January is for eating healthy, and Tampa makes that task much more enjoyable thanks to its many great spots for filling salads and fresh bowls. Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution or just concerns about how that Gaspy outfit is going to fit, there’s no bad reason for eating well.
We’re fortunate to have a plethora of health-conscious cafes, organic eateries, and indulgent restaurants that still provide options on the lighter side. It would take days to list them all, so instead, our That’s So Tampa team pooled together some of our personal favorites.
This list isn’t comprehensive, but hopefully it will help make your healthy January a little tastier. Then, come Gasparilla weekend, all bets are off until the other side of Valentine’s Day.
Must-try bowls and salads in Tampa
Abu Naji Yemeni Restaurant
4819 E Busch Blvd
We just made our first visit to Abu Naji a few weeks ago, and we came away highly impressed. The Fattush Salad, a Middle Eastern staple, is the perfect complement to a full entree, but the bread salad with fresh veggies can stand alone as its own meal.
Bamboozle Heights
7107 N Florida Ave, 109 N 12th St.
The have-it-your-way Boozle Bowl lets you build your dream Asian salad out of fresh and healthy ingredients. Make it a salad with a lettuce base or go heartier with rice or noodles. From there, pick out five veggies, select a dressing, and then choose one of the seven protein options (we recommend the crispy eggplant).
Cali
217 S Dale Mabry Hwy, 17004 Palm Pointe Dr.
True to their promise of “fresh food only,” Cali’s Lean n’ Clean Bowl keeps it fresh as can be. It comes with roasted broccoli and cauliflower, pico, herbs, and a citrus vinaigrette, but you can also add grilled chicken and brown rice if you need a protein boost, too.
Fruitwood Standup Market
2203 W Swann Ave, 4720 W Cypress St
The Southeastern Chopped Salad at Fruitwood is bursting with flavor, but won’t have you bursting at the seams. Organic baby spinach and romaine are topped off with a southwestern-style mix of beans, corn, jalapenos, aged cheddar, turkey, and tortilla strips.
Greenlane
4495 W Gandy Blvd
They’re co-founded by Gronk and they have a drive-thru; we almost don’t need to say anymore. However, the Harvest Bowl deserves to be discussed. It’s a veggie delight, with roasted sweet potatoes, craisins, honey roasted pecans, goat cheese, baby kale, and balsamic vinaigrette atop romaine.
Fruitwood Market
Bamboozle Heights
Abu Naji
Green Market Cafe
27225 State Rd 56
The SuperFood Bowl literally puts the green in Green Market. It goes down light but still packs a nutrient punch, filled out with organic tri-color quinoa, kale, broccoli, roasted artichokes, avocado slices, pecans and creamy avocado balsamic.
Harvest Bowl Eatery and Market
6109 N Florida Ave
The Caribbean Breeze Bowl is just as refreshing as it is warming, thanks to the sriracha ranch. This bad boy comes packed with jasmine rice, black beans, grilled shrimp, Mexican corn, pineapple, and coconut flakes.
SuperNatural Food & Wine
305 E Polk St
If you can resist the donuts and sandwiches, the Thai Crunch salad at Supernatural is a showstopper. The light salad is topped with a perfect combination of candied peanuts and sesame seeds, avocado, orange slices, and more.
Vegan International Co & Kitchen
13751 N Nebraska Ave
This is the chicken salad for people who don’t eat chicken. The Chick’n Gyro Salad pairs vegan chicken with lettuce, tomato, pickled cabbage, and a delicious white sauce. Light, filling, and tasty in every bite.
ZING Juice Bar
6207 N 40th St
If it’s a juice-and-greens diet this January, ZING is the spot. The ZING salad is nothing but the fresh, healthy and crispy stuff: fresh lettuce loaded up with purely fruits and veggies. It’s a garden party for your mouth, and it will leave you feeling light and happy.