The vegan community of Tampa Bay has blossomed over the past few years and with Veg Fest coming up this weekend I thought I would share a few of my favorite vegan locations with all of you.

First and foremost let's talk health food stores. Most are familiar with the big chain stores such as Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and The Fresh Market but not many know that there are a few smaller stores as well. The quiet gems of mom and pop health food stores include Earth Origins (Clearwater), Wild Fields (Palm Harbor), Rollin’ Oats (Downtown St. Petersburg), Locale Market (Downtown St. Petersburg), and Nature’s Food Patch (Clearwater). The best part about the majority of these locations is that they have a prepped food section. So if you’re constantly on the go, like me, these stores are great for grabbing a quick and healthy meal!

However, every once in awhile it’s nice to treat yourself to a sit-down dinner. I know it can be a little bit of a struggle to find a vegan restaurant, especially when you don’t know what to look for. So, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite restaurants below in no particular order. I love them all equally and each one of them has a special place in my heart.

1. Ohana Café - Dunedin, Fl

Okay, so Ohana’s is by far one of my favorite restaurants in the area. When I first went vegan for the longest time this was the only restaurant I would eat at. Ohana’s serves breakfast all day long because in the wise words of Leslie Knope, “Why would anyone ever eat anything besides breakfast food?” Then again if breakfast doesn’t suite your fancy there are plenty of delicious lunch and dinner options. Definitely try the Very Veggie Tacos and when you’re done order the vegan/gluten-free chocolate cupcake! Expect lots of love and hugs from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave because, after all, ohana means family.

2. Bamboozle - Downtown Tampa, Fl

It always feels like summer in Florida so that means Floridians can eat summer roles every day of the year right? I hope so because Bamboozle has the absolute best summer rolls in the area. I discovered this place with my best friend on my birthday this past summer. Bamboozle runs a special where you can get a drink, three summer rolls, and soup with a little fried spring roll. I’m not lying when I tell you that this place is amazing and they have the best vegan peanut sauce I have ever tasted.

3. Meze 119 - Downtown St. Petersburg, Fl

Fair warning, one time I was so excited to eat here I spent $39 on a meal for myself. That anecdote has more to do with my love of food and reckless spending habits than Meze being super expensive though. If you decide to check this place out definitely go on a Sunday morning for brunch, the most important meal of the day. Grab a friend to split the vegan biscuits and gravy as well as the vegan/gluten free Belgium waffles. You. Will. Not. Regret. It. (P.S. They serve Buddy Brew coffee so needless to say this place is a 10/10.)

4. Consciousness Blossoms - Palm Harbor, Fl

This vegetarian bistro is located less than five minutes away from my house so it’s great for my taste buds and terrible for my pocketbook. Not only is the food amazing here but there is also have loyalty punch cards and after nine punches you’re love of food is rewarded with a free meal! I’ve been hooked on Consciousness’s vegan style Ruben for a few months now but the menu is chocked full of vegan treats!

5. Cider Press - Downtown St. Petersburg, Fl

The first time I went to Cider Press they were strictly raw vegan. Recently, however, they started offering hot options. Let me just tell you now, this place will rock your socks off! It gives off a cool urban vibe and is always loaded with art from local artists. They have kombucha on tap, vegan Cuban sandwiches, and homemade vegan ice cream. I repeat homemade vegan ice cream. What are you still doing reading this article? Get in your car and go get your homemade vegan ice cream!

6. The Campus Grind – University of South Florida St. Petersburg

I love The Grind with all my heart. It’s perfect for when I have to hang around campus all day and I really want to eat something other than a salad from campus dining. The best part is the staff is always extremely helpful when it comes to making modifications to a dish or when explaining the ingredients of an item. They regularly have vegan baked goods AND they have vegan pumpkin spice lattes! How many other campuses have their own vegan bakery? I would guess probably not too many.