“Stop eating out” is one of the most commonly given pieces of advice for people trying to make healthier lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, that does not make it very good advice. Part of living a healthy lifestyle is balance, and that means getting to enjoy yourself. If you like eating out, or just need healthy options for when it is not feasible to make meals at home, these restaurants have you covered.
1. The Purple Elephant – Northport
Vegans, vegetarians and meal lovers rejoice! There’s something for everyone at The Purple Elephant. Healthy and sustainable Latin-Inspired fare made with fresh, simple ingredients. Some favorites are Reuben & Kimchee made with Grilled Tempeh “Reuben”, Raw Live Kimchee, Vegan Cheese, Spicy Thousand Island and Rye Bread. For a low carb “pasta” fix, try the Roasted Half Spaghetti Squash Stuffed With Spicy Vegan “Chicken”, Red Peppers, Toasted Garlic, Green Peppers and Vegan Cheese. For meat eaters, they have grass fed burgers and hormone/antibiotic free chicken.
2. Simply Sublime – East Hampton
The owners at Simply Sublime have a mission: to inspire a movement toward whole nutritious foods. They are achieving this with items like organic juices with beets and dandelion greens, smoothies with spirulina and matcha tea powder, organic build your own acai bowls, cage free eggs and so much more. It’s hard not to feel energized and healthy after eating there!
3. Bee Organic – Huntington
Part restaurant, part juice bar, and part eco-boutique, Bee Organic truly has it all. Come in for a smoothie made with organic berries, nut milks and superfoods. Try the Carrot Ginger soup or Veggie burger; all fresh, organic, and wildcrafted. Vegan and gluten-free choices are also available. Looking for a healthy meal for a party or event? They also offer catering.
4. Provisions Natural Foods – Sag Harbor
Provisions is more than a natural foods market- they are also a cafe. In addition to fresh-made juices and vegan and vegetarian fare, they also craft dishes with organic cheeses and hormone and antibiotic free poultry. Looking for a healthy lunch? Try their broccoli and feta flat bread, or their yam and bean vegan quesadilla.
5. Grey Horse Tavern – Bayport
A Bayport favorite, the Grey Horse Tavern is where good old-fashioned hospitality meets hearty, homemade food. This farm to table restaurant offers seasonally cuisine with ingredients that are locally sourced and humanely raised. Enjoy a quinoa kale salad and roasted butternut squash risotto while enjoying live music or come down for Sunday Brunch.
6. Wild Side Organic Bistro Bar – Oakdale
If you are a foodie that loves clean fresh food, Wild Side is the place for you. With vegan, vegetarian, dairy and gluten free options, you’ll always find something you love in this Indian-fusion restaurant. Some favorites include The Bombay Gumbo, Banana Leaf Roasted Wild Caught Coho Salmon and Spicy Kale & Black Bean Burger.
7. Plant Wise – Dix Hills
This 100% plant based eatery’s mission is for everyone to consume at least one fully plant based meal per day. That’s easy with their deliciously fresh menu. You can order wraps with bean chili, avocado mash and quinoa or nori rolls with veggie tuna and kale. Plant Wise have bowls like zucchini noodles with cashew alfredo and salads with chickpea masala.
8. Tula Kitchen – Bay Shore
Using organic and natural ingredients whenever possible, Tula Kitchen offers a variety of fare. All of their vegetarian proteins are organic; their chicken is antibiotic and hormone free; their dishes are baked not fried with many gluten free options. You’ll love the lentil burgers with hummus, quesadilla with roasted veggies and feta cheese and seared seitan with asparagus and coconut basmati rice.
9. Fifth Season – Port Jefferson
Only fresh and locally sourced ingredients are used in Fifth Season’s seasonal menus. Their produce and dairy come straight from two farms on Long Island while meats and fish come from various places including Long Island, Rhode Island and Idaho; all listed on the menu. It doesn’t get more transparent than this!
10. Babette’s – East Hampton
Babette’s is an eclectic restaurant whose mission is to support farmers and offer fresh clean food. The poultry and beef are organic and grass-fed, fish are wild and caught locally, and vegetarian and vegan choices are distinct. Whether you want light food like fresh juices, smoothies and salads or heartier dishes like Montauk striped bass and grilled organic tofu dragon bowl, you’ll always find something healthy here.