Tofu grain bowl at Guppy's in Indian Rocks Beach

I’ve been a vegetarian for over 30 years and have not had much difficulty (in the past few years) finding great entrees wherever I travel. More restaurants today are offering delicious plant-based entrees. When I moved to Tampa, I was pleasantly surprised with the many offerings. Hot climates tend to excel in this area, thanks to lots of fresh salad bars, rice based entrees, and smoothie shops. While the Bay is most famous for their Cuban and seafood based offerings, there’s lots of healthy fare to enjoy too! Here are a few great plant-based entrees to keep in mind so you do not have to spend the entirety of your vacation attempting to find a vegan friendly restaurant!

Black Bean soup at Columbia Restaurant

Cuban black bean soup at Tampa's Columbia restaurant

Columbia is one of Tampa Bay’s most popular restaurants. This historic Florida gem claims the title of world’s largest Spanish restaurant. The ambiance is beautiful and the overall dining experience (featuring live flamenco dancing) is an experience in and of itself.

Vegan choices are slim, but fortunately, the few menu items which are plant-based, are wonderful. The Cuban Black Bean soup is one of the best dishes you will ever try. This entree is simple and delicious and consists of white rice topped with delicious simmered black beans and topped with diced onions. The Black Bean cakes also work as a wonderful vegan starter dish. The Paella can be made vegetarian as well. Note: Additional vegan choices available on request.

  • Location: 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
  • What to do nearby: Explore historic Ybor City, home to museums, bars, galleries, and vintage shops.

Veggie Hash at Chill

Veggie hash at Chill restaurant in St. Pete Beach

Chill is a wonderful New American restaurant conveniently located near St. Pete Beach. There’s a number of great vegetarian options here (Bananas Foster Waffles, Mixed Berry & Brie crepes, and French Toast), as well as a wonderful vegan Veggie Hash entree.

This savory dish includes root roasted vegetables served over potatoes. It’s a hearty dish which will easily hold you over until lunch! On a side note, they also serve wonderful coffee and espresso based drinks. I usually dine here before strolling around the farmer’s market.

The Big Italy bowl at Ciccio Cali

Big Italy bowl with lentil bites at Ciccio Cali in New Tampa

Ciccio Cali is a wonderful lunch option for anyone following a restricted diet. I dined here at least once a week while living in an apartment complex in New Tampa. They offer loads of healthy options including a number of veggie based bowls and wraps. Everything on the menu is conveniently marked as dairy or gluten-free, so you do not need to go through the hassle of requesting substitutions. This restaurant is especially known for their lentil bites, a wonderful vegan protein source developed by a Miami chef. I love these as my protein source!

All bowls include your choice of rice (the coconut avocado is a great choice) and the option to add a protein (the lentil bites are a must!). The Big Italy bowl, featuring charred grape tomatoes, roasted broccoli, cremini mushrooms, almond ricotta, and herb garlic aioli, is definitely the winner of the bunch. It’s filling, healthy, vegan, and most importantly, absolutely delicious!

There are 4 locations throughout Tampa, although the New Tampa location is the best choice during the milder seasons. The shady patio here can’t be beat!

Big Lucy Breakfast at Ohana Cafe

Update: This cafe merged with its’ sister cafe (Ohana Fresh). The new location is: 1090 Michigan Ave, Palm Harbor, FL.

Vegan and gluten-free pancakes at Ohana Cafe in Dunedin, Florida

If you are craving something sweet for breakfast, you must plan for a stop at Ohana Cafe in suburban Palm Harbor. This cafe has opened and closed and moved locations a number of times. Thankfully, they are back in the original spot in Palm Harbor. This adorable Hawaiian style cafe offers so many unique plant-based options, even on their breakfast menu (a rare find!). Not only is it super hard to come across dairy or gluten-free pancakes anywhere in Tampa, but the ones here just happen to be amazingly delicious.

Start with one of their wonderfully healthy fruit packed smoothies. Then treat yourself to the Big Lucy Breakfast which includes 3 plant based pancakes, fresh tropical fruit, and potatoes. To date, this is the best breakfast I’ve had in the Tampa area. Also, the house coffee is delicious (and unlimited) so skip the Starbucks!

Location: 1452 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698

What to do nearby: Explore downtown Dunedin, home to numerous galleries, coffeehouses, boutique shops, and even a Beatles memorabilia museum. If you up for a workout, the 50 mile Pinellas trail runs right through downtown.

Build your own GF/Vegan pizza at Ozona Pizza

Gluten-free, vegan pizza at Ozona Pizza in Palm Harbor, Florida

If you are craving excellent vegan/GF pizza, there is no better choice than Ozona Pizza in Palm Harbor. This place offers the most massive selection of gf & vegan fare that I’ve ever come across at a pizza place. From garlic knots, to calzones and pasta dishes, and even an apple pie dessert pizza, this is the place to go for tasty comfort style vegan fare. What a Friday night treat! I originally visited this cafe because of their great GF menu. I no longer avoid wheat, but I still love this place and all their veggie offerings!

They offer a number of specialty pies or you can customize your own pizza. Award winning violife vegan mozzarella cheese is used (VegNews ranked it product of the year!). Gluten-free crust is also available for those avoiding wheat. Do not leave without trying the garlic knots. These definitely win the award for best vegan appetizer anywhere in the Bay!

  • Location: 610 S Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33609
  • What to do nearby: Check out the shops of Hyde Park Village. Also, there’s a fantastic local coffeeshop (Buddy Brew) at the Village.