"What are your favorite healthy eating spots in New York?" This question, frequently posed, sparked the creation of this guide to some of Manhattan's and Brooklyn's best options for delicious and nutritious meals. From plant-based havens to spots with globally-inspired, health-conscious menus, there's something for everyone seeking a healthy bite in the city.
Dig Inn and The Little Beet: Casual Farm Fare
For warm, nourishing, and casual farm fare, Dig Inn and The Little Beet stand out. These spots are ideal for those seeking a quick and wholesome meal.
Juice Press: Smoothie Central
Juice Press is a go-to for delicious smoothies made from organic ingredients. You can pick one up from the fridge, have it made on the spot from the menu (“Nurse Ginger Greene” and “Harvey Wallbanger” are favorites), or customize your own with additions like coconut meat.
Breakfast Tip: Order the chia pudding or overnight oats and ask for a complimentary side of their wild berry jam.
Lunch Tip: Their organic hot soups change daily and are delicious. Options include butternut squash quinoa and “Souper Greens”.
Read also: Nutritious Manhattan Beach Eats
Beyond Sushi: Plant-Based Delight
Beyond Sushi is a great lunch spot. The menu includes soups like coconut curry and miso, and black rice bed bowls. Save room for dessert!
Hu Kitchen: The Customizable Food Bar
Hu Kitchen's pick-your-own-adventure food bar is a favorite for a weekday dinner. They offer soups, paleo kale Caesar salad, and almond-crusted chicken nuggets. For breakfast, try the coconut “Jerdy Cakes” (pancakes) served with berries, maple syrup, and coconut cream, or the breakfast burrito with eggs and roasted veggies in a paleo wrap. Oatmeal bowls with customizable toppings are also available. The almond butter cacao balls and Hu Kitchen chocolate with puffed quinoa are must-try desserts.
Little Choc Apothecary: Gluten-Free Crepes and Medicinal Blends
Located in Brooklyn, Little Choc Apothecary is a cute cafe specializing in gluten-free crepes that are thick, chewy, and satisfying. They also offer medicinal blends like Golden Power, a take on Golden Mylk with turmeric root, orange peel, ginger, black pepper, and cardamom.
Inday: A Gluten-Free Indian Twist
Inday offers a mindful, modern, and gluten-free twist on Indian cuisine. The candle-lit, plant-rich space is a great spot for a casual romantic dinner. Build your own bowl from an all gluten-free menu, starting with a “Not Rice” (shredded cauliflower “rice”), then pick veggies, and top it all with a chickpea curry or juicy salmon. For dessert, try the “Avo Cocoa,” a thick mousse made from dark chocolate, avocado, and coconut milk.
Bluestone Lane Collective: Aussie Coffee and Avocado Toast
Bluestone Lane Collective showcases the Aussie expertise in coffee and avocado toast.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Home of the Egg: Avocado Toast and Bowls
This trendy Nolita spot is known for its avocado toast. Another favorite is the “Spandex” bowl with poached egg, miso quinoa, avocado, pickled carrot, greens, and tamari.
The Butcher’s Daughter: Plant-Based Cuisine
The Butcher’s Daughter has a plant-based menu with options like kale Caesar salad with almond parmesan and a sandwich with avocado and farm eggs.
Matcha Bar and Cha Cha Matcha: Matcha Perfection
Matcha Bar and Cha Cha Matcha are top destinations for matcha.
Pressed Juicery: Freeze
Pressed Juicery offers Freeze - juice and nut milk-based ice cream soft serve with toppings.
Le Pain Quotidien: Gluten-Free Bread
Le Pain Quotidien offers gluten-free bread that is seedy and chewy.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Peacefood Cafe: Plant-Based Comfort
Peacefood Cafe provides plant-based sandwiches, soups, and baked goods.
Nourish Kitchen & Table: Flavorful and Cozy
Nourish Kitchen & Table is known for flavorful fish and veggie platters and its cozy atmosphere.
Additional Healthy Options
Several other establishments offer healthy choices for dining in Manhattan and beyond:
- 7.7 Brothers: A funky boardwalk spot for smoothies and kimchi grilled cheese.
- 7.6 Bathhouse: A social vibe and a cafe with reliable, filling food.
- Armin & Judy: Located on 27 right before Bridgehampton town, known for great bread.
- 8.6: Part seminar on Korean fermentation, part impressive tasting menu, this eight-seat counter in Long Island City is one of the most unique fine dining options in town.
- Daily: Located in Newark's Terminal C, offering shawarma skewers and warm bits of pita dipped into hummus.
- Farmer's Fridge: Found in Newark Airport and JFK's Terminal 8, offering salads and bowls.
- Green Leaf's: Located in LaGuardia, offering salads, wraps, and smoothies.
- 7.2 Warude: In Crown Heights, a solid option for a kind-of healthy, kind-of Japanese lunch.
- El Turco: A Turkish spot originally from Miami, recommended for hummus on the patio.
- 7.9: A Woodside cafe selling green juice and hummus, as well as Indian breakfast options.
- 7.6: A tiny Mexican spot in Mott Haven with tacos and fresh-made juice.
- 7.6: A station at the Tin Building with a roast beef sandwich.
- 7.7: A seafood counter in the Tin Building by Jean-Georges.
- 7.5 Maman: Located next to Rockefeller Center, excels at baked items.
- 7.8: A place known for George Constanza photos and “No Soup For You” merch.
- 7.6 The Well Kitchen & Table: An all-day cafe in Union Square with vegan and gluten-free options.