Raleigh, North Carolina, offers a diverse culinary scene, and finding healthy and satisfying meals is easier than you might think. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this guide highlights some of the best healthy food restaurants in Raleigh, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences. Remember, "healthy" is a personal concept, and the best restaurants are those that leave you feeling good. This list focuses on establishments that offer a variety of options from different food groups, leaving you feeling energized and satisfied.
Farmside Kitchen: A Commitment to Wholesome, Sustainable Food
Farmside Kitchen stands out with its dedication to crafting craveable, Americana-style flavors using thoughtfully sourced ingredients. As the "Home of the Farmbowl," they are committed to building a virtuous cycle that benefits customers, farm partners, and the planet. They work with local and regional farmers and purveyors who value healthy and sustainable sourcing and regenerative practices. This woman-led organization prioritizes creating enjoyable experiences through warm service and delicious, wholesome food.
Top Spots for Healthy Food in Raleigh
Whether you're in Downtown Raleigh, North Hills, Hillsborough Street, or elsewhere, a satisfying meal is nearby.
Best Healthy Breakfast Restaurants in Raleigh
- Raleigh Raw: While known for smoothies, Raleigh Raw also offers smoothie bowls with toppings and toasts. They also serve poke bowls, salads, and sushi burritos for lunch.
- Irregardless Café: More of a brunch spot, Irregardless is a bright restaurant on Morgan Street. On weekends, you can order a range of brunch classics, many of them vegan.
- The Daily Planet Cafe: Located inside the Museum of Natural Sciences, the Daily Planet Cafe offers coffees, smoothies, salads, and sandwiches, including vegetarian options.
Lunch and Dinner Destinations
- A Place at the Table: Located Downtown, A Place at the Table is perfect for a casual lunch meeting over a salad or sandwich.
- Happy and Hale: This local mini-chain is similar to Sweetgreen, serving fresh salads and grain bowls, as well as juice and kombucha. The North Hills location is conveniently located near fitness studios. Their Hale Caesar bowl, a vegan caesar salad with buffalo cauliflower, cashew parmesan, and crispy chickpeas, is a favorite. You can also build your own bowl.
- CAVA: If you prefer build-your-own-salad places but want something heartier, CAVA is a great option. It's a Mediterranean Chipotle, offering fresh ingredients and protein options like braised lamb, meatballs, and falafel. There are locations throughout Wake County. The Village District location is near Ruby Oak Nutrition’s Raleigh office.
- Location: 403 Daniels St
- Google rating: 4.5 stars
- Top menu picks: Build your own bowl.
- Sosta Cafe: A sandwich place on Davie St with indoor and outdoor tables, Sosta is an underrated spot for a quick lunch. The sandwiches range from ham and brie to curry chicken salad to vegan chicken salad, and there are salad and veggie options.
- Fiction Kitchen: This fully vegetarian spot recently moved to Gateway Plaza. You can choose small plates or a main course like "Chicken" and waffles or Impossible meatloaf.
- The Standard Beer + Food: In the Person St neighborhood, The Standard offers a varied food menu alongside local brews and craft cocktails.
- Ajja: From the owners of Garland, Ajja is a Mediterranean-South Asian fusion restaurant in the Five Points neighborhood. The menu changes seasonally, with creative food options.
- Sitti: This Lebanese restaurant on Wilmington St offers classics like hummus, grape leaves, falafel, kebabs, and platters.
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