Craving something healthy after that intense spin class? Feeling a bit lost navigating the seemingly endless array of culinary choices in Williamsburg? You’re definitely not alone. Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is renowned for its vibrant and trendy restaurant scene, a kaleidoscope of flavors and experiences. However, amid the buzz and the bacon-wrapped everything, a growing desire for nutritious and wholesome options has taken root. Luckily, Williamsburg has responded.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide to the best healthy food spots in Williamsburg, providing a curated list of locations that cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick and revitalizing bite, a leisurely sit-down meal, or exclusively plant-based fare, Williamsburg has something delicious and nutritious waiting for you. We’ll explore everything from grab-and-go salads and smoothie shops to restaurants boasting farm-to-table ingredients and innovative vegan creations, helping you fuel your body with the best that Williamsburg has to offer. So, ditch the diet dread and get ready to discover some seriously satisfying healthy eats.
Quick and Casual Healthy Bites
For those days when time is of the essence, or when you just need a healthy pick-me-up on the go, Williamsburg offers a fantastic selection of quick and casual eateries. These spots are perfect for a nourishing lunch, a post-workout snack, or a convenient and guilt-free meal.
Sweetgreen: Salads that Sing
Sweetgreen, a now-ubiquitous name synonymous with fresh, customizable salads and warm bowls, has a prime location in Williamsburg. The beauty of Sweetgreen lies in its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can build your own masterpiece from a wide selection of greens, grains, proteins, and toppings, or choose from their signature bowls. The “Harvest Bowl,” a delightful combination of roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, apples, goat cheese, toasted almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette, is a perennial favorite for its balanced flavors and satisfying textures. For a vegan option, consider the “Earth Bowl,” packed with roasted vegetables and a creamy cashew dressing. Sweetgreen caters to various dietary needs, clearly labeling gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Check their website or app for the most up-to-date hours and location details. It’s a dependable choice for a healthy and flavorful lunch or dinner.
Juice Generation: Supercharged Smoothies
When you need a quick boost of vitamins and antioxidants, Juice Generation is the place to go. This beloved juice bar offers an extensive menu of freshly pressed juices, superfood smoothies, and healthy snacks. Their smoothies are packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like kale, spinach, berries, and plant-based protein. Try the “Green Light” smoothie for a refreshing blend of greens and fruits, or the “Coco Açai Bowl” for a more substantial meal replacement. Juice Generation also offers grab-and-go salads and wraps, making it a convenient option for a quick and healthy lunch. You can find the Williamsburg location details on their website. Prepare to be energized and revitalized.
Dig Inn: Farm-to-Counter Goodness
Dig Inn offers a vibrant and customizable dining experience focused on seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients. The concept is simple: choose a base of grains or greens, then select your protein and sides. Their menu changes regularly based on what’s in season, ensuring that you’re always getting the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. Popular choices include the roasted chicken, grilled tofu, and an array of vibrant vegetable sides like roasted broccoli, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. Dig Inn prioritizes sustainability and works directly with local farmers, making it a responsible and delicious choice. Find their hours and location information on their website.
Sit-Down Restaurants with Healthy Options
For a more relaxed dining experience, Williamsburg boasts several sit-down restaurants that offer thoughtfully prepared and nutritious meals. These establishments often emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and offer a variety of options to suit different dietary needs.
Lilia: Vegetable Delights
While Lilia is undoubtedly renowned for its pasta dishes, this acclaimed Italian restaurant also features an impressive selection of seasonal vegetable dishes that are both flavorful and surprisingly healthy. The grilled cauliflower, charred to perfection and drizzled with a vibrant vinaigrette, is a standout dish. Other vegetable-focused options include roasted vegetables with herbs and garlic, and salads bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Lilia’s commitment to quality ingredients and expert preparation makes it a worthwhile choice, even when focusing on healthy options. Reservations are highly recommended, so plan ahead! Check their website for the menu and reservation details.
Aurora: Mediterranean Flavors and Fresh Ingredients
Aurora offers a taste of the Mediterranean with its menu of fresh, seasonal dishes. This charming restaurant focuses on using high-quality ingredients and preparing them simply to highlight their natural flavors. Look for dishes like grilled fish with seasonal vegetables, lentil soup, and salads with homemade vinaigrette. Their menu changes regularly based on what’s in season, ensuring a fresh and flavorful dining experience. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed and healthy meal. You can find their address and opening hours on their website.
Sunday in Brooklyn: Surprisingly Healthy Brunch and Dinner
While known for its indulgent brunch offerings, Sunday in Brooklyn also has a selection of surprisingly healthy options available for both brunch and dinner. Look for dishes like their grain bowls with roasted vegetables and grilled chicken, salads with seasonal ingredients, and their avocado toast. While some items are definitely more decadent, a mindful selection can lead to a very satisfying and healthy meal. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, making it a great place to meet friends for a healthy and enjoyable meal. Visit their website for their menu and booking information.
Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Spots
Williamsburg is a haven for plant-based eaters, with a growing number of restaurants dedicated to or offering extensive vegan and vegetarian options. These establishments showcase the creativity and deliciousness of plant-based cuisine.
Modern Love Brooklyn: Vegan Comfort Food Redefined
Modern Love Brooklyn offers a unique and satisfying vegan dining experience. This popular restaurant specializes in vegan comfort food classics, made entirely from plants. Their vegan mac and cheese, rich and creamy despite being dairy-free, is a fan favorite. Other popular dishes include their vegan lasagna, hearty burgers, and flavorful bowls. Modern Love proves that vegan food can be both delicious and comforting. Find their address and hours online. Get ready for some decadent (and ethical) comfort food.
Bunna Cafe: An Ethiopian Vegan Feast
For a truly unique and flavorful vegan experience, head to Bunna Cafe. This Ethiopian restaurant serves a completely vegan menu featuring traditional Ethiopian dishes made with plant-based ingredients. The food is served family-style on a large platter of injera, a spongy flatbread, and you eat with your hands. The flavors are bold and complex, with a mix of spices and herbs that create a truly unforgettable dining experience. Bunna Cafe is a vibrant and communal dining experience that celebrates the beauty and diversity of vegan cuisine. Check their website for more details.
Plantega: A Plant-Based Bodega Experience
Plantega is redefining the bodega experience by offering a wide range of plant-based snacks, sandwiches, and prepared foods. Their shelves are stocked with vegan alternatives to classic bodega staples, making it easy to find healthy and convenient options. Whether you’re looking for a vegan breakfast sandwich, a plant-based deli sandwich, or a healthy snack, Plantega has you covered. It’s a great place to grab a quick and affordable vegan meal. You can find their location and offerings online.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Beyond the well-known establishments, Williamsburg is also home to several hidden gems and local favorites that offer healthy and delicious food options. These spots are often smaller and more intimate, offering a unique and personalized dining experience.
Sea Wolf: Fresh Oysters and Seafood
While not strictly a health food restaurant, Sea Wolf offers a fantastic selection of fresh oysters and seafood, which are both healthy and delicious. Their oysters are sourced from local waters, and they offer a variety of preparations, from raw to grilled. They also have a selection of salads and vegetable-based sides. It’s a great spot for a light and healthy meal with a focus on high-quality ingredients. Find their details online.
Sincerely Burger: Healthyish Burgers with a Twist
Sincerely Burger is known for its quality burgers, but it also offers a selection of “healthyish” options, like a turkey burger with avocado and sprouts on a whole wheat bun. They also have a great selection of salads. You can customize your burger with a variety of toppings and sauces to create a healthier and more satisfying meal. This is a great spot to indulge in a burger without completely derailing your healthy eating habits. Check out their menu online.
Smorgasburg (Seasonal): A World of Healthy Options
Smorgasburg, the outdoor food market that takes place every weekend during the warmer months, offers a wide variety of food vendors, including many with healthy options. From vegan tacos to fresh salads to grilled vegetables, you can find a plethora of delicious and nutritious choices. It’s a great place to explore different cuisines and discover new healthy favorites. Check the Smorgasburg website for location and dates.
Tips for Eating Healthy in Williamsburg
Navigating the Williamsburg food scene and sticking to your healthy eating goals is definitely achievable with a bit of planning and awareness. Here are some helpful tips:
Embrace Seasonal Menus: Look for restaurants that feature seasonal menus. This often indicates that they are using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which are generally healthier and more flavorful.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask your server about ingredients and preparation methods. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.
Explore Healthy Substitutions: Inquire about healthy substitutions. Can you swap fries for a side salad? Can you substitute brown rice for white rice? Many restaurants offer these options if you simply ask.
Practice Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes. Consider splitting an entree with a friend or taking half of your meal home for leftovers.
Read Online Reviews: Before heading to a restaurant, check online reviews to see what other healthy eaters are saying. This can help you identify restaurants that are known for their healthy options.
Visit Local Farmers Markets: Williamsburg has several farmers markets where you can find fresh produce, organic fruits and vegetables, and other healthy ingredients. This is a great way to support local farmers and stock up on healthy staples for your own cooking.
Conclusion
Williamsburg is a thriving culinary destination that caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. As you’ve seen, the notion that it’s difficult to eat healthily here is simply untrue. The neighborhood offers a diverse and growing selection of restaurants and eateries that prioritize fresh, seasonal ingredients, nutritious preparation methods, and a commitment to catering to different dietary needs. By exploring the restaurants mentioned in this article, and keeping in mind the tips for mindful eating, you can confidently navigate the Williamsburg food scene and discover your own healthy favorites. So, go forth, explore, and enjoy the delicious and nutritious offerings that Williamsburg has to offer. Eating healthy in Williamsburg is not only possible; it’s easier and more delicious than you might think! The adventure awaits!
