In today's fast-paced world, finding a quick and healthy meal can often feel like a trade-off. However, Pensacola boasts a variety of restaurants that prioritize both health and taste, proving that you don't have to sacrifice one for the other. The trend of embracing healthful foods has been adopted by many local restaurants, and several meal prep companies have emerged to help individuals stay on track with their weekly dietary goals. While drive-thrus might not be an option at these establishments, many offer online ordering, and calling ahead for pickup is always a convenient alternative.
Diverse Options for Health-Conscious Diners
Pensacola's healthy food scene offers a diverse range of options to cater to various dietary needs and preferences. From vegan cafes to restaurants with gluten-free options, there's something for everyone looking to enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal.
Meal Prep Services
For those seeking convenience and structured meal planning, Pensacola offers meal prep services like Primal Nosh and Clean Eatz.
Primal Nosh
Located at 3810 Barrancas Ave., Primal Nosh operates primarily as a meal prep service, providing the Pensacola area with a weekly menu. Customers can order meals starting at approximately $7.29 for a small breakfast and up to $12.29 for lunch and dinner options. Subscriptions offer a slight discount. For those seeking a one-time meal, Primal Nosh has grab-and-go locations at 3810 Barrancas Ave. in Pensacola and 4851 W. Spencer Field Road (inside Fixed on Fitness) in Pace.
Clean Eatz
Similar to Primal Nosh, Clean Eatz is a restaurant and meal prep business, although it is not locally owned. Located on Navy Blvd., Clean Eatz provides numerous ways to customize your experience. You can dine in at the café, or choose from grab-and-go meals, snacks, and smoothies. Meals are priced in five-meal increments, with the most expensive option being around $8.20 per meal. Clean Eatz offers a dine-in cafe menu with burgers, wraps, flatbreads, meltz, build-your-own bowls, and smoothies. Online orders can be placed for pickup, making meal preparation simple: just heat and eat. The majority of meals contain fewer than 500 calories. In addition to café meals and meal plans, Clean Eatz in Pensacola offers healthy options include Grab ‘N’ Go meals, protein smoothies, healthy snacks, and catering for all occasions.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Restaurants with Healthful Choices
Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe
With locations at 315 W. Garden St. and 1000 E. Nine Mile Road, Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe combines a grocery store specializing in healthful foods with a café offering a constantly changing menu suitable for various meal plans. Both locations feature hot bars with weekly menus divided into main foods, vegan foods, and vegetarian foods, including options like beef taco casserole, spicy kale, and easy macaroni and cheese.
First Watch
Located at 1670 E. Nine Mile Road, Suite A, First Watch is an award-winning restaurant known for its freshly prepared traditional and innovative dishes. The menu includes breakfast and brunch options with rotating seasonal dishes, as well as organic, gluten-free, and vegetarian choices to accommodate diverse dietary needs. The seasonal menu features items like a modern croque madame, brisket corned beef hash, and pomegranate pear punch.
South Market
Since its move to Gregory Street, South Market (905 E. Gregory St.) has undergone changes, including a new chef, menu, and space, while maintaining its commitment to quality. The restaurant offers allergy-friendly menu items, with an expanded selection of steak and seafood options.
End of the Line Cafe
End of the Line Cafe, located at 610 E. Wright St., is Pensacola’s popular vegan café. The café focuses on serving fresh, healthy, and homemade meals, and also features a full coffee bar with specialty drinks. End of the Line sources its ingredients locally, prioritizing organic and non-GMO options. Gluten-free choices are also abundant.
Jo’s…as always
Located at 501 N. Ninth Ave. on the grounds of Duh, a local interior design store, Jo’s…as always is a cozy café offering light sandwiches and salads. Menu items include a muffaletta rendition, California BLT, and chicken tortilla salad.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Cottage Café
Cottage Café, situated at 203 W. Gregory St. next to the Pensacola Victorian Bed and Breakfast, is a small café in the original carriage house. The menu features freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, wraps, and quiche, with homemade chili available from October 1 to March 1.
Carmen’s Lunch Bar & Tapas
Located at 407 S. Palafox St. B, next to Bodacious, Carmen’s Lunch Bar & Tapas is a transparent lunch bar offering gluten-free options and clearly listing allergens for each meal. Lunch menu items include chicken tikka masala and stracotto slow-roasted beef.
Nomadic Eats
Nomadic Eats, a food truck located at 9 E. Gregory St., keeps its menu simple with rice bowls and tacos. Rice bowls include coconut jasmine rice, black beans, pickled onion, salsa roja, lime verde, fried shallot, and a choice of protein or vegan substitute. Hot chicken tacos with similar ingredients are also available.
Bodacious Café
Located at 407 S. Palafox St., The Bodacious Shops features a coffee shop and café on the bottom floor and a kitchen wares store and event space for classes on the second.
George Bistro + Bar
George Bistro + Bar is driven by a passion to create exceptionally humble, ingredient-driven food, coffees, and cocktails. Pearl & Horn is the latest concept from Chef George & Luba Lazi. The restaurant offers a masterfully crafted menu, exceptional service, and a relatable modern space with Southern charm.
Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution
Other Options to Consider
Pensacola also offers many other options to consider, these options include Upscale Pensacola: Six fine dining restaurants that lets patrons enjoy finer things in life and Vegan eats: How vegan-friendly is Pensacola? Friendlier than you’d think.
tags: #healthy #food #restaurants #Pensacola