Metairie, Louisiana, along with the greater New Orleans area, offers a diverse culinary scene, blending traditional Southern flavors with contemporary, health-conscious options. For those seeking nutritious and delicious meals, several restaurants prioritize fresh, wholesome ingredients while catering to various dietary preferences. This guide explores some of the best healthy dining options in Metairie and nearby areas, ensuring that both locals and visitors can enjoy eating well without sacrificing taste.
Diverse Healthy Cuisine Options
The restaurant landscape in and around Metairie features an array of establishments focusing on fresh ingredients and health-oriented menus. These range from Mediterranean eateries to Pan-Asian cafes, providing a broad spectrum of choices for health-conscious diners.
Mediterranean and International Flavors
Acropolis: A go-to spot for classic Greek dishes such as homemade hummus and gyros, Acropolis offers a taste of the Mediterranean with fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Byblos: Known for using the freshest ingredients, Byblos provides a variety of Mediterranean options that are both healthy and delicious.
Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine: For those seeking vegetarian options, Taj Mahal offers a range of flavorful Indian dishes packed with vegetables and aromatic spices.
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Sake Café: This Pan-Asian restaurant is celebrated for its fresh sushi and other Japanese dishes, providing a light and healthy dining experience.
Pho Orchid and Pho Sunrise: Both offer a variety of pho options, packed with fresh herbs and vegetables. Pho Sunrise also offers spring rolls.
Kanno Sushi: Specializes in California-style sushi.
Korea House: Offers bibimbap with a variety of healthy toppings like eggs and vegetables.
Seafood Specialties
Given its proximity to the Gulf, Metairie and New Orleans boast numerous seafood restaurants that focus on fresh, local catches.
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Drago’s: Famous for its world-renowned charbroiled oysters, Drago’s offers a unique and flavorful seafood experience.
The Galley Seafood: Known for its Louisiana shellfish platters, The Galley Seafood provides a taste of local seafood prepared with traditional methods.
Deanie’s: With a wide variety of local seafood dishes, Deanie’s is a staple for those looking to enjoy the region's best seafood offerings.
Acme Oyster House: Celebrated for its fresh oysters, Acme Oyster House is a must-visit for oyster lovers.
Vessel: Specializes in fresh seafood and New American cuisine. Chef Willie Cooper sources fresh local ingredients incorporating many of the traditions New Orleans is famous for.
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Briquette: Serves up unique seafood creations from the Louisiana Gulf waters and around the world. Seafood specialties include Louisiana Redfish On The Half Shell and Snapper Ponchartrain with Lump Crabmeat.
Light Bites and Casual Options
For those seeking lighter fare, several establishments offer fresh salads, sandwiches, and soups.
Martin Wine Cellar: Provides a selection of fresh salads and sandwiches, perfect for a light and quick meal.
La Madeleine: Inspired by French cuisine, La Madeleine offers a variety of soups and salads made with fresh ingredients.
Rolls N Bowls: Specializes in authentic and delicious Vietnamese food. They offer options like Grilled Chicken Poboy, Grilled Pork Poboy, and Grilled Tofu Poboy.
Spotlight on Specific Restaurants
To further illustrate the healthy dining options available, let's take a closer look at some standout restaurants in the Metairie and New Orleans area.
True Food Kitchen
Located at The Julia at St. Charles, True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, a pioneer of integrative medicine. The restaurant’s philosophy is to provide food that is both delicious and good for you.
Menu Highlights:
- Seasonal Offerings: The menu features a steady rotation of seasonal dishes that take advantage of naturally ripe fruits and vegetables, ensuring maximum flavor and nutrient richness.
- Creative Beverages: Hand-crafted beverages are built around seasonality, quality ingredients, and simple preparations, complementing every occasion from brunch to dinner.
- Allergen Considerations: While the restaurant takes precautions, it notes that shared cooking and preparation areas mean they cannot guarantee any menu item is completely free of allergens.
Vessel
Housed in a historic 1914 church in Mid-City, Vessel offers a unique dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and New American cuisine.
Key Features:
- Chef-Driven Menu: Renowned Chef Willie Cooper, who trained under Emeril Lagasse & Wolfgang Puck, sources fresh local ingredients to create innovative dishes.
- Ambiance: The restaurant is housed in a historic church and has been featured in Architectural Digest as one of the most gorgeous restaurants in former churches worldwide.
- Dining Options: Dine inside or outdoors on a covered patio.
P.F. Chang's
Offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering, P.F. Chang's provides a variety of Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available.
Popular Dishes:
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Chicken Pad Thai
- Mongolian Beef
- Chang's Spicy Chicken
Miss River
Located at the Four Seasons New Orleans, Miss River offers a grand Creole dining experience led by Chef Alon Shaya.
Highlights:
- Creole Cuisine: Serves elevated New Orleans favorites with bold Cajun flavors and local ingredients.
- Signature Dishes: Includes Whole Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Clay Pot Dirty Rice, and Red Beans and Rice.
- Weekend Jazz Brunch: Features a lively brunch every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with a Bloody Mary bar and live jazz.
Athenian Bar & Grill
Founded in 2024, Athenian Bar & Grill celebrates Greek culture and cuisine, offering authentic Greek dishes in a cozy and vibrant setting.
Offerings:
- Authentic Greek Cuisine: Every dish is a journey to Greece.
- Vegan Menu: Offers a delicious vegan menu.
- Ouzo Cocktails: Features a unique ouzo cocktail menu.
Dickie Brennan & Co. Restaurants
Offering Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner featuring salads, sandwiches & mains made with Louisiana seafood & seasonal local produce. Highlights are the 1898 Club Sandwich, the Crabcake Benedict, a Chicken & Waffle Salad topped with a fried chicken thigh, and a house classic - the Palace Cafe Turtle Soup. The bar offers curated craft cocktails with local spirits, and a stellar wine list. Located in the beautiful Audubon Park so you can dine on their veranda under the Oaks.
Tips for Healthy Dining
Regardless of the restaurant you choose, there are several strategies you can employ to make healthier dining decisions. Nutritionists recommend:
- Swapping Sides: Opt for healthier sides like vegetables instead of standard, less nutritious options.
- Choosing Preparation Methods: Select entrees that are steamed or grilled rather than fried.
- Grain Choices: Trade white rice for brown rice when available.
- Skipping Empty Calories: Avoid unnecessary calories by skipping bread or sugary drinks.
Catering and Group Events
Many restaurants in Metairie and New Orleans offer catering services and can host group events, making it easier to maintain healthy eating habits even when planning a special occasion.
- Briquette: Can host group dinners, receptions, or cocktail parties with seating for up to 240 guests or 400 for a reception.
- Rolls N Bowls: Offers catering services with all-in-one packages designed to fit your budget.
tags: #healthy #food #restaurants #metairie