There are few cities in the world as well known for their healthy restaurants as Los Angeles.
As a health coach at Parsley Health in LA, I’m always scoping out the best places to eat good, real food in the area, for both myself and our members. Luckily, the options are plentiful. Here are our favorite healthy restaurants in LA where you don’t have to sacrifice taste for wellness.
1. Flower Child
Flower Child is a sugar-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free restaurant with locations in Santa Monica, Del Mar, and (coming soon!) Newport Beach, makes everything from scratch, using super fresh and locally sourced ingredients. They have plenty of options to match any palate, including vegan, paleo, and more!
My Pick: Glow Bowl with a glass of kombucha on tap!
2. Tocaya Organica
Modern, organic Mexican food is the name of the game at Tocaya Organica. They offer healthy interpretations of classic street food favorites and can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. They are committed to offering locally sourced, sustainable, and real ingredients. Tocaya Organica is adding a level of sophistication to the ‘fast casual’ dining setting. They currently have locations in Venice, La Jolla, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Playa Vista, Century City, El Segundo, Scottsdale, Westwood, and are still expanding!
My Pick: Baja tacos with the catch of the day or Tocaya Salad
3. Kye’s
Question: what do you get when you cross molecular biology, traditional Chinese medicine, and spiritual psychology? Answer: Delicious, healthy, kid-friendly fare! Named for her son with a picky palate and food sensitivities, Kye’s offers delicious, nourishing, and portable food for busy LA days.
My Pick: Bulgogi Kyerito with Grass-fed beef
4. Honey Hi
Honey Hi takes food sourcing very seriously- even going out of their way to utilize “ugly” produce that would have otherwise been thrown away. Every item is refined sugar and gluten free and they never use vegetable oils. They have everything from bone broths for sipping to massaman curry. The best part? They serve breakfast all day.
My Pick: Soft scrambled eggs on their gluten-free sourdough bread topped with avocado and heritage-breed bacon.
5. True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen is a unique spot in Santa Monica was founded on the idea that simple, real foods should make you feel better. They select and prepare foods to counteract chronic inflammation, and they do it in a beautiful and delicious way! They even host yoga + brunch events on weekends! Nama-slay a Sunrise Bowl!
My Pick: Mauritius Island Redfish
6. Sweetfin
Sweetfin is California-inspired poke concept that prioritizes fresh, local produce and sustainable fish. Their restaurant is 100% gluten free with great vegetarian and vegan options. What really pushes Sweetfin ahead of other poke places in LA is their innovative toppings like wasabi-toasted coconut and blistered shishito peppers to name just two. It’s a unique experience and a great, Parsley-approved option.
My Pick: Gochujang Salmon bowl
7. Wolf
Much like how a wolf will consume every edible part of its catch, Wolf restaurant in West Hollywood practices zero-waste cooking. The atmosphere is elegant, yet timeless and the rotating menu focuses on seasonal, organic ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. Wolf is committed to utilizing every edible part of a product- from seed to stalk and nose to tail.
My Pick: Kaled-It appetizer followed by the Ora King Salmon entree.
8. Forage
Many restaurants will rotate menus seasonally, but Forage takes menu rotation to the next level- Chef Kim changes her menu DAILY based on her farmers market finds! It doesn’t get more fresh or local than that! You can stop in for a quick lunch or linger over a long, leisurely dinner, either way, you’ll leave feeling nourished and happy.
My Pick: Organic Free Range Roasted Chicken
9. M Cafe
M Cafe is a macrobiotic cafe with three locations (Melrose, Beverly Hills, and Brentwood). They do not use refined sugar, eggs, dairy, red meat, or poultry in any of their dishes and choose organic, non-GMO soy and the highest quality sushi grade fish. Think brunch is only a weekend indulgence? Think again. M Cafe has brunch every day (you have to try the Matcha Granola with coconut yogurt!). Their menu “emphasizes balance and joy, and celebrates the health of the body, the mind, and the planet.”
My Pick: The M Chopped Salad
10. The Pikey
If a British pub doesn’t come to mind when you’re trying to eat healthy- you’re not alone! The Pikey is a healthy British gastropub out to change that perception.They serve fresh, organic produce and organic, free-range meat as well! Not everything on their menu is 100% Parsley approved (we’re looking at you, thrice-cooked chips), but there is plenty that is! Cheers!
My Pick: Grilled Scallops with Warm Greens and Crushed Potatoes
This post originally appeared on the Parsley Health blog. All content was created by me.