By: Sara Dial By: Sara Dial | August 2, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
Craving something healthy but short on time? Look no further. We’ve rounded up the crème de la crème of healthy, fast-casual dining spots in the city.
See More: The 7 Best Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps In NYC
Multiple locations / Website
Perhaps the most famed fast-casual dining spot is Sweetgreen. Celebrated for its commitment to locally sourced, organic ingredients, Sweetgreen offers seasonally inspired salads and grain bowls. Highlights include the signature kale Caesar and the fan-favorite harvest bowl, featuring roasted chicken, sweet potatoes and a balsamic vinaigrette. Each dish is crafted to nourish both body and soul, making Sweetgreen a go-to destination for health-conscious New Yorkers.
Multiple locations / Website
Little Beet highlights the feeling of eating great food. From the savory chipotle chicken bowl to the plant-based beet falafel bowl, each menu item is packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome grains. With its commitment to gluten-free, sustainable ingredients, Little Beet ensures that eating well is both delicious and accessible and leaves each diner feeling satisfied.
65 Bleecker St. / Website
New to the scene, chances are you've spotted this Australian hot spot on your feed. THISBOWL’s customizable bowls spotlight clean, simple ingredients. Diners select a base, protein and a variety of toppings to create a personal meal. Standout options like the Asian-inspired sesame tofu and Mediterranean chicken elevate the flavor profile. With a strong emphasis on balance and taste, THISBOWL shines as a leader in the healthy eating scene.
Multiple locations / Website
The taste of South Beach graces the kitchen at Pura Vida Miami. The fast-casual landscape establishes a standard of health and wellness in every community the restaurant occupies. Each item on the menu reflects a dedication to curated ingredient choices championing premium whole flavors. Fresh fruit and granola in each acai bowl and the sushi-grade tuna found inside the tuna poke bowl are nourishing favorites.
309 W 43rd St. / 212.835.1525 / Website
Dig—”where something good is always cooking”—brings farm-to-table freshness to everyone with satisfying meals featuring the freshest of ingredients. The herb chicken marketbowl accompanied by roasted vegetables and wild rice is a flavorful plant-based option. Dig’s commitment to sustainability and quality shines through in every bite, making it a health-food staple.
Multiple locations / Website
Cava brings a Mediterranean flair to fast-casual dining with its customizable bowls and pitas. Diners can choose from a variety of bases, proteins, and toppings, including the tangy crazy feta and spicy lamb meatballs. Cava’s commitment to heart, health and humanity to food offer a delightful, guilt-free indulgence.
Multiple locations / Website
At the crossroads of innovation and tradition Naya paints the canvas of a kitchen with vibrant wholesome ingredients and modern fare. Nutritious Middle Eastern meals keep diners returning. Authenticity, consistency and generosity infiltrate every dish. The chicken shawarma bowl, is a must-try, as is the falafel pita complete with creamy tahini.
Multiple locations / Website
Making healthy eating exciting is the mission at Chopt. The menu celebrates diverse flavors from around the world while the welcoming restaurant hosts a seat for any and all. Chopt seeks out local farmers and unique artisans with the ultimate goal of curating a sustainable menu. Cotija cheese and jalapeño peppers sit atop the Mexican Caesar salad, a favorite while shrimp and avocado add to the Palm Beach salad. Bold flavors and quality ingredients transform the salads at Chopt to culinary gems.
Multiple locations / Website
Taim’s story began in the heart of the West Village, a tiny storefront and an excess amount of chickpeas. Their goal? To bring the dress flavors of the Mediterranean to New York City. Falafel pita, bursting with fresh herbs and spices, and the spicy sabich bowl, featuring roasted eggplant and pickled cabbage are unique favorites.
Multiple locations / Website
Springbone kitchen highlights food meant to nourish and eating without compromise. Bowls, broths and soups leave diners coming back for more while 100% grass-fed meats and free range chicken offerings add to the flavor overflow of the fast-casual spot.
Multiple locations / Website
Something for everyone defines the dining experience at Westville. The extensive yet not overwhelming menu features entrees like the market plate, allowing diners to choose from a variety of vegetables and proteins. Everyone’s favorite, a classic kale salad is enhanced with a variety of a la carte toppings. With its cozy, inviting atmosphere and commitment to quality ingredients, Westville is a celebrated fresh food destination.
185 Bleecker Street / Website
Back and better than ever, chloe. is now open in the space formerly occupied by By Chloe from 2015 to 2017. Helmed by celebrity vegan chef Chloe Coscarelli, this all-day cafe serves up equally delicious and nutritious vegan meals, from salads to burgers and kelp noodles. The hot Italian burger is the epitome of comfort food, but it won't give you that midday crash. The flavorful menu featuring locally sourced ingredients redefines what it means to eat well. P.S. Be sure to try the cinnamon espresso cookie!
Photography by: Zack Whitford/BFA.com