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 20+ 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.

Ray's 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.

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.

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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