Washington, D.C., once known for power lunches of steak and martinis, has evolved into a hub for health-conscious dining. The rise of boutique chains and restaurants emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients has transformed the city's culinary landscape. Here's a guide to some of the best healthy restaurants in D.C., offering options that cater to various dietary needs and preferences, from vegan sushi to farm-to-table fare.
Flower Child
Flower Child is a national chain committed to providing healthy and satisfying meals. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations, Flower Child offers a menu packed with nutritious options that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen, with multiple locations, takes nutritious eating seriously. Founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the restaurant's menu focuses on making people feel better through better food. It features a variety of colorful dishes, including Korean noodle bowls and quinoa burgers, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. True Food Kitchen believes that the food you crave can also make you feel great, offering scratch-made, chef-crafted dishes that are as nourishing as they are crave-worthy. The restaurant is a perfect place to connect, celebrate, and discover just how good real food can be, whether for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. They offer gluten-free and vegetarian options, and customers often report feeling great after eating here.
Chaia Tacos
Chaia Tacos, with locations in Georgetown and Chinatown, offers inventive vegetarian tacos with an eye toward sustainability. The restaurant uses local farms and seasonal produce to create unique fillings served in house-made soft corn tortillas. Diners can enjoy fillings like creamy kale and potato, rainbow carrot, and braised mushroom, all prepared in big cast-iron pots. Chaia exudes light and airy positive vibes paired with "farm to taco" fare. Their sustainable focus pays homage to local producers with delightful combinations like roasted butternut squash with goat cheese, chipotle yogurt, and mint pressed between a corn tortilla.
DIRT
Straight from Miami’s trendy Sunset Harbor neighborhood, DIRT aims to provide nutritious but satisfying food at an affordable price.
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&pizza
&pizza offers customizable pizzas made with fresh ingredients, catering to various dietary preferences with options for different crusts, sauces, and toppings.
Gregorio's Trattoria
Gregorio's Trattoria is a healthy Italian eatery that uses locally grown ingredients. Their menu features fresh salads like the 'Garden' and 'Antipasto Salad' with healthy ingredients like spring greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. They also offer a 'Gluten Free Menu' and dishes like 'Salmon alla Griglia' that are cooked in a light garlic-oil. Reviews rave about the consistently good food and the fact that it's not too heavy.
Founding Farmers
Founding Farmers is a full-service restaurant and bar majority-owned by American family farmers. With a focus on providing guests with the freshest, highest quality ingredients, the restaurant offers all-American and farmhouse classics with modern interpretations. They are supplied daily by hundreds of family farms and offer many vegetarian options, and their servers can recommend options for vegan guests, making modifications whenever possible.
Härth
Härth, located in Tysons Corner/McLean, offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere centered around a wood-burning oven. The restaurant sources seasonal food and drinks from local partners, providing a contemporary American dining experience elevated by an international culinary team.
Matchbox
Matchbox Reston Station, situated near the Wiehle-Reston East metro station, welcomes guests with great food, refreshing drinks, and an energetic vibe. The restaurant offers a place to take a break from work, catch up with friends, or enjoy time with family, with a menu featuring 3.6.9 mini burgers, pizzas, and chef-crafted dishes.
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Nostos
Nostos is a fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant that couples the freshness of traditional Greek cuisine with a modern white-washed atmosphere. The restaurant's healthy menu has guaranteed returning customers and consists of daily fresh fish, popular lamb dishes, and several vegetarian selections. The Aegean-inspired airy ambiance makes Nostos a romantic choice for a date night, while private room options make it ideal for special parties or corporate events.
Planta Queen DC
Planta Queen DC, located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, is a 100% plant-based vegan restaurant offering innovative Asian-inspired cuisine. The restaurant features a creative menu with vegan sushi, nigiri, hand rolls, handhelds, pasta, and seasonal bowls, all served in a vibrant, sustainable setting. Planta Queen offers many gluten-free options, including gluten-free sushi rolls. Guest favorites include the Bang Bang Broccoli, Udon Noodles, Spicy Tuna Roll, Planta Burger, Unagi Eggplant Nigiri, and Beef & Broccoli. The menu also features delicious plant-based desserts, including a Matcha Cheesecake (gluten-free) and Banana Pudding. Planta Queen is designed for everyone-from committed vegans to curious food lovers- and offers a vibe that’s both intimate and impressive, perfect for a night out. They also offer a dedicated kids’ menu and a popular happy hour.
Other Notable Options
- Locavore Restaurants: Many restaurants embrace the "locavore" concept, using locally grown foods whenever possible.
- Michelin-Starred Gravitas: Chef Matt Baker's Gravitas highlights farm-to-table fare from the Chesapeake Bay watershed in a modern space.
- The Red Hen: This restaurant offers an affordable, Italian-infused menu with pasta dishes and seafood options.
- Silver Diner: Silver Diner delivers a classic diner experience with diverse gluten-free, vegetarian, and plant-based options made from locally sourced ingredients.
Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution
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