Calling all plant-based foodies (and the plant-curious too): the Jacksonville Vegan Chef Challenge, presented by Visit Jacksonville, is taking over the whole city from August 1-31, 2026. Restaurants all over Jax are rolling out brand new vegan menu items just for the occasion, so it's basically a month-long excuse to eat your way across town. Here's a secret: the Jacksonville Vegan Chef Challenge isn't just a "vegan event." It's a month-long celebration of everything great about Jacksonville's local restaurant scene, where chefs across the city step outside their comfort zones to create original plant-based dishes that anyone can enjoy, vegan or not.
Here's how it works:
How voting works! Head to any participating restaurant and order up their special challenge dish. Snap a photo, share your favorites, and vote on what you tried through the official rating form. Every rating counts toward the official business awards, and your feedback gets shared directly with the culinary teams behind the dishes, so tell them what you loved. Here is the voting link!
How to get 10% off:
The best news? They've partnered directly with UNATION to create an exclusive Offer for our users! Complete a row on your Bingo Card by visiting six participating restaurants and earn 10 raffle tickets for a chance to win exciting prizes!
Also happening this month:
Want to connect with fellow diners while the challenge is in full swing? Don't miss the Jacksonville Vegan Chef Challenge Meetup on August 11 at Buddha Thai Bistro + Gator Ice Cream. RSVP through the link to save your spot.
A Vegan Tour of Philippines Cuisine, a plant-based 5-course dinner on August 24 at one of our participating restaurants. Tickets required.
A Vegan Tour of Philippines Cuisine, a plant-based 5-course dinner on August 24 at one of our participating restaurants. Tickets required.
Don't miss the Awards Ceremony:
The month wraps up with an Awards Ceremony on September 14, where the top chefs get recognized for their standout creations.
At its core, this is about discovering new local spots, celebrating the creativity of Jacksonville chefs, and supporting local businesses all over the city, one dish (and one vote) at a time.
Participating restaurants include:
- Abstrakt Filipino Essence
- Ajua Mexican Kitchen & Bar
- Backyard Buffalo
- Bang'n Bagel Company
- Biscottis
- Buddha Thai Bistro
- Bundy Kitchen & Market
- Casey's Granola
- Coastal Kitchen & Bar
- Dainty Cheesecake Co.
- Dreamette Springfield
- Epik Burger
- Gator Ice Cream
- Hala's Mideast Eatery
- Homespun Kitchen
- Irie Caribbean Diner
- Josephine
- Lanjie Hot Pot BBQ
- Marry Me Jam
- Millie's Ice Cream
- Moon Dog Pie House
- Murray Hillbilly
- Naked Kitchen
- One Third Asian House
- Plant Pastry
- Refinery Jax Beach
- Seitanic Jax
- Snack at Jacked (available 9/14 only)
- Solune Coffee
- UNF Dining Services
So grab your friends, your family, or your fellow foodie crew, and get out there. This is Jacksonville's newest food adventure, and everyone's invited.
