Finding healthy dining options can be challenging, especially when life gets busy. However, enjoying a meal out doesn't have to mean compromising your health goals. Austin offers a variety of restaurants that prioritize real, whole food ingredients, high-quality protein, anti-inflammatory oils, and minimal additives. This guide highlights some of the best healthy restaurants in North Austin, providing options for various dietary needs and preferences.
What Makes a Restaurant "Healthy"?
Before diving into the list, it's important to define what makes a restaurant "healthy" in this context. The restaurants featured here meet the following criteria:
- Real, whole food ingredients: Dishes are made with minimally processed, natural ingredients.
- High-quality protein options: Menus include lean meats, fish, and eggs.
- Anti-inflammatory oils: Restaurants primarily use oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
- Gluten-free options: Choices are available for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Minimal sugar, additives, and preservatives: Foods are prepared with as few artificial ingredients as possible.
- Reasonable prices: The restaurants offer good value for the quality of food.
- Delicious taste: Above all, the food is enjoyable and satisfying.
Featured Healthy Restaurants in Austin
1. True Food Kitchen
Inspired by the anti-inflammatory food pyramid and founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, True Food Kitchen offers a seasonal, nutrient-rich menu that caters to various dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, keto, and paleo. It's an excellent choice for a balanced meal with family, on a date, or dining solo.
Recommended Dishes: Tuna poke bowl or the teriyaki quinoa bowl (add chicken).
2. Civil Goat
While known for its delicious coffee, Civil Goat is also a hidden gem for a tasty, balanced breakfast. With outdoor seating at both the Guadalupe and Manor locations, it's a great spot to enjoy a relaxing morning.
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Recommended Dish: Soft scramble with avocado and a half-caf flat white. The avocado toast with a poached egg is also a popular choice.
3. Local Foods
Local Foods focuses on bringing farm-fresh produce to the table, ensuring flavorful and high-quality dishes. It's perfect for a quick, healthy lunch that doesn't compromise on taste.
Recommended Dishes: Summer harvest salad, poke bowl, or gluten-free crunchy chicken sandwich with kale salad and watermelon.
4. Honest Mary’s
Honest Mary’s prides itself on offering life-giving “fast food.” Their build-your-own-bowl option allows you to choose from various whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh veggies, complemented by their incredible house-made sauces.
Recommended Dish: Grilled chicken bowl with arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted beets, crispy chickpeas, avocado, and creamy poblano sauce. Adding pumpkin seeds provides a satisfying crunch and extra magnesium.
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5. Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon
Fresa’s takes wood-grilled chicken to the next level, offering a vibrant, Mexican flair to their dishes. The lively outdoor patio with string lights adds to the enjoyable atmosphere.
Recommended Dishes: Chips with their special guacamole (featuring green apple and mint) and a power bowl.
6. The Well
The Well is a top pick for a healthy, sit-down restaurant experience in Austin. With a completely gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, refined-sugar free, and non-GMO menu, it's an excellent option for those with food sensitivities and health challenges.
Recommended Dishes: Guacamole and ceviche appetizers, beet salad, and coconut curry squash with chicken. The breakfast tacos are a must-try for breakfast or brunch.
7. Koriente
Koriente offers Asian-inspired food that’s fresh and on the lighter side. They use minimally processed ingredients and house-fermented kimchi, which is great for gut health.
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Recommended Dishes: Obake bowl with chicken or miso glazed salmon.
8. Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen has become a favorite for salads and bowls, emphasizing the use of anti-inflammatory olive oil. You can choose a ready-made signature dish or build your own bowl with your preferred protein, veggies, toppings, and sauces.
Recommended Dish: Greens and grains bowl with arugula and wild rice, basil, chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, goat cheese, blackened chicken, and pesto vinaigrette. The autumn harvest bowl (add chicken for protein) is also a great option.
9. Cabo Bob’s
Cabo Bob’s is committed to fresh, high-quality ingredients at an affordable price. Their tortillas are made on-site, protein options are wood-grilled without additives, and they use grass-fed beef and fresh, never-frozen chicken breast.
Recommended Dish: Chicken bowl with white rice, black beans, zucchini & squash, lettuce, cilantro, tomatillo salsa, mango pico, guacamole, and lime juice.
10. Picnik
Picnik’s entire menu is gluten-, soy-, and refined sugar-free, using only healthy cooking oils like cold-pressed avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil. They offer both healthy, balanced meals and indulgent options.
Recommended Dishes: Harvest bowl or a burger with crispy Brussels sprouts.
11. Two Hands
Two Hands is an Australian-inspired café that focuses on ethically sourced ingredients. Located on South Congress, it's perfect for brunch before shopping or after a stroll around Town Lake.
Recommended Dishes: Seasonal scramble for breakfast, salmon quinoa bowl for lunch or dinner.
12. Modern Market Eatery
Their menu is packed with fresh, organic ingredients and the bright, welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a casual, healthy meal. Their salads and wraps are ideal for a light lunch, while the heartier bowls and entrées make a great dinner option.
13. Better Half
Better Half is an award-winning all-day café in downtown Austin with ample outdoor seating and tasty coffee. They use locally sourced ingredients, resulting in fresh, light, and flavorful food.
Recommended Dishes: Burrata with smoked chicken or the big salad (half size) with smoked chicken.
14. Cenote
Cenote is a cozy, laid-back spot in a converted house on the Eastside, featuring a spacious and welcoming patio. They offer gluten-free bread, allowing sandwiches to be easily made gluten-free.
Recommended Dishes: Cenote scramble for breakfast, and a veggie sandwich with chicken or turkey for lunch.
15. KG BBQ
KG BBQ combines classic Texas barbecue with bold Middle Eastern flavors, offering tender smoked chicken thighs paired with herb-packed sides.
Recommended Dish: The chicken rice bowl.
Bonus Spots
1. Nourished ATX (Food Truck)
This food truck is a hidden gem on South Congress, offering locally and regeneratively sourced, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined-sugar free, and organic menu items.
Recommended Dishes: Breakfast tacos or the nourish bowl with chicken.
2. People’s Pharmacy
People’s Pharmacy is not just a pharmacy; it also offers quick, healthy lunch options like chicken salad (made without inflammatory oils) and beet & citrus salad.
Recommended Dishes: Chicken salad and beet & citrus salad.
3. Gati
Gati specializes in gluten-free and dairy-free ice cream made with wholesome ingredients, providing a balanced approach to indulging in desserts.
Recommended Dishes: Chocolate or mint chip ice cream for a classic choice, and Thai basil for something different.
4. SNAP Kitchen
SNAP Kitchen offers ready-made meals crafted with whole ingredients and balanced macros, making it a lifesaver for busy days. Everything is gluten-free, with keto, paleo, vegetarian, and vegan options available.
Recommended Dishes: Bison quinoa bowl with peppers and onions, chicken Caesar wrap, or blackened shrimp with quinoa grits.
5. Sour Duck Market
They offer a variety of options from pastries to salads. They also use seasonal ingredients to ensure the best quality and flavor.
6. Blenders & Bowls
Center yourself with a gentle yoga class or get your sweat on with power yoga at Wanderlust Yoga. Then refuel with a nutritious smoothie, acai bowl or build-your-own oatmeal at Blenders & Bowls.
Tips for Healthy Eating Out
If you don't want to choose the recommended menu items, here are some general tips for ordering healthy meals:
- Choose meals with high-quality protein, vegetables, and unprocessed carbohydrates.
- Ask to substitute sides for veggies.
- Don't be afraid to request modifications to make existing menu items healthier.
Additional Healthy Restaurant Options in Austin
- Casa de Luz
- Swedish Hill
- Pho Please
- FoodHeads
- Elizabeth Street Cafe
- Bouldin Creek Cafe
- Veracruz Fonda and Bar
- Aster’s Ethiopian
- Oseyo Lunch
- Proud Mary
- P Thai’s
- ATX Food Co.
- Vinaigrette
tags: #healthy #restaurants #north #austin