Market on South
Tucked into the heart of Orlando’s eclectic Milk District neighborhood, Market on South is a 100% plant-based food collective that has become one of Central Florida’s most beloved vegan destinations. Originally home to Dixie Dharma and Valhalla Bakery, the space has evolved under new management into a community-driven marketplace currently anchored by A Lo Vegano (vegan Cuban comfort food) and Vegan Scoops (plant-based ice cream), with room for rotating vendors and pop-ups.
The vibe is casual farmhouse chic — think indoor seating alongside outdoor picnic tables, a kids’ play area, and board games scattered about. It feels more like a community gathering spot than a typical restaurant, which is exactly the point. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or just someone looking for a creative, flavor-packed meal that happens to be plant-based, Market on South makes it easy and welcoming.
For diners navigating food allergies, this is an unusually safe space. With the entire market committed to being 100% plant-based, dairy and egg concerns vanish immediately. A Lo Vegano’s menu is entirely gluten-free, and Vegan Scoops is peanut-free and gluten-free across the board. It’s the kind of place where you can exhale and just enjoy the food.
Dietary and Allergy Accommodations
Gluten-Free
A Lo Vegano’s entire menu is gluten-free, making this one of the most naturally celiac-friendly vegan restaurants in Orlando. From the Cuban steak platter to the guava pancakes, everything is prepared without gluten-containing ingredients. Vegan Scoops also offers gluten-free ice cream and gluten-free cones. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable about dietary restrictions, and the kitchen can accommodate requests for soy-free and nut-free preparations as well.
Dairy-Free
The entire market is 100% plant-based, which means every single item across all vendors is dairy-free by default. No milk, cheese, butter, or cream from animal sources touches this kitchen. Vegan Scoops crafts their ice cream from plant-based bases, delivering creamy scoops that rival traditional dairy without a trace of it.
Nut-Free
Vegan Scoops is specifically peanut-free across their entire menu, which is a standout feature for an ice cream shop. A Lo Vegano can accommodate nut-free diners as well — their allergen information indicates the ability to cater to nut-free requests. As always, communicate your allergy severity to staff so they can take appropriate precautions.
Vegan
This one’s easy — Market on South is 100% vegan, full stop. Every vendor, every dish, every dessert. No compromises, no “vegan options available” disclaimers. It’s all plant-based, all the time. For vegans visiting Orlando, this is a mandatory stop.
Pescatarian
Since the entire menu is vegan, it is inherently pescatarian-friendly as well. There are no seafood options, but every plant-based dish on the menu fits comfortably within a pescatarian diet.
Unmet Diets or Allergies
Keto
While some items at A Lo Vegano could work for keto diners (protein platters with low-carb sides), the menu leans heavily into plantains, rice, guava pancakes, and other carb-forward Cuban staples. Strict keto adherence would require careful customization.
Paleo
Similar to keto, the Cuban comfort food focus means lots of grains and legumes. A protein-and-vegetable-focused platter could work, but the menu isn’t designed with paleo principles in mind.
Whole 30
Whole30 compliance would be very difficult here given the use of sugar, soy-based proteins, and processed plant-based meat alternatives in many dishes.
Kosher
No kosher certification or supervision is in place.
Halal
No halal certification, though the entirely plant-based menu contains no animal products that would raise halal concerns.
Reviewers Rave About
- Cuban Steak Platter — The plant-based Cuban steak served with rice and sweet plantains is described as “out of this world.” The seasoning is bold and authentic, and the portion is generous enough to satisfy any comfort food craving.
- Guava Pancakes — Called “the best ever” by multiple reviewers, these fluffy pancakes with guava are a brunch showstopper that draws repeat visitors.
- Vegan Scoops Ice Cream — Regularly hailed as “the number one vegan spot for dessert” in Orlando, with creative flavors like Cuban Cafecito and Cookies & Cream. All scoops are gluten-free and peanut-free.
- Sunny Side Up Vegan Eggs — A Lo Vegano’s plant-based take on sunny side up eggs surprises even skeptics — reviewers say they’re “runny like the real deal” with outstanding seasoning.
- Croissant Breakfast Sandwich — Described as “a revelation,” this brunch staple combines flaky vegan pastry with savory fillings for a satisfying morning meal.
Location
2603 E South St, Orlando, FL 32803 — in the Milk District neighborhood