A Gluten Free Vegan’s Review of Ionie in Sarasota, FL
Ionie is an all organic, raw vegan cafe in downtown Sarasota. Ionie Bergs, who is also a massage therapist, first opened the restaurant in 2012.
Ionie focuses on providing healthy food that will improve your well-being. They get all of their ingredients from local, organic farms.
Continue reading to learn about our visit to Ionie with a gluten free vegan and two non-vegans.
Entrance to Ionie in Sarasota, FL [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
Details
Designation: Dedicated Vegan, Dedicated Gluten Free
Price Range: $$
Style: Raw vegan, salads, bowls, sandwiches
Meals Served: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Location:
Wheelchair accessible entrance, but no automatic doors
In a nice area on 1st Street in downtown Sarasota. Many restaurants and shops nearby
Bike parking across the street
Walking distance from several bus stops
Large parking lot directly east and street parking
Near Sarasota bay and the beach
Outdoor seating
Free wifi
Atmosphere
Entryway, dining room, and counter at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
The restaurant has a modern and fresh theme. The atmosphere was very relaxed and calm. A couple people there were working on their laptops.
There are large glass doors at the front that let in a lot of natural light. There are also many plants throughout the dining room.
Dining room and entrance at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
The restaurant has a smaller dining room but has many small tables and one large table by the windows.
We came for lunch on a Thursday and there were multiple people dining in and getting to-go orders. We had no trouble having a nice conversation.
There are nice illustrations of plants over top of the couch seating.
Dining room seating and wall art at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
Menu
Food menu at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
Drinks menu at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
The menu at Ionie includes breakfast, salads, handhelds, bowls, pizza, sides, and dessert. They also have cold pressed juices, smoothies, and tonics.
If you would like to see their online menu, you can find it here.
Counter and menu at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
Food
My order
The Martin at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
The Martin ($16)
Avocado, cheese, jalapeno, sprouts
Onion flatbread
My Dad’s Order
Falafel Gyro at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
Falafel Gyro ($16)
Lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, tzatziki
Onion flatbread
Side of carrot raisin slaw included
My Husband’s Order
El Greco at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
El Greco ($12)
Spinach, olives, tomato, lemon zest pizza
Taste: ★★★★★
I thought The Martin was great! All of the flavors went perfectly together and I loved the sprouts and cilantro on top.
I also really liked the texture of the onion bread. It was not crumbly like other gluten free wraps can be. It also added flavor to the sandwich.
My dad loved all the veggies and the falafel in his Gyro. He also really liked the onion bread and the tzatziki sauce.
He liked the carrot raisin slaw so much he bought a small container of it to take home. He said they were the best carrots he’s ever eaten.
My husband thought his pizza was pretty good. I think he would have preferred one of the handhelds or bowls though.
Quality: ★★★★★
All the ingredients are high quality. Everything is organic and made fresh.
Variety: ★★★★★
Everything on the menu is vegan and gluten free. There are so many great options to choose from.
Quantity: ★★★★★
The Falafel Gyro and The Martin were perfect portions for lunch. They are larger sandwiches, but weren’t heavy.
My husband thought his pizza was a smaller portion for lunch.
Value: ★★★★★
For the quality and quantity, I think the pricing is well worth it.
Service
Hospitality: ★★★★★
Everyone was very nice. They answered all of our questions and checked in on us.
Efficiency: ★★★★★
It did not take long at all to get our food, only about 15 minutes.
Accuracy: ★★★★★
Our food came out as ordered.
Herb garden at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
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Safety
Staff knowledge: ★★★★★
The staff is knowledgeable about their ingredients and preparation.
Preparation: ★★★★★
All ingredients are vegan and gluten free
Did I get *glutened? No
*Glutened (verb, past tense)
When a person who has celiac disease, or a gluten intolerance, consumes gluten accidentally and experiences gluten induced symptoms.
Overall
★★★★★
Would I go back? Yes
Ionie is a fabulous restaurant and a must visit if you are in the area. They are well deserving of the 5 stars in every category.
This ended up being my, and my dad’s, favorite restaurant of the trip!
You won’t find a better spot for lunch in Sarasota. You don’t have to be vegan or gluten free to find something you’ll love.
We will definitely be back to try their breakfast the next time we are in the area.
Bar at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
Tips
All Day Breakfast
They have several great vegan and gluten free breakfast options including pancakes, parfaits, oats, and more all day long.
Deli style items and drinks at Ionie [Photo by Courtney Vanorio, Jan. ‘23]
Deli Style Items
At Ionie, they have large refrigerators across from the counter that have pre-made juices, desserts, sides, sauces, and ingredients for sale.
Have you been to Ionie? What did you order? Be sure to add your thoughts below!
Want to learn more about eating vegan and gluten free in Florida? Check out my articles listed below.
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