Top 5 Vegan Friendly Spots in Tallahassee

By Melissa Aguilera on July 26, 2016

Most cities revolve around the popular diet; carnivorous. Fortunately, Tallahassee pays close attention to the vegetarian/vegan public and adheres in many ways to this healthy lifestyle; through the many parks, bicycle lanes, and of course, the wonderful variety of vegetarian/vegan friendly small businesses. This attention to healthy living is felt right away, especially by someone who came from the concrete jungle known as Miami, FL.

Upon arriving to Tallahassee I was immediately fascinated by the greenery, the Spanish moss, the encouragement of park maintenance and bicycle riding; all things that are completely ignored in a fast paced city. Throughout my years in Tallahassee, I have grown very close to a few small businesses that I visit often; places that not only offer delicious vegan food, but an incomparable atmosphere and feel. These spots are not just for the devout vegan! They are for everyone. A lot of people have this misconception of vegan food, that it’s somehow less tasty because it’s missing a piece of a carcass, but that is completely wrong. Another misconception is that it is somehow less filling, however, vegetables and beans contain an insane amount of protein. For example, one serving of broccoli contains four times more protein than a serving of steak. These places are for anyone who likes good food and supporting small businesses.

5. Soul Vegetarian

Image via yelp.coms

Soul Vegetarian, located on Adams St, is known for its delicious all-vegan southern style soul food. The item they are most known for? Vegan mac and cheese. I know what you’re thinking, how in the world could vegan cheese be any good? As a vegan, I was shocked when I first tried the delicious meal. The mac is so creamy and so cheesy. Using nutritional yeast as a substitute, and any other magical ingredients they throw in, they have created a recipe that is so divine. It’s basically what me and my friends always go back for. They also have corn bread, collard greens (which are cooked for hours until perfection), and bar-b-q TVP, or texturized vegetable protein, which, to the vegan, feels eerily like meat. They have many other items ranging from burgers to cake to pizza (all vegan everything.) On Sundays they offer a $5 lunch platter, which is pictured above. The restaurant is ran and operated by members of the Ethiopian Hebrew Lost Tribe. It is apparent due to the apparel of the employees and the decorations throughout the restaurant, adding to the overall calm and peaceful feel of this wonderful place.

4. Sweet Pea

Image via sweetpeacafetallahassee.com

Sweet Pea Café is a cute little spot on Tharpe Street offering nothing but vegan goodness! Their menu is strictly vegan, including delicious items such as the famous Tempeh Reuben, or for breakfast, the Huevos Rancheros, which is a tofu scramble served over two small tortillas. They also serve delicious coffee and pastries. This is a casual spot with an amazing menu; every item is distinctly delicious and grown locally. My personal favorite aspect of this café?

Image via sweetpeacafetallahassee.com

This is the only restaurant in Tallahassee I’ve seen with a compost!

3. Nefertari’s

Image via fatblackrecipe.com

All of the places I’ve mentioned are very laxed and casual environments. If you have a taste for something more luxurious, then Nefertari’s is the place for you. Located on Macomb just off Gaines St, Nefertari’s serves fine Ethiopian cuisine alongside a full bar. The large restaurant is shrouded in beautiful Ethiopian and Nubian relics, many of which shimmer in gold. There is a large golden table in the center of the dining area, covered in golden plates, silverware, and chalices. The chairs look as if they are reserved for royalty. The restaurant also offers dinner and a show every now and then, where they have live action murder mysteries play out on their small stage. They offer a delicious brunch in addition to their amazing dinner items. The menu is not strictly vegan or vegetarian, so you can bring your hesitant carnivores along for the trip. The items are named after many icons in the Nubian culture, including names like “Isis Nachos” and “Queen of Nzinga’s Salad.” Not only is North African food offered, but Indian and Mediterranean as well. This restaurant truly offers a “royal experience” as stated on the website and if you’re looking to dress up, eat incredibly delicious food , and perhaps watch a high class show, Nefertari’s is the vegan friendly place for you.

2. Essence of India

Image via tallahassee.com

Before Essence of India, I surely had never experienced true Indian cuisine. This beautiful restaurant on Appalachee Parkway has a very large menu which is vegan/vegetarian friendly and even has something for meat eaters. For lunch, they have an $8 all you can eat buffet! They also have a full bar. The restaurant is decorated with beautiful, glittery Indian paintings, extravagant chandeliers, and ballroom tables and chairs. Lovely Indian music is always playing as well, further contributing to the wonderful foreign experience.

1. Bread & Roses Kitchen

When it comes to the best vegan restaurant in Tallahassee, my very favorite, Bread & Roses Kitchen, easily takes the cake. The coolest thing about Bread & Roses is they are a member/volunteer owned and operated co-op in addition to being a kitchen. A co-op is a grocery store which only sells products that are produced from local farms or individuals. The grocery, which is connected to the kitchen, sells all organic produce at an affordable cost. They also hold monthly meetings which are open to the public! The small business always holds events. One time, when I just wanted to grab some dinner, they were actually hosting a vegan pizza competition and to judge and try all the pizza only cost $5! Bread & Roses has an incredibly original menu that is completely vegan/vegetarian! Their recipes are amazing, especially the Bahn Mi and my new favorite, the “Sloppy Jose,” which is made out of bar-b-q tempeh. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have coffee, mimosas, tea; the whole works! The walls are decorated with the work of local artists and is for sale. I love that every time I go there is something new to wonder at. They are conveniently located on Railroad, just off Gaines; a lovely little nook of Tallahassee. The workers are always friendly and the food is consistently delicious! I always leave happy and always look forward to the next time I go. This kitchen is a local gem and I support everything they do.

Image via yelp.coL

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