Making the switch to a plant-based diet is one of the most effective lifestyle choices you can make to improve your heart health, boost your energy levels, and maintain a healthy weight. Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC, one of the best Tampa Bay cardiac specialists, advocates for a whole-food, plant-based diet due to the incredible impacts it can have on heart health, from prevention of heart disease to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

 

In this article, we go over some of the best plant-based restaurants in the Tampa Bay area that will help you maintain your plant-based diet. For more information on heart care in Tampa, contact Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC today. 

 

Related: How a Plant-Based Diet Can Improve Your Heart Health

Vegan International Co. Kitchen & Market

Vegan International Co. Kitchen & Market, located on 13751 N. Nebraska Ave. in Tampa, FL, is a 100 percent plant-based kitchen and market that specializes in “veganizing” all ethnic foods. The market shelves are lined with plant-based products, snacks, cold drinks, and vitamins. They feature daily specials as well as their regular menu items, including popular dishes such as the curry chickpeas patty, lentil soup, and sweet plantains. 

Sweet Tomatoes

Sweet Tomatoes is a national chain with multiple locations throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area. With an all-you-can-eat buffet filled with everything from fresh vegetables and prepared salads to made-from-scratch, plant-based soups and pasta, there’s no limit to the healthy options available at an affordable price. 

Dixie Dharma

Dixie Dharma is a restaurant located within Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL, that specializes in plant-based Southern comfort food. The menu includes plant-based versions of a number of dishes, from chili dogs to sloppy Joe’s.  

Loving Hut

Loving Hut, located at 1905 E. Fletcher Ave. in Tampa, FL, is currently the fastest growing international, plant-based fast food chain. They pride themselves on 100% plant-based meals with a variety of soy-free and gluten-free dishes. Their Tampa menu includes their plant-based sub sandwiches and burgers. 

Grain & Berry

Grain & Berry is a superfood cafe with a made-to-order, plant-based menu, with multiple locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. Voted #1 Acai Bowl in 2018 and 2019 by the Tampa Bay Times, Grain & Berry also offers a number of fresh-pressed juices, yogurt splits, and fruit smoothies. 

Bamboozle Cafe

Bamboozle Cafe is a cafe and tea lounge hailed for its plant-based Vietnamese and Asian Fusion, with a downtown location at 516 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL. The lunch menu includes fresh rolls with lemongrass tofu and saigon salad. 

Ground Foods Cafe

Ground Foods Cafe is a fast casual plant-based eatery located in the heart of Seminole Heights at 6428 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL. The goal of the cafe is to offer satisfying American Italian food that is plant-based and nutritious without losing the original flavor profile. They pride themselves on their nut-based cheese made entirely in house from scratch and their daily menu, including veggie small plates, gluten-free pasta, and salads.  

First Watch

First Watch is another popular national chain with locations throughout Florida and the Greater Tampa Bay Area. Serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, First Watch offers a number of plant-based dishes, from the A.M. Superfoods Bowl to a veggie burger. 

Farmacy Vegan Kitchen and Bakery

Farmacy Vegan Kitchen and Bakery is a quick-service restaurant, located at 803 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL, where you can pick from a wide variety of smoothies, wraps, and acai bowls. Delectable baked goods are offered on a rotating assortment. They also offer a variety of breakfast dishes from a tofu scramble platter to banana nut waffles. 

Rawk Star Café

Rawk Star Café, located at 4011 Tampa Road in Oldsmar, FL, strives to provide 100% plant-based, GMO-free food and beverage dishes for those looking to enjoy the benefits of non-processed, organic foods while living a more sustainable lifestyle. Their menu includes a wide variety of options, from superfood smoothies to plant-based pizza and chili. 

Fresh Kitchen

Fresh Kitchen, like many others on this list, is a chain restaurant with multiple locations throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area, specializing in plant-based, gluten-free dishes with no processed sugars. The menu consists of bases, roasted veggies, proteins, and sauces, with which customers can customize their perfect bowl. 

The Mediterranean Chickpea

Last but not least, The Mediterranean Chickpea offers plant-based, authentic Mediterranean dishes, such as grape leaves, falafel, and tabbouleh. Located at 3217 S. MacDill Ave. Suite C, Tampa, FL, this restaurant also offers a variety of hummus flavors made in house and designed to accompany any main dish or simply be eaten as a snack with vegetable crudité. 

 

Switching to a plant-based, whole food diet doesn’t have to mean giving up on the foods or flavors you love. The restaurants listed above, as well as many others in the Tampa Bay area, offer a variety of plant-based versions of your favorite dishes. While it can take a while to adjust, Dr. Popat, a Tampa cardiac specialist, is here to work with you every step of the way in deciding what diet and regimen is right for you and your heart. If you want more information on how you can transition to a plant-based diet or how a plant-based diet could be beneficial for your heart, schedule a consultation with Dr. Popat today.

To consult Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC, a top heart specialist in Tampa, please call (813) 344-0934 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

 

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Jesal V. Popat, M.D., FACC or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. 

 

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