As far as vegetarian and vegan eats go in South Beach, Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill at the Standard Hotel is a popular choice. If you can afford the pricey food and cocktails, then it is the perfect place to relax, enjoy the sea views and indulge in some delicious food.
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When you arrive at The Standard, a pleasant walk among the hotel’s lush, green grounds leads you to the seaside pool and neighboring terrace where Lido is located. Sunny yellow umbrellas, bright, striped cushions and jewel hued chairs lend a fun and casual vibe to this otherwise hotspot where hipsters, business executives and the club-going regulars collide. There is something for everyone on the menu. And though most of the items aren’t too creative, there are a few inspired gems that cater towards the vegetarians and vegans that routinely flock to this restaurant.
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For one, there is the kale salad. Sliced kale leaves are generously coated in a very lemony vinaigrette and tossed with sweet, plump, golden raisins and a healthy helping of pine nuts. The combination offers textural excitement and a strong flavor contrast between the acidic vinaigrette and the sweet, juicy raisins that is quite pleasant on the palette. Upon first glance, the portion is a perfect size for a starter but results in a slightly more filling state of stomach than might be intended.
If you are looking for a heartier dish, there are several options. A standard (no-pun intended) veggie burger can be found on the menu along with a pasta dish made with a special Egyptian grain, a hummus flatbread and a quinoa salad. Pretty usual suspects for vegetarian and vegan offerings. But if you’re looking for something more exciting, then forget the “mains” section of the menu and go back to “small plates & shares” where, listed among the options, is a raw “lasagna” vegetable terrine. Served cold, the “lasagna” layers paper-thin zucchini slices, cashew cheese, raw “sausage” (made primary from walnuts, flaxseeds, vegetable juices and spices), and a crunchy carrot filling (which is flavored with other vegetables, herbs and spices). The square of “lasagna” is served on a bed of raw tomato sauce finished with olive oil. Several elements work together to give this dish plenty of texture while the entire thing is flavored extremely well with plenty of spices, lending the “lasagna” an almost Middle Eastern element of flavor (you can find the recipe here). It is a crowd-pleasing option that should play well to a broad audience ranging from omnivores to raw foodists.
If after your main meal, you still have room for dessert, there are several enticing selections, including ice cream, sorbet, berry crumble, and key lime tart. But again, catering to vegans and raw foodists, there is a raw chocolate “Ding Dong” on the menu. However, my recommendation would be to sit back and enjoy the view while sipping on a fruity cocktail. There are plenty to choose from.
Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
40 Island Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-673-1717
Currently based out of Boston, Jesal is a blogger, freelance writer, yoga enthusiast and lifelong vegetarian who spent four years eating her way through New York City and various other cities around the globe. After answering hundreds of emails and phone calls answering the question, "Where's a cool place I can take my vegetarian friend out to eat" she started Veggiewala to efficiently share her knowledge of the vegetarian food scene with curious carnivores, flexitarians and other vegetarians.