I can’t help but share my top 14 vegan restaurants and bakeries in St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida! These wonderful plant-based spots feature everything you are looking for – flavorful foods, delicious drinks, and eclectic, artistic vibes!
Good Intentions
Good Intentions is a charming and vibrant vegan restaurant located in an industrial, shelter-like dome in DTSP. It is the first (and currently only) sit-down vegan restaurant in St. Petersburg. The menu offers a diverse array of delicious plant-based dishes creatively crafted to satisfy all palates. They also feature cocktails from their full-fledged bar. The kimchi fried rice is definitely their most unique item!
Golden Dinosaurs
Golden Dinosaurs, located in the heart of the eclectic Gulfport neighborhood, features the best “fake meat” choices in St. Pete. They serve sandwiches, desserts, kombucha, beer and wine. Most items are made from scratch, including all sausages, cutlets, seitan, sliced, sauces, salads, and baked goods. Their array of desserts give Valhalla a run for its money!
World Vegan Cuisine
World Vegan Cuisine is a hidden Vietnamese fusion gem on 34th in St. Petersburg. This humble establishment offers food that is so much more flavorful, fresh, and well-made than you would expect. Don’t forget to ask for the special menu for their extra delicious fake meat dishes and don’t skip dessert!
Cafe Hey
Cafe Hey is one of the most hidden spots especially when it is not open. It is located behind metal doors of a warehouse that are painted over with colorful murals. It is a quaint setting with local art hanging from the walls (and even a Golden Girls curtain in the restroom in the back). They feature a unique vegan brunch menu on certain Sundays every so often, details of which can be found on their social media. Outside of that they also have a great everyday menu, especially their coffee and tea drinks.
Cider Press
I liked Cider Press when it was one of the few vegan spots in St. Pete on Central back in the day, even though the food had this “raw” twist to it. They recently relocated way closer to our house and revamped the now New Orleans-inspired menu. The “fried shrimp” that actually has a seafood-y after taste and the loaded chili fries hit the spot. This curry dish was delicious and they have good sandwiches and even a shrimp poboy. The drinks and great, but watch out for the VERY strong Long Island iced tea.
Love Food Central Cafe
This nice spot in the middle of DTSP is a great stop for light and healthy eats. They feature creative sandwiches and salads, kombucha on tap, and desserts made daily. They also have specials periodically like brunch waffles, jalapeno poppers, and different flavors of coffee.
House of Vegano
House of Vegano is a plant-based restaurant that offers a range of Japanese-inspired dishes, including vegan sushi rolls, sashimi, and ramen. The rolls are loaded and extremely beautiful, one of which is even dusted with gold flakes! The recently relocated restaurant also features an artistic, modern interior, with a colorful and funky interior design. Follow their social media to keep up with their test kitchen dates for first-looks at their latest creations!
Farmacy
Located in prime downtown Tampa area, Duckweed Urban Grocery is a market featuring Farmacy Vegan Kitchen inside. They offer hearty subs, one of their best being the vegan philly cheesesteak. But they have so much more including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pastas, and light healthy choices like smoothies, acai bowls, and overnight oats. The highlight is definitely the chocolate avocado brownie!
Black Radish
I was sad to learn that the St. Pete Black Radish location was closing its doors after such a short run in downtown. However I’m glad that the original location still exists in Tampa! The deli is divine, particularly the pressed Monte Cristo. The shop features the most delicious, nifty vegan treats including vegan jerky of all sorts of brands and flavors.
Vegan International Co. Kitchen & Market
Vegan International Co. serves up the most satisfying, no-fuss vegan food, including gyros, drumsticks, and mac & cheese. Their drumsticks are so delicious and filling. Pair it with one of many comfort food sides including collard greens, candied yams, and plantains. Although this spot is a little out of the way it is definitely worth finding it for a hearty meal.
Valhalla & Valkyrie
I can’t even write a post long enough to describe how far back Valhalla Bakery and I go. Market on South (Valhalla Bakery + Dixie Dharma) in Orlando was honestly my happy place amidst the rigors of medical school. Imagine my excitement when I found out just a few short months after matching for residency in St. Pete that Valhalla was also coming to St. Pete! They were previously located in the no-longer existent Baum Avenue Market, now with a location on Central Ave. connected to Freya’s Diner. I’m always blown away with how creative they get with every season and holiday. Their cakes are not the softest but they sure have great flavors and the best decorations! Order custom cakes 48 hours in advance (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
Really don’t need to say much here except…VEGAN DOUGHNUTS! Oddly enough I have never been to the original Orlando location! Best thing about the doughnuts is the variety of flavors. They are quite flaky, not as soft as Voodoo Doughnuts. Overall I’m so thankful they exist here, AND they just added a full service coffee bar 🙂
Freya’s Diner
Freya’s Diner is a modest extension of Valhalla with a great menu and relaxing vibes. I’m a sucker for vegan phillies and their Freya’s philly sandwich does hit the spot. One of their most unique menu items is the Donut Burger, featuring the OG Valkyrie donut sandwiching vegan faux meat and cheese. They also have a variety of bowls, salads, and wraps, and you can’t forget the best part – dessert right next door!
Voodu Vegan Bistro
Voodu Vegan Bistro is a vegan sushi and fusion spot well into Tampa that is modest but really delivers. The best thing on the menu is actually the Korean BBQ hibachi bowl with the most flavorful faux BBQ meat. The dishes were absolutely delicious but with a little too much vegan mayonnaise (so maybe ask for it on the side). The interior still seems to be a work in progress but the place has a lot of soul and is definitely worth checking out. They even delighted us with a fried sesame bananas dessert for our anniversary!
Curious Cat Bakery
Okay, so Curious Cat Bakery does not actually have a brick and mortar location. However it’s hard to miss Natalia’s famous vegan croissants and other pastries around town at The Chelsea, Blush Tea and Coffee, Book & Bottle, and The Library. She also takes custom orders like this beautifully decorated vanilla pineapple cake (ignore the candle holes)!
For me, vegan means sustainability, cruelty-free, and not having to worry about eating something accidentally with eggs or meat in it! This was my list of the 14 best vegan restaurants and bakeries St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida. Did I miss any of your favorites?
Check out my ride or die St. Pete restaurants too!
