Restaurant: Vegan International Co.

Growing up in the country, vegetarian options — aside from a salad — were few and far between. Stumbling across one felt like hitting the jackpot, especially if it wasn’t faux meat or the appropriately named seitan. Thankfully, Tampa Bay has no shortage of veggie-friendly restaurants, and one of my favorite finds was an unexpected surprise.

Vegan International Co. Kitchen & Market, tucked into a small plaza on Nebraska Avenue, is easy to overlook but worth seeking out.The counter-serve spot, with just a few seats, serves one of the best vegan chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had — made with lion’s mane mushrooms, battered and fried to golden perfection.

Keep it classic with lettuce, tomato, pickles and your choice of sauce (the NC Fil A is my go-to). Keep in mind this two-hander is large, but it’s even better when paired with a side of fries.

Staff Member: Hayli Zuccola, Managing Editor