Healthy Eats in Indian River County – May 2026
Healthy Eats in Indian River County – May 2026 – Indian River County’s dining scene has come a long way when it comes to healthy eating. These days, eating better no longer means settling for bland salads or giving up flavor altogether. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, protein-packed dishes, plant-based options, or chef-driven cuisine made with wholesome ingredients, there are more delicious choices than ever before. With busy schedules and life constantly on the go, finding meals that are both convenient and nutritious can still be a challenge—but thankfully, several local restaurants are making it easier to enjoy flavorful food that won’t derail your goals. From longtime local favorites to some of the newest spots around town, here are a few great places in Indian River County serving up healthier eats worth checking out.
La Tabla | food + Juicery – Vero Beach, FL
La Tabla | food & Juicery has been focused on clean, healthy eating since opening in 2014, long before healthier dining became as mainstream as it is today. The restaurant prepares everything in-house, including scratch-made soups, dressings, baked goods, and daily specials, while avoiding seed oils and heavily processed ingredients. During my visit, I sampled the Vegan “Burger” Bowl along with one of their house-made cookies and protein bites, all of which delivered plenty of flavor while still feeling fresh and balanced. La Tabla also sweetens many of their baked goods naturally with local honey and organic maple syrup instead of refined sugar, helping separate their kitchen from many traditional fast-casual concepts. With a strong focus on wholesome ingredients and made-from-scratch cooking, La Tabla continues to be a go-to destination for healthier eats in Indian River County.
La Tabla | food + Juicery
Address: 29 Royal Palm Pointe #1, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 205-2772
Pet Policy: Inside dining room, service animals only, on the outdoor patio, well-behaved pets are allowed.
Counter Culture Beachside – Vero Beach, FL
Counter Culture Beachside offers a refreshing take on healthy dining in Indian River County by blending classic cuisine with fresh, wholesome ingredients and globally inspired flavors. The menu also caters to a wide range of lifestyles and dietary preferences with gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-forward options, while still offering hearty protein-forward dishes guests know and love. During my visit, I enjoyed their Southwest Black Bean Soup, the award-winning Sod Buster Sandwich, and one of their refreshing house-brewed teas—all packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavor while still feeling balanced and satisfying. The relaxed beachside atmosphere paired with chef-driven cuisine makes Counter Culture Beachside a standout destination for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful meal while still making healthier choices.
Counter Culture Beachside
Address: 3225 Cardinal Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: (772) 321-3315
Pet Policy: Only service animals allowed.
Chive – Vero Beach, FL
Chive has built a loyal following in Vero Beach by offering a fresh, fast-casual dining experience centered around bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Known for its customizable bowls, wraps, salads, and grain-based dishes, Chive makes it easy to enjoy healthier options without sacrificing taste. During my visit, I sampled their Capt Quinoa Salad, a colorful combination of spinach, sautéed vegetables, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, carrots, olives, corn and pineapple salsa, cilantro, and scallions, all topped with an avocado walnut vinaigrette dressing. The dish was vibrant, fresh, and packed with flavor, perfectly showcasing Chive’s ability to create balanced meals that still feel satisfying and crave-worthy.
Chive
Address: 390 21st St # 104, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 999-5452
Pet Policy: Inside dining room, service animals only, on the outdoor patio, well-behaved pets are allowed.
GardenBakes – Vero Beach, FL
GardenBakes takes a fresh and thoughtful approach to healthy eating with a menu centered around scratch-made baked goods, wraps, salads, and offerings crafted with wholesome ingredients. Owner Kerry, who previously worked as the pastry chef at Sammy’s Mediterranean Cafe, has spent years developing recipes that focus on flavor without relying on excessive sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. During my visit, I got to sample a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes (yes, I tasted every single dish in the photo above) and everything was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Since opening in February 2026, the café has quickly gained attention for its vegan and gluten-free options, many of which are made completely in-house, including sauces and custom gluten-free flour blends. With an emphasis on quality ingredients, creativity, and accommodating a variety of dietary lifestyles, GardenBakes offers a welcoming spot for guests looking to enjoy healthier food that still feels indulgent and delicious.
GardenBakes
Address: 9045 Americana Wy STE 35, Vero Beach, FL 32966
Phone: (772) 258-1984
Pet Policy: Only service animals allowed.
Palato Cafe – Vero Beach, FL
Palato Cafe brings a Mediterranean-inspired approach to healthy eating with a menu focused on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. From vibrant avocado toast and wraps to refreshing salads and other lighter fare, the café offers a variety of wholesome options perfect for breakfast or lunch. During our visit, the Avocado Toast and Oglio Wrap stood out for their freshness and flavor, showcasing the café’s ability to turn simple ingredients into satisfying dishes. Inside, the café features a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with additional outdoor seating surrounded by greenery, creating a relaxing space to enjoy a wholesome meal with friends or family. With its fresh approach and thoughtfully crafted menu, Palato Cafe has quickly become a popular healthy dining destination in Vero Beach.
Palato Café
Address: 915 17th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 643-4975
Pet Policy: Inside dining room, service animals only, on the outdoor patio, well-behaved pets are allowed.
Tossed – Vero Beach, FL
Tossed brings a fresh and flavorful healthy dining option to Vero Beach with a fast-casual concept centered around customizable salads, bowls, and wraps. Guests can build meals exactly the way they like, choosing from a wide variety of fresh ingredients, proteins, toppings, and house-made dressings to fit nearly any lifestyle or dietary preference. The restaurant is owned by John and Heather, the local family behind Pepper & Salt BBQ, and their focus on quality ingredients and welcoming hospitality carries over into this newest venture. Located in the Royal Palm Pointe area near Miracle Mile, Tossed features a bright, modern atmosphere with vibrant décor, greenery, and both indoor and outdoor seating—making it a great spot for a fresh lunch, light dinner, or nutritious meal on the go.
Tossed
Address: 97 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 226-5568
https://www.tossedvero.com/
Pet Policy: Only service animals allowed.
