The following is a guest post written by Carolyn Scott-Hamilton “The Healthy Voyager”. Creator/Executive Producer/Host of web series on healthy lifestyles:

Being a Miami native, I can absolutely agree with why people from all walks of life are so enamored with this tropical paradise. The weather is hot and so are the people, the scenery is beautiful and the food is delicious. The taste of all of the Caribbean cultures that come together in Miami make for a delectable town to chow in! I could spend days writing about the killer places to eat well in Miami but I will keep it short so that it’s easily digestible, haha!! (I kill me!)

There is no denying that if you are visiting Miami, you have to stop by Coconut Grove and South Beach’s Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive. Both parts of town are chock full of incredible restaurants and al fresco eateries that cover every style of cooking there is. From ridiculously good Italian to the “you can only get it in Miami” Latin fare, your taste buds are in for a gastronomical climax! There are plenty of places to get amazing salads and vegan/veggie or just figure friendly cuisine. In fact, you have no choice if you want to prance around the beaches amongst all the bathing beauties!!

One great place that is good for veggies as well as non-veggies is on Lincoln Road called Sushi Samba. This super modern cafe offers a delicious menu that fuses Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian flavors so there isn’t a soul who won’t leave happy. I had their yummy miso soup and one of the best and most imaginative vegetarian sushi rolls I’ve ever had. You can find them at 600 Lincoln Road – (305) 673-5337.

Another perfect spot for the healthy and non-healthy travelers on Lincoln Road is Nexxt Cafe. This place has perfected and gourmet-ized comfort foods. No one would be disappointed with their menu as it is enormous. If you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, Nexxt is sure to please! They are right up the block from Samba at 700 Lincoln Road – 305.532.6643.

Another one of my favorite areas in Miami is Coconut Grove. And eating on the water is one of the best things South Florida has to offer. Monty’s in Coconut Grove is the quintessential Miami bar grill. Everything is always fresh and the bamboo hut atmosphere is very relaxing and island like. They are famous for their weekday happy hour where you can get seafood and drinks half off. Seafood lovers will go buck wild and veggies like me will adore their salad bar and yummy pina coladas!! Monty’s is a must and you can find them at 2550 South Bayshore Drive, Miami Florida 33133 – (305)672-1148.

Near my old alma mater, U of Miami, you will find Beehive (5750 Bird Rd, Miami 33146 – at SW 40 St and Red Rd/SW 57 Ave)305-663-1300. Here you can munch on veggie empanadas, Jamaican patties as well as homemade soups and sandwiches. It’s a great little juice bar that packs a king size punch!

Off the beaten path, you can convene at the tasty Garden of Eating (136 NW 62nd St, Miami 33150 – at Martin Luther King Blvd) 305-754-8050. Their island influenced juice bar and buffet are pretty good but you can’t leave without a taste of their cakes and pies!!

On the beach, try The Cafe at Books & Books (933 Lincoln Road; 305-695-8898) for yucca and leek hash browns and tomato-cucumber gazpacho. The nearby Bayside Grill at The Standard (40 Island Avenue; 305-673-1717) is another great choice. Dine waterfront on the fritto misto — chickpea fries and crispy baby artichokes — or a selection from the greens and grains section (quinoa and dried fruit, yum).

Just over the bridge, The Lost and Found Saloon (185 Northwest 36th Street; 305-576-1008) offers meatless dishes like the posse club burrito with tofu and spinach and the pinon-and-pepita-crusted tofu. Or, grab some latin soul food at Canela Cafe (5132 Biscayne Boulevard; 305-756-3930), where you can nibble on tapas like the tostones rellenos (crispy plantain cups filled with asparagus, sofrito) as well as their awesome veggie paella.

You’ll be sure to enjoy these South Florida pit stops as much as your carnivorous cohorts will!! Isn’t the wheatgrass always greener?

About The Healthy Voyager
The Healthy Voyager, aka Carolyn Scott-Hamilton, is the Vegan Executive Producer, Creator, Host and Writer of The Healthy Voyager web series & radio show, site, blog, and overall brand. A nutritionist, chef, film making, screen writing, traveling, singing, dancing, fun-loving, healthy & green living wife, The Healthy Voyager aims to help people live well, one veggie at a time! Visit www.healthyvoyager.com for more info and to check out her shows, articles, recipes & more!