Eating vegan and vegetarian hasn’t always been easy, but in Lakeland, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.

Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian barbecue to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 17 vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Lakeland.

Try the vegan burnt ends (top right) next time you're at 4 Rivers Smokehouse. | Photo by LALtoday

4 Rivers Smokehouse, 4729 S. Florida Ave. | Try the vegan burnt ends next time you get a cravin' for barbecue.

Anthony's Health Hut, 5329 S. Florida Ave. | Smoothies, soups, and sandwiches have been on the menu for 30+ years at this counter-service spot in south Lakeland.

Ato Poke, 640 E. Main St. | Sushi burritos and bowls are the main attraction at this spot located in The Joinery in downtown Lakeland. Order the fried tofu for your protein and choose your fillings for a vegan lunch.

The vegan double chocolate muffin from Born & Bread Bakehouse is worth waiting in line. | Photo by @thelkldvegan

Born & Bread Bakehouse, 1113 S. Florida Ave. | Open only Wednesdays through Saturdays, this Lakeland staple is known for having a line out the door — and for good reason. Stop by for vegan bakes like the double chocolate muffin.

Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, locations vary | This Lakeland staple offers vegetarian options like the Herbivore sandwich across its three locations.

A bowl to-go from Cafe Zuppina's Market pairs great with a Turkish coffee. | Photo by @cafezuppina

Cafe Zuppina, 116 S. Tennessee Ave. | This Mediterranean restaurant offers vegan eats like the vegan patties platter and vegetarian options like the veggie moussaka.

Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave. | The menu here changes often, so ask your server about vegan and vegetarian options at this iconic Lakeland eatery.

Curry Mango, 6625 S. Florida Ave. | This Indian restaurant's menu has specific sections for vegetarian and vegan entrees.

Catch the Feasts of Persia food truck in and around Lakeland. | Photo by Bethany May Photography

Feasts of Persia, 1023 S. Florida Ave. | Find this Persian-American Fusion food truck parked outside Union Hall. Vegan options include a falafel sandwich, vegan platter, and hummus appetizer.

Fresh Kitchen, 4520 S. Florida Ave. | Build your own bowl at this Tampa-based eatery's first Lakeland location — vegan-friendly options are labeled on the menu.

Good Thyme, 1037 Dixieland Mall Ln. | This Dixieland spot marks its vegetarian (VG) and vegan (VE) eats right on the menu — we recommend the Stir Fry, a gluten-free, VG + VE menu item with rice noodles, veggies, and ginger.

Grab a Guac an’ Bowl from The Juice Box for a refreshing snack. | Photo by @thejuiceboxlakeland

The Juice Box, 4295 S. Florida Ave. | Bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, and of course, juice and juice shots are up for grabs — we recommend the Sushi Me Rollin bowl with vegan sushi-style toppings.

Mimi's Italian Ice, 3120 S. Florida Ave. | All of Mimi's Italian ice flavors are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Sabu, 640 E. Main St. | Vegetarian menu items at this ramen spot located in The Joinery include veggie miso ramen and the cucumbers + miso snack plate.

SoFresh, 4756 S. Florida Ave. | Look for the vegetarian (Vg) and vegan (V) icons next to each menu item to plan your perfect order.

Sweet Cup Cafe, 1401 Lakeland Hills Blvd. | This Mexican eatery owned and operated by two sisters offers vegan and vegetarian options.

The BBQ Tempeh Bowl includes tempeh ribs, coleslaw, potatoes, and a corn muffin. | Photo by @thelkldvegan

Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen, 1439 E. Gary Rd. | Grab a seat or take your food to go from this 100% vegan cafe and meal-prep service — the menu rotates weekly, so check online to see what's up for grabs at the counter.

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.