If your stay is Dorado and you’re a veggie, this is the article for you. I believe that in the past few years, Puerto Rico has leveled up its culinary experiences to level 10. The island’s population has greatly diversified with people from all over the world moving in and wanting to share their culture. And what better way to do it than with food?
As vegetarianism becomes more and more popular, it’s now easier to find restaurant options that suit any dietary preference. Jumping in on the new wave of culinary diversity is the town of Dorado.
Here we’ll share the best veggie-friendly restaurant options found in this beautiful beach town. Plus, if you booked your stay at Villa Merchan, you’ll be less than 15 minutes away from any of these places.
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants to Visit in Dorado
1. Green Bites
This cozy little spot in the old town of Dorado offers an option for every dietary preference. Their menu serves vegan, vegetarian, and traditional plates. They serve breakfast and lunch from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The atmosphere is inviting, and the food is worth taking the time out to enjoy a delicious meal.
Their dishes are packed with flavor, they use local produce for fresher tasting results. Their breakfast is particularly popular because they combine flavors in a very creative and balanced way. Just keep in mind that getting creative in the kitchen means it might take a little longer than usual, nothing their delicious food won’t compensate for.
2. Juice Bar+
I have to say this is my favorite lunch spot in Dorado. They keep it light, and the food always tastes good. This family-run business is located inside Essential Organics, a local supplements store in Plaza Dorada.
They have a fixed menu, but I advise you to ask about their daily specials. Their fixed menu offers hummus wraps, beyond-meat burgers, and many other light and tasty options. But if you’re craving something a little different, their daily specials offer options like grilled gilthead, black bean burrito, quinoa with chickpeas, and sweet plantains… all great vegetarian options that will satisfy your palate.
3. Positivo Sand Bar
This Asian-fusion restaurant has plenty of vegetarian options on its menu. They serve lunch and dinner with previous reservations. Their lunch menu offers salads, poke bowls, sandwiches, and stir-fries and even if not specified in the menu, you can request to make some of the plates vegetarian.
Dinner service starts at 6:00 p.m. and offers a greater variety of dishes. From sushi to stir-fries to noodles. They even have vegan menus, and this unforgettable beachfront experience is definitely a great option.
4. Grappa
Another great dining option. Located in the old town of Dorado, this authentic Italian restaurant has plenty of vegetarian-friendly options. Grappa’s charm is undeniable from the moment you arrive. It’s a restored old townhouse for which they kept its original structure, and the inside ambiance is just magical.
Although at first glance it may seem as if there are no vegetarian options, always ask your server, and they can help point them out. Although it may be a bit pricey, the level of quality found in every dish is worth it. A reservation is also your best bet if you want to secure a sitting.
5. COA
This beautiful restaurant is home to Puerto Rico’s largest wine cellar and the Caribbean’s most extensive wine list. This ‘grill-inspired’ menu serves fish and salads making it a choice for vegetarians. You may also ask for their wine list which is certainly vegetarian friendly!
This signature restaurant requires making a reservation ahead. If you can’t find dishes that fit your needs, don’t be shy to point out your dietary restrictions, their top-notch service will make sure to accommodate your preferences.
Conclusion
Dorado is beautiful and has some great vegetarian-friendly restaurants. I like to advise everyone to always ask for vegetarian options anywhere you go. Dorado’s population is highly conscious about healthy eating, increasing the number of restaurants that offer at least one veggie-friendly dish on their menu. Here we’ve just picked out the best ones, and we’ve also made sure the ones found in this list offer more than one option for you.
FAQ
Is Puerto Rico good for vegetarians?
While pork is a very popular ingredient in Puerto Rican cuisine, staples like mofongo and arroz con gandules are both vegetarian-friendly. With the increasing demand for vegetable-powered dishes, Puerto Rico’s ever-growing diverse dining scene is sure to deliver an exciting and delicious plant-based experience.
What Puerto Rican food is vegetarian?
There are a few items in the ‘criollo’ cuisine (comida criolla) that can be considered vegetarian. Just to name a few: the mofongo, the trifongo, tostones arroz con habichuelas (rice and beans), arroz con gandules (rice and local pigeon peas), maduros (fried sweet plantain), vegetable stuffed empanadillas or pastelillos (turnovers), arroz con dulce (sweet rice) and some other typical sweets just to name a few.
