Glendale, California, and its surrounding areas boast a vibrant and eclectic dining scene, with a growing emphasis on health-conscious options. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll find a variety of restaurants that cater to your nutritional needs without compromising on taste. From farm-to-table establishments to vegan sanctuaries, Glendale offers a diverse range of healthy dining experiences.
Farm-to-Table Freshness
Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens exemplifies the farm-to-table movement, celebrating California’s boutique farms and locally sourced ingredients. Renowned chef Rich Mead's vision ensures a unique culinary experience set amidst the natural beauty of Descanso Gardens. This restaurant offers a dynamic menu of seasonal dishes and a garden-to-glass cocktail program, perfect for casual meals and special gatherings. The thoughtfully designed space combines indoor and outdoor seating with a modern, airy aesthetic, inviting guests to connect with nature and savor the freshest flavors.
Mediterranean with a Healthy Twist
Salt & Olive is an intimate Mediterranean restaurant that puts a healthy spin on classic dishes. With a great atmosphere and phenomenal food, their menu offers something for everyone, from happy hour to weekend brunch and catering. They are open seven days a week and offer a convenient to-go menu for lunches or family dinners.
Bacari GDL provides a Venetian-inspired dining experience with Mediterranean-influenced small plates crafted by Chef Lior Hillel. This restaurant, part of the Kronfli Brothers family, offers a rotating curation of small-production wines, eclectic beers, and unique craft cocktails & mocktails. Known for its 90-minute open bar special, Bacari GDL provides warm hospitality in a comfortable indoor lounge and a spacious outdoor patio, making it a go-to spot for neighbors.
Family-Friendly and Quality-Focused
Karas Dine-In, located in the heart of Glendale, is a family-friendly restaurant that prioritizes both delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. Offering a fusion of quality ingredients, Karas provides a wide variety of meals, from BBQ, pizza, and burgers to salads and soups. With a commitment to healthy diets, Karas successfully implemented HACCP quality standards in 2016, ensuring the highest level of food safety and quality.
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American Heritage Cooking
Dunsmoor, Brian Dunsmoor’s namesake restaurant in Eagle Rock, explores American heritage cooking. This restaurant is a loving expression of the research that has informed his cooking for the last ten years. The full menu is available at tables in the dining room, the chef's counter, and outdoor tables. Dunsmoor's wine bar, accessible through the restaurant or via its own entrance, serves a limited menu of raw and larder items.
Granville, located in Burbank, offers a harmonious blend of upscale American cuisine and a casual environment. By using fresh ingredients, such as antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, organic vegetables, and artisan cheeses, Granville emphasizes indulgence without the guilt. The menu includes gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, with large portions designed for sharing. A popular choice is the Uptown Mac & Cheese, recognized as one of the best in LA for over a decade.
Urban Wine Tasting and Fine Dining
Urban Press Winery, founded by winemaker Giovanni D’Andrea, offers an urban wine tasting experience, fine dining, and live music. The restaurant features the freshest local ingredients, with a seasonal focus on starters, salads, entrées, and desserts. The full bar offers wine, specialty cocktails, and beer, along with a selection of small plates. The Brick Room hosts talented musicians and singers from around the world, enhancing the dining experience.
Riverfront Dining with New Californian Cuisine
Lingua Franca, nestled on the Los Angeles River Bike Path in the Elysian Valley, offers New Californian American cuisine in a warm and nostalgic setting. Chef Peter Lemos creates dishes that speak to his heart and soul, including the LF Burger made from scratch. The restaurant features an intricate list of wine and vermouth-based cocktails, and is family-friendly and dog-friendly, making it a welcoming spot for all.
Vegan Japanese Cuisine
Tane Vegan Izakaya is a culinary sanctuary offering a diverse plant-based menu of Japanese cuisine. Founded by Chef Kin Lui and environmental activist Casson Trenor, Tane aims to create a high-quality, cruelty-free sushi restaurant that honors both flavor and sustainability. The menu includes sushi rolls, tempura, ramen, and small plates, each thoughtfully prepared to showcase the vibrant tastes and textures of plant-based cuisine. Tane is not just a restaurant but a community hub, celebrating sustainability and the art of vegan cooking.
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Acai Bowls, Burgers, Wraps, and Smoothies
Acai Grill believes that eating clean should feel like a treat. They use pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed burgers, and organic veggies in everything they serve, without additives or seed oils. Located in the 401 North Brand building in Glendale, Acai Grill offers bowls, burgers, wraps, and smoothies with unique flavors.
Additional Dining Options
Bar Verde, located on the 3rd floor of the Americana in downtown Glendale, offers indoor and outdoor patio dining, as well as to-go orders with curbside pickup.
Discovering Healthy Options in Surrounding Areas
In addition to Glendale, the surrounding areas of Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, and Valencia offer a treasure trove of healthy dining options. These neighborhoods are known for their eclectic dining scenes, with a variety of restaurants that cater to health-conscious diners seeking nutritious and delicious meals. Whether you’re in the mood for organic salads, gluten-free entrees, or plant-based delights, the restaurants in these locales ensure that every meal is crafted with your health and satisfaction in mind. The ambiance of these dining spots ranges from casual and cozy to upscale and elegant, making them perfect for any occasion, from a quick lunch to a special dinner. By choosing to dine at these establishments, you’re not only indulging in high-quality, nutritious meals but also supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability and wellness.
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