Vegan and vegetarian eats in Lakeland

Dig into delicious and nutritious vegan and vegetarian fare in every corner of Swan City.

A bowl of three bean stew sits on a black table top, pictured from above.

Cob & Pen’s seasonal Three Bean Stew was a hit — check out their new seasonal dishes.

Photo by @thelkldvegan

Eating vegan and vegetarian hasn’t always been easy, but in Lakeland, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.

Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian barbecue to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 17 vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Lakeland.

A plate with bbq food items on a silver tray.

Try the vegan burnt ends (top right) next time you’re at 4 Rivers Smokehouse.

Photo by LALtoday

4 Rivers Smokehouse, 4729 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Try the vegan burnt ends next time you get a cravin’ for barbecue.

Anthony’s Health Hut, 5329 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Smoothies, soups, and sandwiches have been on the menu for 30+ years at this counter-service spot in south Lakeland.

Ato Poke, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Sushi burritos and bowls are the main attraction at this spot located in The Joinery in downtown Lakeland. Order the fried tofu for your protein and choose your fillings for a vegan lunch.

LAL_born_and_bread_lkldvegan_July_2023

The vegan double chocolate muffin from Born & Bread Bakehouse is worth waiting in line.

Photo by @thelkldvegan

Born & Bread Bakehouse, 1113 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Open only on Saturdays and Wednesdays, this Lakeland staple is known for having a line out the door — and for good reason. Stop by for vegan bakes like the double chocolate muffin.

Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, locations vary | This Lakeland staple offers vegetarian options like the Herbivore sandwich across its three locations.

Bowls of Mediterranean food from Cafe Zuppina

A bowl to-go from Cafe Zuppina’s Market pairs great with a Turkish coffee.

Photo by @cafezuppina

Cafe Zuppina, 4417 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | This Mediterranean restaurant offers vegan eats like the vegan patties platter and vegetarian options like the veggie moussaka.

Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | The menu here changes often, so ask your server about vegan and vegetarian options at this iconic Lakeland eatery.

Cult Legume, locations vary | Find this pop-up eatery around town for plant-based eats in biodegradable packaging.

Curry Mango, 6625 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | This Indian restaurant’s menu has specific sections for vegetarian and vegan entrees.

Fresh Kitchen, 4520 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Build your own bowl at this Tampa-based eatery’s first Lakeland location — vegan-friendly options are labeled on the menu.

Good Thyme, 1037 Dixieland Mall Ln., Lakeland | This Dixieland spot marks its vegetarian (VG) and vegan (VE) eats right on the menu — we recommend the Stir Fry, a gluten-free, VG + VE menu item with rice noodles, veggies, and ginger.

A green Guac an’ Bowl from The Juice Box

Grab a Guac an’ Bowl from The Juice Box for a refreshing snack.

Photo by @thejuiceboxlakeland

The Juice Box, 4295 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, and of course, juice and juice shots are up for grabs — we recommend the vegan eggs and rice breakfast bowl for an early bite.

Mimi’s Italian Ice, 3120 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | All of Mimi’s Italian ice flavors are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Sabu, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Vegetarian menu items at this ramen spot located in The Joinery include veggie miso ramen and the cucumbers + miso snack plate.

SoFresh, 4756 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Look for the vegetarian (Vg) and vegan (V) icons next to each menu item to plan your perfect order.

Sweet Cup Cafe, 1401 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | This Mexican eatery owned and operated by two sisters offers vegan and vegetarian options.

A box with vegan food

The BBQ Tempeh Bowl includes tempeh ribs, coleslaw, potatoes, and a corn muffin.

Photo by @thelkldvegan

Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen, 1439 E. Gary Rd., Lakeland | Grab a seat or take your food to go from this 100% vegan cafe and meal-prep service — the menu rotates weekly, so check online to see what’s up for grabs at the counter.

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