10 best healthy restaurants in Boston

As the first place to open in the North End serving up a full menu of healthy eats like smoothies, wraps, grain bowls, juices and more Pink Carrot is a welcome change of pace for the neighborhood. The pink and black color art deco theme sticks out when you’re walking down Salem Street so you will not miss it. The hot food items are quite filling so if you are looking for a hearty lunch that isn’t pizza try a wrap or grain bowl and pair it with one of the brand’s signature juices. And maybe treat yourself to a little dessert to go as well.

Lulu Green serves organic, seasonal foods and cold pressed juices. Located in South Boston, Lulu Green strives to offer something delicious for anyone, whether they follow a plant-based diet or not. Dishes like the organic hummus bowl and organic quinoa bowl make for hearty and healthy lunches. Whereas the acai bowls are tasty afternoon pick-me-ups that are a great swap for the donut many of us typically go for. But the true can’t miss are the cold pressed juices. Coming in combinations that feel more like treats rather than cleanses, these are just the thing to get you back on a healthy kick. Our favorites are the Play on Player and the Beauty Tonic.

Clover has quickly become something of an empire, with locations scattered around the Boston area. Healthful vegan and vegetarian concoctions are Clover's calling card; while waiting in line you may hear chatter about the chickpea fritter, BBQ seitan, a battered blue oyster (mushroom) sandwich, and the potato tempeh salad. Soups, like African peanut, are vegan, as are a range of salads, like lentil and kale or carrot and fennel. 

This eclectic cafe with multiple locations offers quick, nutritious meals with organic ingredients for vegetarians and vegans. Takeout is available, but the funky vibe makes it a great place to sit and enjoy the filling wraps, salads, and veggie bowls. You might need to reference their food glossary to learn about the benefits of all the uncommon ingredients (e.g. burdock, kabocha, and gomasio), but friendly staffers are happy to explain. Be sure to check out the extensive juice and smoothie menu.

True Bistro offers a high-end, seasonal vegan dining experience that also appeals to non-vegan, healthy eaters. The menu changes frequently, based on what’s fresh and in season. Fresh salads and small plates, such as seared cauliflower with crispy aloo and assorted chutneys, or Devils on Horseback with cashew cheese and smoked tofu, lead the way for larger plates like mushroom shepherd’s pie, housemade capellini, and tempeh skewers. Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays.

A colorful mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes are served throughout the day, catering to South End residents in search of a quick, healthy meal. Warm, thin flatbreads are used to scoop up flavorful dips and spreads made from local, organic ingredients. A customizable menu ensures customers can combine whichever flavors they like. Salads and grain bowls delight the medical professionals who pop in for a healthy meal. You can also enjoy anoush'ella's fresh, healthful eats at its outlet in the slick Time Out Market Boston. 

A fast and easy option for a healthy meal, Whole Heart Provisions takes the fast casual concept and makes it vegetarian and vegan. Build your own veggie bowl starting with a base of grains or greens, then load it up with smashed cucumbers, bulgogi beets, roasted broccoli, japanese eggplant, chickpeas, cured tomato, and more. Vegan proteins, crunchy toppings and flavorful sauces make each bowl a satisfying meal.

Cocobeet is known and loved by healthy eaters—vegan or otherwise—for its extensive range of cold-pressed juices and smoothies. It has also built up a following for its Pure Foods menu of organic, vegan, grab-and-go meals. There are options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack time, all made with natural ingredients. A changing menu features variations on avocado toast, refreshing salads, quinoa burgers and “un-tuna” sandwiches, plus energy-boosting raw snacks.

Go ahead and indulge in wagyu beef dumplings or a cheeseburger roll, but this renowned izakaya has plenty of healthy options in the form of super fresh nigiri and sashimi. Keep it light and you'll deserve to pair your meal with a selection from the impressive sake menu.

This casual sit down spot in Newton offers healthy, vegetarian versions of classic faves such as meatloaf, lasagna, and pizza. Soups, salads, and sandwiches are on the menu as well, all made with fresh, often local veggies and other organic ingredients. Whether it’s garden quesadillas, tuscan fig and oyster mushroom pizza, or portobello steak, Walnut Grille offers a range of innovative vegetarian selections for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.