Healthy Dining in Baton Rouge: A Guide to Nutritious and Delicious Options

Baton Rouge, along with the Lafayette area, is increasingly recognized for its diverse culinary scene that caters to health-conscious individuals. With a focus on fresh, nutritious ingredients, these restaurants ensure that healthy options are not only accessible but also appealing to a wide range of palates. Whether you're in the mood for Creole, Brazilian, or plant-based cuisine, Baton Rouge offers a plethora of choices to satisfy your cravings while supporting your health goals.

Embracing Fresh and Local Ingredients

The commitment to using fresh, local ingredients is a hallmark of the healthy dining scene in Baton Rouge. Restaurants in the area emphasize the importance of sourcing high-quality components, ensuring that each dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. This dedication to freshness not only enhances the taste of the food but also supports local farmers and producers.

Diverse Culinary Options

Baton Rouge boasts a variety of restaurants that cater to health-conscious diners, offering a range of cuisines to choose from:

Creole:

  • Eliza Restaurant: Located in Baton Rouge, Eliza is a Creole restaurant celebrated for its fresh, local ingredients. Customers frequently commend the 'fresh ingredients' and 'excellent service,' with many highlighting its gluten-free options. The menu features a 'nice variety of great items,' and the food is consistently described as 'tasty,' 'unique,' and 'high quality'.

Brazilian:

  • Texas de Brazil: This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a focus on healthy options. The salad bar is a standout feature, known for its 'amazing', 'fresh', and 'well-stocked' selection of seasonal items. The meat selections are cooked to perfection and served at a good pace. Texas de Brazil also provides food allergen information online, making it easier for diners with dietary restrictions.

Plant-Based:

  • MJ's Cafe: MJ’s Café, situated in the Mid-City neighborhood of Baton Rouge since 2013, is committed to enhancing the health of its patrons and the surrounding community through nutritious, plant-based meals. This establishment uses the freshest ingredients to craft a menu that caters to both vegetarian and vegan preferences, offering a healthy twist on familiar dishes. Whether you're in the mood for soups, sandwiches, or salads, MJ's provides a variety of options. The café's dedication to health and wellness has earned it the 2021 Best of 225 Award for Best Restaurant for Vegetarian and Vegan Options. Dine-in, take-out or grab a soup to-go at MJ’s Café located at 5162 Government St. in Baton Rouge.

Accommodating Dietary Needs

Many restaurants in Baton Rouge go the extra mile to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences. Detailed allergen listings are often available, and menus may include vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto-friendly options. This attentiveness to dietary restrictions ensures that everyone can enjoy a satisfying and healthy meal.

Featured Restaurants and Their Offerings

In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, several other establishments in Baton Rouge offer healthy dining options:

Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.

  • Mestizo: While known for its tempting chips, salsa, and queso, Mestizo offers plenty of options to make your dining experience healthy. The menu includes vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto-friendly choices. For those on the go, Mestizo also provides meal prep options.
  • Vegan Friendly Foods: If you're craving comfort food like burgers, pizza, or mac 'n' cheese but want to cut calories, Vegan Friendly Foods is the place to go. Pizzas are topped with vegan cheese and plant-based meat, mac 'n' cheese is served with a creamy nut-based sauce, and you can also find chili, gumbo, and soul food platters.
  • Good Eats Kitchen: This restaurant offers a variety of meal packs that you can enjoy without the prep. Choose from individual meals or order meal packs to get you through the week. Pancakes and even king cakes offer guilt-free ways to indulge. You can visit the Baton Rouge location or order online for delivery.
  • Eloise: While known for its cakes and sweet treats, Eloise also offers an array of healthy meal options, including prepared meals like salad jars, rice bowls, and lettuce wraps. They also cater fruit or veggie trays, large salads, and hummus trays for gatherings.
  • City Roots and Magpie: These coffee shops offer nutritious drinks and pastries to help you stay on track with your health goals. City Roots offers the Full Leave Detox Tea and the Whipped Espresso Cold Brew, while Magpie offers a Superfood Latte and paleo-friendly pastries.

Enhancing the Dining Experience

The restaurants in Baton Rouge offer a variety of unique ambiances, from lively music to elegant dining settings, ensuring that every meal is an enjoyable experience. Many establishments also provide outdoor seating options, allowing diners to enjoy the beautiful Louisiana weather while savoring their meals.

Well-Ahead Louisiana's WellSpot Designation

Well-Ahead Louisiana’s WellSpot designation program recognizes organizations that are committed to promoting health and wellness. MJ’s Café is a prime example of a restaurant that has successfully implemented WellSpot benchmarks to improve the health of its community. By becoming a WellSpot, restaurants can take the lead in creating a healthier environment for their patrons and employees.

A Comprehensive List of Restaurants in and around Baton Rouge

To provide a more comprehensive overview, here is a list of restaurants in and around Baton Rouge, including those in New Orleans, Metairie, and other nearby areas:

  • a Tavola | Metairie: 3413 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
  • Acme Oyster House | New Orleans: 724 Iberville St.
  • Acme Oyster House | Metairie: 3000 Veterans Blvd.
  • Acorn | New Orleans: 15 Henry Thomas Drive
  • Bellegarde Bakery | New Orleans: 8300 Apple St.
  • The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar | New Orleans: 7900 Lakeshore Drive
  • Blue Line Sandwich Co. | Metairie: 2023 Metairie Road
  • Bobby Hebert’s Cajun Cannon | Metairie: 4101 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
  • Breads On Oak | New Orleans: 8640 Oak St.
  • Breads on Oak | New Orleans: 222 Carondelet St.
  • Bud’s Broiler | New Orleans: 5101 Canal Blvd.
  • Bud’s Broiler | Jefferson: 4101 Jefferson Highway
  • Bud’s Broiler | Metairie: 2929 N Causeway Blvd.
  • Byblos | Elmwood: 1000 S. Clearview Parkway
  • Byblos | Metairie: 1501 Metairie Road
  • Café Degas: 3127 Esplanade Ave.
  • Centerplate | Mercedes-Benz Superdome | New Orleans: 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive
  • Chez Pierre Bakery | Lakeview: 141 Harrison Ave.
  • Chez Pierre Bakery | Metairie: 3208 Clearview Pkwy.
  • Cleo’s Mediterranean Cuisine | New Orleans: 940 Canal St.
  • Commander’s Palace | New Orleans: 1403 Washington Ave.
  • Couvant | New Orleans: 315 Magazine St.
  • The Daily Beet | New Orleans: 1000 Girod St.
  • The Daily Beet | New Orleans: 3300 Magazine St.
  • Dat Dog | New Orleans: 601 Frenchmen St.
  • Dat Dog | Freret | New Orleans: 5030 Freret St.
  • Dat Dog | Magazine | New Orleans: 3336 Magazine St.
  • Dong Phuong Oriental Bakery | New Orleans: 14207 Chef Menteur Highway
  • Don’s Seafood | Metairie: 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
  • Emeril’s Table | MSY | New Orleans: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 1 Terminal Drive
  • Fat Boy’s Pizza | Metairie: 2565 Metairie Road
  • FUEL Café + Market | Harahan: 1200 S. Clearview Parkway
  • G’s Pizza | New Orleans: 4840 Bienville St.
  • Good Bird | Freret | New Orleans: 5031 Freret St.
  • Green Fork | Uptown | New Orleans: 1400 Prytania St.
  • Gris-Gris | New Orleans: 1800 Magazine St.
  • Healthy Course Meals | Gretna: 139 Huey P. Long Ave.
  • Izzo’s Illegal Burrito | Harvey: 1901 Manhattan Blvd.
  • Izzo’s Illegal Burrito | Metairie: 4316 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
  • Kidsports at Ochsner Fitness Center | Elmwood: 1200 S. Clearview Parkway
  • Ochsner Fitness Center Gymnastics | Elmwood: 1200 S. Broad St.
  • LemonShark Poke | New Orleans: 2901 Magazine St.
  • LIT Pizza | Elmwood: 5161 Citrus Blvd.
  • Mambo’s | New Orleans: 411 Bourbon St.
  • Martin’s | Metairie: 714 Elmeer Ave.
  • Martin’s | New Orleans: 3827 Baronne St.
  • McCord Butchery | Metairie: 210 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
  • Moisant Market | MSY | Kenner: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
  • Mondo | MSY Airport | Kenner: 1 Terminal Drive
  • Mosca's | Westwego: 4137 US-90 W.
  • The Munch Factory | MSY | Kenner: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport 1 Terminal Drive
  • New Orleans Ernest N. Moriel Convention Center | New Orleans: 900 Convention Center Blvd.
  • New Orleans Food Cooperative | New Orleans: 2372 St. Claude Ave.
  • Nolavore | New Orleans: 2139 Baronne St.
  • Oceana Grill | New Orleans: 739 Conti St.
  • Ochsner Baptist | Café De Lis | New Orleans: 2700 Napoleon Ave.
  • Ochsner | Brent House Hotel | New Orleans: 1512 Jefferson Highway
  • Ochsner Medical Center | Bistro 42 | New Orleans: 1514 Jefferson Highway
  • Ochsner Health Center | Kenner: 200 W. Esplanade Ave.
  • Ochsner Pharmacy and Wellness | New Orleans: 1514 Jefferson Highway
  • Picnic Provisions & Whiskey | New Orleans: 741 State St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | New Orleans: 2140 Magazine St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | The Advocate NOLA | New Orleans: 840 St. Charles Ave.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Metairie: 2600 Airline Drive
  • PJ’s Coffee | Belle Chasse: 7614 Highway 23
  • PJ’s Coffee | Blue Harbor: 2963 US-190
  • PJ’s Coffee | Chalmette: 2015 E. Judge Perez Drive
  • PJ’s Coffee | Canal Place | New Orleans: 333 Canal St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Metairie: 4400 Clearview Parkway
  • PJ’s Coffee | New Orleans: 2616 S. Claiborne Ave.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Metairie: 2200 David Drive
  • PJ’s Coffee | New Orleans: 501 Decatur St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Destrehan: 150 Ormond Center Court
  • PJ’s Coffee | DoubleTree Hotel | New Orleans: 300 Canal St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | East Jefferson Medical Center | Metairie: 4200 Houma Blvd.
  • PJ’s Coffee | New Orleans: 6600 Franklin Ave.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Harahan: 5359 Mounes St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Harvey: 2645 Manhattan Blvd.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Lakeview: 5555 Canal Blvd.
  • PJ’s Coffee | New Orleans: 5432 Magazine St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | New Orleans: 7624 Maple St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Marrero: 7335 Westbank Expressway
  • PJ’s Coffee | MSY Airport | Kenner: 800 Airline Highway
  • PJ’s Coffee | Ochsner Baptist Hospital | New Orleans: 2700 Napoleon Ave.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Ochsner Fitness Center | Elmwood: 1200 S. Clearview Parkway
  • PJ’s Coffee | Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans | New Orleans: Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Highway
  • PJ’s Coffee | Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner | Kenner: 180 W. Esplanade Ave.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank | Gretna: 2500 Belle Chasse Highway
  • PJ’s Coffee | Poydras: 1515 Poydras St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | St. Tammany Parish Hospital | Covington: 1202 S Tyler St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | New Orleans: 5733 Read Blvd
  • PJ’s Coffee | River Ridge: 10158 Jefferson Highway
  • PJ’s Coffee | Robert Fresh Market | New Orleans: 8115 S Claiborne Ave.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Royal Sonesta | New Orleans: 300 Bourbon St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Touro | New Orleans: 1401 Foucher St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | Tulane University | Stern Hall | New Orleans: 6823 St. Charles Ave.
  • PJ’s Coffee | UMC | New Orleans: 2000 Canal St.
  • PJ’s Coffee | UNO Dining | New Orleans: 2000 Lakeshore Drive
  • PJ’s Coffee | Hammond: 14282 W. University Ave.
  • PJ’s Coffee | West Jefferson Medical Center | Marrero: 1101 Medical Center Blvd.
  • PJ’s Coffee | New Orleans: 6501 Willow St.
  • Plattered NOLA | New Orleans
  • Poke Loa | Elmwood: 1212 S. Clearview Parkway
  • Poke Loa | New Orleans: 3341 Magazine St.
  • Poke Loa | Old Metairie: 701 Metairie Road
  • Poke Loa | South Market | New Orleans: 939 Girod St.
  • ReBorne Bakery | New Orleans: 8837 Willow St.
  • Reginelli’s | Elmwood: 5608 Citrus Blvd.
  • Reginelli’s | Gretna: 1700 Belle Chasse Highway
  • Reginelli’s | Kenner: 817 W. Esplanade Ave.
  • Reginelli’s | Lakeview: 874 Harrison Ave.
  • Reginelli’s | Metairie: 4529 Clearview Pkwy.
  • Reginelli’s | Metairie: 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
  • Reginelli’s | Uptown | New Orleans: 5961 Magazine St.
  • Rib Room | New Orleans: 621 St. Louis St.
  • Robert Fresh Market | Lakeview: 135 Allen Toussaint Blvd.
  • Robert Fresh Market | New Orleans: 8115 S. Claiborne Ave.
  • Robert Fresh Market | New Orleans: 2222 St. Claude Ave.
  • Robert Fresh Market | Metairie: 5016 W. Esplanade Ave.
  • Shawarma on the Go | New Orleans: 3720 Magazine St.
  • The Simple Greek | New Orleans: 419 Carondelet St.
  • Slim Goodies Diner | New Orleans: 3322 Magazine St.
  • Superior Grill | New Orleans: 3636 St. Charles Ave.
  • Tighten Up to Go | Elmwood: 5618 Jefferson Highway
  • Tito's Ceviche & Pisco | New Orleans: 601 Poydras St.
  • Tsunami | New Orleans: 3322 Magazine St.
  • The Velvet Cactus | New Orleans: 6300 Argonne Blvd.
  • Vincent's | Uptown | New Orleans: 7839 St. Charles Ave.
  • Vintage Garden Kitchen | New Orleans: 201 St. Charles Ave.
  • Wakin' Bakin | New Orleans: 4408 Banks St.
  • Wakin' Bakin | New Orleans: 900 Dumaine St.
  • Ye Olde College Inn | New Orleans: 3000 S. Carrolton Ave.
  • Zea Rotisserie & Grill | Harahan: 1655 Hickory Ave.
  • Zea Rotisserie & Grill | Harvey: 1121 Manhattan Blvd.
  • Zea Rotisserie & Grill | Kenner: 1401 W.

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