Finding a Healthy Food Restaurant Near Me can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Craving a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your health goals? You’re not alone. Luckily, Austin boasts a vibrant culinary scene with plenty of options for nutritious and delicious dining. This guide, curated by a Registered Dietitian and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, highlights 15 top-rated healthy restaurants in Austin, plus 6 bonus spots for healthy treats and grab-and-go meals.
Austin’s Healthiest Eats: Where Flavor Meets Wellness
Forget sad salads and bland veggie burgers. These Austin gems prioritize real, whole-food ingredients, high-quality protein, anti-inflammatory oils, and minimal sugar and additives. Many also offer gluten-free options. Whether you’re craving a hearty bowl, a juicy burger, or global flavors, this list has you covered.
1. True Food Kitchen: Anti-Inflammatory Fine Dining
Inspired by Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid, True Food Kitchen offers a seasonal menu catering to various dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, keto, paleo). Enjoy the Tuna poke bowl or Teriyaki quinoa bowl (add chicken) in their beautiful Seaholm location.
2. Civil Goat: Healthy Breakfast Haven
Beyond their renowned coffee, Civil Goat serves up a delicious and balanced breakfast. Savor the Soft scramble with avocado alongside a half-caf flat white, or try the popular Avocado toast with a poached egg. Enjoy their cozy indoor space or relax on their outdoor patio.
3. Local Foods: Farm-Fresh Flavors
Local Foods champions farm-to-table dining with dishes bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors. Their Poke bowl is a must-try, and their gluten-free bread allows for customizable sandwiches. Don’t miss the Summer harvest salad or Crunchy chicken sandwich with kale salad and watermelon.
4. Honest Mary’s: Life-Giving Fast Food
Honest Mary’s redefines fast food with their signature bowls and build-your-own options. Choose from whole grains, lean proteins, fresh veggies, and incredible house-made sauces. Customize your Grilled chicken bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, beets, crispy chickpeas, and creamy poblano sauce.
5. Fresa’s: Mexican Flair with a Healthy Twist
Fresa’s elevates wood-grilled chicken with vibrant Mexican flavors. Enjoy their lively outdoor patio while indulging in their special guacamole (with green apple and mint) and a Power bowl.
6. The Well: Elevated Health-Conscious Dining
The Well offers a splurge-worthy experience with a completely gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, refined-sugar-free, and non-GMO menu. Savor their Guacamole, Ceviche, Beet salad, or Coconut curry squash with chicken. Their commitment to locally-sourced, organic ingredients shines through in every dish. Don’t miss their breakfast tacos for brunch.
7. Koriente: Fresh and Light Asian-Inspired Cuisine
Koriente focuses on minimally processed ingredients and house-fermented kimchi. Customize your Obake bowl with chicken or miso-glazed salmon, adding broccoli, avocado, or other healthy additions. Swap rice for extra veggies for an even lighter meal.
8. Sweetgreen: Customizable Salads and Bowls
Sweetgreen’s commitment to anti-inflammatory olive oil elevates their customizable salads and bowls. Create your own Greens and grains bowl with arugula, wild rice, blackened chicken, and pesto vinaigrette. Or try their signature Autumn harvest bowl.
9. Cabo Bob’s: Healthy Fast Food Done Right
Cabo Bob’s proves healthy fast food is possible. Their wood-grilled proteins, fresh tortillas, and house-made salsas and guacamole are made with no additives or preservatives. Try the Chicken bowl with all the fixings.
10. Picnik: Gluten-Free and Indulgent Options
Picnik’s entirely gluten-, soy-, and refined sugar-free menu caters to various dietary needs while offering indulgent options like crispy chicken tenders and a bison breakfast sandwich. Try the Harvest bowl or a Burger with crispy Brussels.
11. Two Hands: Australian-Inspired Cafe with Ethically Sourced Ingredients
Two Hands offers a bright and cheery atmosphere with a focus on ethically sourced ingredients. Enjoy their Seasonal scramble for breakfast or the Salmon quinoa bowl for lunch/dinner. Don’t forget their famous Banana walnut bread with espresso mascarpone.
12. Flower Child: Feel-Good Food with Organic Ingredients
Flower Child’s fresh, organic ingredients and welcoming atmosphere make it a go-to for healthy and delicious meals. Try the Mediterranean chicken kebab bowl or the Mother earth bowl with chicken (sub ancient grains for extra sweet potato if gluten-free).
13. Better Half: Award-Winning Cafe with Local Flavors
Better Half boasts a cozy atmosphere, tasty coffee, and a menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy their Burrata with smoked chicken or the Big salad with smoked chicken.
14. Cenote: Laid-Back Vibes and Gluten-Free Options
Cenote offers a cozy atmosphere in a converted house with a spacious patio. Their gluten-free bread makes it easy to enjoy sandwiches and burgers. Try the Cenote scramble for breakfast or a Veggie sandwich with chicken or turkey for lunch.
15. KG Barbeque: Texas BBQ with a Middle Eastern Twist
KG Barbeque combines classic Texas barbecue with bold Middle Eastern flavors. Enjoy their smoked chicken thighs with healthy sides like tomato cucumber salad and Mediterranean rice. The Chicken rice bowl is a flavorful and satisfying option.
Bonus Bites: Healthy Treats and Grab-and-Go Options
1. Nourished ATX: Locally-Sourced Food Truck Fare
This food truck offers locally and regeneratively sourced, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined-sugar-free meals. Try their Breakfast tacos or the Nourish bowl with chicken. They’re open Thursday-Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM.
2. People’s Pharmacy: Healthy Grab-and-Go Meals
People’s Pharmacy offers healthy lunch options like their Chicken salad (made without inflammatory oils) and their Beet & citrus salad. Combine both for a balanced meal on the go.
3. Maaribu: Gluten-Free Dessert Heaven
Maaribu’s entirely gluten-free menu offers delicious and moist desserts without being overly sweet. Indulge in their Coffee cake muffin, Matcha cheesecake, or Peanut butter cookie.
4. SNAP Kitchen: Ready-Made Meals for Busy Days
SNAP Kitchen provides ready-made meals with whole ingredients and balanced macros. They offer gluten-free, keto, paleo, vegetarian, and vegan options. Try the Bison quinoa bowl, Chicken Caesar wrap, or Blackened shrimp with quinoa grits.
5. Gati Ice Cream: Guilt-Free Indulgence
Gati Ice Cream offers gluten-free and dairy-free ice cream made with five wholesome ingredients, including a creamy coconut milk base. Enjoy classic flavors like Chocolate or Mint chip, or try something unique like Thai basil.
These Austin restaurants prove that healthy eating can be both delicious and convenient. Next time you’re searching for a “healthy food restaurant near me,” explore these options for a truly satisfying meal.
