Florish | A Plant-Based Restaurant in Tampa, FL

Florish is a plant based food restaurant in Tampa Bay, Florida located just 10 minutes from downtown Tampa and 30 minutes south of Busch Gardens. It is located in a strip mall, but don’t let that fool you because as soon as you enter the vibe is clean, crisp, refreshing, and super friendly. The atmosphere is soothing with its wonderful color scheme! It’s modern, pleasant, and calming. If you’re a native Tampa foodie or visiting Tampa Bay for the first time, you must try this vegan Tampa Bay area restaurant. 

There are many vegan options on the menu including bowls and other comfort food, but I decided to order the Jersey Girl pizza, chocolate coconut cookie, and pineapple & mango tea.

If you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just like to eat at a vegan restaurant, this place is a must!

First, let me start with my initial entrance.

I was greeted so kindly and asked what I would like to order. Meeting Keith, one of the owners (husband/wife are owners) was a nice surprise. I was a bit taken aback on how hands-on he was. I love it when a boss takes initiative and steps in wherever they are needed. In fact, he was the one to serve my pizza to my table! While I was there, I saw him clean a window, serve in the vegan kitchen, take payments (no cash at this establishment by the way), and help behind the kitchen.

I love to support small businesses and let me tell you, this is an authentic small business making a difference in our community. Not just making a difference with a thriving small business, but making a difference in giving people healthier choices to eat.

Second, when the pizza came out it looked great! The taste was even more amazing! I initially ordered the Jersey Girl pizza because it has mushrooms and mushrooms is one of my favorite toppings. The portion was big. In fact, I think two people could have eaten this, but I was hungry and it was delicious so I ate it all. The seasoning was perfection!

The pineapple & mango tea was so good. It wasn’t loaded with overpowering sweetness and I am STILL amazed that it only has 25 calories for the entire drink! I’m also happy to report that they have gluten free options for my gluten free friends. I’m happy to see that more and more restaurants are catering to gluten free customers. So yay!

I was so full by the end of the pizza that I took my cookie home. When I got home I ate the cookie and let me tell you, it was fantastic! It has just the right crunchiness on the outside and it is filled with gooey goodness on the inside. Yum! I am happy to see that this business is thriving! Owners Jill & Keith Sedita are doing it right.  As the first customer to arrive on this day at Florish, you’ll see no one in the video. At a later lunchtime photo, more people began to arrive.

I will definitely be coming back to this vegan food restaurant! I was so happy to try this plant based restaurant near me! Make a trip today and eat great food in Tampa!

Address: 2307 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629

Next, we will explore some of the benefits of a plant-based diet and what exactly is a plant-based restaurant.

What are the benefits of a plant-based diet?

A plant-based diet refers to a way of eating that predominantly consists of foods derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. There are numerous benefits associated with adopting a plant-based diet, both for individuals and the environment. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Nutritional Value: Plant-based diets are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They provide a wide range of nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber, which are beneficial for overall health.
2. Heart Health: Studies have shown that a plant-based diet can help improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels. It is generally low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in heart-healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
3. Weight Management: Plant-based diets are often lower in calories and contain more fiber, which can aid in weight management and weight loss. The high fiber content can also help control appetite and reduce overeating.
4. Digestive Health: The abundant dietary fiber found in plant-based foods supports a healthy digestive system by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
5. Diabetes Management: Plant-based diets can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes as they can improve insulin sensitivity and help manage blood sugar levels.
6. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that a plant-based diet may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer due to the high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals found in plant foods.
7. Inflammation Reduction: Plant-based diets are associated with lower levels of inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for overall health and may help with conditions like arthritis.
8. Environmental Impact: Plant-based diets have a lower carbon footprint compared to diets that rely heavily on animal agriculture. Reducing animal product consumption can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and minimize deforestation associated with livestock farming.
9. Animal Welfare: For individuals concerned about animal welfare, a plant-based diet avoids contributing to the demand for animal products and supports more ethical and sustainable food choices.
10. Longevity: Some research suggests that a plant-based diet may be associated with increased life expectancy and a reduced risk of premature death.

It’s important to note that while a plant-based diet offers many benefits, it’s essential to plan meals carefully to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which may require supplementation or incorporation of fortified foods.

As with any significant dietary change, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to tailor a plant-based diet that meets individual nutritional needs and health goals.

What is a plant-based restaurant?

A plant-based restaurant is an establishment that exclusively serves food and beverages derived from plants, offering a menu that is entirely free from animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey. The focus is on creating delicious and nutritious meals using plant-based ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, and plant-based meat substitutes.

These restaurants cater to vegans, vegetarians, and individuals interested in incorporating more plant-based options into their diets. They provide a variety of dishes that showcase the versatility and flavors of plant-based ingredients. The goal of a plant-based restaurant is not only to offer tasty meals but also to promote a sustainable and compassionate way of eating that is environmentally friendly and promotes animal welfare.

Plant-based restaurants often take creativity to new heights, offering innovative dishes that can appeal to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Some examples of popular plant-based restaurant dishes include plant-based burgers, vegan pizzas, vegan sushi, salads with diverse toppings and dressings, vegan desserts, and dairy-free ice creams.

With the increasing popularity of plant-based diets and the growing demand for ethical and sustainable dining options, plant-based restaurants have been gaining prominence in many cities worldwide. These establishments play a vital role in contributing to the promotion of healthier, environmentally conscious eating choices and a more compassionate approach to food consumption.