We’re lucky to live in a city where local restaurants think beyond the bounds of flavorless bowls of iceberg lettuce and mindless plates of steamed veggies as the only way to enjoy a healthy meal.

Many of us are looking for healthy fare to curb the hunger monster in our belly, but we crave more sustanance than a bowl of leaves and greens.  We need hearty servings of house-made, mindfully sourced dishes that are delicious, health-conscious and packed with enough wholesome ingredients to give us a food coma we won’t regret the next day.

We’ve selected 7 of our favorite hearty and healthy restaurants in Austin to prove that eating light doesn’t necessarily mean you have to eat like a light-weight.

CITIZEN EATERY

This adorable spot in Rosedale maintains a strong focus on a farm-to-table menu that boasts vegetarian, organic, gluten free and paleo fare with the bar offering organic coffee and tea infustions, craft beer, healthy spirits and organic wines.  Inside you’ll find a modern, bright and welcoming atmosphere with white and wood finish trim.  Meat eaters will actually be pleasantly surprised, as the veggie burger is a fantastic spin on an otherwise heavy item.  5011 Burnet Rd.  

ALSO SEE: BEST RESTAURANTS FOR VEGANS AND VEGETARIANS

PICNIK

All menu items at Picnik are always gluten-free, corn-free, peanut-free and soy-free and includes a selection of “Anytime Plates” with dishes such as a breakfast risotto, a produce-heavy harvest hash, and a Quiche Lorraine.  Build your own tacos from a choice of meats, vegetables, and sauces or order from their selection of shareable plates and pastries from a rotation of gluten-free, grain-free pastries as well as their butter blondie, which has traditionally been a customer favorite at the trailer location.  4801 Burnet Rd. and 1700 S Lamar Blvd.

FLOWER CHILD

With a variety of organic, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan chef-driven items available for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, Flower Child’s menu is thoughtfully designed to support a healthy and balanced life.  The space is reminiscent of a modern bohemian abode that’s fully equipped with seasonal iced tea and lemonade station, Kombucha, local beer and organic wine on tap, and a buzzy open kitchen exuding energy through the space where guests can watch as chefs swiftly prepare orders to-go or for the table.  11721 Rock Rose #160 and 500 W 2nd St Suite 160

SNAP KITCHEN

If you’re looking for quick, convenient and healthy to cover you during the work week, Snap Kitchen offers pre-packaged vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and sodium conscious meals that are also gluten-free.  There is no one-size-fits-all diet; everyone has to discover the food that fits them best and Snap will make things easy wheather you need a quick bite or a long-term meal plan that fits your routine. Photo by Snap Kitchen.  9 Locations in Austin.

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN

222 West Avenue | TFK has become a go-to spot for those who prefer to a clean and sustainable diet, especially if you’re a vegan or vegetarian.  The restaurant’s seasonally rotating menu is rooted in the principles of the anti-inflammatory food pyramid – emphasizing wholesome, simple ingredients with simple preparations to highlight health benefits and flavor.

CAVA

The infamous CAVA has three locations in Austin, offering Mediterranean cuisine offering grain & salad bowls, braised lamb with spicy lamb meatballs, and all kinds of toppings from pickled onions, tomato & onion salad, kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and pita crisps.

HONEST MARY’S

A north Austin fast-casual eatery that serves a healthy menu with veggie and grain bowls made in their scratch kitchen.

CITIZEN EATERY

5011 Burnet Rd | Vegans and vegetarians may rejoice, because Citizen Eatery was wholly designed with you in mind.  If you’re looking for a healthy plant-based meal, Citizen Eatery features a sustainable, meat-free menu and bar that serves scratch-made vegetarian and vegan cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Meat eaters will even find several items that are suitable for your palate, like the vegan burger with a side of fries.

BOULDIN CREEK CAFÉ

This classic South Central Austin spot has been serving up vegetarian and vegan options in their laid-back, bohemian atmosphere for years. The house favorite is the Buddha Bowl with organic field greens topped with organic quinoa and other healthy veggies, but you’ll also enjoy one of the best veggie burgers in town, omelettes, sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and vegan desserts.

PLOW BURGER

Two Locations in Austin | Plow Burger serves delicious plant-based burgers, sandwiches, shakes, fries and brunch with the purpose of positively impacting the environment.  These guys know how to have fun and experiment with the menu.  You’ll fall in love with almost every item, especially if you’re in love with comfort food classics.

KINDA TROPICAL

This laid-back spot in East Austin has become a favorite destination featuring a retro grocery store and cafe serving up everything from salads, rice bowls, chicken wings, burgers, and craft cocktails. (Photo credit: Kinda Tropical)

BLENDER AND BOWLS

Featuring acai bowls at their finest, packed with superfruit, super greens and antioxidants in a rich chilled smoothie topped with delicious toppings.

FLOWER CHILD

500 W 2nd St Suite 160 – Flower Child offers farm-fresh, healthy, and fast-casual cuisine in a relaxed and delightful atmosphere. Enjoy grain bowls, salads, gluten-free pasta, wraps, hot entrees, and housemade premium juices and tea. With two locations in Austin (Domain NORTH and Downtown).

SKULL & CAKEBONES

3991 US-290 a, Dripping Springs | You’ll fulfill your plant-based, sweet tooth fantasies at Skull & Cakebones with a menu specializing in all-natural, non-GMO, local flavored vegan goodies.  Enjoy vegan cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, cakes, mac n’ cheese and sourdough pretzels.  Get the goodies at their shop in Dripping Springs and other local spots like at Whole Foods Market and Quickie Pickie.