When we first started visiting the area, I was a bit worried that finding a good vegetarian meal in an area known for fresh seafood may prove difficult. Thankfully, my fears were for nothing and I have fallen in love with going out to eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We often talk about what restaurants we can’t wait to return to on our next trip. The restaurants in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area have done a wonderful job of designating menu items, so it is easy to see what is vegetarian or vegan. I have never had a problem getting a meal that I have loved.
I normally check out the restaurant menus online before we go so I have an idea of what my options are and if they fit what I am craving that night. This is a great way to plan and make sure you can enjoy amazing meals during your stay in Coastal Alabama. Don’t be afraid to ask the restaurant which menu options are available! Many times I have found out about a chef special that is not written in the menu, but that they love preparing for guests.
Let me introduce you to ten of my favorite vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants on the Alabama Gulf Coast. This list could easily be double or triple the length because there are many great options for vegetarians and vegans in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
1. Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s
One of the best things about LuLu’s in Gulf Shores is that they are dietary-restriction friendly! They have multiple menus depending on your dietary needs. While they do not have a specific vegetarian or vegan menu, I usually ask for the egg-free or seafood/shellfish-free menu. They have killer vegetarian nachos, quesadillas, Lower Alabama Caviar (black-eyed peas in balsamic vinaigrette), Big Ole Salads, veggie tacos, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Don’t forget to order a slice of key lime pie!
All of Lulu’s dietary restriction menu items are prepared in a separate kitchen with highly trained staff to ensure there is no cross contamination or issues.
2. The Southern Grind Coffee House
If you’re looking for a fantastic cup of coffee, a place to relax, and a delicious meal, The Southern Grind Coffee House is the place to go! Even better, you have two Orange Beach locations (The Southern Grind at The Wharf and The Southern Grind at Indigo) to choose from. Both offer everything from avocado toast to caramel cookies that you will want to buy a couple of. The extensive menu includes designated vegetarian and gluten-free options. In my opinion, the mozzarella, tomato, and basil panini is especially delicious! I can’t wait to try the hummus veggie bagel and the strawberry pecan salad the next time we are at the beach.
3. Brick & Spoon
For breakfast or brunch in Orange Beach, you can’t go wrong with Brick & Spoon, as the restaurant has a wide variety of options for vegetarians and vegans. The baked brie bruschetta with caramelized apples and raisins is a must-try. They also offer a garden omelet, pancakes, and French toast, including a banana foster French toast, which is epic. I love that they have a farmer’s market benedict with seasonal vegetables. I had the breakfast tacos without the chorizo, which were also delicious.
4. Villaggio Grille at The Wharf
If you’re looking for Italian vegetarian options, you must check out Villaggio Grille at the Wharf. Hello…yum! This spot in Orange Beach serves up wood-fired pizzas that are beyond delicious. You can choose from a Margherita, red pepper pesto, Greek (minus the prosciutto), pear and goat cheese, and more. Villaggio Grille’s menu also includes amazing salads, a fruit and cheese platter, a grilled vegetable plate and more. This restaurant is classy and comfortable and, most importantly,offers fantastic food.
5. The Hangout
The Hangout is a legendary beach restaurant that offers various veggie meals and incredible views of the Gulf. They serve vegetarian appetizers, salads (note that you will need to ask for no meat), and a vegetarian wrap with grilled seasonal vegetables, hummus, and red pepper aioli. Add one of The Hangout’s delicious coastal cocktails to your order for an unforgettable dining experience.
6. Picnic Beach
Picnic Beach's menu is vegetarian and vegan, and the Gulf Shores restaurant is conveniently located right across from the water. Picnic BeachThey offers a black bean burger, bowls, salads, riviera caviar, and crispy cauliflower. The menu is conveniently marked with vegan and gluten-free options, so you can easily see what is available.
7. Original Oyster House
I know you think I’m crazy sending you to an oyster house, but there are excellent vegetarian options here!. The appetizer menu is filled with lots of yummy fried food, such as tomatoes, pickles, and mozzarella. If that is a bit too much fried goodness for you, one of the items I enjoy at the Original Oyster House is the expansive salad bar. Thise Gulf Shores restaurant also has baked garlic Aalfredo pasta that is a delightful vegetarian meal when you. Just request it with no meat.
8. Cactus Cantina
I could happily live on chips and salsa with a side of guac! Cactus Cantina Gulf Shores offers fresh guacamole, a variety of salsas, salads, cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, spinach and mushroom quesadillas, and cactus veggie burritos. I appreciate that the restaurant has a vegetarian section on the menu to make it easier to find the offerings.
9. Bleus Burger
We know what you’re thinking, “burgers have meat!” However, at Bleus Burger in Gulf Shores, you can get your burger just how you like, which means with plant-based protein. Start your meal with an order of cauliflower wings or the beer cheese pretzel. Then, add the hobo veggie burger made with homemade falafel and topped with pepper jack cheese and avocado hummus, tomatoes, lettuce, and cilantro jalapeño lime aioli. Ask for no cheese to make this burger vegan-friendly.
10. Miso Seafood
If you love sushi, you’ll want to visit Miso Seafood in Gulf Shores. Don’t let the name fool you, as this restaurant serves much more than just seafood. They offer an extensive sushi menu, with vegan and vegetarian options like inarizushi, cucumber, avocado, sweet potato, and vegetable rolls. If sushi isn’t your thing, the menu also includes teriyaki, hibachi, yakisoba, and yaki ubi vegetables. Add an order of miso soup or edamame to your order, and you’ve got the perfect meal
I hope this sampling of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants helps you enjoy a delicious meat-free meal in Gulf Shore and Orange Beach!
