As young tykes without a care in the world we barely stopped to consider the health consequences of the foods we tossed down our gullets as we scurried off to our next adventure. But as adults we’re not afforded such luxuries. What with changes in our metabolisms, aching bones and diminishing energy, healthy food choices are a must. DC is one of the leading torchbearers for the healthy restaurant movement with options to replace fast food and fancy dining with more nutritious alternatives. Here are the top healthy restaurants you’re going to want to scope out when you’re in the nation’s capital.
Protein Bar Founding Farmers Restaurant Nora Tryst
| Name | Location | Description |
| Protein Bar | 398 7th St NW | Vegan and gluten-free are akin to a first language at Protein Bar, but the venue’s selection of dishes extends well beyond these types of selections. Case in point: The menu covers everything from wraps and shakes to salads and breakfast scrambles. Schedule a quick check-in to fuel up after a morning workout and you’ll be rearing to go, though there’s plenty to choose from to satisfy you every meal of the day if you need a quick recharge. |
| Founding Farmers | 1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW | Word of mouth and positive buzz has landed Founding Farmers at the top of the food chain in the DC area – quite literally. While some restaurants on this list fit into the to-go category, this farm-to-table spot is more appropriate for those looking to dine in style. Ingredients are supplied by the over 47,000 farmers who have a stake in the restaurant, lending to some of the most scrumptious dishes you’ll ever taste. With plenty of meat options to choose from, there’s also a meatless menu for vegetarians, so no one has to feel left out. |
| True Food Kitchen | 2910 District Ave Fairfax, VA | Venture west of DC to the Mosaic District in the Merrifield/Fairfax, VA area and you’ll discover this delicious healthy haven. True to its title, the food is fresh and sourced from the ground. You won’t find preservatives, food dyes, and any other unnatural items hitting your dish. Make sure to try the Edamame Dumplings and Chicken Sausage Pizza – you can thank us later. In terms of space, the layout allows for plenty of room to spread out with real estate enough to host large parties. |
| Pleasant Pops Farmhouse Market & Cafe | 1781 Florida Ave NW & 731 15th St NW | With two locations in NW DC, Pleasant Pops offers the ultimate in healthy convenience. While most stop here for the delicious natural ice cream pops, there’s plenty on the menu to quell your hunger. This is definite casual dining so don’t expect a full restaurant setup. A few tables and delicious food should suffice though. Dog lovers will also find it cates to the furriest member of your family with specially-made puppy pops. |
| Restaurant Nora | 2132 Florida Ave NW | Located just off Dupont Circle, Nora’s has become a farm-to-table staple for this hip neighborhood. The rustic ambience perfectly complements the clean eating this establishment offers. Dishes like the Sake Glazed Wild Cod and Sustainable Salmon Poke seem to melt away in your mouth. The selection of great wines doesn’t hurt either. |
| Shouk | 655 K St NW | First, a short lesson in pronunciation. “Shouk” is pronounced “shook.” Offering tasty Mediterranean fare, you can have your fill of pitas or rice bowls with all the fixings here. The menu is strictly vegan on-site, though you’d hardly notice the difference (except maybe in the way you feel.) Once you’ve put together your dish with fresh and clean ingredients and snagged a homemade drink, head over to the cozy dining area to feast. |
| Tryst | 2459 18th St NW | Taking pride in a non-conformist attitude, Tryst claims to be nothing like the carbon-copy coffee houses that continue to spring up across the country. While most known for its bold coffee and chill vibe – and the fact the venue doubles as a bar as well as a coffee shop – the establishment offers an equally-impressive food menu. Veggie quesadillas, prosciutto and mandarin orange flatbread, and chorizo and feta quiche are but a few of the tasty eats that grace its menu. |
| Beefsteak | 800 22nd St NW | Who ever thought vegetable dishes could be so delicious? That’s right: Despite its name, this unique restaurant is strictly veggie-centric. For example, the Beefsteak Burger replaces actual meat with marinated beet. Happily, for those who wish to slake their carnivorous appetite, there are a few on-the-sly meat-based options available. |
| HipCityVeg | 712 7th St NW | If you’re looking for healthier substitutes for some of your favorite foods, then HipCityVeg has got you covered. Making its way from Philadelphia, this fast casual chain adds a healthy spin to all the classics such as cheesesteaks, burgers and chicken nuggets. Might we suggest trying the Maple Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich off the breakfast menu? It’s absolute heaven. |
| Elizabeth’s Gone Raw | 1341 L St NW | Elizabeth’s Gone Raw is a bit unique in that it’s only open on Friday nights. (The rest of the week the venue operates as Elizabeth’s on L, a catering company.) As the title of the restaurant suggests, everything on the menu is plant-based, with a 7-course tasting menu a highlight of the night that changes monthly. |
CHEAT SHEET:
Associate Editor Nick Gambino is originally from New York City. With a strong background in the entertainment and tech fields, he writes engaging reviews and think pieces for numerous websites and online publications. A life-long movie fiend, he hosts popular movie-centric show Get 2 the Podcast - check it out at www.get2thepodcast.com
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