CLOSED: Viitals Cafe and Bakery

See the full review with pics at www.martysflyingveganreview.com

I had a few hours in Tampa and borrowed a crew car. Not many choices but Viitals popped up on Happy Cow and I was craving a green smoothie in the worst way. Needed. Kale. Now.

I passed it by the first time as it is located on the backside of the "L" of a strip mall. You have to make a right into the parking lot, (or street) and it's on your right. If you're driving you actually have to look over your right shoulder to see it. It's there, you just have to look. You can't miss the sign though.





There is a whole menu board of smoothies and green drinks on the wall behind the counter. I find it somewhat difficult to make a decision about the slight differences between them as you'll see 2 pictures lower but Evan, (spelled Ivan), helped. First off though the decision to replace kale with spinach was an easy one as he doesn't carry kale.

I did stop short a few times to look at the vegan cake display. I had a hard time focusing. Sugar plum fairies were dancing in my head and sugar spike memories were making me swoon. They looked so good. But green was also on my mind and my body.



Ivan making the goodness. Behind me are about 10 tables. Someone was working on a laptop so I'm assuming there is internet connectivity. The place is bright and happy although wasn't busy enough. Ivan said he was in business for about 6 months so come on TAMPA and support this guy!



Here you can see the different options available. I just decide what I want, then add what's not included. I added my spinach to the Ultragreen. After I read the menu a few times it all sort of blends together.



There are a bunch of different muffins and cupcakes. I applaud the level of labeling. Everything is labeled vegan/gluten free/soy free/etc., and most of the items, (I didn't read all the labels), seemed to be vegan.



These two items also caught my eye. they are "Meal 'Complete'" items and according to Ivan, who is a semi-retired competitive body builder, contains the "correct" balance of carbs, protein, and fat. I was saddened to learn that although he tried a vegan diet it didn't work out for him and he now has added animal protein back into his personal diet. I would have liked to sit down over a beer with him and talk about Brazier and Cheeke and the other bodybuilders who made it work on a vegan diet, to compare what he ate vs what they ate but time was a bit tight and he was, afte

Even though Viitals is not veg*n, everything is clearly labeled. The food is very fresh and delicious. I highly recommended it. Try the chocolate avocado pudding for dessert!

Another nice little place in Tampa to get some veg food! Their Refresh panini with garbanzo bean spread and artichoke hearts is delicious as is the Unexpected panini. This place is very small and cozy and the owner is very friendly. We had coffee with coconut milk (very good if you haven't tried it) and split a chocolate chip cookie sandwich. While not everything is vegan, it is a specialty bakery and everything is clearly labled as to whether it is vegan, gluten free etc.

ate at Viitals right after flying into Tampa. All of the food is designed to be nutritionally filling and suited for food-sensitivities. It is great that Tampa has a place like this.

We have just recently found out about viitals and have been so excited. We are instant regulars. This place is great. Food is fresh and unique (black bean hummus with a kick!) and the owners are friendly and really care about what customers want. Very personal service. I am not gluten sensitive but I know how hard it is to find options when you are and viitals has it all, with excellent quality. I have no hesitation telling people to go there and you will not be disappointed!