The Best Vegan Dishes to try in the Tampa area
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Love Acai Bowl at Raining Berries
Raining Berries is a trendy modern chain which specializes in ethically sourced coffee, acai bowls, tea, and smoothies. This cafe is a wonderful treat choice for anyone following a plant-based diet as most of their smoothies and acai bowls are naturally dairy-free (just opt for peanut butter over the nutella). Acai bowls are the perfect vegan alternative to ice cream and frozen yogurt. Plus, they are healthier and more delicious!
If you are new to acai, the Love Acai bowl is a great place to begin. This humongous bowl (definitely large enough for 2 to split), includes granola, pureed acai fruit, strawberries, blueberries, banana, coconut flakes, nutella, and chocolate nibs. On a hot day in Tampa this sweet indulgence sure is a refreshing treat! Many a times did I treat myself to a bowl here after a long day in the hot Florida sun! Great treat after a workout/day at the hot beach!
- Location: 25595 Sierra Center Blvd, Lutz, FL 33559
- What to do nearby: Check out The Shops of Wiregrass, an outdoor shopping complex featuring numerous shops and restaurants.
Tofu Poke Bowl at Island Fin Poke Co.
Island Fin is a Hawaiian style poke bowl restaurant with several Tampa locations. A poke bowl is a native Hawaiian dish which includes raw diced fish (and tofu in the case here), along with a range of colorful toppings. The bowl looks just as pretty as it tastes! Not only do they offer tofu as a protein choice, but most of the toppings and sauces are also vegan. The way it works is you will choose a protein and base (white or brown rice, spring mix) and customize your own toppings/sauces.
Veggies are super fresh and include choices such as cucumber, mango, seaweed, pineapple salsa, pickled veggies, corn, and edamame. Try the delicious avocado cream as your finishing sauce. You will also get to choose between 5 different soy based marinating sauces. When you are finished with your meal, treat yourself to a scoop of Dole whip, a naturally dairy-free dessert available in a popular tropical pineapple inspired flavor. I just feel healthier after eating lunch here! And it’s so delicious too! Really, a win-win situation!
- Location: 6417 E County Line Rd #101, Tampa, FL 33647
- What to do nearby: Take a leisurely bike ride at Flatwoods Park, home to a 7 mile loop which travels amongst beautiful native pine flatwoods.
Hummus & veg sandwich at Cafe Hey
Cafe Hey is a laid-back coffeehouse/cafe offering delicious simple American fare like sandwiches, soups, and salads. The hummus and fresh vegetable sandwich is simple, yet delicious. Try the soup of the day alongside your sandwich. If you are craving something sweet, cap off your meal with a slice of vegan chocolate cake! Be sure to try a delicious cup of local coffee alongside your meal. They serve Buddy Brew, a wonderful local artisan roaster.
Location: 1540 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
What to do nearby: Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.5 mile long waterfront trail which connects numerous city attractions including The Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Aquarium, and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Poptart and cup of joe at Buttermilk Provisions
Your best option for local coffee in the North Tampa region is Wesley Chapel’s Buttermilk Provisions. This local cafe serves specialty coffee, as well as an enticing assortment of homemade pastries. The GF/vegan poptart, which varies based on the day, is always a treat. Other vegan selections include chia bowls, donuts, and banana bread. They use local ingredients too which is always a nice bonus.
- Location: : 5862 Goldview Pkwy #102, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
- What to do nearby: Hike the Rapids trail at the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve.
Vegetable Lo Mein at Yummy House
Chinese food is usually a safe choice for anyone following a plant-based diet. Veggie spring rolls, miso soup, and fried rice, as well as numerous other entrees and apps are naturally dairy-free. Yummy House is one of the better Chinese restaurants in the Tampa area. The ambiance is beautiful, service is always great, and the prices are quite affordable.
Consider visiting this restaurant at lunch to take advantage of the special weekday deal which includes rice and tea. The Veggie Lo Mein dish is a filling and healthy choice, not to mention priced at just 8 bucks. Their tea is so delicious, and fortunately unlimited so you can relax for a bit.
- Location: 2620 E Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL. 33610
- What to do nearby: See a movie at Cinebistro, a luxury dine in theater.
