit sandwich. (16230 Summerlin Road No. 223, south Fort Myers; 239-204-9345; lynq.life)

Pho Fresh: This Vietnamese restaurant crafts a veggie-broth pho, among other vegan-friendly dishes. (15271 McGregor Blvd., south Fort Myers; 239-689-6022; pho-fresh.business.site)

Pilar's Empanadas: In addition to its traditional Argentinean empanadas, Pilar's offers a quartet of vegan-friendly varieties made with Beyond beef, Beyond chicken, mushrooms, or kale and corn. (facebook.com/pilarsempanadas)

UhmazeBowls: Serving tofu-topped rice bowls, smoothies, toasts, and more. (6881 Daniels Parkway, south Fort Myers, 239-689-5224; uhmazebowls.com)

Also: Artisan Eatery, India's Grill, Lan Xang, Maks Asian Kitchen & Sushi, PokeBowl Cafe, Rise & Grind Cafe, Viet Village

Vegan restaurants in Cape Coral, Pine Island

Aji Limon: This Peruvian restaurant features a lengthy list of vegetarian options on its menu, most of which can also be made vegan. (multiple locations from Cape Coral to Naples; ajilimonperuviancuisine.com)

Cafe YOU: This chef-run cafe runs the vegan gamut, from plant-based soups, salads and sandwiches to vegan pastries, desserts and multi-course vegan tasting menus paired with organic wines during specialty dinners. (1423 SE 10th St. No. 1a, Cape Coral; 239-600-0966; cafeyou.com)

"The Mate" from Cafe You in Cape Coral is an avocado toast finished with strawberries, feta and pumpkin seeds.
"The Mate" from Cafe You in Cape Coral is an avocado toast finished with strawberries, feta and pumpkin seeds.

I Heart Mac & Cheese: With the option to build your own mac and cheese bowl, patrons can opt for vegan and gluten-free options. (2209 Santa Barbara Blvd Unit 107, Cape Coral; 239 257-1987)

Jungle Bird Tiki: An authentic tiki restaurant nestled in Cape Coral, they offer several vegan entrees. (1520 Lafayette Street, Cape Coral; 239-471-4111; junglebirdtiki.com)

Life - The Vegan Drive Thru: Offering a completely plant-based menu featuring breakfast sandwiches crafted from house-made lentil "snausage" patties; burgers crafted from black beans, mushrooms, and quinoa; and BLTs made with house-cured coconut bacon. Life is open for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner with drive-thru and dine-in options. (3310 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral; 239-599-2291; thevegandrivethru.com)

Look back at our review: Restaurant review: The plant-based genius of Life Vegan Drive Thru in Cape Coral

Loving Hut: This all-vegan, Asian-inspired fusion menu includes spring and summer rolls, cauliflowers wings, rice bowls, burgers made with vegan ham, and much more. (1918 Del Prado Blvd., No. 3, Cape Coral; 239-424-8433; lovinghut.us/capecoral)

Masala Mantra: The Cape's first Indian restaurant offers a range of vegetarian and vegan curries, rice dishes, and soups. (4518 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral; 239-540-6300; masalaamantra.com)

Nice Guys: This pizza shop and craft cocktail bar offers a vegan menu, offering fries, chimichurri-laced tots, garlic knots, doughnuts and an array of vegan-friendly pizzas. (1334 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral; 239-549-7542; niceguyspizza.com)

Breakfast potatoes are an option on Salty Girls' breakfast and lunch menus.
Breakfast potatoes are an option on Salty Girls' breakfast and lunch menus.

Salty Girls: A new addition to Pine Island following Hurricane Ian, the Olde Fish House owner boasts another cafe that offers an array of vegan and vegetarian options. (10700 Stringfellow Rd, Bokeelia; 239-558-4912)

Vegan restaurants in Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach

Sanibel Sprout: Offers raw vegan lasagna, vegetable curries, pastas and salads, as well as an array of gluten-free, organic, and vegan-friendly sweets. Its juices are fresh-pressed, available with beet, ginger, turmeric, kale, dates, and other nutrient-dense ingredients. (239-472-4499; find it on Facebook for changing locations)

Vegan restaurants Estero, Bonita Springs, south Lee

Fibrre: Home to a range of healthful, house-made vegan patties crafted from lentils, beets, black beans and more, Fibrre serves these patties in bountiful wraps, sandwiches and salads. (10058 Gulf Center Drive, No. 109, San Carlos Park; 239-276-8307; fibrre.com)

Harvest & Wisdom finishes its beet and carrot tartare ($12) with a sunny dollop of mango puree. The dish is a brilliant vegan riff on steak tartare.
Harvest & Wisdom finishes its beet and carrot tartare ($12) with a sunny dollop of mango puree. The dish is a brilliant vegan riff on steak tartare.

Harvest & Wisdom: Harvest's seasonal menu includes a vegan beet tartar crowned with a dollop of mango puree and, for dessert, a raw vegan take on Key lime pie. (27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs; 239-319-5544; shangrilasprings.com/harvestandwisdom)

See our review: Restaurant review: Harvest & Wisdom in Bonita Springs is an investment that's paying off

Poke Fusion: These savory poke bowls start with white or brown rice, kale, or mixed greens. They can be customized to vegan specifications with tofu, avocado, watermelon radishes, and more. (University Village Shops, 19810 Village Center Drive, No. 170; 239-362-2579; pokefusionswfl.com)

Seaside Bar and Grill: Located in Bonita Springs, this blue-zone verified restaurant offers options, such as buffalo cauliflower or veggie crumble tacos, veggie burgers, beet and berry salad, and vegan cheese for pizzas. They also offer gluten-free options. (24850 Old 41 Rd # 12, Bonita Springs; 239-288-1470)

Spice Club Indian Grill: This Indian restaurant offers a long list of vegetarian appetizers and entrees, most of which can be made vegan upon request. (8011 S. Tamiami Trail, San Carlos Park; 239-454-5400; spiceclubgrill.com)

Waffle Monkey: Any of the waffles on their menu can be made gluten-free or vegan on request. (27975 Old 41 Rd #106, Bonita Springs; 239-325-0024; wafflemonkey.net)

Vegan restaurants around Naples

21 Spices by Chef Asif: From award-winning, Bobby Flay-beating Chef Asif Syed, this upscale Indian restaurant offers a vegan menu that includes vegetable-cashew tikka masala, curried okra, vegetable biryani, and more. 21 Spices also hosts vegan-Indian-tasting dinners. (4270 Tamiami Trail E. No. 21, Naples; 239-919-8830; 21spicesdining.com)

See our review: East Naples chef Asif Syed beats Bobby Flay on TV cooking contest

The Bevy: Its menu includes four vegan entrees, from a grilled-cauliflower steak to a rigatoni Bolognese made with Beyond Meat, with vegan acai sorbet for dessert. (360 12th Ave. S., Naples; 239-228-4220; naplesbevy.com)

Cafe Nutrients: Breakfast offerings include tofu scrambles and matcha French toast, while lunch means panini made with cashew mozzarella, kelp noodles in truffle-peppercorn Alfredo and quinoa Buddha bowls topped with avocado and kimchi. The cafe also offers smoothie bowls, fresh juices, coffees and teas. (285 Ninth St. S., Naples; 239-919-8732; cafenutrients.com)

Delicious Raw Juice Bar: In addition to juices and smoothie bowls, Delicious Raw offers a vegan pad Thai bowl, raw pesto, and plant-based waffles, croquettes, and burgers. (three locations in Naples; delraw.com)

Epiphany Gluten-Free Bakery: Vegan baked goods and pastries are offered alongside Epiphany's gluten-free items. The bakery can also make vegan versions for any custom order. (1514 Immokalee Road No. 117, Naples; 239-398-4428; epiphanyglutenfree.com)

Fit & Fuel Bicycle Cafe: This espresso and coffee cafe also serves tofu-topped salads, kale-veggie tacos, hummus-filled wraps, vegan burgers, smoothies, and toasts. (819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples; 239-514-3333; fitnfuelcafe.com)

Food & Thought: The organic general store features an in-house cafe and juice bar serving raw meals, sprouted-grain pancakes, oatmeal, chickpea-sprout salads and more. (2132 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-213-2222; foodandthought.com)

Jane's Cafe on 3rd: Vegetarian skillets, sandwiches, burgers, and salads can be found throughout Jane's menu, which also offers vegan mayonnaise and dressings. (1209 3rd St. S., Naples; 239-261-2253; janesgardencafe.com)

Lamoraga: This Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant has a vegan section of its menu that includes vegan paella, avocados filled with barbecued jackfruit, pasta with Beyond sausage, mushrooms stuffed with artichoke, spinach, and vegan cheese, and more. (3936 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-331-3669; lamoragarestaurant.com)

The Local: The Local features a plant-based section of its dinner menu, as well as vegan options for brunch and lunch. Offerings range from super-food hash to kung pao avocado and zucchini noodles in coconut cream with mushrooms, pistachios, carrots, and fennel. (5323 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples; 239-596-3276; thelocalnaples.com)

Organically Twisted: This restaurant and food truck offers raw-kelp noodle bowls, mung-bean taco salads, walnut tacos and grilled sandwiches made with house-crafted cashew cheese. (13040 Livingston Road No. 10, Naples; 239-302-8669; organicallytwisted.com)

True Food Kitchen: This national chain offers an ever-changing seasonal menu filled with vegan and vegetarian options for brunch, lunch and dinner. (Waterside Shops, 5375 Tamiami Trail N. No. 15, Naples; 239-431-4580; truefoodkitchen.com)

See when it first opened: Dr. Andrew Weil opens True Food Kitchen in Naples

Vegan Kitchen: This all-vegan restaurant offers drumsticks made with soy protein, steamed dumplings filled with wheat protein, salads, rice noodles, soups, wraps and house specialties that range from savory rice-flour crepes to vegan "seafood." It also features 10 vegan desserts. (794 Neapolitan Way, Naples; 239-307-4813; vegan-kitchen.us)

Vegan-friendly regional chains

3 Pepper Burrito Co.: All customizable burritos, tacos and bowls can be made with vegan and vegetarian fillings. (Locations from Sarasota to Naples; 3pepperburrito.com)

Jason's Deli: This chain offers vegetarian and vegan menus, along with a vegan-friendly salad bar. (jasonsdeli.com)

Mellow Mushroom: Offers pizzas made with vegan cheese, with more vegan items marked throughout the menu. (mellowmushroom.com)

Pita Pit: Serves a variety of vegan pitas and wraps with fillings such as falafel, black-bean patties, and Beyond Meat. (pitapitusa.com)

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Vegan and vegetarian restaurants: 45+ to try in Southwest Florida