Hello, friends.

Today we are talking about plant-based meals and no, we don’t mean a salad, even though those are good too. Lakeland can be pretty versatile when it comes to food that you might not have on your everyday menu. You just have to know where to look, and that’s why we’re here.

We wanted to know where we could go to grab the best plant-based dishes in the 863. Here’s what you recommended. 💚

“My favorites are Cafe Zuppina (the restaurant and especially the Market), veggie or tofu meals from Thai Oishi or Curry Mango, and Juice Box. Good Thyme and Cob & Pen have some really good plant-based options too. Victor and Mika's Bakery is a great option for sweets. Ricky's Cakes makes vegan (and yummy regular) cakes too.” – Reader Marcella B.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DT2okDcEy/

“The Juice Box Cafe in South Lakeland is the best vegan, raw fresh juice and smoothies, and cafe in Lakeland. It really is the only restaurant of its kind in this area.” – Reader Nicole B.

“Jason’s Deli still has the best salad bar in town. The Joinery has several places I could visit but my go-to is Ato where I can build my own lunch bowl with fresh fruits and vegetables. Sabu also has some whole food, plant-based options. As I am writing this I see there is a NEW restaurant at the Joinery? Plenty? It looks like there might be several bowls and skewers that I could enjoy. Café Zuppina – I think everyone will agree that this restaurant is one of the best in town! It is amazing! Greenwise has several things I can eat on the run such as an acai bowl, also a once in a while treat, and a vegan soup.” – Reader Liz A.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGXiMyQFTr_/

“Cafe Zuppina’s veggie platter is AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS. The Veggie Miso Ramen at The Joinery rocks. New Moon’s Spicy Edamame and Avocado Ginger Salad is a perfect lunch (though sometimes I get tuna on top). Chipotle makes a mean veggie bowl with Sofritas, Azteca has lots of veggie options on their menu-I like the Vegi-Macho Burrito or the Vegi-Enchiladas. And, I love a Kale Tonic from First Watch!” – Reader Darcy D.

“Cafe Zuppina will do the veggie platter vegan if asked. They also have vegan items prepared in the Market (including desserts!). The Juice Box is also a great place for vegan food and goodies. I have seen vegan desserts being promoted by Fleur Bistro, as well. Additionally, there's a vegan section on the menu at Curry Mango (I love the Dal Fry), and I love the vegan miso ramen at Tsunami Sushi. I've had several yummy vegan dishes at Cob & Pen – Their current Buddha Bowl sounds amazing. At Black & Brew, I love that they have non-dairy options for milk to go in my coffee, and I adore the Fire Roasted Vegetable soup. At Mellow Mushroom, I get the Veg-Out pizza made vegan.” – Reader Renee V.

“My longtime staples are Black & Brew, Cafe Zuppina, and Born & Bread. I'm overjoyed that Plenty and Sabu Ramen have recently opened. I've especially enjoyed the variety of Plenty's offerings.” – Reader Brenda P.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAbRX-QH4QP/

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