Quality Foods Gourmet Market
Tampa Bay, Florida, Hillsborough
(48)
Tampa Bay, Florida, Hillsborough
(48)
Husband and wife team, Christopher and Emily Houp, opened a storefront after many years cooking for family and friends and selling fresh made specialty items and fresh baked breads at local farmer’s markets in and around the Tampa Bay area.
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48 customer reviews
Allen M.
Best pizza in Tampa Bay. There is NO comparison. At first I thought it was a brick oven pizza cooked with wood, but the owners said they are able to mimic the flavor and cook time by stone baking it a really high temperature. My favorite is the margarita pizza. They use whole slices of tomatoes, so there is a piece of tomato in every single bite. It has a lot of garlic and the fresh mozzarella is homemade just like their sauce and crust. It's delicious and I really love going on Sunday because they do glasses of sangria for just $3. It's kind of hard to find because their signage is small, but it's worth the drive no matter where you're coming from. Thankfully I live pretty close! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Andrew J.
Outstanding gourmet ingredients and wonderfully delicious prepared items. This is the sort of place you shop at for food when quality is your primary concern. They really don't cut any corners when it comes to their product and it shows. Do yourself a favor and grab a few sandwiches from here if you happen to be in the area. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Chris W.
I can say with 100% confidence that I never would have found Quality Foods Quality Foods Gourmet Market without Yelp.  I drive on Bearss Ave all the time and had no idea if you turn and go up the road a little bit you'll find this hidden gem. The market is great local business that also goes out of its way to promote and sell a wide variety of products from other local businesses in their market. Beer is especially highlighted and they have a huge selection of choices from Tampa breweries. Besides selling other people's products this market also produces a lot of its own food.  A good portion of it (such as the pizza dough) is made from scratch. So far my favorite thing that I've tried has been the crème brûlée, which the owner made right in front of me.  Speaking of the owner, the couple that runs this place are just the nicest people who are so hardworking. Every time I've been here it's just them working. On Thanksgiving when they more than deserved a day off they stayed open and held a "pay what you can meal" so that some people wouldn't be alone or miss out on a big meal on Thanksgiving. The hours of the market can fluctuate but they're really good about keeping them updated on Yelp. I'm looking forward to seeing their upcoming menu changes. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Brett N.
Why 5 stars? Because this is definitely a place I want to visit regularly. Â --- Â --- Â ---Ever since missing the Yelp event hosted here, I have had it on my list to check this place out. My first experience was very brief as I found out he did not receive his shipments in due to the threat of a hurricane, so he was out of all fresh food from the deli. Of course, this was totally understandable, but I do wish there was some kind of posting on social media about that because I even checked their Facebook page ahead of time to confirm that they were open.But I waited a couple of weeks and returned. There were a few sandwich options but I was told that the menu would be changing in a few days, so I'm not sure what's currently available as I type this out. I opted for a Cuban sandwich and browsed the products while I waited.This Cuban was just a bit different than any other that I've had. I think the main difference is that it was only moderately pressed, which left some softness to the bread and did not completely melt the cheese to act as an adhesive to hold everything together. While I was a bit thrown off by that at first, I came to realize how much I enjoyed the sandwich as I continued to eat it. I also was able to buy a few local brews here. I love Pumpkin Beer and picked up some cans from Brew Bus, Big Top and Tampa Bay Brewing Company. They pretty much have every single canned beer made in the Tampa Bay area here, so you any beer lovers will be all set with this selection.For all the delicious snacks in here, I do wish that there were some chips available. That was the only thing missing with my sandwich, but the sandwich itself was a home run.On my next visit, I ordered a pizza with prosciutto and mozzarella, which was enjoyable, but I liked the Cuban Sandwich even more. There are a couple other sandwiches on the menu that I would like to try on future visits. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Kaitlyn S.
Like the dumbarse I can be, I showed up on a Monday when the store/restaurant is closed. Co-owner Chris took pity on me & welcomed me inside. He was kind enough to speak w/ me for a considerable amount of time. This is a market/restaurant. Both offer vegan, vegetarian, organic, local, & Average Joe/Jane foods. One popular restaurant offering is a pizza made w/ dairy-free cheese, which you can top w/ plant based "hamburger" & "sausage," etc. Regular crust & a non gluten variety are available. (Regular pizza is also prepared & sold here.)There are always desserts available in the dessert case (all made my Chris); the four today were regular varieties. They were elegant cheesecakes, a chocolate cake, & some type of sweet chocolate balls filled w/ a delicious cream. (Through my tears, their name escapes me:)There are over 100 local craft beers in the refrigerator cases, & there's a mix & match special price if you purchase three. Lots of local wines are sold here, along w/ many sauces & miscellaneous food items. (See pics.)This establishment sells vegan candy bars that resemble their name brand equivalents. The one I purchased replaces an Almond Joy. It does contain sugar, but not cane sugar. According to Chris, these popular vegan candy bars are sold @ just one other business in Florida-- in Tallahassee or Jacksonville, I believe he said. (I was too busy crying over the dessert case to pay close attention:) I walked out w/ this store's two most popular vegan products-- the frozen "sausage" & "crab" cakes, along w/ a vegan chocolate bar. My stash (see pic) came to approximately $36. I was promised that the sausage is hardly distinguishable from regular sausage, so tonight it's going to be made into a jalapeño chili. The restaurant doesn't share all the same hours as the market section of the store, & soon the market will be open on Mondays (w/ just breakfast being sold that day.) But for now, this business is closed on Mondays. Recently, it was rented for a wedding reception, so if it's a small venue you need, Chris & his wife may be able to accommodate your wedding party & guests. On October 12, 2019, for $25 you can attend a large event in the parking lot; I believe Chris said 400 people are expected to attend. This will be a craft beer event w/ all the money raised going to charity. There will be food available as well, although NO vegan foods. If you don't drink beer, you can get in free, but you'll have to pay any vendor for the foods you want to try. See the website for more info! I will return to have Chris cook for me, & hopefully to buy more vegan "sausage" (since it's so much healthier than regular sausage). And when my friends are in town for the weekend, this will be a great place to visit for local wine & beer. Kudos to Chris & his wife for opening this market/restaurant approximately one year ago! Thank you, Chris, for your kindness today & all the great info you shared:) More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Christine N.
Wow! If you're checking out Quality Foods Gourmet Market then you're on the right track. This place is incredible and is the epitome of a local, small business that deserves its recognition. I went with some friends to their Taste of Italy event. What a deal! For $25 we got to sample (which it was a decent pour) almost 8 exclusive wines from the northern region of Italy! In additional to sampling we got to get a lesson on the wine and sample a dish that paired with it! This was an incredible deal and the food and wine was OUTSTANDING. I honestly didn't get a photo of each dish because they were all so good and the wine complimented everything. The owners were so kind and attentive. The tasting was small with only 20 people but it made for great conversation with those around you. Additionally they sold the wines sampled as a package with a discount when the prices for some of the individual bottles were over half of what all 8 were being sold as. The market also had gourmet cheese and other items, local beer, and a wide variety of wine. I loved this experience so much I immediately bought another ticket for their other tasting at the end of the month. I recommend this place and love supporting local businesses. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Christina G.
Locally owned and operated store packed with love.I was seriously impressed walking into this store. The first thing I noticed was beer and wine - rows and rows of it. I found out that most of the beer is local and all from within Florida. They are serious when they say they support local. The food menu is also incredibly local, because it is mainly all made in store! They make their own sauerkraut for the reuben. How incredibly cool is that? I didn't get to try any of their food, but I really want to. You can also buy a bottle of wine and open it with your meal if you eat in the store. There is no markup or corkage fee. Again, this is all seriously unique.I mentioned how my dad would enjoy this place, because he is a huge wine buff and the owner, Chris, showed me some really cool wine they had that is reminiscent of the original wine and wine bottles made in the country of Georgia. It was father's day the next week and I was procrastinating getting a gift so I was sold. I could feel his passion as he explained the process and how there are only three places in the US where you can get this wine! I got a dry white and a semi sweet red and now I can't wait to gift them to my dad. If you love wine, beer, and locally sourced unique products, you'll love this place. I'm actually super sad it isn't closer to me. They have a mix and match deal with their beer and I think that would be a fun way to try a ton of different options. Next time I'm in this area, I will be returning to grab a bite to eat! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
RM Swire
Owners are AMAZING, Shop offers a wide variety of Vegan products, veggies, Wine, Beer, Amazing Food ! Can't wait for the Grand Opening this coming weekend! Am looking forward to tasting some amazing food and some delicious wine while having lunch and connecting with local businesses! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Robin Di Donato Bidwell
Love this store and cafe!! Family making a great place to shop, eat and visit. We get a GREAT vegan lunch a MUST TRY.
Reviewed on Facebook
Shana Gagnon
Amazing place. Great food and environment! The owners are super nice and helpful. Love supporting local businesses� The vegan options here are amazing, they have stuff no one else in the area has!
Reviewed on Facebook
Ken Bidwell
We needed this market and restaurant! Love the food, the fresh breads and the staff. It's our regular Monday lunch stop!
Reviewed on Facebook
Carol Haines
A shop supporting local businesses . Very helpful owners. Wine and beer on tap. Can't wait till they start serving lunch and supper!
Reviewed on Facebook
Tom Lonergan
If you like local good folks, this is your place. Gourmet is in the name and is what this store is all about. I'm going back every chance I get.
Reviewed on Facebook
Jessi Budiansky
Quality Foods not only has a great Sandwich and Pizza menu, they have a wide variety of big quality vegan and gluten free options. And they support local craft food vendors!! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Harlan Weikle
5 stars for just opening....1 issue though, they opened in the wrong place; all the veg heads are in Pinellas :) Seriously, we have ordered from The Herbiverous Butcher in the past and the selection and quality, outstanding.
Reviewed on Facebook
Allen Moore
Was supposed to meet a friend at a Cuban place nearby and it was closed, so we found this place by accident. Ended up getting a Cuban here and it might be the best Cuban I've ever had. They use real shredded pork. Not that sliced deli meat crap you get other places. My friend ordered something called the NYC and it came out about 4-5 inches stacked with pastrami and corned beef. We loved the food, but we REALLY loved the beer selection. For such a small place we couldn't believe how many local craft beers they had and to be able to mix and match was awesome. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Kim Vitale
So many vegan options and the menu is incredible! I love how much pride the owners take in the quality of food and products. Such a great addition to the area! � More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Janet Parsons
Went here on Wednesday! Drove out from Riverview.... very much worth it! I loved the choice in vegan foods! Love that this place is locally owned! The owners seemed very nice! I made vegan bacon BLT’s. They were delicious! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Alex Natiss
Absolutely LOVE this place! I love supporting local businesses. Emily and Christopher were both extremely helpful. The herbivorous butcher sliced cheeses are without a doubt the best vegan sliced cheese I EVER had (and I’ve had them all). They let me sample before buying too. I also had the herbivorous butcher chicken salad sandwich- YUM!!! I can’t wait to try the rest of the products. I will be back soon!!! � More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Diana Bell
There are so many fabulous finds from this place....delicious olives, artisanal hummus combinations, handcrafted coffees and sandwiches.
There’s something for every palate here, especially if you are searching for vegan sweets like donuts, cupcakes, brownies and cookies.
@Dee_Vegan
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Reviewed on Facebook
Sarah Rinehart
The owners of this market are incredible. It doesn't stop there though, the vegan food is other worldly. Their chicken salad sandwich will change your life and you can try one of their many wines or beers on tap while you wait. It is all just an amazing set up. So do yourself a favor...GO! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
James B McGee III
This place is excellent and a nice addition to the area. The bread selection, baked goods, cheese selection and beer selections were stand outs! I had my kids with me, so I was not able to stay as long as I would have liked. I will definitely be back. My kids and I loved the sourdough bread! I also liked the wine. It was refreshing! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Toby Vongkultrup
I love this place . I can’t get enough of their sour dough breads. It came highly recommend so I tried it and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint. They also have an amazing selection of vegan options as well as a very large craft beer selection. . The owner Chris was very helpful . More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Renee Ristow
Visited Quality Foods Gourmet Market today. Met the owners Chris and Emily, both very nice and knowledgeable. We had a great vegan lunch, wine tasting and enjoyed shopping for many vegan and non vegan products. This place has something for everyone vegan, vegetarian, non vegans. I love that they source local products. We had a lovely afternoon and will definitely be back. Give it a try you won't be disappointed. Thanks Emily and Chris. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Don Thatcher
Not many places you can go in the Tampa Bay Area (Florida for that matter) where every person’s specific foods needs are addressed.
Imagine if you had a store that catered to the big three religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Muslim.
Now, imagine if there was a food store that was diverse enough to cater to the big three food fans: Carnivores, Vegetarians, and Vegans. Quality Foods is that place.
To tie the two comparisons together: Quality Foods is a religious experience for the palate.
I consumed tremendous food and had wine (from the tap!) and it was outstanding. Also, when you can walk out of there with a growler of craft beer it is an exclamation point of an experience.
Chris and Emily embody the small business thinking big spirit. They made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. We will be going back again and again.
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Reviewed on Facebook
Eric Livingston
Amazing selection for everyone! Very tasty menu options. Chris and Emily are very friendly and welcoming.
Reviewed on Facebook
Susan Madix Dodd
I love supporting local businesses that support local businesses. Thank you Emily & Chris! Looking forward to the grand opening and enjoying your happy hours with beer & wine & friendship. Cheers!
Reviewed on Facebook
Andrea R.
WOW! This place is just unbelievable! The food, the wine, the beers, the dessert!!! Let's just start by saying how authentic and organic they are! The chef prepares everything himself!!! How many places we can go and get deli meat that is not full of sulfates and additional ingredients THIS IS IT! They make their own meat and they import most of their food right from Italy! They have almost every local beer you can think of! My husband is a huge fan of beer and there was so many choices I had to get 7! They have everything from food to a small market selections like grains and authentic polenta. The chef prepares a tomato soup everyday and it is to die for!!! I'm not a fan of tomato and I could totally drink more than one plate of that soup! Also, the tiramisu!!!! THE BEST! For all of you who do not like tiramisu, try this one. It will change your mind!! It is located in a plaza and it is not big so make sure you do not miss it!!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Kandi G.
A  little unexpected and pleasantly surprised!!! This market/restaurant is definitely a hidden gem. The international and local  wines, local beers of all sorts, imported foods and cheeses. ..basically an exotic atmosphere in my mind, was great. It's a lot to take in but the owners explained their products well and were very knowledgeable on the details of their liquor and wines and foods.The store is clean and brightly lit! They make pizza, Cuban sandwiches, other hoagies/subs, soups, smoke their own meats, dips/condiments! You can order a meal at lunch with w $4 glass of wine! Nice!!! :)There is a unisex bathroom! I look forward to coming back to order some corned beef and the smoked turkey! I was not disappointed! And they've definitely found a new patron! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Shelley Provost
Wine heaven and owners are amazing. Homemade pickles, local hummus, and meats. I am in flavor heaven!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Keith T.
My wife and I had heard about the "New Vegan Store" in town. Â We looked and looked but couldn't find it. Â That's because it is hiding under the name "Quality Foods Gourmet Market"When we went in together, we were very pleasantly surprised by how clean and well organized this place was. Â I was immediately drawn to the VEGAN beer... actually most all beer is Vegan but this was a good excuse to stay on topic for our trip. Â The owner let me taste a few of the choices that they had on draft and told me about their growler deals. Â He has exclusive relationships to carry draft and can varieties from some of the amazing florida breweries across the state.But we weren't there for beer, we were there for Vegan food and man did they have some wonderful choices. Â We opted for their crusted chick'n and their vegan scallops. Â We sauteed them at home that weekend and found them to be some of the best made faux meats we have had.I also went back again last week to cash in one of the gift certificates our friends got us... and of course I blew it all on beer... but it was some really good beer... so I was forgiven... and then I was sent back to by more beer.#thuglife #somebodysgottadoit More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Wanda M
I have been to this gem of a find several times. Chris and Emily are gracious hosts. The food is nothing short of amazing. I first came in because I had heard about their deli sandwiches and the turkey tasted just like Thanksgiving turkey. They said they make it there and it was so good. But now I keep going back for the pizza. I have eaten at just about every pizza place there is in the area and this blows everyone else away. The only downside is that they tend to run out of the homemade pizza dough later in the day but to know I'm getting the freshest food when I'm there makes up for it. I'm really glad I found this place. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jerry Bryant
Cute little shop and great addition to the area. Owners are super friendly and knowledgeable. I got to sample several wines on tap and ended up buying a bottle that they poured and sealed to go! Can't wait to come back and try the food. The dessert case looked AMAZING! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Stephan Hassam
Great little place with lots of different vegetarian and vegan options (but not only). They smoke their own cheese and have a big selection of beers and wines. The owners are a great help and very friendly. Highly recommend buying and eating local! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
John Walsh
Great family run Deli style store. From local fare to Europe! Traditional deli food including Vegan. Huge selection of craft beers, wine, and healthy drinks. They also host private events, a local farmers market and occasional wine tastings. Tucked into the Lutz area and frequented by locals and commuters on I275. If you don't see what you want, just ask Chris or Emily. Both are very knowledgeable! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
RM Swire
Awesome place for friends and family
Reviewed on Facebook
Jessica R.
Quite possibly THE best Cuban I've ever had. There is SO much flavor in their foods it's unreal. They have a great market that's worth taking a look at as well. So many different vegan options as well. You HAVE to try this place!!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Walter R.
Nice mom and pop store/resuraunt. The owners are friendly and the food is excellent! Â Many items are home made and there several vegan options (separate menu). Market include local wines and craft beers along with other local foods and items. Can't wait to come again! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Patrice B.
We got three breakfast pizzas plus banana nut bread/cake and blueberry bread/cake for the office. OMG!!!!!! The breakfast pizzas were amazing, the crust is excellent, one was just egg & cheese, one with bacon, egg & cheese and then sausage, egg & cheese. Each one was delicious, the eggs were perfectly cooked & creamy, the bacon & sausage were both very tasty and the cheese was perfectly melted and browned from the pizza oven. My guys couldn't stop eating and for once no one was using hot sauce on anything....LOL Then they tried the breads, which were still warm from the oven and they were phenomenal, the cake was light and tender, the banana one was full of walnuts and great banana flavor and spice, the blueberry had real blueberries in it and it was so tender and tasty. Every time I wander into this place I find something new and interesting to try and I've not been disappointed. The owners are people you want to talk to and discuss what you are looking for, they are very knowledgeable and helpful. I can't wait to see what else they come up with for breakfast, my guys are already asking for more. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
J. A.
Great market. Great sandwiches, desserts, draft wine, craft beers, fresh made breads. So glad they are here!!!! Very accommodating and friendly.
Reviewed on Yelp
Stephen H.
The vegan Cuban was so good. There is nothing else like it anywhere. I've never seen a place that wasn't dedicated vegan with so many vegan options. Two pages of vegan menu options and more vegan grocery items than most big grocery stores. Owners are super friendly and knowledgeable. Can't wait to come back and try the pizza. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Shaye S.
I grew up eating Cuban sandwiches in Tampa, and it's been over a year since I've had one on account of becoming vegetarian. Their 100% vegan cuban was everything I've been craving for the past 10 months or so. Hands down delicious. The owners took their time to explain their menu, explain their food, and hand out samples of everything we gawked at from our walk through their deli. Will definitely be back. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Chrissy Spirito
So incredibly excited to find this place & already planning our next visit! Chris & Emily were so helpful showing us around their market.
We had the most delicious vegan cuban sandwiches, they had plenty of amazing local beers and wines - for sale as well as on draft and tap. And omg, the bakery/dessert selections are insane.
We left there happily stocked with so many vegan goodies that you can't find anywhere else. If you're thinking of coming here, where ever you are located - it is 100% worth the trip.
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Reviewed on Facebook
Rob M.
Amazing hidden gem! Â Craft beer, top tier wines, cheeses, fresh baked breads, and full menu! Â You'll be impressed once you enter the door! Â 73 local craft beers is what attracted me to visit; however, the owner's love for wine and polite conversation will keep me coming back! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
J L.
My 3 favorite products from here are: Miso soup base (amazing, and they sell everything else you need to add to the soup), the canned lychee (you can't find these anywhere and they are packed full to the top), and the white wine up by the register. I forget what it's called but ask the owner for the best white wine he has. He recommended it to me and said that although it's a dessert wine, it drinks better than just about any white he's ever had, and boy was he right! Some days their inventory runs a little low on certain products but they're a small store so it's understandable. But what they do have is quite unique and excellent options for Lutz area vegans and vegetarians! Nice store, nice couple. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Brandon F.
Best vegan Cuban sando I've had thus far. Â Their cold brew coffee is excellent, as well. Â They also have a variety of vegan items that are NOT available at other niche/boutique grocers.
Reviewed on Yelp
Kris ..
Absolutely love this new establishment! I'm vegan and my fiancé is a meat eater, Quality foods caters to both, which is rare! They have a great selectionof vegan cheeses, and they have a deli which you can order vegan sandwiches! Also, the owners are so kind and knowledgeable, and their sweet little one is a good helper. They really took the time to show us the whole store and all of the local products they carry. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Geanne B.
This place is small - but well worth the search! Â Local Beer - check! (there's a whole wall of Florida brews avail. in 6 packs or mix and match) Local Baked goods - check! (they bake some there and carry deliciousness from local bakers) Â Local artisan food - check! (Hummus, salsas, smoked cheeses, Vegan meat substitutes...). Â Owned by a super nice couple who are obviously passionate about good, quality food from carefully chosen sources - this is my new favorite stop before (or instead of) the grocery store. Â There's much more, like deli meats and cheeses, sandwiches made fresh for you (lots of vegan options), tables where you can eat and/or drink wines that they have on tap! Â Go on in and see what you can find! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
What’s your signature dish?
Our house roasted and smoked deli meats are what sets us apart from other delis/sandwich shops in the area. Our sandwiches are piled high with at least a half pound of hormone, nitrate, and preservative free fresh sliced meats and served with house-made condiments on fresh, soft breads either baked fresh daily or sourced from local bakeries such as La Segunda Central Bakery, one of the oldest bakeries in Tampa Bay.
How do you go about creating the perfect menu for your clients?
We work with each client's budget and taste preferences to come up with the perfect menu for their event. We have a standard corporate watering menu for 50+ and are also happy to put together party platters or hot dishes for smaller gatherings. We have done everything from Italian to Cuban to Mediterranean and are only limited by the client's imagination!
What do you love most about your job?
We love meeting new people and feeding them good and good for you locally prepared foods.
Why should our clients choose you?
We are a small, local business that supports other small local businesses and buys fresh, local, in season produce whenever possible to fulfill a client's needs. We work within each client's budget to create a menu that will please the senses and leave your guests more than satiated.
