By Kelly Rouse
Are you vegan-curious?
A vegan diet is a type of plant-based diet that excludes all animal products. People following a vegan diet abstain from consuming meat, dairy products, eggs, and any other animal-derived ingredients. The primary focus is on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. A vegetarian is someone who does not eat any meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish, or animal by-products.
Both vegan and vegetarian diets have been associated with various health benefits. Some of which are: heart health (reduced risk of heart disease), weight management, blood sugar control, digestive health, lower cancer risk, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and improved kidney function. Additionally, adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet can have positive environmental effects, as plant-based diets generally have a lower ecological footprint compared to diets based on animal products.
It’s essential for individuals on vegan or vegetarian diets to ensure they get a well-balanced intake of nutrients, including protein, vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids (which can be found in fortified foods or supplements). Consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can help tailor a plant-based diet to meet nutritional needs.
Vegan diets encourage a diverse and creative approach to meals. With the wide range of plant-based ingredients available, there are numerous delicious and nutritious recipes to explore. Or you could visit one of the fantastic vegan and vegetarian hotspots in St. Pete which are profiled here…read on!
St. Pete has plenty of amazing restaurants to choose from that feature vegan and/or vegetarian focused menus. For those looking to try something new and tasty, be sure to visit one of these popular plant-forward establishments:
GOOD INTENTIONS
In St. Pete’s Grand Central District, a meal at Good Intentions is a must! The owners of Golden Dinosaurs and Nah Dogs have combined their creative and culinary talents to bring us this delightful dining experience, which is Tampa Bay’s first all vegan owned full service bar and restaurant. The atmosphere is inviting, the specialty drinks are enticing, and the ever-changing seasonal menu offers appetizers such as the delicious Whipped Ricotta to entrees that make magic with lion’s mane mushrooms. Dinner Tues.- Sun. and brunch weekends. Closed Mon. goodintentionsfl.com
HOUSE OF VEGANO
Their chic, new location in the Grand Central District allows House of Vegano to shine! The chef- driven menu is inspired by traditional flavors and offers, according to their website, a “fresh, creative, and sustainable interpretation of Japanese-inspired cuisine.” Their mission to bring mouth-watering plant-based sushi, ramen and dumplings to the St. Pete area has more than succeeded. Inventive pairings make for savory and sometimes spicy treats. A popular specialty roll is the Volcano, which bursts with flavor – avocado, carrots, and cucumbers topped with spicy vegan seafood dynamite, vegan caviar, spicy mayo, sriracha, and vegan eel sauce and green onions. If you are doubtful about giving vegan sushi a try, you won’t be disappointed if you go! Lunch and dinner Mon., Thurs.-Sun. Closed Tues-Wed. houseofvegano.com
GOLDEN DINOSAURS
This vegan deli and sweet-tooth soothing bakery is Gulfport’s answer to plant-based specialties like barbecue tofu and pastrami Reuben sandwiches. Service is fast-casual style, with seating outside on their patio or at sidewalk tables. The menu is a mix of meatless proteins (beyond burgers), salads, soups, pressed sandwiches, and baked goods. In January, they launched “Brunch In A Crunch” on weekends, featuring a grab and go brunch menu – including their world famous breakfast burrito – from 10am-12pm. Lunch and dinner Mon., Tues., Thurs.-Sun. Closed Wed. goldendinosaurs.com
CIDER PRESS VEGAN GASTROPUB
Now in their new Historic Kenwood neighborhood location, their new menu features Beyond Beef burgers, Jambalaya Balls, French Quarter “Shrimp” Po’Boys and other hearty, plant-forward pub fare with a Cajun accent, accompanied by a full bar. Off-street parking, a covered patio with outdoor bar and plans for live music in the future will no doubt make this a go-to spot once again. Dinner Mon.-Thurs. Lunch and dinner Fri.-Sun. ciderpresspub.com
LOVE FOOD CENTRAL
Voted Best Vegan Eats in St. Pete by I Love the Burg, Love Food Central has a fantastic menu of sandwiches, salads, and divine desserts (all of which are gluten free). From the Love Burger featuring a homemade beet and black bean burger to the delectable Mac and Cheez, you will find something to satisfy your cravings. Lunch Mon., Wed.- Sun. Closed Tues. lovefoodcentral.com
LOTUS VEGAN RESTAURANT
A Vietnamese Vegan and Vegetarian restaurant in Pinellas Park, Lotus offers a vast and varied menu of many surprisingflavors, as well as traditional rice and noodle dishes. They even offer pizza, panini, and garlic knots! The lemongrass tofu is excellent. Don’t forget to save room for dessert (or a smoothie if you are more calorie-conscious). Lunch and dinner Mon.- Sat. Closed Sun. lotusvegan.us
WORLD VEGAN CUISINENew to St. Pete, World Vegan Cuisine is a small gem that offers what might be the best pho in town! A must try for vegans and non-vegans alike. The service is friendly, signaled by the “Be Vegan, Make Peace” sign in their window. Lunch and dinner Tues.- Sat. Closed Mon.worldvegancuisine.com