Healthy Restaurants in San Diego County

When you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet eating out can be a challenge since restaurants often add too much sugar, salt, and fat to all their offerings. While “cooking in” is the best option since you can control exactly what is going in to your dishes, eating out every once in a while can be part of a healthy lifestyle. We compiled a list of our favorite healthier restaurants in San Diego that provide more healthy choices when eating out.

Tender Greens – Multiple Locations

Tender Greens is a quick and healthy cafeteria style, counter service restaurant chain. Their menu features seasonal, whole foods and responsibly sourced proteins. They have an array of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options so it makes a great place to meet up with friends that have many different diet restrictions. The kitchen staff is very helpful in accommodating to any food allergies or sensitives and are well educated in the ingredients they serve. Tender Greens makes a great, healthier alternative to those other quick meal spots when you’re on the go! Tip: Also check out Urban Plates in La Jolla, Carlsbad, or Del Mar for a similar menu and experience. It’s also a must try for healthy, quick dining.

Check out their menu here.

True Food Kitchen – Mission Valley

A fresh, seasonal inspired menu that offers fare from protein bowls to salads, and flatbreads, True Food Kitchen also accommodates many different restricted diets. With mostly organic ingredients, their menu rotates seasonally, featuring beautiful and fresh vegetables. With an Asian and Mediterranean flare, they offer many familiar dishes with a healthy tweak. They also offer unique and fresh, from scratch cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Definitely a must go for a fun group lunch or dinner party.

Check out their menu here.

Chipotle – Multiple Locations

Chipotle is a fast-casual “chose-your-own” style restaurant. The ingredients can be adapted to many different diets like keto and vegan, When constructing a vegan meal, Chipotle says that the following of its ingredients are suitable for vegans: flour tortilla, crispy corn tortilla, soft corn tortilla; sofritas; pinto beans, black beans; tortilla chips; white rice, brown rice; fajita vegetables; tomatillo red-chili salsa, tomato salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa, tomatillo green-chili salsa; guacamole; and romaine lettuce. So, try tacos, burritos or a bowl.

Check out their menu here.

Wicked Poke – Oceanside

Similar to the Chipotle model, at Wicked Poke you can choose your toppings + Choose your sauces + Choose your proteins + Choose your mix items + Choose your base. For a healthy option pick the smallest size, choose greens as your base, and keep your spaces to a minimum.

Check out their menu here.

GOODONYA – Encinitas

GOODONYA boasts an organic and 100% non-GMO menu. The dishes are Mexican, Italian, and So Cal inspired with some vegan and vegetarian options. They offer online ordering so it makes for a great, quick meal or get it delivered if you’re even more strapped for time.

Check out their menu here.

Flower Child – Del Mar

Flower child offers organic, vegan, and vegetarian dishes. This restaurant also has sugar-free, dairy-free and gluten-free options. They are a national chain but still make every dish from scratch. Worth a visit!

Check out their menu here.

Harvest by the Patio – Downtown

Described as, “food with a purpose,” Harvest by the Patio in the East Village neighborhood of Downtown San Diego offers health-conscious, comfort food inspired dishes. They offer prepared food to go if you’re in a rush as well as a lounge area and full bar and a healthy weekend brunch!

Check out their menu here.

Café Gratitude – Little Italy

Café gratitude is the first fully “plant-based” restaurant on our list offering gourmet vegan cuisine. Their mission is to have a menu that supports health in the community and the planet. The ordering process offers a unique experience as each menu item has a special word as a name and you place your order by stating that, “You are,” and insert the positive word.  With a welcoming atmosphere and fresh, flavorful ingredients Café Gratitude is a unique and healthy spot you must try! – And it’s not just enjoyable for vegans!

Check out their menu here.

2Good2B – Encinitas & Rancho Bernardo

2Good2B Bakery & Cafe is a great stop for those with gluten sensitivities as every menu item is 100% gluten, corn, and soy-protein free. They offer a full breakfast and lunch menu (and dinner on the weekends) and also have a bakery with everything from cakes to bread. Everything is made from scratch without preservatives. They are also known to be accommodating to other food sensitivities like dairy and soy.

Check out their menu here.

Naked Cafe – Encinitas, Solana Beach, & Point Loma

The food at Naked Cafe is simple, clean, and natural or “naked” as they put it! A great spot for a quick breakfast or lunch or try one of their coffees, teas, juices, or smoothies. They also have a healthy kids menu, so it’s great for families.

Check out their menu here.

Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen – Carlsbad

Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen is all about fresh, affordable food that’s made from scratch. Their menu features delicious salads, sandwiches and desserts. They offer a gluten free menu and take home and heat family meal service. Just pay a $40 deposit and get a healthy meal in a cast iron pot that’s ready to heat and serve. Tip: When you go, ask about their customer rewards program!

Check out their menu here.

Garden Kitchen – Rolando

Garden Kitchen’s weekly menu is sourced mostly from local farms. They even list the farms they partner with on their website. The diverse menu is inspired by many cuisines from around the world and offers a mix of dishes that can be enjoyed by meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. Tucked away in the San Diego neighborhood of Rolando, the gem offers a “home cooked” approach to cooking that is fresh and healthy. The entire restaurant is outside on their patio with a cozy and casual atmosphere.

Check out their menu here.

Evolution Fast Food – Bankers Hill

Located just east of Balboa Park, Evolution Fast Food is a fast, casual vegan restaurant complete with a drive-through window. The menu offers vegan sandwiches and salads and even a few totally raw choices. Every menu item is made from scratch and their mission states that no refined sugars, animal products, hydrogenated oils, or artificial ingredients are added. They also use biodegradable packaging and offer house made drinks and organic sodas. Great to grab a quick, healthy lunch or stay a relax on their shady patio.

Check out their menu here.

Luna Grill – Multiple Locations

Luna Grill serves fresh Mediterranean food that is non-GMO. They offer a wide range of options of vegetarian, vegan and all-natural protein; including a plant based vegan burger.

Check out their menu here.

Seasons 52 – Seaport Village & University City

Seasons 52 is national chain grill and wine bar that opened its first San Diego location in 2010. The menu offers fresh, low-calorie options and changes each season. Described as a casually sophisticated setting, it is a great lunch and dinner spot where you can eat knowing you won’t over indulge in portion sizes.

Check out their menu here.

Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar – Encinitas

Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar is a nutrition focused menu with foods prepared closest to their natural state. Lots of healthy options, vegan and vegetarian options available. They make their own fresh soups & vegan deserts every morning, hand make their own salad dressings, salsa, and sauces. They also feature great salads with organic lettuces.

Check out their menu here.