Updated by Kate Cohen
August 13, 2026
Orlando is an incredible foodie destination. But you don’t have to eat meat to enjoy some of the best dishes on the City Beautiful’s culinary scene.
World Vegetarian Day is October 1, and it’s the perfect excuse to try a new plant-based dish in Orlando.
This celebratory observance isn’t just for vegans and vegetarians. Many meat-eaters use October as a chance to try plant-based foods they may not normally eat. If you’re in Orlando this October and want to join in, you’ll find plenty of plant-based options.
During your trip to Central Florida, try one (or all) of these exceptional plant-based dishes in Orlando.
Key Takeaways
- 1. The Crispy Chik Sandwich at Winter Park Biscuit Company
- 2. Vegan Burnt Ends at 4 Rivers Smokehouse
- 3. Treehugger Pizza at Lazy Moon
- 4. Vegetarian Cuban Bowl at Black Bean Deli
- 5. Dole Whip at Walt Disney World Resort
- 6. Loving Hut Rolls
- 7. Vegan Fried Chicken Dinner at Soulicious Vegan Kitchen
- 8. New Age Burrito at Earthy Picks
- Veg Out at Rosen Inn International
1. Crispy Chik Cutlets at Winter Park Biscuit Company
Plant-based diners and meat eaters alike flock to Winter Park Biscuit Company for their unique takes on Southern favorites.
The eatery, located in Orlando’s East End Market, often has a line wrapping around the block. But the crispy chik cutlets are worth the wait.
Winter Park Biscuit Co. dips the cutlets in an eggless wash, breads them, then fries them to perfection. Enjoy yours on a toasted brioche bun and topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo.
2. Vegan Burnt Ends at 4 Rivers Smokehouse
Vegetarians are used to cobbling together a bunch of sides when dining at a barbecue restaurant. And a plate full of macaroni and cheese and Brussels sprouts can really hit the spot.
But if you’ve found yourself sneaking sniffs of your tablemates’ brisket, a trip to 4Rivers Smokehouse is in order. The family-owned barbecue chain has locations all over Orlando, including spots in Winter Garden and Kissimmee.
Thanks to their vegan burnt ends, 4 Rivers has become an unlikely hotspot for plant-based diners.
The restaurant double-smokes its plant-based meat and roasts it in vegan barbecue sauce.
Try the burnt ends in a sandwich or combine with three sides for a platter. The french fries and okra are vegan. If you eat eggs and dairy, you can also enjoy vegetarian menu items like macaroni, cheesy grits, cornbread, and coleslaw.
3. Treehugger Pizza at Lazy Moon
If a pizza slice sounds nice, head to Lazy Moon, a pizzeria with locations in Mills 50 and East Orlando.
This isn’t your average pizza place. First, the slices are massive — like, bigger than your head. You can order whole pies, but a single slice is plenty for most diners.
Second, Lazy Moon offers a cornucopia of vegan options, including tempeh, Daiya mozzarella, and all your favorite veggies.
The Treehugger pizza comes with vegan mozzarella cheese and your choice of two toppings. If you eat dairy, you can also enjoy the Boxcar Willy deal. It comes with a standard slice plus a pint of veg-friendly Pabst Blue Ribbon.
4. Vegetarian Plate at Black Bean Deli
Black Bean Deli is a favorite among Orlando Weekly readers.
The Cuban restaurant was voted Orlando’s best Caribbean restaurant in 2021 and has won the award for Orlando’s best Cuban sandwich every year since 2017. While most of Black Bean Deli’s menu contains meat, the Vegetarian Cuban Bowl is a must-try.
It includes avocado mash, sweet plantains, savory black beans, rice, and freshly made chopped tomato salad. The restaurant also serves delectable vegan empanadas.
Black Bean Deli has Mills 50 and Winter Park locations.
5. Dole Whip at Walt Disney World Resort
The Dole Whip at Disney is a dairy-free dream come true.
While the vanilla version of the iconic theme park treat contains milk, any of the fruit flavors (including the original pineapple variety) are vegan friendly.
The best-known spot to get Dole Whip in Walt Disney World is Aloha Isle, a snack stand in Adventureland within Magic Kingdom that has served the tropical soft serve since 1984.
Guests 21 and over can also head to Animal Kingdom to enjoy their Dole Whip with a rum float (luckily, most rums are vegan).
Not planning on visiting the theme parks? Swing by Disney Springs to visit Swirls on the Water, where you’ll find a variety of Dole Whip treats.
6. Loving Hut Rolls
Summer rolls are a refreshing take on traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, served cold and loaded with crisp veggies.
While they traditionally contain meat or seafood, plant-based restaurant Loving Hut serves three veggie summer roll varieties.
Try their protein-packed Loving Hut Rolls, which feature tofu, vegan shrimp, and vegan ham, plus fresh herbs and vegetables. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a healthy snack or while you’re waiting for one of Loving Hut’s authentic Vietnamese entrees.
Loving Hut in Orlando is located in the Mills 50 District.
7. Vegan Fried Chicken Dinner at Soulicious Vegan Kitchen
Soul food is known for its bold flavors and comforting ingredients.
Luckily, plant-based eaters don’t have to sacrifice flavor or nostalgia when dining at Soulicious Vegan Kitchen in Apopka.
With a chef committed to making mouthwatering vegan soul food, Soulicious is a great spot for a meal made from the heart.
Their Vegan Fried Chicken Dinner is a plant-based diner’s dream, serving up crispy fried oyster mushrooms served with your choice of two sides like vegan macaroni and cheese or gluten free collard greens.
Pair flavorful jackfruit brisket sliders and Island Jerk tacos with refreshing lemonades for a meal that will keep you coming back to Soulicious for more.
8. New Age Burrito at Earthy Picks
Earthy Picks is a fabulous plant-based restaurant in Downtown Orlando known for its plant-based menu items inspired by Latin American culture.
With a mission rooted in nourishing community and making wholesome food, this sustainable eatery celebrates flavor and freshness.
Their New Age Burrito is packed with delicious ingredients like red quinoa, black beans, sweet plantains, tender massaged kale, avocado, crispy onions, and topped off with cilantro sauce and spicy aioli.
Pair a flavorful salad, bowl, or wrap with a creamy smoothie, or put a pep in your step with Colombian coffee or limonada.
Veg Out at Rosen Inn International
After feasting on Orlando’s best plant-based dishes, head back to Rosen Inn International.
Our centrally located hotel is minutes from many of these restaurants, making it easy to satisfy any craving as soon as it hits.
Plus, the guestrooms at Rosen Inn International feature minifridges and microwaves, making it easy to enjoy your leftovers throughout your stay.
Make the most of your Orlando vacation with healthy, wholesome plant-based food and see for yourself why The City Beautiful is one of the best foodie cities in the world.