Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in the Tampa Bay area, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.
Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there is a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian pizza to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 30+ restaurants serving up meat-free fare in TBAY.
🍑 The brunch bunch
Vine Vegan , 2080 Badlands Dr., Brandon | This all-vegan, family-owned restaurant dishes out love with every bite. Try this: The all-day gluten-free pancakes served with a tofu scramble if you’re feeling more breakfasty. And if you’re feeling more lunchy, get the Buzzy Buffalo Wrap — it’s stuffed with tots.
True Food Kitchen , 3645 Midtown Dr., Tampa | This kitchen whips up a rotating selection of seasonal vegan + vegetarian delights like charred cauliflower, spinach + mushroom pizza, and a mean vegan double cheeseburger.
Good Intentions , 1900 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg | This spot’s handcrafted bevs are made with local ingredients — we recommend the espresso martini to sip. Pro tip: Brunch is served on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cider Press Vegan GastroPub , 3118 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg | Historic Kenwood’s staple vegan eatery and bar offers an outdoor covered patio. We like the tangy Chicken Katsu Sando on Tuesday trivia nights.
Psomi , 701 N. Howard Ave., Tampa | This Greek-inspired bakery + eatery serves a serious weekend brunch. Gorge on a range of veggie breakfasts, like the Psomi Bagel Special or loukoumades (Greek doughnuts).
Vine Vegan’s Crunchy Wrap will satisfy your cravings.
Photo by @vineveganfl
🍃 Grab-and-go
Pure Kitchen , 3214 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | Grab an all-organic chickpea couscous bowl or a cream of corn soup on your lunch break. Or get meal prep sorted for the week with soups, salads, curries, veggie bowls, and more.
Rays Vegan Soul , 1330 49th St. S., Gulfport | Only open on Sundays, Rays offers food for the soul, literally. The offerings change each week, so keep your eyes on their Insta .
Fresh Kitchen , Multiple locations | Pick your choice of a base (sweet potato noodles are a must) and vegetables to create your gluten-free bowl. Pro tip: Try the Holy Kale sauce.
Taco Dirty , 2221 W. Platt St., Tampa | Enjoy modern twists on Mexican classics in South Tampa. The Buffalo Avo Broccoli is a firm local fave, and also City Editor Patrick’s.
Naked Farmer , Multiple locations | Make your own creation or choose from the menu. The Light + Leafy Bowl features farm greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, pecan kale Caesar dressing, and garlic aioli.
WeVegan Cafe , 4326 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa | This South Tampa spot has a host of choices. Sample coffee flavors, breakfast sammies, and hearty lunch options. We like the Breakfast Cuban + Breakfast Crunch Wrap.
Pass the Brussels sprouts.
Photo by @eatnakedfarmer
🍕 Casual eating
Florish , 2307 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Ste. A, Tampa | Let your taste buds savor a slice of delicious vegan pizza or a scrumptious bowl, and finish it off with a cookie (or three). We recommend the Chicky Buff pizza.
Love Food Central , 2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | In the heart of the Burg, this colorful joint serves up 100% vegan and gluten-free salads, snacks, and sammies. It’s always a good idea to grab a dessert for the road.
3 Dot Dash , 6203 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | Bite into an Impossible Burger or recently added hot dog items. This Seminole Heights eatery also boasts a huge craft brew selection + cute patio.
SoFresh , Multiple locations | The Superfood, Skinny, Teriyaki, and Power bowls are meat-free. Pro tip: The avocado green goddess and citrus agave mustard sauces are a great accompaniment.
Nah Dogs Vegan Hot Dog Cart , Mobile | Follow the cart’s Instagram to know where St. Pete’s “only 100% vegan hot dog cart” will be next. Heads up: This food truck is constantly whipping up new + inventive specials.
Kaleisia Tea Lounge , 1441 E. Fletcher Ave., Ste. 101, Tampa | Good luck choosing from the range of teas + smoothies, before grabbing something quick and tasty. We’re fans of the Banh Mi Set, and Korean BBQ Bowl.
A veritable feast awaits at Good Intentions.
Photo by @goodintentions_fl
🕯Date night
Voodu Vegan Bistro , 9002 N. 40th St., Tampa | You can get dolled up and eat meat-free in style, right by Busch Gardens. Don’t eat too many specialty street tacos before getting on SheiKra.
Stone Soup Company , 1919 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City | Order up some veggie empanadas, Bavarian pretzels, or Beyond Meat chicken tenders. Fun fact: All unused ingredients in the kitchen are made into stew and donated to local homeless shelters.
House of Vegano , 1990 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Prepare your stomach for vegan sushi in the heart of the Burg. Must try: The Spicy Krab roll — that’s Krab with a “k” for king oyster mushrooms.
La Sétima Club , 815 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City | On the edge of Ybor City lies this perfect date night spot. La Sétima serves up divine bites + a constantly rotating selection of beer and wine.
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe , 5119 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa | If you’re looking for good music, relaxed vibes, and requirements for every diet, Ella’s is for you. We recommend the Good Burger — a veggie patty smothered in sweet mustard, garlicky ketchup, vegan cheese, and sweet candied carrots.
Golden Dinosaurs , 2930 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport | If you’re looking for a daytime date, you’re in luck. This cute beachy spot is a favorite among locals, and serves up vegan burgers, sandwiches, delectable sides, and sweet treats.
The Bricks , 1327 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City | This spot in the most historic part of town features an extensive list of veggie, vegan, and gluten-free options, including rice bowls, sandos, and shareables. Not to mention the cocktail list.
Work up an appetite before a trip to House of Vegano.
Photo by @houseofvegano
🍧 Delicious desserts
Soho Juice Co. , Multiple locations | Mix and match your favorite fruit toppings in superfood bowls on the go. Pro tip: All toppings are unlimited.
Chill Bros. Scoop Shop , Multiple locations | The Tampa fave has always got a few vegan options on its menu, like the Coco Mocha Latte. Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal treats.
Valhalla Bakery , 2444 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Described as “vegan comfort food done right,” Valhalla bakes up all sorts of goodies. From cookies to wedding cakes, you’ll find something for every sweet tooth.
Sweet Soul , 1101 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | Indulge in a plant-based soft serve or probiotic boba pudding bowl. Or nourish yourself with an immunity boosting Soul Shot.
Tru Vegan Creamery , 1499 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa | With coconut milk a stand-in for traditional dairy, Tru Vegan serves some of the sweetest desserts in TBAY. This spot offers shakes and smoothies too.
Plant Love Ice Cream , Multiple locations | At both the store in St. Pete, and the one in Gulfport, 50+ flavors of vegan ice cream await. Good luck getting your hands on the staple + seasonal recipes — they’re a family secret.
Soho Juice Co. offers delicious smoothie bowls with a variety of toppings.
Photo by @_mandababy
🍽️ Chef it up at home
Check out our favorite tips and tricks for serving veggie-focused fare from your own kitchen:
- To make zucchini, carrot, or beet noodles, try a veggie spiralizer that magically turns vegetables into noodles.
- Tired of wasting money on spices you use once? Broth Bomb combines all the spices you need for a flavorful meal.
- Harness the power of fresh and high-quality spices from James Beard Award-winning chef Meherwan Irani.
- A tofu press draws out water and can help tofu firm and crisp up once you cook it — the one linked here is dishwasher safe + works in twenty minutes.
- If your least favorite part about veggie prep is chopping, this all-in-one vegetable chopper can minimize prep time.
- Use a sprouting jar kit to grow microgreens and sprouted beans at home.
- If you’re making fresh bread, this Sourhouse starter jar was designed to be the easiest-to-clean sourdough starter jar in the world.
- For the ultimate veggie food prep, this glass storage container set keeps lunches and leftovers organized.
- Need some good recipes? Browse cookbooks “Inspiralized: Turn Vegetables into Healthy, Creative, Satisfying Meals” for veggie spiral recipes, “The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100” for plant-based ideas, or “The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook” from America’s Test Kitchen.
What did we miss? If you know a restaurant that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey .
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