east tampa vegetarian?

Michelle Sampson wrote:

I’d like to Ask a Tampan:”Where are the best places to eat in the East Tampa / Orient Park areas? We like vegetarian, organic, fresh, local, healthy fare and haven’t found much. There is a REAL need for this type of place in the area, and a local grocery too! This part of town often gets overlooked, but it’s a great place to live and we want to attract more to the area and
support what’s already here.”

Hmmm. Well, I am very familiar with that area and there aren’t too many Vegetarian restaurants in what is considered East Tampa. It is still an area going through “gentrification.”

There are many, many options surrounding the USF campus as well as in Seminole Heights (275 & Hillsborough), which is just a stones throw from your front door.

Grass Roots, for one, is located at 2702 N Florida Ave (813) 221-7668. They have an amazing selection of Organic, Vegan meals. They also offer an extensive Raw food menu. Saigon Bay (Vietnamese) is located at 2373 E Fowler Ave. They make a mean Tofu Bun. Pure Veg Mirch Masala (Indian) is located at 2311 E Fowler Avenue. I’ve been told there isn’t a bad dish on the menu.

As for Organic markets, this is Chuck’s Natural Food Marketplace at 11301 North 56th, just south of Fowler Ave.

You can also stay in touch with your natural side by keeping up with Vegetarian Restaurants.net. They list a whole bunch of places all over Tampa. You never know when you may be in North Tampa and need a Sprout fix. There is also Vegetarian USA with an even more extensive list of Restaurants and Markets.

Keep us posted on your findings, and if our readers know about any I’ve missed, I’m sure they can help us out in the comments.