New Orleans, a city celebrated for its vibrant culinary scene, is increasingly embracing health-conscious dining. While the city is known for its rich and indulgent cuisine, there are now numerous restaurants that cater to those seeking healthy and nutritious options. This article explores some of the best healthy food restaurants in New Orleans, highlighting their unique offerings and commitment to fresh, local ingredients.
The Rise of Healthy Dining in New Orleans
Most people don’t think of the words “healthy” or “nutritious” when they think of New Orleans, but the city of daiquiris and beignets has come a long way in recent years, and there are plenty of health-conscious spots on the New Orleans restaurant scene.
Eat Fit NOLA: A Health Initiative
Before diving into specific restaurants in New Orleans that serve healthy food, we need to mention the Eat Fit program, a health initiative founded by registered dietitian Molly Kimball through Ochsner Health. The Eat Fit team works with local restaurants to create delicious dishes that meet heart-healthy requirements while maintaining the taste and flavor New Orleans is known for. In New Orleans, we eat to live, and Eat Fit approved options never sacrifice on flavor, they just also happen to be nutritious! Ochsner’s Eat Fit nonprofit initiative includes a team of registered dietitians who collaborate with chefs across Louisiana to highlight nutritious, delicious meals for those who want to eat clean, watch their weight, and manage diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Eat Fit can be found in six regions throughout the state and boasts over 200 partner locations in the New Orleans area alone.
Healthy Breakfast and Brunch Spots
The Station
Location: 1100 N. Peters St.
Located in the historic French Market, this cafe specializes in heart-healthy breakfast options that cater to various dietary needs. The Station has become a leader in offering Eat Fit approved breakfast and bakery items. Their menu includes a variety of healthy morning options, from protein-packed breakfast bowls to gluten-free baked goods that meet Eat Fit criteria. They’ve proven that bakery items can be both health-conscious and delicious, with a particular focus on whole grain and sugar-alternative options.
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Ruby Slipper Cafe
Known for their popular breakfast and brunch offerings, Ruby Slipper Cafe has incorporated numerous Eat Fit approved options into their menu. Their healthy breakfast choices include egg white omelets, whole grain breads, and fresh fruit options.
The Daily Beet
Early risers flock to The Daily Beet for their fresh smoothie bowls, avocado toast variations, and healthy breakfast plates. Their morning menu emphasizes local ingredients and fresh produce, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available. This little downtown establishment serves up fresh salads, grain-bowls, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies with the option to add protein, which is a huge deal in my book.
Bearcat Cafe
I just adore this place! Bearcat’s breakfast menu shines with its “Good Cat” options, featuring healthy takes on morning classics. Half of the menu is “Good Cat” so think vegan and gluten-free alterations of classic New Orleans fare. The Vegan Bearcat or Mushroom Soft Scramble are highlights for me, and they make one of the best matcha lattes in town. I also love ordering their pre-made coconut cold brew or fresh juices, which come in cute reusable glass bottles. Split some crisp potatoes with the table - you won’t regret it.
Satsuma
Whether you find yourself way uptown or way down in the Bywater, there is a Satsuma to feed your soul. I love the tofu scrambles, and they sell in-house made cold-pressed juices to wash it all down. Both locations offer outdoor seating, so if you time your visit right, you can dine with the birds and watch the day go by.
Healthy Lunch Destinations
Green Fork
Green Fork has embraced the Eat Fit program while establishing itself as a destination for quick, nutritious meals. I love popping in here to get a salad, soup or entree from their takeaway section and a fresh juice. The paleo brussels sprouts salads is a favorite of mine. Their menu prominently features Eat Fit approved items, making it easy for health-conscious diners to find something they will enjoy.
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Poke Loa
Located on Magazine St. and Louisiana Ave., Poke Loa is the place for fresh eats. Your standard poke establishment, but this is a standout for a fresh, light and filling meal in an Uptown area that is swamped with heavier options like burgers, fried fish, nachos and red beans and rice.
Sneaky Pickle
The focus here is on fresh, local ingredients. The building recently caught on fire so they are under renovations but hosting pop-ups in the meantime, so follow them on Instagram to see the latest whereabouts or news.
Tal's Hummus
Welcome to Tal's Hummus!!!! We are a Quick Service restaurant offering a diverse selection of gourmet entrees & items. sing only the Freshest Ingredients - Tal's serves delicious Israeli-inspired food such as falafel, hummus, pita sandwiches, platters, kebabs, salads, and much much more! Our Mediterranean cuisine is healthy and fresh! Come visit us!
Healthy Dinner Options
Magasin Café
One glance at this Vietnamese menu and you’ll notice the little icons on the right that denote the dish is “EatFit Nola” approved. That means there is little to no refined sugar and the dish meets certain nutrient standards. I love the brown rice with grilled tofu and an egg on top. It’s a small corner shop, but airy and light and perfect for a casual dinner solo or with friends.
Saba
For a premium experience, head to Saba, Chef Alon Shaya’s most recent endeavor, and literally one of my favorite restaurants in the world. Known for its use of fresh ingredients and heart-healthy olive oil, Mediterranean food is naturally aligned with nutritious eating. Saba’s menu features a variety of vegetable-forward dishes, lean proteins, and whole grains. Their hummus and fresh pita are must-tries, offering a healthier alternative to many traditional New Orleans appetizers. Ask for the side of crudité to go with your hummus (not always on the menu but always available). But you’re going to want to ditch any carb rules for the night and indulge in the wood-fire oven baked pita bread. I love to order a smorgasbord of small plates from the “Salatim” section of the menu, along with one of the seasonal Hummus dips and a glass of wine. You won’t be disappointed.
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Seed
I’m slightly obsessed with this vegan eatery’s southern fried tofu “nuggets,” which are made with some magical gluten-free chickpea batter. Seed offers 100% plant-based Southern cuisine, reimagining New Orleans classics without animal products. Their menu includes vegan versions of gumbo, po’ boys, and even beignets. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond their menu to their eco-friendly business practices, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious diners. Their nachos and gumbo are also stand-outs on the menu.
Restaurants with Eat Fit Approved Options
Legacy Kitchen
Legacy Kitchen has fully embraced the Eat Fit program with a dedicated section of their menu featuring approved items. Their culinary team has successfully adapted classic New Orleans dishes to meet health standards while maintaining authentic flavors.
Copper Vine
Copper Vine has distinguished itself by offering an extensive selection of Eat Fit approved dishes in an elegant wine garden setting. Their menu features creative, health-conscious interpretations of classic dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood and locally-sourced produce.
Francesca
Francesca specializes in Italian cuisine with a healthy twist, offering numerous Eat Fit approved options. Their menu demonstrates how traditional Italian dishes can be adapted to meet nutritional guidelines without sacrificing authenticity or flavor.
Commander’s Palace
A New Orleans institution that has embraced healthy dining, Commander’s Palace offers several Eat Fit approved options that combine classic New Orleans flavors with heart-healthy choices. Their fresh seafood dishes, in particular, demonstrate how fine dining can be both luxurious and nutritious.
Fat Boys Pizza
Despite its name, Fat Boys Pizza has become a leader in offering healthy pizza options in New Orleans. They feature three different Eat Fit approved pizzas with gluten-free crust options. These pizzas are carefully crafted with lean proteins and abundant vegetables, proving that pizza can be both nutritious and delicious.
Zea Rotisserie & Bar
Zea Rotisserie & Bar offers a variety of Eat Fit approved options that demonstrate how traditional Louisiana flavors can be adapted for health-conscious diners. Their menu features lean rotisserie meats and fresh seafood dishes that meet the Eat Fit criteria.
Dat Dog
In business for 20 years, this low-key breakfast and lunch diner brings all the flavor. With four Eat Fit dog options like the Veggie Supreme and The Italian Garden you are sure to have a yummy time at Dat Dog.
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants
Max Well
Max Well is a plant-based restaurant that focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods. Their menu is free from refined sugars, offering instead a variety of colorful, flavorful dishes that celebrate vegetables in their purest form. From zucchini noodle pastas to superfood smoothie bowls, Max Well proves that vegan food can be both nourishing and delicious.
Kindred
A newer addition to the vegan scene, Kindred has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for creative plant-based cuisine. Their raw desserts and innovative main courses prove that healthy eating can be exciting and satisfying.
Restaurants with Gluten-Free Options
Mais Arepas
Mais Arepas is a hidden gem for gluten-free diners. Their entire menu is gluten-free, offering a variety of Colombian-inspired dishes.
GW Fins
GW Fins is known for its fresh seafood and accommodating approach to dietary restrictions. While their menu changes frequently based on the freshest catch available, they always offer gluten-free options.
Casamento’s
Casamento’s is a century-old seafood restaurant that inadvertently caters to gluten-free diners. Their award-winning fried oysters are coated in cornmeal instead of wheat flour, making them safe for those avoiding gluten.
Meals From the Heart Cafe
Meals From the Heart Cafe is a haven for gluten-free diners in the French Market.
Pizza Delicious
While pizza might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of healthy eating, Pizza Delicious offers gluten-free crust options that allow those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this beloved dish. Their toppings include plenty of vegetable options, allowing you to create a relatively healthy pizza.
Diverse and Healthy Options
Carmo
Carmo is a tropical cafe and bar that excels in offering innovative seafood dishes alongside numerous vegan and vegetarian options. Their menu draws inspiration from various world cuisines, resulting in unique, healthy dishes that cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability extends to their ingredients, many of which are sourced from local farms and fisheries.
True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen takes a holistic approach to healthy eating on Charles Ave. True Food Kitchen believes that the food you crave can also make you feel great. Our scratch-made, chef-crafted menu celebrates seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and proudly sourced produce and proteins, creating dishes that are as nourishing as they are crave-worthy. From 100% Grass-Fed Burgers, Pizzas made on an in-house fermented Sourdough Crust, perfectly curated Bowls & Salads, to vibrant cocktails and indulgent shareables, every dish is designed to spark togetherness, joy, and bold satisfaction. Whether you’re joining us for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, True Food Kitchen is the perfect place to connect, celebrate, and discover just how good real food can be. Their menu is based on Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet, offering a wide range of options for various dietary needs. From ancient grain bowls to grass-fed burgers, each dish is crafted to maximize nutritional value without compromising on taste. Their seasonal menu ensures that you’re always eating the freshest ingredients available.
Other Notable Options
Whole Foods & Rouses Markets
Whole Foods offers a wide selection of organic and natural foods, with many items bearing the Eat Fit seal. A local institution, Rouses Markets has embraced the Eat Fit program while maintaining their connection to local real food traditions. Their stores feature clearly marked Eat Fit approved items throughout, from prepared foods to grocery items.
Fresh Market
Fresh Market specializes in fresh, high-quality ingredients and offers many healthy prepared meals. Supporting local farmers while eating healthy is easy at these markets. You’ll find fresh, seasonal produce, local seafood, and artisanal healthy prepared foods. Many vendors offer organic options and are knowledgeable about their products’ nutritional benefits.
Coffee and More: Healthy Beverages
Cherry Espresso Bar
Cherry started as a pop-up in a local deli with a clear focus on the quality of the beans. When the Laurel Street location opened it became a spot I frequented because I just loved the vibes, and the coffee was stellar. The Laurel Street location resides in an old fire station that was renovated, so it has high ceilings and walls that feel like they could speak. They serve a yummy quinoa bowl filled with veggies in addition to a handful of other goodies, and as a milk alternative they offer oat milk, which happens to be a personal favorite.
MOJO Coffee House
Mojo on Magazine is a regular meeting spot / work spot for locals, and you can sometimes spot celebrities coming and going from this Lower Garden District coffee shop. They serve a great matcha, so they clearly make my list! They recently renovated and expanded the Magazine Street location, and now the menu boasts an assortment of Instagram-worthy smoothie bowls including a mermaid bowl and an acai bowl.
HiVolt
A hip and strange-looking little corner cafe that all of the locals have been addicted to since it came on the scene a few years ago. It was ahead of its time by New Orleans standards, and it continues to grow and adapt, keeping up nicely with the wellness trends. Now you can add CBD to any latte or drink, and they have a version of a bulletproof latte on the menu with butter and MCT oil. They serve matcha and turmeric lattes, the fridge is always stocked with kombucha, and HiVolt has more dairy-free options than honestly seems necessary, but I’m not complaining. Last I checked they were offering macadamia milk, almond milk, hemp milk, oat milk … and a few others that I can’t remember because, let’s be honest, that was plenty of alternatives to decide between. This is also a great spot for a quick protein-filled bite. My personal favorite is the Ozzy Bowl. Their smoothies are top notch as well. As a bonus, they are always playing great music. As for the scene, expect a mixture of locals taking meetings or working and tourists popping in and out for a drink to go.
Raw Republic
Fresh juices, smoothies, kelp and kale salads, and bulletproof coffees are all on the menu at this bright, shiny space on Magazine Street. This is my other favorite matcha latte in town - it features the adaptogens He Shou Wu and Astragalus along with pine pollen and mint. Swoon! Grab something made with their house-sprouted almond milk, then head upstairs to shop a curated selection of natural skincare products. Scope their Instagram ahead of time to see if there is a mediation, reiki, or some other magical experience taking place while you are there!
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