New York is loud. It vibrates through the soles of your shoes. The last time I landed at JFK, I was instantly reminded of how quickly this city can drain your battery if you aren’t careful. I used to do the typical tourist run, trying to pack in ten different spots before noon. Not anymore. This trip was entirely about finding quiet, high-end sanctuaries that redefine what it means to live well in the concrete jungle.
As a Google Local Guide, my strategy in the US is all about curation. You can easily get overwhelmed by options, so I stick to kitchens that treat organic ingredients with absolute reverence. This diary is a breakdown of how I survived—and thrived—navigating the cutting-edge vegan dining of Manhattan, before escaping down to the humid, tropical recovery of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Manhattan: A Masterclass in Vegan Dining
By the time I checked into my hotel, I was craving something fresh but substantial. I walked over to PLANTA New York. It’s an absolute must-visit (they also have great locations in Chicago, DC, and San Diego). The lighting is incredibly moody, the crowd is sharp, and the food proves that luxury dining in NYC doesn’t need animal products. For a different vibe, Avant Garden and PS Kitchen offer exceptional, intimate plant-based experiences that feel like classic New York.
The city’s diversity is staggering. One night I was at Anixi enjoying sophisticated vegan Mediterranean, and the next I was at Le Basque for French vegan or Sentir for incredible plant-based Mexican. When I craved Italian, Coletta was perfect, and Soda Club offered a brilliant pasta-focused evening. I even found myself at Miznon—a fantastic Israeli spot with superb vegan options when you just need something loud and comforting.
The Lifesaver: Westerly Natural Market
Here is my ultimate US travel hack: the minute you drop your bags, find the nearest high-quality grocery store. While Whole Foods Market is the main organic chain (and great in a pinch), personally, I think smaller boutique stores are much better because they carry more non-GMO and specialized products. For me, that’s always Westerly Natural Market on the West Side. It’s a real organic boutique supermarket packed with natural wellness products and high-quality healthy food.
I usually grab enough fresh fruit, organic nuts, and good water to stock my hotel room. Instead of relying on bad hotel coffee, I start my mornings slow in my room before heading out. It’s these small routines that protect your vitality when the city is spinning at a million miles an hour.
Florida Bound: Thawing Out in Miami & Fort Lauderdale
After a week of biting winds, the flight to Miami felt like an escape pod. Miami Beach has evolved. My very first stop was Pura Vida Miami—probably the most wellness-focused place in the city, entirely organic and healthy. For a lively group dinner, MILA is fantastic; it’s a great place to go with non-vegan friends because their vegan options are genuinely superb. If you want a beach club atmosphere, Nikki Beach has a couple of solid vegan choices, and for pure luxury, Ocean Grill at The Setai is breathtaking. I also have to mention Limoncello Miami Beach—honestly the only Italian restaurant in Miami Beach that I really liked as a vegan. For a quick bite, The Cocinita never disappoints.
But the real recovery happened when I drove an hour north to Fort Lauderdale. I checked into The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. It’s a resort-style hotel with amazing air and a deeply relaxing atmosphere. The food there is excellent, and while the sauna now costs extra, it was worth it. Between relaxing at the hotel and grabbing fresh meals at SoBe Vegan, I finally found the quiet rhythm I had been looking for since I left New York.
From the Camera Roll
If you run a boutique brand and want to connect with conscious travelers like me, let’s talk.
Inquire about Partnerships