FIKA Cantina’s beach-like and beautiful interior design makes you forget about the gross, cold weather outside, which makes this change in temperature the perfect time to check it out! FIKA Cantina has a variety of options that vegans may not even have thought about being able to consume with their dietary needs.

Much of this restaurant’s appeal comes from the eclectic interior. The presentation of the food is urban and unique. FIKA Cantina is located on 804 N. Limestone, right above the Broomwagon Bikes + Coffee  The location itself is in a place that used to be low income, and is now an up and coming area. With such attraction to young, hip, customers, the location is great. FIKA Cantina is created by the same founders of Granola Culture, Melinda ‘Min’ Johnson, and Brandon Rexach and is attached to their yoga studio.

Immediately after walking inside, you can’t help but feel comfy and worry-free. A special touch to the restaurant’s charm is that almost all the décor in the room was all original; from the woodwork to the electric work, the couple did it all by themselves. With such limited space, they really made the place look alive. The inside is super and the lights and warm tones makes a positive impact on the food as well.

Their menu has sweet dishes like their Jackfruit Carnitas, and savory like their ZEN burritos. Brunch is such a staple in Lexington, that it was only right to give their Sunday Brunch a try.  This included their French Toast Beignets, Cornmeal Biscuits ‘N’ Gravy, and the Chickpea Frittata over Hash Browns.

The service was very fast, especially with only two people working. The beignets came with some chocolate chili on the bottom and maple syrup as a dipping sauce. It was very dry by itself, but covering them in the maple syrup is what really made the dish (a bite of fresh fruit with it helps too).

The biscuits and gravy were very similar to what regular biscuits and gravy are like, the consistency of the gravy was spot-on. The flavor of the gravy did have a bit of sweetness to it, so if you are more of a savory gravy person, it might not be for you.

The frittata and hash brown dish was the winner, for me. The flavors were distinct in the frittata that was in the middle of a nest of hash browns served with ketchup.

The portion size was on the smaller side, but one platter is definitely enough for one person. They offer fresh squeezed juices to drink, which is a refreshing addition to their menu. Most of their food is from local farms and is organic, which is an awesome touch.

“We’re trying to inspire a modern, hippy culture,” Johnson said, “The planet is dying and we have to change.”

The couple said they want to encourage their customers and locals be more eco-friendly, socially, and environmentally aware of what is happening around them. One way besides having a vegan restaurant, is that with every purchase, a dollar goes to hurricane relief.

This is the only vegan restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky. Escape the cold and enjoy a little taste of vegan paradise yourself.

You can check out FIKA Cantina on their Instagram @fikavegancantina and Granola Culture @granolaculture.