Where to eat a healthy lunch in New York City?
Looking for a healthy lunch option that's not a Sweetgreen? Keep on reading...
One of the most common questions I get: where to eat a healthy lunch? While many of us are still working from home, most are tired of cooking. Lunch is a great opportunity to get up from your desk and get some fresh air. You don’t always have to eat home cooked meals to be healthy. Eating lunch out 2-3 times a week could be a fun way to get a few steps in, meet up with a fiend, or just spoil yourself a little.
Here are my top five locations that are fun and healthy at the same time.
1. Le Botaniste
With four locations in New York, this restaurant is a great option for a healthy lunch date, independent of where in the city you live. Their motto is “Food is Medicine” and while I disagree with the statement, their food definitely will help you stay on top of your health.
They serve plant-based food and have a great selection of natural wines if you are looking to truly spoil yourself. My favorite bowls are the Magic Miso Soup and the Vegetable Tajine. The Vegetable Roll is a great snack to take with you for later in the day or have as a side, depending on how hungry you are.
2. Little Beet Table
This healthy lunch spot is located on Park Ave and serves a lot of deliciously satisfying options. It's nice enough for a business meeting or just dining in by yourself.
The Sunflower Seed Hummus is a delicious snack to try. As for lunch, I love the Crispy Salmon or Beet and Kale Salad with Baked Beet Falafel added for extra protein. Most of their options are great though so order whatever sounds good to you.
3. Honeybrains
This restaurant sells foods that are meant to help your brain stay healthy. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend buying into their supplements but the dishes are high in omega 3 fatty acids, whole grains, fiber and many other nutrients that are beneficial for your overall health. They have four locations in New York, which makes this a convenient option.
For your daily dose of seafood, go for the Dr. Smoked Salmon Toast or a Daily Catch Bowl. If you are looking for a veggie option, you can also try the Rainbow Garden Salad. If you are craving something sweet that is still good for you, they have a Market Berry Bowl served with honey and herbs that hits the spot!
4. Bluestione Lane
The Aussie cafe seems like just another chain but it’s one of my favorite places to get a healthy meal and meet with friends. They are very low-key but the food exceeds expectations. With almost 20 location in the city, a few in New Jersey, one in Montauk, Westchester and in Brooklyn, this coffee shop is super accessible.
My home location is the cafe on 55 Greenwich Ave and I usually order the Rainbow Bowl or Wrap or the Avocado Smash which is available all day. By the way, their Banana Bread is one of the best I’ve had at a coffee shop. They also make one of my favorite Turmeric Lattes.
5. Malibu Farm
Malibu Farm is located in Seaport and serves amazing, healthy dishes with a great view over the river. Their food is farm-to-table and is made with whole wheat flours and whole grains. The dishes served are also heavy on veggies.
Their Cauliflower Pizza is definitely worth a try, even though I believe pizza should always be made with real flour. Another great option is the Tofu Coconut Curry. If ordering a salad here, make sure you order a high protein add-on such as tofu, chicken or shrimp. While their food is delicious, light and healthy, some options are lacking sufficient protein. This could leave you feeling hungry and craving sweets later in the day! And if you do go for something sweet, try the Apple Crisp.
6. Bonus: Café Kitsuné
This small cafe is a bonus because it has a quite limited menu. But it is still one of my favorite places to go for a relaxed lunch break. Just a small warning: they are a laptop free cafe and religiously follow through on this rule, so take a book or note pad with you!
They serve a range of delicious salads and small bites that you can enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of natural wine. The West Village location is also great for some people watching and you can pop into the Maison Kitsuné shop afterwards for some shopping.
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