Hungry in St. Pete? Find some of the best places to fill up.
Given that St. Pete is surrounded on all sides by water, it should come as little surprise that this is a city that that takes seafood very seriously, with countless ocean side eateries claiming to serve up the country’s best grouper (this area is known as the ‘Grouper Capital of the World’) in hefty US portions.
In many places we have travelled, this would likely mean that us, as two vegetarians, would be left out in the cold. However, we were delighted to discover that downtown St. Pete - specifically the central Arts and Edge District - are teeming with all manner of veggie and vegan delights.
In the name of research (of course), we set about trying as many as we could - here are our favourite hipster foodie spots in St. Pete!
Bodega
From a walk-up street side counter, this self-styled Latin American restaurant has been serving up Cuban sandwiches to locals in the know since 2012. Now somewhat of a St Pete institution, Bodega is a must-try for anyone passing through the city.
Whilst it’s traditional pork sandwiches remain the most popular offering, we are pleased to confirm that the two veggie options (lightly seasoned tofu with avocado and cucumber, and the insanely good tempeh with a sweet and spicy slaw) are well worth a try. Be sure to come with a big appetite though - or split a sandwich between two - and wash it down with one of their homemade sodas frescas.
Where | 1120 Central Ave (Google Maps)
When | Sunday - Wednesday 11 am - 9 pm, Thursday - Saturday 11 am - 11 pm
Pizza Box
After numerous trips to Italy, it takes a lot for us to bowled over by a slice of pizza.
Pizza Box did just that!
100% family built, family owned and family run, this small hole in the wall restaurant which you could easily walk on by, serves up exceptionally good wood fired pizza with a variety of traditional and secret-recipe pizza toppings.
Where | 923 Central Ave (Google Maps)
When | Tuesday - Thursday 12 pm - 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm - midnight, closed Sunday and Monday.
Plant Love Ice Cream
As anybody who limits their dairy will attest to, finding good vegan ice cream is hard work. Many alternative milks don’t work, and if it doesn’t hit the creamy requirement, it’s frankly a waste of calories.
Because of this, whenever we come across a dairy-free spot, we feel it’s our duty to give it a taste.
So, on passing Plant Love, we simply had to go in. And oh Lordy, we think we may have found a winner. Made with coconut milk it’s exceptionally creamy but without an overpowering coconut-ty taste, allowing the various flavours to come through (pistachio and salted caramel in case you’re interested).
For those who like a CBD hit with your ice cream - something we have to admit, we’ve never craved - they have an option to add it to each scoop you buy.
Where | 953 Central Ave (Google Maps)
When | Open 1 pm - 8 pm Sunday and Tuesday - Thursday, and 1 pm - 9 pm Friday and Saturday.
Brooklyn South
“If cheddar and parmesan had a baby, it would taste like this.”
Matt Bonano, the all round cheese expert and owner of Brooklyn South was referring to the little platter of smoked gouda in front of us. And damn, he was right.
Unpretentiously filling a void in St. Pete for excellent Italian cheeses, meats and charcuterie boards, this delightful little restaurant on Central Avenue also serves up excellent sandwiches, local beers and wine by the glass or bottle.
Where | 1437 Central Ave (Google Maps)
When | Monday to Friday 10 am - 6 pm, Saturday 10 am - 4pm, closed on Sundays.
Next | Our favourite things to do in St Pete.
Red Mesa Mercado
Over the last few years, the foodie scene in the UK has really begun to catch up with The States, and in most of our big cities you can find a fix for a wide variety of international cravings.
Except, that is, for one of our favourites - Mexican. There are lots of Mexican restaurants, but most of them ain’t anywhere close to what we like in our Mexican food.
So, you better believe us when tell you that those tofu tacos at Red Mesa went down exceedingly well (as did the refried beans, which were almost certainly as bad for you as they were delicious.)
Some of the menu is bordering on tex-mex but in a much more authentic manner than most British restaurants manage, and it’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch or a weekend hangover fix! Plus, their building is SO photogenic.
Where | 1100 1st Ave N (Google Maps)
When | Monday to Friday 7.30 am - 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 9 pm.
Pacific Counter
In amongst all this fairly indulgent food, we did make it to one spot that can pass for healthy - the achingly well-designed Pacific Counter.
Meshing St. Pete cool with Hawai’i vibes, by way of the the west coast, this pretty-in-pink store serves up poke bowls of goodness, with plenty of options to mix and match to satisfy any seafood or vegan preference.
Don’t forget to finish off with the pineapple soft serve!
Where | 660 Central Ave (Google Maps)
When | 11 am - 9 pm every day.
Central Melt
Update December 2021 | Unfortunately, this restaurant appears to be permanently closed.
Is there anything more American than an ice-cold can of coca-cola and a grilled cheese sandwich out of a red plastic basket?
Judging by the number of photos Andrew took, we tend to think not!
Open since July 2016, this independent sandwich shop (run and owned by Ed Allen) had one goal: to provide affordable gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches that take you back to your childhood.
Replete with a side portion of tomato soup.
Being British, we may not have the memories, but we’re very glad that we got to taste a true American classic in St Pete!
Where | 685 Central Ave (Google Maps)
When | 11 am - 4 pm everyday
Ichicoro ANe
There are few things more soothing to the soul than a deep bowl of good Japanese ramen.
Throw in the sort of cool design that wouldn’t be out of place in New York, excellent (and well priced cocktails), plus sharing plates you may not want to share, and it’s clear why Ichicoro’s extensive veggie menu was a big hit with both of us.
Where | 260 1st Ave S (Google Maps)
When | 12 pm - 9 pm every day
(psssst! after this, why not read our post about the St Pete Revival story next?)
Where to Next
10 Wonderful Things to Do in St. Pete
A Short Guide to Visiting Caladesi Island
The St. Pete Revival Story | A New Side to Florida
