Myrtle Beach, a coastal paradise known for its stunning sunrises, thrilling beach activities, and Southern hospitality, also offers a surprising array of healthy restaurant options. For those seeking to nourish their bodies while satisfying their taste buds, here's a guide to some of the best healthy restaurants in Myrtle Beach.
Restaurants
Kindbelly Cafe
Kindbelly Cafe, located on 79th Avenue in North Myrtle Beach, is dedicated to serving healthy meals that are organic, non-GMO, and locally sourced whenever possible. This family-owned business began by selling microgreens at local farmers markets and has since expanded to offer a variety of plant-based options. The menu features breakfast and lunch entrees such as smoothies, salads, wraps, and Acai Bowls. Some popular items include the Three Little Eggs Omelet (a build-your-own favorite served with a slice of organic 21-grain toast) and the Sunrise Salmon & Egg Plate (4 oz. wild-caught salmon filet and one organic egg topped with green onion and a side of wilted organic spinach). What sets Kindbelly apart is its customizable "from the grill" menu, allowing you to choose your organic veggie mixes and the type of oil used for cooking (grass-fed butter, organic olive oil, or organic coconut oil). Other menu highlights include the Breakfast Garden Omelet, Greek omelet, Avocado Smash, Lox on Toast, Chunky Monkey Acai Bowl, Kale Caesar Salad, Arugula Salad, Earth Salad, Greek Salad, Spinach and Walnuts Salad, Caprese Sandwich Vegetarian, Portobello Melt, Grilled Chicken and Pesto Sandwich, and The Earth Burger.
Bay Naturals Healthy Market & Kitchen
Bay Naturals Healthy Market & Kitchen offers the unique combination of a nutritious meal and the opportunity to purchase healthy groceries. This is especially convenient for travelers who prefer to prepare some meals in their hotel rooms. The restaurant features daily specials, signature smoothies made with soymilk, fresh juice, salads, burritos, tofu scramble, quesadillas, veggie burgers, and wraps. Vegan items are clearly marked for easy ordering. After your meal, you can explore their healthy market and stock up on ingredients for a vegan picnic at the beach. Bay Naturals has two locations: North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach and Highway 17 North in North Myrtle Beach.
Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom is a favorite pizza parlor, offering customizable options for health-conscious diners. Start with a house salad (minus the shaved Parmesan) or build your own salad. Then, create your pizza masterpiece with vegan Follow Your Heart dairy-free cheese. Toppings are plentiful and include tofu, tempeh, olives, green peppers, roasted tomatoes, artichoke hearts, spinach, and a roasted mushroom trio. Choose between Mellow red sauce or olive oil and garlic for your base. Mellow Mushroom has locations on 21st Avenue in Myrtle Beach, as well as in Murrells Inlet and North Myrtle Beach.
Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar
Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar, located on North Kings Highway, offers a wide array of tasty and enticing vegan food. The menu clearly labels vegan items and includes options like tahini, Israeli salad, tabouleh salad, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and their famous crispy falafel. Diners can enjoy an assortment of delicious side dishes, referred to as hot or cold Mezze.
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Sea Captain’s House
Sea Captain’s House, located on North Ocean Blvd, provides a fine dining experience with limited but worthwhile vegan options, along with an ocean view. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and gluten-free menus. The friendly staff is accommodating and can prepare pasta and veggies without butter upon request.
Lekker Eats Market & Kitchen
Lekker Eats Market & Kitchen, which started as a "Grab-N-Go" healthy foods concept in 2020, aims to fill customers' bellies with the yummiest and healthiest ingredients available on the Grand Strand. The market and kitchen offer an eclectic artisanal menu featuring brekkie bowls, toasties, lunch plates, toasts, salads, smoothies, and more. An After Hours Menu features a curated selection of elevated shared plates designed to pair perfectly with their cocktail menu. They also offer in-house made specialty coffees, matcha, cold-pressed juices, local craft beer, wine spritzers, and prosecco. Lekker Eats blends their items in-house using local, organic ingredients when available, including fresh fruits and vegetables, and non-dairy products.
Drift
Drift aims to provide guests with a five-star experience through its unique and high-quality menu at affordable prices. The restaurant prides itself on its atmosphere and use of fresh ingredients. The menu consists of the highest quality products and ingredients available. The atmosphere of the restaurant is a custom design. Locally and family-owned Two Brothers Wood Works handcrafted each table from over 100 year old hardwood trees, including White Oak, Pecan, and Hickory. The restaurant also focuses on the little details, from the décor of the custom-made wood slices hanging on a wall, to the unique wine display at the bar that shows wines from 4 countries.
King Kong Sushi
King Kong Sushi offers a variety of Maki rolls, including avocado, cucumber, carrot, asparagus, and veggie rolls, as well as a side of Edamame.
CO Sushi
CO Sushi offers a variety of vegan options, including rice vermicelli noodles, tofu rolls, spicy Udon with snow peas, Hibachi with lemongrass tofu, and Futomaki with cucumber, avocado, and yam. They also have refreshing cocktails.
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Thespian Greek Restaurant
This restaurant serves authentic Greek food and a wide variety of both organic and vegetarian dishes including organic soups and burgers. Try the Eggs Florentine (organic spinach on English Muffin) for breakfast; any of their organic soups and salads for lunch; or their Chicken Souvlaki (marinated white meat chicken chunks); Moussaka (layered eggplant, spiced beef, with a creamy Bechamel sauce); Falafel (chick peas, tahini sauce); and other Greek dishes for dinner.
Tips for Vegan Dining in Myrtle Beach
When ordering from restaurants that also serve non-vegan items, it's always a good idea to confirm the ingredient list and specify that you don't eat anything with animal byproducts.
The Templeton List
Created by James Templeton, a Stage 4 Melanoma cancer survivor, The Templeton List is a resource for finding trustworthy, vetted healthy restaurants across America. James Templeton experienced firsthand the challenge of finding quality restaurants and food sources when traveling and developed The Templeton List to help others easily find healthy dining options.
Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution
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