Foodie 15: Best Healthy Lunch Spots in Tucson

At Bombolé Eatery, it's all about scrumptious Indian empanadas that won’t break the bank. They’ve got something for everyone with both veggie and meaty options. You can't go wrong with the Bombo Combo, but the Aloo Matar Samosa and the Butter Chicken empanadas also get thumbs up from us. And don't miss the Honduran slaw and mango jicama salad!

If you're looking for authentic Ethiopian food in Tucson, Cafe Desta is a great place to start. They pride themselves on organic ingredients straight from Ethiopia, and their fresh homemade injera - a sourdough flatbread staple in Ethiopian cuisine - is a must-try. Rather than a fork, it's tradition to use your fingers and injera to scoop a colorful rainbow of meats, veggies, beans, and spices in any variety your heart desires. Going with a group? Their combo platter "The Works" is huge and hearty. Even with five us, we couldn't get all the way through it.

Flower Child has a menu that is stacked with hearty, healthy options that will leave you feeling good inside and out. Choose from a diverse range of fresh meals that are packed with grains, fruits, and proteins, catering to the preferences of vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike. Try the Forbidden Rice Bowl or the Glow Bowl, or design your own combination of entrees and sides. We suggest washing it all down with their seasonal lemonade or rotating kombucha on tap.

Offering a buffet of American, Indian, and International vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, Govinda's is an easy pick for healthy food in Tucson. In fact, they’ve been serving gourmet vegetarian cuisine since 1992, with fresh garden veggies, whole grains, and freshly-ground spices being the stars of their menu.

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Istanbul Mediterranean Cuisine is where you’ll want to head. The Esar family, who moved to Tucson six years ago, have been sharing their love for Mediterranean food with Tucsonans ever since. Chef-owner Kamran Esar and his family bring fresh, authentic Turkish cuisine right to the heart of the city, with his father’s 45 years of experience as a butcher adding a unique touch to the dishes they serve.. They’re one of the only spots in town serving up Halal chicken (among their other meats) so even when your body wants something not veg-based, you won't feel zapped of energy afterward.

Dive into the vibrant flavors of the islands at Pure Poke & Prep, where fresh cubes of premium-quality fish are cut daily and tossed in scratch-made marinades. Top your bowl however you fancy, and finish it off with a splash more sauce for that ultimate poke indulgence.

Salad Nation is a refreshing stop for those on the hunt for a healthy Mexican meal. The menu reflects a fusion of Mexican, Japanese, and American cuisines, ensuring there’s something to tickle everyone’s palate - vegans and vegetarians, this includes you too. Despite the name, it's not just about salads; the menu also includes a variety of offerings including wraps and paninis.

Tucson native and renowned medical doctor Dr. Andrew Weil, developed the True Food Kitchen with the mission to inspire people to eat better, feel better, and live better. The menu emphasizes wholesome ingredients with natural health benefits and flavors and features a wide array of dishes from burgers and seasonal pizzas to salads, bowls and pastas. Or enjoy fresh-pressed juices, organic teas, and natural refreshers.

The food at Tumerico is exclusively vegetarian and vegan; however, truth be told, if you didn't know that beforehand you would be hard-pressed to taste the difference. Generous portions of flavor-packed beans, rice, and veggies unite to create a lunch that will fill you up with all the good stuff — and you'll probably have some leftovers for later.

Established in 2012, this vegan haven serves up health with a side of happiness via 100% plant-based food offerings. Open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., it's perfect for an intention-packed lunch. Choose from options like the Pad Thai Wrap, Green Goddess Wrap, Pot Pie, and Tofu Mushroom Burger. They even have smoothies, all of which are made with milks that are made in-house daily.

This Ethiopian restaurant offers an immersive dining experience with a rich and diverse menu. It's renowned for its African and Ethiopian dishes and is especially friendly for vegetarian and vegan diners. Their menu showcases a variety of dishes, including Misr (red split lentils cooked with onions and herbs) and meat dishes like Lamb Tibs (cubes of lamb pan seared in Kibe, Awaze onion, jalapeños, and fresh rosemary) and Beef Tibs (cubes of beef similarly prepared). They also have combination plates that allow easy sampling of the variety of dishes.