Richmond, Virginia, boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with an increasing number of restaurants catering to health-conscious diners. From establishments prioritizing local ingredients to those offering specialized menus for various dietary needs, Richmond provides a wealth of options for those seeking nutritious and delicious meals. This guide explores some of the best healthy food options Richmond has to offer, highlighting restaurants that focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients and innovative culinary approaches.
Clean Eatz: Healthy and Convenient
Located at 11801 West Broad St, Clean Eatz in Richmond stands out as a healthy food restaurant offering a variety of delicious and affordable options. With a focus on convenience, Clean Eatz provides a simple solution for those seeking healthy meals without the hassle of extensive preparation.
Menu Highlights
The dine-in café menu at Clean Eatz includes a diverse selection of items such as burgers, wraps, flatbreads, meltz, and customizable build-your-own bowls. Patrons can also enjoy protein smoothies and other healthy snacks. A key feature of Clean Eatz is the meal plan option, designed for easy consumption. Customers can place their orders online, pick up their meals, and conveniently heat and eat them at home. Most meals are under 500 calories, making it easy to manage caloric intake.
Additional Offerings
Beyond the café menu and meal plans, Clean Eatz in Richmond offers Grab ‘N’ Go meals for those on the move. They also provide catering services for various occasions, ensuring that healthy options are available for any event.
Lolita's: Traditional and Healthy Mexican Cuisine
Lolita's is dedicated to traditional, healthy preparation methods, such as nixtamalization and whole grain milling. They source their corn from Tamoa, working directly with small communities in Mexico to ensure quality and authenticity. Reviewers consistently praise the freshness and healthiness of the food.
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Dietary Accommodations
Lolita's offers both gluten-free (GF) and dairy-free (DF) options, making it an excellent choice for diners with specific dietary needs.
Amuse: Fine Dining with Fresh, Local Ingredients
Located at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Amuse is committed to using only the finest local ingredients. This dedication ensures that each dish is not only delicious but also supports local agriculture.
Menu Variety
Amuse is praised for its excellent vegetarian choices, gluten-free and dairy-free options, and creative takes on menu items. The restaurant's seasonal and farm-to-table approach guarantees freshness and variety in their dishes.
East Coast Provisions: American Fusion with a Focus on Freshness
Situated in the heart of Carytown, East Coast Provisions offers an inventive, approachable American Fusion menu. The restaurant specializes in shellfish, fresh fish, sushi, and steak, providing a diverse range of options for diners.
Atmosphere and Amenities
East Coast Provisions boasts a big-city feel with a sleek décor, multiple levels of exposed brick, two fireplaces, intimate rooms, and multiple bars. One of Richmond’s best outdoor patios enhances the dining experience. Convenient parking and reservations for parties of all sizes are available. The restaurant serves in the dining room and on the patio, with the patio being first-come, first-served due to weather conditions. A 20% gratuity is applied to parties of eight or more.
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The Hard Shell Restaurant: Seafood Excellence
With two locations, one in downtown Richmond's historic Shockoe Slip and another in Midlothian, The Hard Shell Restaurant is known for its fresh and local seafood. The restaurant features sleek booths, ample light, and a vibrant city feel.
Menu Highlights
The Hard Shell offers Richmond's widest variety of fresh and local seafood. Signature menu items include filet and lobster, shrimp and scallops, and lump crab cakes. Patio requests are honored when possible, but tables are first-come, first-served. Private dining and reservations are available. The dress code is casual.
TJ's at the Jefferson Hotel: Modern American Cuisine
TJ's is open Monday through Saturday for lunch, bar/lounge service, and dinner, also serving Sunday brunch. The restaurant features a full bar with local beer, cocktail, and wine lists, as well as beautiful patio dining.
Mission and Atmosphere
Since 1996, TJ's mission has been to effectively nourish body and soul while preserving the highest level of quality and value. The open kitchen and upscale atmosphere of eclectic, modern American cuisine are designed to provide tasteful fare in a casual, full-service environment.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Quality and Flavor
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and scratch kitchen. Reviewers consistently praise the delicious, well-cooked food and the restaurant's commitment to good service. The restaurant is also recognized for its fair pricing, making it an affordable choice.
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Additional Dining Options
Diverse Cuisine Choices
Richmond's culinary landscape includes a wide array of cuisine types, such as American, steakhouse, seafood, Mexican, vegetarian/vegan, and Mediterranean. This variety ensures that there is something to suit every palate and dietary preference.
Neighborhood Variety
The healthy food options are spread across various neighborhoods, including Midlothian and Carytown, providing convenient access for residents throughout Richmond.
Dining Options
Richmond restaurants offer diverse dining options, including delivery, takeout, seating at the bar, standard seating, high-top tables, and outdoor seating. Accessibility features like wheelchair access are also available at many locations.