Whether you're looking to accomplish a new goal, make a lifestyle change or just explore new culinary horizons, eating healthy is something that many of us are trying to do more of this year. And luckily, eating healthier no longer means you have to stick to rabbit food. There are plenty of Columbus restaurants proving that nutrient-dense meals can also be packed with flavor!
From juice bars to gastropubs and everything in between, here are the 11 healthy (and delicious) restaurants that should be at the top of your list. Enjoy!
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680 N High Street, Columbus
Photo courtesy of Jodi Miller via Brassica
Brassica is actually the name of the plant group that includes cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, Brussels sprouts and mustard seed, and true to its name, this spot serves up plenty of veggies. You'll find these veggies (alongside local breads and house-cured meats) in the flavorful pitas, bowls and hummus plates that adorn the menu.
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1105 Pennsylvania Avenue, Columbus
Katalina's specializes in Latin-leaning comfort food packed with healthy, local ingredients — all served up with a dose of Southern charm! The cafe is housed in a 100-year-old gas station, but has been renovated to showcase Katalina's bright personality. The buzz-worthy locale often draws a line of hopefuls out the door, but the wait is well worth it for the mouthwatering breakfast and lunch options.
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1417 W 5th Avenue, Columbus
Photo courtesy of Lori Baskin via Sweet Carrot
This family-oriented restaurant specializes in fresh, casual comfort food. The menu includes Southern-slanted comfort food (including corn cakes and pulled pork), all created with local ingredients. First, pick a base (either corn cake, a sandwich, a salad or mac 'n' cheese), and finish it off with your choice of protein (brisket, pulled pork, fried artichokes, smoked turkey and chicken meatballs). Once you've settled on the perfect combination, enjoy your meal with a craft beer, iced tea or cocktail.
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621 Parsons Avenue, Columbus
2855 Indianola Avenue, Columbus
At once modern and friendly, the Crest Gastropub boasts local brews, craft cocktails and elevated American fare created with carefully sourced ingredients. The menu features something for everyone, including tacos, charcuterie, hearty salads, vegan entrées, and an assortment of burgers. Don't miss the falafel sandwich, made with sweet potato hummus, roasted brussels, pickled peppers and naan.
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495 S. 4th Street, Columbus
2885 N High Street, Columbus
Photo courtesy of Harvest Pizzeria
We bet you weren't expecting to find a pizza place on this list — but Harvest Pizzeria slings surprisingly satisfying pies that are packed with nutrients, as well as an impressive lineup of salads. The restaurant creates all of its recipes using seasonal ingredients from local farms, and there are plenty of gluten-free or vegan options. All of the food is made fresh to order, and served piping hot out of the oven!
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65 E State Street, Columbus
At Market 65, The owners are committed to bringing you the best ingredients Ohio farmers have to offer — all whipped up into fresh, immensely delicious dishes worth savoring. Choose a signature salad or wrap from the menu, or create your own! And don't forget to check out the soup or panini of the day.
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4241 N High Street, Columbus (And four more locations listed here)
Photo courtesy of Addison Jones Photography via Northstar Café
The staff at Northstar Café understands the impact our decisions can have on the local community and environment, and thus makes conscious choices about their menu, the ingredients used, and even the way their restaurants are built. While the strong dedication to sustainability might be reason enough to eat here, the food is nothing to turn your nose up at. Expect hearty bowls, thin crust pizzas, and flavorful salads, all of which can be accompanied by a glass of wine or craft cocktail from the beverages menu. And don't even get us started on breakfast!
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1635 N High Street, Columbus
Photo courtesy of TRISM
Perhaps the most colorful restaurant in Columbus, TRISM serves up fresh, Instagram-worthy meals that are filled with flavor. Take for instance the poke bowls, the smoothies, or the scratch-made superfood cocktails! But the food isn't the only thing worth noting at TRISM — by night, the cafe transforms into a hot spot featuring curated events, craft cocktails and live entertainment.
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625 Parsons Avenue, Columbus
Smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and fresh-pressed juices are just a few of the healthy items on the menu at Alchemy Juice Bar & Café — and you really can't go wrong with anything you order. Alchemy's passion for delicious (and nutritious) food shines through in the variety of flavors. Additionally, there is always a registered dietician on site to provide nutritional counseling services and help you embrace a healthier, happier you!
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4428 Indianola Avenue, Columbus
Photo courtesy of Portia's Cafe
Portia's Cafe serves up raw, organic, vegan and gluten-free fare in a modern setting. The menu is packed with options, each more flavorful and inventive than the last! A few standouts include the raw falafel wrap, vegetable curry soup, spinach artichoke dip, and pad thai, and don't pass up the citrus parfait for dessert.
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2700 N. High Street, Columbus
1717 Northwest Boulevard, Columbus
The mission at Acre is simple: to make high-quality, locally grown and wholesome foods more accessible to all. The menu, which features hearty and flavorful options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, accomplishes this and so much more! Look for the mole bowl, with roasted mushrooms, peppers, and onions in a savory Mexican pepper sauce topped with avocado sour cream and pepitas over brown rice.
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214 Thurman Avenue, Columbus
771 - A North High Street, Columbus
2408 East Main Street, Bexley
Photo courtesy of Candace Smith via Native Cold Pressed
Freshly pressed juices are the name of the game at Native Cold Pressed. Each bottle backs an impressive nutritional kick, and tastes delicious to boot! But don't overlook the food options, either. We promise the superfood smoothies, bowls and bites taste just as good as they look (and that's saying something)!
Enjoy!
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