10 Healthy Restaurant Choices To Make in The New Year
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be terrible or boring. Believe it or not, chefs around Atlanta are equally as capable in creating low calorie, savory items as they are with concocting our favorite fatty comfort foods and there’s tons of great restaurants with healthy options. Use this guide as a starting point to our favorite “healthy pleasures” around the city where you can substitute the cheesy and greasy for the fresh and filling. Restaurants listed below in alphabetical order.
This article was originally written on January 3, 2024 and updated on December 17, 2024. Please refer to the restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up to date information.
1. Chopt Creative Salad Co.
Multiple locations
At Chopt, the goal is to make healthy eating exciting to people, and we think they’re doing just that. There are seven locations around Metro Atlanta so hopefully you’re never too far from a delicious and healthy meal. From salads, warm bowls, wraps and soups you will definitely find a healthy and filling meal here. It’s always fun to try their seasonal options but some of the mainstays include the Mexican Caesar Salad, the Chicken Tinga Bowl and the Buffalo Chicken Wrap.
2. Flower Child
Multiple Locations
Flower Child is here to satisfy both your stomach and your soul with clean food and good vibes. As a hybrid between fast casual and full service, you can take in the groovy 60’s hippie vibes at whatever speed you’d like. By adding new flavor profiles, pulling from different cuisines, and using fresh and locally sourced produce, Flower Child makes healthy eating exciting. Plus, there’s no need to worry about dietary restrictions – there are vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo, vegan, Whole 30, sugar-free and dairy-free options galore! From salads to grain bowls to toasts, Flower Child has something for everyone.
3. Gusto
Multiple Locations
For a grain bowl that’s as nutritious as it is addicting, Gusto is the move. Their tzatziki lemon artichoke and chipotle mango avocado bowls are Atlanta Eats favorites, and you can go for half grains and half salad if you’re trying to limit your carb intake. Something that’s a little less healthy but worth the calorie splurge is sweet potato chips that come piping hot with every order. They’re salty, sweet, and delicious!
4. Kale Me Crazy
Multiple Locations
When Roi Shlomo decided to change his eating habits in 2012, he wanted to focus his diet on high quality food without processed ingredients. That desire has turned into Kale Me Crazy, a superfood cafe that supports a healthy lifestyle. With freshly made juices, incredible wraps and bowls, and a catering spread that breaks convention, Kale Me Crazy is bringing a healthy lifestyle to folks around metro Atlanta and the rest of the country.
5. Local Green Atlanta
19 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Local Green Atlanta is serving food that’s as healthy as it is delicious. And for owner Zak Wallace, it’s part of a mission to bring food that’s both nutrient-rich and affordable to food deserts in Atlanta. You can enjoy their mostly plant-based menu in Vine City and try all kinds of options from sandwiches and quesadillas to bowls and more.
6. Recess
99 Krog St NE Suite P, Atlanta, GA 30307
Recess is an Atlanta grown bowl centric spot with incredible food that will happen to make you feel good, too. That’s because Recess is focused on fresh, veggie forward ingredients and healthy dishes made with serious flavor. Produce is delivered daily and food is prepped every morning – plus service is always given with a smile. This is a great option when you’re asking around Krog Street Market and need som power food.
7. Souper Jenny
Multiple locations
Souper Jenny is always delicious and fresh and their “My Dad’s Turkey Chili” is comfort in a bowl and lighter in calories than traditional chilis. Also delicious and lighter in calories is there lemon chicken artichoke soup + spinach salad. They’ve got locations all over the city so next time you’re craving a nice hot bowl of soup, this is the place to be.
8. Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe
1059 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30310
We never thought we’d get excited about a veggie wrap until Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe set up shop in the West End. Just be mindful not to load up on too many sauces and maybe skip the creamy corn, and you’re golden. If you have dietary restrictions, that shouldn’t be a problem here as everything they’re serving up is vegan. The wraps are huge and delicious and if you’re lucky, might last you for lunch and dinner.
9. Upbeet
1071 Howell Mill Rd NW suite a, Atlanta, GA 30318
Upbeet has it all. Super fresh and organic ingredients, awesome flavor combos, and a bright and clean interior that makes you feel healthier just by sitting in there. Something not to overlook: the peanut butter bliss acai bowl is filling and a great dose of Vitamin C. From bowls and salads to smoothies, you’re sure to find something to enjoy here.
10. Yalla
Krog Street Market, 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
If you didn’t think Mediterranean food was your thing, just wait until you try Yalla. We’re crazy about Yalla’s falafel bowl with hummus, labne, Israeli salad & pickles, zhug, tahini and herbs. Find them in Krog Street Market.
