Going out to eat on Valentine’s Day is challenging enough. Now try finding a place that can cater to your lactose intolerance and her gluten sensitivity and you’ll quickly rather stay home.
True, you could find naturally gluten-free, dairy-free food at many restaurants, but it’s not the same as an establishment that goes out of its way to ensure your food is not cross-contaminated in any way. Did you know salad dressings, soy sauce and even sushi rice sometimes contain gluten? Yeah, the food industry can be sneaky like that.
But don’t worry. We made a list of our favorite Miami restaurants, bake shops and cafes that will have you covered from breakfast to late-night cookie run. That’s right! Dinner is not a requirement. Valentine’s Day is about being with the one you love, anytime time of day, any day of the week. Think outside the box and have fun!
Lilikoi Organic Living
500 South Pointe Dr.
South Beach, Fl. 33139
Who says you have to go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day? You could go here for lunch too, but this has become our favorite breakfast spot. The coffee is as delicious as the buttery, scrambled eggs. They offer milk alternatives include soy, almond and coconut. And they have gluten-free toast! The gluten-free quinoa waffle topped with fruit, coconut cream and drizzled with honey is well worth the splurge.
The Strand @ the Carillion Miami Wellness Resort
6801 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, Fl. 33141
Another favorite place for breakfast (it’s good for dinner as well). There’s a breakfast buffet for $34 per person if you want to go that route. À la carte items include gluten-free avocado toast; vegan Greek yogurt, carrot pancakes and cornflake-crusted French toast. The beautiful Carillon resort connects to the beach and boardwalk, perfect for a stroll after.
Pura Vida
Locations in South Beach, Edgewater and Coral Gables (inside UM)
Pura Vida offers breakfast all day (Yeah!), bowls, smoothies, juices, wraps, coffee, and sweet treats, including vegan banana bread (also available gluten-free); carrot cake and gigantic cookies. Menus vary by locations, check online before going.
Seasons 52
321 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, Fl. 33144
Seasons 52 is our go-to place for a nice dinner. They have separate gluten-sensitive and lactose/dairy-sensitive menus available (you just have to ask your server for it). That’s a nice touch, you don’t have to search the regular menu for something you can eat. We love the flatbreads, cedar-plank roasted salmon, rainbow trout and roasted half-chicken.
Vegan & Juice
115B S.W. 107 Ave.
Miami, Fl. 33174
Sometimes the best Valentine’s Day gift is a quiet, romantic evening at home. Vegan & Juice is an unassuming, family-run operation featuring daily specials and popular menu items, such as the avocado wrap. The food is fresh as can be and deliciously good for you. You’ll find pastelon made with a variety of root vegetables; eggplant lasagna; broccoli souffle; pumpkin soup, lentils soup, hummus, and much more! They also carry a few cakes, brownies, cupcakes, and cookies. They close at 6 p.m. Get there early or call ahead to reserve your food.
Bunnie Cakes
2322 N.E. 2nd Ave.
Miami, Fl. 33137
Bunnie Cakes has elevated the vegan baking movement to new heights with unique cupcake creations, including guava, dulce no leche (vanilla cake filled with coconut milk caramel), apple pie, cookie dough, passion fruit, and key lime. You can also order custom cakes and they have gluten-free options. For fun, they offer party packages at the Bunny Studio, where you can learn to decorate cakes and cupcakes (for a fee, of course).