Best Restaurants with Healthy Menus in Tucson

For a quick bite on your way to work or a day of sightseeing, bypass all those fast food chains and stop at Beyond Bread. The cinnamon raisin French toast is unbeatable, but if you like protein in the morning, try a made-to-order omelette, stuffed full of your choice of meats, cheese and veggies. Lighter appetites might prefer a simple croissant, muffin or scone. Later in the day, opt for a cleverly named sandwich or salad, a slice of dark chocolate cake or a massive cookie. Breads range from specials like Ancho-Chipotle-White Cheddar and Brie-Scallion-Chive to more traditional varieties such as challah and baguettee, there are more than 30 breads in the regular schedule, about half of which are available on any given day.

The Coronet is a brasserie-style cafe situated at the historic Coronado Hotel near downtown Tucson. The restaurant serves old world rustic cuisine with a big comfy patio, plenty of shade, quiet music playing the background, and excellent coffee. There's also a bar featuring hand-crafted sangrias and cocktails. The restaurant features several daily menus, including a morning, afternoon and dinner menu. For dinner, try the Dragoon session sausage, which has already become a favorite with regulars. The sausage is served with a red cabbage citrus slaw, corn & roasted tomato salad, and sprout kraut. For dessert, try the moist and sweet olive oil cake, served with orange zest and anise.

Traditional European and Bosnian cuisine makes Chef Alisah's Restaurant stand out in a town known for Mexican food. This delightful restaurant serves up authentic Bosnian cuisine in a family-friendly setting. Chances are you may not be totally familiar with everything on the menu, but the staff is more than willing to explain what to expect when you order your Cevape, Pljeskavicu, Sammu, Baklavu, and other traditional dishes. The menu is heavy on vegetables, making it suitable for vegetarian diners. The vegetable spread plate is a good option for exploring this side of the menu. Carnivores, fear not. The menu features traditional kebabs, beef steaks, lamb and more.

Recently voted the best pizza in Tucson by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, Renee's Organic Oven has made a splash in the local scene with its commitment to using only the highest-quality organic ingredients and extensive selection of toppings. The restaurant features both a classic pizza menu and specialty pizzas. No matter which side of the menu you order from, you can't go wrong with the quality and taste of the pizza here. Renee's Organic Oven also offers a full range of healthy lunch and dinner options, including specialty salads, subs, calzones and sandwiches. Pasta dishes and pizza, of course, round out the menu.

From fresh pressed juices to yummy wraps, Goodness has a full menu bursting with unprocessed fruits, veggies and whole grains. Breakfast offerings include homemade granola, breakfast burritos made from cage free eggs and turkey sausage, seasonal market fruit bowls and a greek yogurt bowl. For lunch, Goodness offers an array of gourmet salads, like the Kale Citrus with butternut squash, cranberries, avocado, caramelized onions and sprinkled with pepitas. The sandwich side of the menu has a delicious Turkey, Goat Cheese and Pesto on whole wheat bread, as well as Mediterranean-inspired Albacore Tuna Sandwich. For a hot, wholesome meal, check out the menu of "energy bowls" like the Thai Chicken, which comes loaded with sauteed kale and mushrooms, roasted chicken, brown rice, carrots, marinated plums, broccoli, and sesame seeds in a light coconut curry sauce.

Choice Greens is a locally owned Tucson restaurant featuring a "design-your-own chopped salad" concept. Guests can choose from over 50 ingredients and 20 dressings and then have their "customized" salad chopped and tossed right before their eyes. If you prefer, you can also order a pre-designed "Classic" chopped salad, and there is also a menu of sandwiches and panini. Sides include home-baked mac 'n cheese, homemade albacore tuna salad, homemade chicken salad, and homemade pasta salad. Meals are made from scratch using the freshest ingredients available. Portions are generous, and the ambiance at this neighborhood restaurant is bright, cheery and clean. Huge cookies, brownies and lemon bars are available for a quick, decadent dessert.

"Outstanding vegetarian options" is not just a slogan here--Lovin' Spoonfuls offers an array of delicious, freshly-prepared vegetarian dishes that even die-hard meat-eaters can love. Whether you're an omnivore or vegan, almost everyone will find something to love on the eclectic, which features meatless takes on American comfort food classic, along with Southwestern, Asian, and Greek-inspired dishes. If you're idea of vegetarian cuisine consists of bland salads and rice dishes, it's time to pay a visit to Lovin' Spoonfuls. Don't leave without picking out a freshly baked treat from the dessert counter. For those with dietary restrictions, there are also gluten-free options.

When it comes to fresh, artful vegetarian cuisine, sisters Keanne and Sigret Thompson--owners of Tucson's The Tasteful Kitchen--know their stuff. The Tasteful Kitchen, which is located in the city's historic West University neighborhood, brings to life the sister's vision for fresh food crafted from the best ingredients around. For starters, try the hot vegan soup of the day, which comes with a homemade crouton. The entree menu blends traditional continental technique spun with a southwestern flavors and ingredients. Try the Black Bean Croquettes with Rajas of Nopales. The croquettes are served with pan-fried brown rice, cocoa-roasted sweet potatoes, mushrooms, nopales (cactus) and organic greens saute.

This is one of the only restaurants in town with a completely meatless menu, but hopefully that won't keep carnivores away from Govinda's Natural Foods. Govinda's is located in the Hare Krishna Center and features an all-you-care-to-eat buffet. The offerings vary from day to day, but on Tuesday nights the menu is all Indian and Thursday the kitchen prepares an all-vegan menu. The variety is impressive, ranging from pastas to Mexican casseroles, and everything is fresh and healthy. Sunday brunch includes a selection of traditional breakfast dishes such as pancakes, home fries, fruit, and even tofu scrambles. Call ahead or check Govinda's website to see what's on the menu. Delicious.

The slogan at the Eclectic Cafe in east Tucson is "Where quiche meets enchilada." The menu pulls from a variety of cuisines and styles with winning results. The common thread running through the menu is a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and Southwestern flair. For starters, try the house made guacamole and chips. The "casuela style" Mexican tortilla soup is also excellent. For an entree, choose from sandwiches, Mexican specialties and salads. Try the quiche lorraine, or any of the chopped salads. For a fresh southwestern kick, try Leo's Special Chicken burro, made with marinated and diced chicken with green chili and refried beans, topped with cheese and sour cream.