Whether you live in the Santa Monica area or are just passing by, you're probably interested in nice and cozy places where you can grab a healthy bite to eat.
But with so many options out there, it can be challenging to pick a spot that offers healthy meals and helps you stay on track with your fitness goals.
The good news is, I've got you covered. Whether your immediate goals are to build muscle or lose fat, I've listed four great places where you can grab some healthy food. On top of that, I've also shared one specific item on each menu.
Let's see what they are.
1. Flower Child
Flower Child is a fantastic restaurant that offers a variety of healthy and delicious food options. In their words, "We're on a simple, soul-satisfying mission to spread positively delicious vibes and healthy food in Santa Monica."
The atmosphere is cozy and warm, and you get to pick from a variety of meals that aid your fitness goals. I recommend the Teriyaki Shrimp & Avocado bowl. It offers carrot, organic brown rice, cauliflower, snap pea, shiitake mushroom, and bok choy. Additionally, choose something from the protein menu to ensure you hit your protein target!
The result is a fantastic meal that fills you up and offers a range of essential nutrients you need to stay healthy and feel energized.
2. Urth Caffè
Urth Caffè offers its very own premium, fresh roasted, organic coffee for the enthusiasts out there. But besides the pleasant (and delicious) cup of coffee you can have there, you can also pick from a variety of fitness-friendly foods.
I recommend the Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast Salad. Besides looking fantastic, this salad is also delicious and has a great nutritional profile. If Turkey isn’t your thing, checkout the Smoked Salmon Plate for a solid healthy dose of Omega 3 and 6. (skip the cream cheese to keep this lunch time trip a healthy one!)
If breakfast is your jam, hit the breakfast burrito wrapped in spinach for a high protein, nutrient dense start to your day!
Well-known for its wide selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options, True Food Kitchen is cozy, spacious, and a fantastic spot to drop in for a healthy meal.
"Eat optimistically" is a common saying in True Food Kitchen. In their words, "A place where delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand – and where eating well can be the foundation for a life well lived."
I recommend the protein-packed Turkey Burger. It also has organic tomato, avocado, butter lettuce, smoked gouda, jalapeño remoulade, all within a tasty flax seed bun.
4. The Hive
The Hive - The Place to Bee Yourself. With the clever slogan aside, The Hive is an organic cafe and super-food bar that offers a wide selection of nutritious and delicious foods and drinks.
If you're out and are looking for some delicious and convenient protein, drop by The Hive. I recommend getting a super-food bowl, specifically Zen Protein Acai. This bowl's base includes acai, spinach, spirulina, hemp protein, almond milk, banana, and vanilla. On top of that, you can choose from strawberries, blueberries, and more.
This is a delicious bowl that boasts an impressive protein dose with a great nutritional profile.
5. Kye's
Unlike many restaurants out there, Kye's stands for something noble. Inspired by a mother's love for her son, Kye's ensures good food, good health, and a great eating experience.
If you're looking for healthy and delicious food in the Santa Monica area, Kye's is a fantastic place to go. In their words, "Let's be inclusive and meet diet diversity and foodie passion with love, health, creativity, and flavor and work together to affect our food supply."
A classic option on their menu is the Nori Burger with tomato, lettuce, onion, pickles, ketchup, vegan mayo, nutritional yeast, and brown rice blend. It's delicious, nutritious, and with an excellent nutritional profile.
If you're looking for homemade authentic Mediterranean food, Rosemary Grill is the place to go.
Their menu boasts an incredible variety, and there is something for everyone. If you enjoy your fair share of meat for the great taste and precious protein, there are many options to pick from.
Specifically, I recommend the Lunch Chicken Kebab. Even if you're tired of eating chicken breast, this meal will blow your mind. A juicy marinated chicken breast gets broiled over an open fire, and the result is a delicious, tender, and protein-rich meal.
7. CAVA
It all began with three friends, all of whom grew up in loud Greek families. CAVA is unlike many restaurants, and a lot can be said about this enthusiastic trio.
To borrow a paragraph from them, "We believe you shouldn't have to choose healthy over satisfying. And you shouldn't choose substance over flavor. You can have it all. And we work hard every single day to make sure that promise stands."
With an option to build your meal, CAVA offers convenience, good health, and, most of all, delicious food. To begin, pick a base – I recommend Greens + Gains. Then, move to your dips and spreads. Roasted eggplant and hummus are always great options.
After that, we move to the best part – the protein. Here, I recommend their grilled chicken with lemon, oregano, salt, and pepper. And finally, you arrive at the toppings. For a calorie-sparing meal, you can go with something like sliced cucumber. Alternatively, I recommend avocado or fire-roasted corn.
8. Crimson
The Crimson founders boast of being the first to bring Mediterranean food in Los Angeles. They believe the secret to making delicious food is inspiration and have a concept of, "Create your dish."
If you're looking for a nice place to grab some Mediterranean food in Santa Monica, Crimson is a great option.
For your meal, I recommend something from the grill. Their chicken kabob is served with rice and a side, such as tzatziki, kale salad, hummus, or something else. It's delicious, nutritious, and highly satiating.
If you're looking for something light, they also offer a wide selection of delicious salads. The Mediterranean salad is always a great option. It has cucumber, tomato, romaine lettuce, kalamata olives, and more, all of which is topped with feta cheese and dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.