Five Local Alternatives to Fast Food Restaurants

Though fast food is extremely convenient, it is often unhealthy and unethical. In the Tampa Bay area, there are many other restaurants or small businesses that one could support. In this article, five different local alternatives to popular fast food/ chain restaurants are shown.

TacoSon Tampa: 

A healthier alternative to a place such as Taco Bell, is the restaurant TacoSon Tampa. It has two locations, one Wesley Chapel and one on 56th street and its menu has plenty of options. The service is prompt and efficient and the food is always served hot and with plenty of hot sauce on the side. Some things that are worth trying are the “nachos supreme”, the queso and chips, the ceviche, and the chicken tacos. 

Pane Rustica:

A local option similar to the chain restaurant Panera bread would be Pane Rustica. Located in Palma Ceia, it is a European-style bakery, deli, breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurant all rolled into one. Their crusty, flavorful bread is made from scratch using all-natural bread starters. Some things worth trying are the chicken salad, the Margherita pizza, Penne Rustica pasta, and for dessert, the black and white cookie. 

White Duck Espresso:

A local coffee shop located in New Port Richey could be perfect to try instead of Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks. Right now due to COVID, the coffee shop is drive-thru only but even so, the menu options are endless and the baristas are prompt. Some things to try are the mini donuts, the cappuccino latte, and the lotus smoothie

Sea Maids Creamery:

An alternative to Coldstone or store-bought ice cream could be Sea Maids Creamery. It is an ice cream shop is owned by a mother and daughter duo that is located in North Florida avenue. The ice cream flavors are all very unique and there are many options (including vegan) and it’s worth mentioning that they are pet friendly. Some popular flavors of ice cream include “raspberry purple haze”, “pink champagne sorbet”, and the “nutty cup of joe”.

Oronzo:

An Italian restaurant to try instead of Olive Garden or Carrabba’s would Oronzo. It is located in Highwoods preserve, and pride themselves in being “Honest Italian.” The inside of the restaurant is contemporary and casual, the service is prompt, and you can even watch the food being prepared. Some menu options to try are the Tomato Basil Soup, Roman Style Flatbread, and the Primavera Pasteria.