Many of us know the conversation all too well:
“Come on, I don’t feel like eating rabbit food.”
“Well, I can’t eat somewhere with zero vegan options, can I?”
So you agree to go out for Thai food…again. Plant-based, paleo, gluten-free, or even just plain old meat n’ potatoes, Thai is the neutral territory; the Switzerland of dietary restrictions. We all love a good Thai restaurant, but does it have to be every time?
It may not always seem obvious, but in St. Pete, your cup of omnivorous options truly runneth over – it just takes a little planning and an open mind.
The following are ten stellar options for making your ravenous carnivore as satisfied as your low-glycemic, gluten-phobic, whole food, vegan warrior. Each of these restaurants offers multiple meal options for any type of diet, without losing the complexity of flavor or nutritional integrity of the dish. Regardless of what you eat, these menus were crafted with you in mind, each establishment has been approved by food lovers on both ends of the diet spectrum, and there’s no Thai food in sight!
1) Saturday Morning Market
Absolutely anyone can find a plethora of delicious options at the Saturday
Morning Market. Boasting upward of fifty food stalls, the market caters to all kinds. There’s no picky eater too picky; no diet too obscure. Just make sure you bring some cash, as not all stalls accept credit cards.
2) Community Cafe
Open ‘til midnight during the week and 2 am on weekends, laid-back atmosphere, and as many meaty options as veg ones, Community Cafe is a hidden gem. Anyone who is dairy-friendly will want to drown in the positively divine Beer Cheese Soup, and vegans will rejoice in their rendition of a Philly cheesesteak, the “Stick-it-to-the-Man Wich.”
3) La V
This DTSP staple of date-night-worthy Vietnamese food that won’t break the bank is also open late, and reliably pleases both ends of the gastronomic rainbow. No vegan-as-afterthought here, my friends.
4) Moon Under Water
Indian food is generally veg-friendly, and can be found in spades at British restaurant, Moon Under Water. The Beach Drive spot boasts a variety of Indian curries, as well as the hearty English classics you might expect. Their Shepherd’s Pie even comes in both Original and Vegetarian!
5) Bodega
When it comes to ease and crowd pleasing, Bodega is one to watch. Fresh, super-casual, non-pretentious, large portions, and plentiful options for both sides guarantee satisfaction.
6) Meze 119
Just a block or so from the Sundial, this is your movie-night go-to. It is all-vegetarian, but fear not: my open-minded, meat-chowing date really digs this spot. We love being able to try a number of dishes, the perk of tapas-style dining. I recommend telling your server some things you particularly like or dislike, and then ordering a chef’s choice sampler.
7) Hawkers
This sit-down restaurant compendium of Pan Asian street food is super-flavorful, reasonably-priced, and has something for everyone. Their Lettuce Wraps are particularly delish. This place is on my speed dial for take-out.
8) Pia’s
Okay okay, this is in Gulfport, but it’s only about a ten minute drive from Downtown St. Pete. Pia’s is perfection: unpretentious Tuscan cuisine in a cozy, old-world setting. The main menu is traditional Southern Italian, but their specials show a truly exceptional level of care for their vegan guests. Each week, they present creative, plant-based versions of a classic soup, salad, antipasti, primi, entree, and dessert. Now that is doing it right.
9) Reading Room
The Reading Room menu is always changing, but carnivores and veggie-sauruses alike are guaranteed a seasonal, considered, if a little pricey, meal. You can’t go wrong with the Veggie Plate, a collection of plant-based yummies the kitchen goddesses created that day. Just don’t forget to make a reservation – you’re going to need it!
10) Cider Press Cafe
I’ve saved what may be the most controversial for last, but stick with me here. Cider Press Cafe is always evolving, and my non-veg partner now loves this place just as much as I do. He recently went nuts over a daily special: Beyond Burger on a pretzel bun with beer cheese and caramelized onions. Positively mouthwatering. We both crave the delicious and super-filling Fiesta Salad, and their Corn Chowder is so tasty that no one even pays attention to the fact that it’s raw. For realsies.
Just look at all the restaurants you can enjoy together! No more arguing, okay? Go forth and dine in peace!
