Downtown Pensacola is brimming with dining options to suit any dietary need, and we’re proud to boast a wide variety of restaurants, inspired by cuisines from all over the world. If you’re vegetarian, vegan or just looking to reduce the amount of meat you eat, downtown is the place for you! Check out the mouth-watering options below to consider for your next downtown excursion:

End of the Line Café

A hidden Pensacola gem since 2002, End of the Line serves up a wide range of vegan sandwiches, salads and wraps, such as the New Orleans-style Muffuletta and Cuban Panini. But the real game-changers are their weekly Thursday Dinner and Sunday Brunch specials. We recommend keeping an eye on their Facebook page for updates on these unique options. End of the Line also offers a range of unique, local craft beers, wine, Big Jerk sodas, baked goods, coffee, and even catering! If you’re trying to decrease the amount of meat in your diet, End of the Line makes it an effortless and enjoyable experience.

Vegfest (March 28)

The annual Vegfest is a celebration of plant-based foods, drinks and desserts! The event is all about promoting ways for people have easy access to plant-based options. This year’s festival takes place at Community Maritime Park on March 28 from 11am-6pm. Visitors are invited to join in the congregation of vegan food vendors, free yoga, live music, guest speakers, jewelry, clothes, planetary peace and much more.

Doghouse Deli

A local favorite, Doghouse Deli offers a wide range of creative hot dog options with a 6” vegetarian hot dog. You can customize your meal with various toppings like green onions, sauerkraut, pickled jalapeños, kimchi, cucumber and guacamole, or choose a signature combo from their menu (we recommend the Chicago-style). But that’s not all, the Doghouse menu is extensive, offering additional vegetarians alternatives like the Veggie Burrito and Beyond the Meat Italian Sausage.

Palafox Market

Every Saturday from 9am-2pm, hundreds of local vendors fill the tree-lined paths of MLK Plaza for Palafox Market, offering an eclectic range of handmade, homegrown and handcrafted items. With numerous local farmers attending the market every week, visitors can pick up locally-grown, seasonal produce. Get creative with the local produce from various vendors including Forland Family Farms, Stewart Farms, Nature Nine Farms, Maeday Farms and Ballard’s Farm. If you’re looking for the perfect mid-morning snack while you’re at the market, check out Nana’s Gourmet Tamales, the Banana Bar and Mimi’s Crepes. However, our best suggestion is to turn up at one end of MLK Plaza and see where the sights and smells take you!

Skopelos at New World

Executive Chef Gus Silivos offers his talented take on Mediterranean cuisine at Skopelos at New World; a Pensacola institution since 1959. For lunch you can enjoy mouth-watering options like the vegan Impossible Shepherd’s Pie, or the E.L.T., with house-made eggplant “bacon”, lettuce, tomato and red pepper hummus on sourdough. The dinner menu also features vegan “Scallops” made with King Trumpet mushrooms, vegan “Fish” tacos made with jackfruit and even a vegan Lumache Pasta with pesto, sun-dried tomato, toasted walnuts and baby spinach. Be sure to check out their weekly “Vegan + Vino Wednesdays” where they offer innovative vegan dinner specials.

Ripe Cold Pressed Juice & Superfoods
Looking for a quick and healthy pick-me-up? Head over to Ripe next door to Ride Society and check out their selection of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, boosters, açai bowls and more. Looking for something smooth and simple? Try the Cooldown smoothie with strawberry, banana, almond milk, dates and almond butter. Looking to give the immune system a boost? Try the R2 juice with carrot, apple, lemon, ginger and turmeric. Ripe also gives you the option to create-your-own smoothies and offers more substantial food choices like their Avocado Toast, Overnight Oats and Ripe Superfood Quinoa Bowl.

Fosko Coffee

This stylish, yet nostalgic spot may be your go-to for lattes, mochas, frappes and more, but did you know that they also offer a tempting food menu? That’s right, Fosko gives a crepe about your dietary needs with sweet and savory crepe options to suit every customer. Our favorites are the Mushroom-Swiss with eggs and spinach and the Spinach-Artichoke with brie cheese. And if you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, try the classic Strawberry, Banana, Nutella or the twist on a favorite, Lavender S’mores.

Khon’s On Palafox

As you work your way down Palafox, we encourage you to treat the tastebuds to some Southeastern Asian cuisine at Khon’s On Palafox. This stylish spot features a sushi bar, Asian tapas, fine sake and specialty sake cocktails. The veggie fan favorites include their Vegan Dumplings, Vegetable Stir Fry and vegan sushi options.

Pineapple Express Rice Bowls

This new eatery on Garden St. is a great place for a quick, healthy lunch. Pineapple Express Rice Bowls offers customizable express bowls with a rice or quinoa base, a protein list that includes black beans and tofu as well as various sauces and toppings, garnished with bell pepper, red onion, scallions and pineapple. While you’re there, be sure to pick up a Dole Whip or Pineapple Float for dessert!

Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano

This authentic Italian spot was opened last year with celebrity Chef James Briscione at the helm. Guests can sample Angelena's comprehensive menu and carefully curated wine list for an unforgettable dining experience. Start your meal with the Tomato-Fennel Soup and follow it up with the Asparo Guy pizza, topped with roasted garlic, asparagus, ricotta and cured egg yolk. But make sure you leave some room for their show-stopping tiramisu!

SaBai Thai on Jefferson St.

SaBai Thai is an ideal spot for those looking for cultural cuisine with plenty of veggie options. Start off with Spring Rolls, Tofu Triangles and Veggie Soup, and follow them up with something more substantial. You can choose from their Coconut Soup, Vegan Chef Curry, Pepper Noodles or Tofu Salad. Their cozy dining space is located on Jefferson St. at amongst various enticing Southtowne shops.

Old City Market

This new bodega-style hangout greets guests with an old-fashioned ice cream bar and soda fountain. Grab a banana split or a root beer float for a nostalgic treat. Their menu also offers a range of hot chocolates, coffees, malt shakes and more. And everything on the menu can be served vegan (even the ice cream!) Whether you’re looking for a place to treat the kids or a great spot for a weekend date, we suggest giving Old City Market a try.

Jordan Valley

Jordan Valley is a downtown mainstay, serving up some of the best Mediterranean food around. The menu has a bunch of options including salads, soups, platters, shareable starters and desserts! You can’t go wrong with some Stuffed Grape Leaves and Kalamata Olives to start, followed by a Falafel platter with hummus, lettuce, tomato, pickles and Tahini sauce (and maybe some extra Tzatziki sauce on the side). Then finish it off with some authentic Baklava for the true Jordan Valley experience.

Bodacious Shops/So Chopped

A bustling spot for coffee, lunch, gratuitous-olive-oil-sampling, gift shopping and even cooking classes, the Bodacious Family of Shops offers plenty for the veggie-inclined. Don’t just stop at the coffee when visiting the Bodacious Brew, check out their menu with build-your-own omelets, açaí bowls, wraps, quiches and signature salads. And if you’re feeling like something a little more custom, head over to the So Chopped salad bar for a meal tailored to meet your needs with fresh veggies, fruits, cheeses, nuts and other toppings.

The Tin Cow

At Tin Cow, the world is your oyster mushroom. While we could steer you in the direction of their iconic onion rings, fried pickle spears or hummus, the real beauty of this dining establishment is in their “Design Your Own Burger” process. First, you choose from various protein options including Spicy Black Bean, Vegan Patty and Impossible Burger. Then once you’ve selected your bun and cheese, you can go crazy with toppings ranging from pickled beets to banana peppers and top it all off with a fitting sauce. Will you be in the mood for a creamy, tangy Pesto Parmesan Aioli? Or something sweet and savory with a kick like the Mango Habañero Ketchup? But the fun doesn’t stop there, accompany your burger with tasty sides like the corn tortilla chips, steamed broccoli or loaded potato salad.

Ever’man Cooperative

While many people are familiar with Ever’man Coop’s healthy, high-quality groceries, some may not be aware of the Hot Bar and Café section. At Ever’man you’ll find freshly-squeezed juices, smoothies (try the Blueberry Bomb), signature sandwiches and a hot bar where you can load up your own plate with salads and heated food, cooked fresh every day - with at least 6-8 vegan and vegetarian options offered on most days. Whether you’re looking to stock up the fridge with fresh foods or grab a quick, but healthy lunch, Ever’man is a great place to check out!

Food Trucks:

Nomadic’s Café: Check out many people’s go-to lunch spot at Nomadic’s Café, a culinary/coffee collaboration between Nomadic Eats food truck, Mrs. Jones Cold Brew and Big Jerk Soda. Vegetarians can enjoy the unbelievably tasty veggie rice bowls and veggie tacos, but it might be worth making an exception from the strict veggie diet for their Bacalhau Croquette rice bowl. In addition to great food, creative cold brews and quality sodas, Nomadic’s Café also features local food and beverage producers in Pensacola. So grab some tacos, order some coffee and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at this new downtown spot.
Two Birds Street Food: Two Birds pairs well with local, craft beer at Odd Colony. Veggie-friendly options include their Brussels and Apple Salad, Pimento Cheese Melt and Roasted Mushroom flatbread. Two Birds is always cooking up fresh culinary creations that are globally inspired and made with locally sourced ingredients. And for the pescatarians, they also offer a bunch of options with fresh, local fish, crab and shrimp!
Mad Munchies: Mad Munchies is your next favorite veggie fast-food option and can often be found at Emerald Republic Brewing. This plant-based food truck features crowd-pleasers like their Gyro Nachos, Chili Cheese Dog, BBQ Sammy and sides dishes. They also offer a special vegan Southern-style Sunday brunch. Check out their Facebook page for the latest menu offerings.

For the Pescatarians:

If cutting down on meat is your goal but you’re still looking to include freshly-caught, local fish, we’ve got some great options for you to consider, boasting plenty of healthy seafood options:

The Downtown Guide for Vegetarians