:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60172157/Harumama.27.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70084785/Durian_Rolls___Mango_Rolls__1_.14.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60741131/1355783876.20.jpg)
“New Year, New You,” as the saying goes. If, after a month of holiday indulgences shaping up and eating clean appeals, this handy feel-good food guide highlights local restaurants, juice bars, and cafés that specialize in health-conscious eats and fine virtuous cuisine – from power bowls to poke and everything in between.
Read More:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013315/Powerhaus_Pizza_PB.0.jpg)
17 Spots for Virtuous Cuisine and Healthy Eats in San Diego
Smoothies, rainbow-hued salads and more
View as Map
EVE Oceanside
With a similar menu of plant-based eats to its Encinitas sister restaurant, alongside the Elixir & Tonic bar, where prescribed drinks can be ordered, EVE Oceanside also has 30 taps of kefir soda, kombucha, and cold brew.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013272/Eve_Encinitas___Oceanside.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66521281/LRM_EXPORT_1835062103459351_20190627_221702055.0.jpeg)
Choice Juicery
Grab sushi, smoothies, bowls, and superfood snacks (check out the gluten-free toast menu) or crafted almond milk to go at this bright and breezy juice bar mini-chain. Want to kick bad habits and get back to feeling great? Then try Choice’s one- or three-day juice cleanse.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013274/Choice_Juicery_Juice_Flight.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68728242/AAA_0300.7.jpeg)
Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar
This much-loved Encinitas spot has been serving tasty vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free cuisine for well over a decade. The menu takes diners from breakfast through lunch and dinner; on the drinks side, there’s everything from ginger and wheatgrass shots to smoothies, plus kombucha on tap.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013280/Lotus_Cafe___Juice_Bar.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
GOODONYA Organic Eatery
Gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options abound at this oft-packed café. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; they’re dedicated to using 100% non-GMO and 99% organic and locally sourced produce in every dish. Try the avocado toast with avocado, tomato, and feta.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013288/GOODONYA_Organic_Eatery.0.jpg)
Flower Child
This cheery and bright two-level counter-service space in Flower Hill Promenade is geared towards healthy eaters with a menu that spans vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free but also features naturally-raised proteins ranging from sustainable salmon to grass-fed steak.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013300/FC18.0.0.jpeg)
Also featured in:
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59652355/Momosa__9.0.jpg)
Ranch 45
Fuel up on the breakfast power bowl, which features scrambled Eben-Haezer egg whites, quinoa, spinach, and seasonal veggies, or grab a cup of bone broth made from scratch with aromatic herbs and flavorful Brandt Beef bones, during lunchtime at all-day café, Ranch 45.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013301/Ranch_45_Protein_Bowl_Credit_Haley_Hill.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70235401/FortOak.All_Dishes.Devin_Casta_eda.7.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66760421/unnamed__6_.0.jpg)
Sweetfin
Whether you opt for a signature or build your own bowl, when it comes to seafood Sweetfin’s menu uses only sustainable fish sourced from certified companies, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013302/Sweetfin_One_Paseo.0.jpg)
Beaming Organic Superfood Cafe
Beaming’s plant-based menu is organic, gluten, and dairy-free and features a signature açaí bowl, superfood smoothies, salads, entrees, soups, plus cold-pressed juices, elixirs, and baked goods.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013303/Beaming_Cafe.0.jpg)
Trilogy Cafe
As much-loved for its rooftop aerial yoga studio as its vegan cafe, Trilogy is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Standouts include the two perfect tacos with quinrizo and eggplant bacon, seasonal soup, or any of the bountiful bowls.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013304/Trilogy_Cafe.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
The Yasai
The latest from owner/executive chef Junya Watanabe is an ode to vegan and plant-based cuisine, Japanese style. Expect everything from nigiri sushi topped with tempura kabocha pumpkin to classic rolls, salads, gyoza, and no-chicken karaage.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013305/yasai.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65962084/Hachi_2.0.jpg)
POWERHAUS PIZZA & SMOOTHIES
Owner Anisha Blodgett’s wholesome menu of pizzas, smoothies, wraps, and salads made with superfoods, heart-healthy fats and plant-based proteins keeps meat-eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners alike happy – and coming back for more – at this pretty café in Pacific Beach.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013306/Powerhaus_Pizza.0.jpg)
The PurpleMint Kitchen
Dig into crispy avocado spring rolls, veggie pho, and black rice noodles at this new vegan neighborhood spot in Linda Vista, which also has a sister location in Grantville.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013307/The_PurpleMint_Kitchen.0.jpg)
Pachamama
Argentinian recipes inspire much of the menu, along with cuisines from other South American countries at this new-ish spot in Normal Heights. Specializing in 100% organic and almost entirely vegan or vegetarian dishes, pasture-raised chicken, grass-fed beef, and sustainable salmon are available, too.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013308/DSCF0565.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65482766/292794544_2175568812623821_6382398655054278026_n.15.jpeg)
Cafe Gratitude
Designed to Revitalize body, mind, and spirit, Café Gratitude’s ‘I Am Renewed’ raw juice and meal plan cleanses are gluten-free and feature seasonal plant-based ingredients. Even better? They’re both fifty percent off during the entire month of January.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013309/Cafe_Gratitude_Cleanse.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69193254/TFK_Mother_s_Day_21_17__1_.0.jpg)
Parakeet Cafe
San Diego’s second Parakeet outpost boasts an all-day menu featuring everything from toasts topped with avocado and beet-cured salmon to quinoa bowls and a raw zucchini noodle salad. Plus, trendy turmeric lattes, adaptogenic mushroom drinks, and probiotic mimosas.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013310/Parakeet_Cafe.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71596494/EWP2022_Addison_0044.0.jpg)
Freshii
Canadian fast-casual transplant Tocaya has got delicious, convenient, and affordable eats covered. Alongside its signature and customizable bowls, burritos, salads, wraps, soups, the eatery also offers pre-packaged daily meal boxes.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013311/Freshii_2.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62225489/biga.0.jpg)
Tocaya Organica
For a healthy take on modern Mexican food, Tocaya’s menu of salads, tacos, bowls, and burritos caters to a full range of dietary needs, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Best-sellers include the Tocaya Salad and Fajita del Rey Bowl.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66013312/Tocaya_Organica.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65662239/PIC_0722.0.jpg)
© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.