Like most cities, Los Angeles has healthy eating restaurants in abundance; however, it also has more than its fair share of juice bars that, sometimes, make it difficult to find food that’s scrumptious and solid when surfing the net for a table. Thankfully, here, we explore our favorite healthy places to eat in LA, making it easier for you to find a delicious dining spot in amongst the city’s sprawling streets.
Sqirl
720 Virgil Ave #4, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 284 8147
A hipster favorite on the edge of Silver Lake, Sqirl is a “bacon-serving, vegan-friendly” restaurant serving breakfast and lunch until 4 p.m., and not a minute after. The restaurant is relatively small with a minimal, rustic interior; however, it has some outdoor seating. Favorites from Sqirl’s menu include its Eggplant Hash which includes roasted eggplant, skordalia, leeks and Weiser potatoes topped with a fried egg, as well as the vibrant Smoked Brisket Salad, a medley of smoked brisket with grilled savoy, pepitas, and avocado-poblano dressing. Perfect for office events, Sqirl also offers excellent catering.
Evo Kitchen
7950 W Sunset Blvd #104, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 375-3390
Family-run and organic at heart, Evo Kitchen on Sunset Boulevard not only boasts a great location but superb food and an excellent selection of craft beers and organic wine, too. The mother, sister and brother trio behind Evo work with organic farmers and use only the best produce. Alongside its standard menu, Evo has a brilliant vegan and gluten-free offering. Whether you’re looking for a hearty but healthy breakfast to start the day right or a mid-week treat in the form of a flavour-packed slice of pizza, Evo has you covered. Highlights from the menu include the Roasted Veggie & Hummus Wrap packed with zucchini, artichoke, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and hummus, as well as the Breakfast Pizza with bacon, sausage or avocado and topped with organic eggs, mozzarella, marinara, and onions.
The Springs
608 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 223-6226
If you’re all about ‘clean eating’, The Springs should be at the top of your list for healthy places to eat in LA. Not only does The Springs have a delicious menu and juice bar; it also offers yoga classes and has an uber-cool industrial interior. The Springs is LA’s answer to a one-stop wellness shop. The menu can change every day depending on what locally-sourced produce is coming in; however, a highlight from The Springs’ all-day menu is the Green Goddess, a plateful of avocado, tarragon, radish, and coconut tzatziki. The La Phil wrap packed with yuba, roasted shitake mushrooms, caramelized onions, scallion mayo, romaine lettuce and pickled jalapeños topped with a cashew fondue is also an excellent lunch choice. It’s pretty special! Better still, The Springs’ yoga classes start from just $20 for drop-in.
The Green Temple
1700 S Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 944-4525
Down in the South Bay area, there isn’t much going on as far as enticing healthy cuisine is concerned; however, there is one spot you should check out: The Green Temple, a tasty vegetarian restaurant hidden in a small courtyard in Riviera Village. Despite being small, space is very ‘zen’ and away from the bustle. The Green Temple sources 50% of its produce from local farms and uses 85% organic ingredients, as well being eco-friendly. The real highlight of The Green Temple is the Green Temple Bowl, a signature dish that you can customize to your palette. You can pick three or four salad and protein options topped with tofu sauce. Vegan, gluten-free and soy-free options are also available.
Han Bat Sul Lung Tang
4163 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 388-9499
If it’s a medley of authentic, healthy Korean flavor you’re after, look no further than Han Bat Sul Lung Tang. This central-LA spot is very relaxed and only serves its signature Korean Oxtail soup which is not only packed with nutrients but also uses lean meat and has few carbs. If you’re looking for a guilt-free lunch or dinner, Han Bat Sul Lung Tang is an excellent choice and open from early morning until late.
Sweetgreen
6115 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 498-5558
It may not be the cosy independent restaurant you dream of; however, it certainly hits the healthy eating spot. Whether you’ve had a long day, rough evening, or just fancy something fresh, Sweetgreen serves up bowls of flavor in the form of organic produce and all the nutrients you need to keep your body working at its optimum level. As well as being able to make a salad from scratch, a highlight from Sweetgreen’s surprisingly affordable menu is the Mexican Corn Elote Bowl, which has just 560 calories. Alternatively, the warm Harvest Bowl is tasty and, at 705 calories, includes wild rice, kale, apples, sweet potatoes and roasted chicken topped with local goat’s cheese, toasted almonds and balsamic.
Kitchen Mouse
5904 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 259-9555
Right in the center of Highland Park, just a few minutes’ walk from Hermon Park, sits the cozy and very cute Kitchen Mouse, which has been open for over four years. This cafe started out as a catering business and still offers catering services, perfect if you’re in need of LA event catering; however, it now has a vibrant all-day menu and an enticing brunch menu for the weekend, too. The cafe is renowned for its delicious take on rice cakes. A highlight from Kitchen Mouse’s menu is the Moros Cakes, which is mixed rice veggie patties served with cilantro slaw and sauces. You should also try the Burger Bowl which includes a mixed rice burger patty services with Russian dressing, avocado, pickled red onion, spinach, and tomatoes. For brunch, don’t look twice at the incredible Breakfast Tacos.
Wherever you live, work, or are staying in LA, there’s a healthy haunt just a stone’s throw away.