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“What are your favorite healthy eating spots in New York?” – that’s the question I most often receive from my community on Instagram and blog.
Having lived in New York for the past five years and living and breathing all things acai bowls, matcha and avocado toast, here’s a roundup of my 9 favorite healthy eating spots in New York, plus 9 honorable mentions!
1.Sweetgreen – various locations in NYC & Brooklyn, see sweetgreen.com
I’ve always said that sweetgreen has the best kale, and I stand by it.
Shaking up the concept of fast food, it brings farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients to make the most nourishing, delicious seasonal salads and warm grain bowls. Think roasted curry cauliflower, brussel sprouts and sweet potato in the fall, and local watermelon, peaches and microgreens in the summer, tossed with flavorful dressings (like my favorite spicy cashew dressing that marries creaminess of cashews and tahini with a spicy kick).
Great for casual and filling lunch and dinner!
2. Juice Press – various locations in NYC & Brooklyn, see juicepress.com
*vegan
SMOOTHIE TIP: Juice Press is my go-to for delicious smoothies made from organic ingredients. Pick one up from the fridge, have it made on the spot from the menu (“Nurse Ginger Greene” and “Harvey Wallbanger” are my favorites), or make your own and add my favorite secret menu item: coconut meat. It will add creaminess and healthy fats for glowing skin and hair.
BREAKFAST TIP: If you get the chia pudding or overnight oats, ask for a free side of their wild berry jam. It’s heavenly!
LUNCH TIP: Their organic hot soups change daily and are absolutely delicious. My favorites are butternut squash quinoa and “Souper Greens”. Some locations also have custom salad bars with great greens, veggies (get the tahini dressing!)
3. Beyond Sushi – various locations in NYC, see beyondsushinyc.com
*vegan
Beyond Sushi is one of my go-to lunch spots. They’ve nailed rice paper rolls – try the “Nutty Buddy” with greens, soba noodles, jalapeño peanut butter, carrots, cashews, avocado, and baked tofu.
I also love their soups like coconut curry and miso. Black rice bed bowls are fantastic too. My pick is the “Zen” bowl with avocado, portabella, cashews, cucumber and mango.
Don’t skip the dessert! The sweet potato brownie and coconut oat round are yummy.
4. Hu Kitchen – 78 5th Ave, New York, NY hukitchen.com
*paleo
Hu Kitchen’s pick your own adventure food bar is one of my favorite spots for a weekday dinner. They have wonderful soups, delicious paleo kale ceasar, and the most outstanding almond crusted chicken nuggets.
It’s also great for breakfast: try the coconut “Jerdy Cakes” (pancakes) served with berries, maple syrup and coconut cream, or go savory with their breakfast burrito – eggs and roasted veggies in a paleo wrap. Hu Kitchen also has great oatmeal bowls with pick-your-own toppings.
Not to forget dessert! The almond butter cacao balls in the fridge section are to die for, so is the iconic Hu Kitchen chocolate with puffed quinoa. Get it with a bulletproof coffee or a matcha latte.
5. Little Choc Apothecary – 141 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn, NY chocny.com
*gluten free, vegetarian
If you’re into crepes, you’re in for a treat at Little Choc Apothecary, a cute cafe tucked away in Brooklyn. Their gluten-free crepes are thick, chewy and satisfying. Go savory with “Room For Mushroom” (Herb roasted mushrooms, spinach, walnuts, tahini basil sauce), or sweet with fillings like Newtella (homemade hazelnut spread), Raw Berry Chia Jam and Peanut Butter.
As the name suggests, they also have an array of medicinal blends like Golden Power, Little Choc’s version of Golden Mylk with turmeric root, orange peel, ginger, black pepper and cardamom.
PRO tip: This is a great place to work on your computer!
6. Inday – 1133 Broadway, New York, NY indaynyc.com
*gluten free
Even though Inday – a mindful, modern, gluten-free twist on Indian cuisine – has been around the block for a little while, it still feels like an undiscovered gem. The candle-lit, plant-rich space is great spot for a casual romantic dinner.
Build your own bowl from an all gluten-free menu, starting with a “Not Rice” (shredded cauliflower “rice”), then pick veggies, and top it all with a chickpea curry or juicy salmon. Pick up an “Avo Cocoa” for dessert – a thick mouse made from dark chocolate, avocado and coconut milk. You won’t regret it!
It’s a great spot for brunch as well: the dosa waffles made from fermented basmati rice and lentils are insanely yummy!
7. Bluestone Lane Collective – various locations, I recommend the West Village one (30 Carmine St, New York) for full menu and experience bluestonelane.com
Aussies know their coffee and avocado toast, and Bluestone Lane Collective is living proof. This adorable West Village spot has become an iconic brunch spot (the wait is worth it), and you may find yourself eating gluten free banana bread next to Taylor Swift or a leggy Insta-famous model.
I was lucky to celebrate my birthday on their beautiful outdoor terrace, and it was one of the most delicious birthdays I’ve had!
They even have the perfect solution for when you can’t decide if you want to go savory or sweet: the “Brekkie Board” has both avocado toast and granola bowl with fresh berries.
8. Egg Shop – 151 Elizabeth St, New York, NY eggshopnyc.com
Home of all things eggs, this trendy Nolita spot is up there when it comes to the best avocado toast in New York. Another favorite is the “Spandex” bowl with poached egg, miso quinoa, avocado, pickled carrot, greens and tamari. Don’t miss the matcha latte – it’s one of the best in town!
9. The Butcher’s Daughter – various locations, see thebutchersdaughter.com
*vegetarian
The Butcher’s Daughter has an impressive plant-based menu with perfectly massaged kale ceasar salad with almond parmesan, and satisfying sandwich with avocado and farm eggs. The juices, elixirs (turmeric milk!) and acai smoothie are perfection, and so is the cashew milk cappuccino.
Honorable mentions:
- Matcha Bar and Cha Cha Matcha for the best matcha in town.
- Pressed Juicery for Freeze – juice and nut milk-based ice cream soft serve with delicious toppings.
- Seed & Mill for at least 20 different kinds of fresh made halva (tahini cake).
- Dig Inn and The Little Beet for warm, nourishing casual farm fare.
- Le Pain Quotidien for the most delicious, seedy and chewy gluten free bread you’ll ever have.
- Peacefood Cafe for plant-based sandwiches, soups and baked goods.
- Nourish Kitchen & Table for flavorful fish and veggie platters and intimate, cozy atmosphere.
- Juice Generation for plant-based superfood smoothies (get the Peanut Butter Split Smoothie and add greens to it).
