Breakfast is a treat at First Watch. A departure from many local breakfast spots, it specializes in providing delicious, but light and healthy meal options. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients and made from scratch baked goods and batters. There are no deep fryers here. This place is known for its varied omelet and waffle selections and their famous First Watch potatoes. Lunch options are also offered and available all day along with breakfast. With 7 area locations, chances are there is one near you.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: The perfect way to start a long day of vacation is with a healthy breakfast at First Watch in Tampa.
Skye's expert tip: Coffee drinkers will love that they provide you with a whole pot on your table. No waiting for refills!
EVOS is a local fast-food chain that focuses on making your favorite fast food dishes more healthy, like using organic or vegan ingredients and air-baking their french fries instead of using the deep fryer. They use naturally raised beef and chicken and wild-caught Alaskan Salmon. The end result is a reduction in calories, fat, and processed ingredients and an increase in fresh, delicious flavor. There's also a wide selection of wraps, salads, smoothies, and shakes. Again, all prepared with fresh, organic ingredients. You will come out satisfied but without the guilt, you normally have after a trip to a traditional fast food restaurant.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: EVOS in Tampa is an uber-healthy dining option disguised as a traditional fast-food burger joint. Perfect for picky eaters!
Skye's expert tip: Take the kids, order their fast-food favorites, and see if they notice the healthy difference. They probably won't.
Doc B's Fresh Kitchen is located on Bay Street at Tampa's International Plaza mall making it the perfect stop to fuel up after shopping or before an evening out. The menu features a wide selection of healthy, well-balanced dining options for lunch or dinner including sandwiches, salads, the popular "Wok Out" bowls, and entrees that highlight their premium steaks and seafood. Specializing in premium ingredients, Doc B's take pride in sourcing only the best. There is also a satisfying cocktail and wine menu with craft beer options. The atmosphere is casual and modern featuring an outdoor patio and fire pit in addition to the spacious indoor dining and bar areas.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: Casual but sophisticated, Doc B's offers fresh, healthy and delicious lunch and dinner options. Not to mention, there's a full bar.
Skye's expert tip: There are good vegan and vegetarian options available.
Focusing on natural and healthy foods and personal care products, Abby's Health & Nutrition has been a Carrollwood landmark for over 15 years. Opened by Abby Sayler, a well-regarded local nutritionist, Abby's is a full-service grocery store stocking organic produce, bulk foods, beer and wine, raw foods, and gluten-free products among others. The on-site deli features delicious, organic and natural dining options including vegetarian, gluten-free and raw dishes prepared fresh daily. Their fresh wheatgrass, organic vegetable juices and smoothies are also very popular. Cafe Eden at Abby's is a great spot for a quick and healthy lunch or an early dinner.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: The on-site deli at Abby's Health Food in Tampa's Carrollwood neighborhood serves organic and vegetarian dishes for lunch and dinner.
Skye's expert tip: The staff here is very knowledgeable both about healthy living and their products, so don't be shy if you have questions.
The Bamboozle Cafe is located in the heart of downtown Tampa and features Asian Fusion and traditional Vietnamese cuisine. From their fresh Bamboozle rolls to their hearty Pho Boats, the ingredients are fresh and healthy, and the presentation shows great attention to detail. There is also a selection of clearly marked vegan and vegetarian options. If you're not hungry for a full meal, you can visit the Bamboozle Tea Lounge that features smaller portions of the menu favorites as well as a selection of tea, Vietnamese coffee, fresh juices and smoothies. A second location has opened in the nearby Channelside district as well.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: Located in downtown Tampa, Bamboozle Cafe is dedicated to serving fresh and healthy Asian and Vietnamese cuisine.
Skye's expert tip: Treat yourself to one of their specialty smoothies featuring hard-to-find ingredients such as lychee and jackfruit.
You don't have to be a vegan to enjoy The Loving Hut, but it helps. The Hut prides themselves on their locally-sourced vegan creations while still trying to remain accessible to non-vegans who are just looking for something healthy to eat. Obviously, a lot of soy and tofu are used, but in recognizable dishes like Philly subs and wraps using a variety of ingredients. The desserts, particularly their smoothies, are to die for. And since they're vegan, you can tell yourself that you are still eating healthy as you go up for seconds.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: The Loving Hut, located in north Tampa is one of the city's most popular vegan dining options.
Skye's expert tip: For those who might be more adventurous, this might be the only buffet in town where cactus makes regular appearances.
Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar located adjacent to Tampa's Westshore Mall. Convenient to downtown and the airport, this is a great dining option for business or pleasure. With menus that are changed seasonally to reflect what's available at the farmer's market, flavors are fresh and unique. They specialize in using natural cooking techniques and artful seasonings to bring out the natural flavors. Portions are "appropriate" which means they may seem smaller than most restaurants, however, this can be a relief to many who are tired of getting massive portions at restaurants. A good spot for those on a diet, calorie counts are clearly listed next to each menu item.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: Perfect for anyone whose counting calories, Season's 52 in Tampa's Westshore district serves a full range of delicious meals - all under 500 calories.
Skye's expert tip: They even serve mini desserts for those who wish for a taste, but don't want to overindulge.
SoFresh is a fast, fresh, and healthy eating option for people on the go. They offer a variety of bowls, wraps, and salads containing nutrient-dense ingredients to fill you up and fuel your day. Pricing includes a base of rice, quinoa, greens, or zoodles which is marinated zucchini cut into thin strips like spaghetti. Then you add your sides choosing from a large selection of both cold and warm vegetable options. Finish by adding a protein such as steak, shrimp, salmon or Ahi tuna. Dishes are topped with a variety of delicious house-made sauces. There are options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: SoFresh is a filling solution for a healthy meal on the run and features hot bowls, salads, and wraps.
Skye's expert tip: Not near SoHo? This concept is growing fast - check their website to find all their new locations.
If you're looking for authentic Mediterranean cuisine, look no further than the Mediterranean Chickpea. Located in an assuming south Tampa strip mall, this family-owned eatery is a hidden gem featuring a wide variety of fresh, handmade traditional favorites. A must-try dish is the foot-long falafel wrap that locals rave about. The menu also features 5 or 6 selections of flavored hummus, perfect for healthy snacking. Also available are lentil soups, spinach pie, baba ganoush, grape leaves, and tabbouleh. Diners will appreciate the value for money with reasonable prices and large portions.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: The Mediterranean Chickpea is popular with locals for its authentic, homemade vegan and vegetarian favorites specializing in flavored hummus.
Skye's expert tip: Plug the address in your GPS if you can as it's not well marked and you can easily pass by unnoticed on the road.
Fresh Kitchen is a healthy fast food option for lunch and dinner located in Tampa's SoHo neighborhood. On offer is a full range of fresh and delicious ingredients that are combined in a handy bowl to eat in or take out. Set up cafeteria-style, diners head to the counter and order their bowl ingredients from the menu, picking a base such as noodles, rice or Quinoa, then veggies and a protein, topping it all off with a delicious house-made sauce. There are also a range of yummy, but healthy, desserts to choose from and they cold-press a variety of juices made fresh each day.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: Fresh Kitchen is a very popular fast food option featuring fresh and healthy ingredients located in SoHo.
Skye's expert tip: Not in South Tampa? This popular local chain has already expanded to 5 other regional locations. Check their website for the latest.