Local restaurants offering healthy menus—from vegetarian and gluten-free to light fare and breakfast bites
In our Dining Guide section, we feature some of our favorite dining establishments in the region, selected and listed by cuisine type, theme or geographic area. In this edition, it’s all the healthy eats for the New Year.
350 Grace Yes, it’s entirely gluten-free. But Chef Willie Moats’ Southern oasis in Ghent is deeply rooted in soulful tradition and all the no-holds-barred flavor that implies. As it turns out, honest-to-God comfort food made with local and organic ingredients—that just happen to be grain-free—is nutritious, satisfying and, in this case, smack-your-mama good. 350grace.com
Aloha Snacks It’s true the burgers at this groovy Hawaiian-inspired walk-in on Laskin are smashing, but their poke put them on the map—OK, and maybe that one time owner Jesse Wykle beat Bobby Flay. Try the Shoyu the Tuna or Farmer’s Poke or go big with the Collard Noodle, Veggie Hot and Sour, General Tso’s Vermicelli or Foke Poke bowls. alohasnacksvb.com
Azar’s Mediterranean Cuisine Family owned and operated since 1988, Azar’s serves up Mediterranean specialties not only at its locations in Hilltop and Pembroke but at markets, specialty grocery stores and restaurants. From fresher-than-fresh tabouli and falafel to salmon, chicken and veggie kabobs with basmati, this is good-for-you Greek and more. azarfoods.com
Bay Local Brunch got brunchier when Bay Local first welcomed diners to its stylishly decorated spot on Shore Drive (the first of three VB locations. It’s a big, bold, flavor-packed menu (Banging Balls an all) and that includes the healthy stuff. From the One Love breakfast plate to the Power Bowl to the Smoked Salmon and Baby Spinach Salad, it’s easy being green. baylocalvb.com
The Bee & The Biscuit Like a hot buttered welcome to Pungo farm country, this popular breakfast and lunch spot in an early 20th century house, focuses on the freshest ingredients Princess Anne County has to offer. There are big Benedicts and Biscuits and Gravy, to be sure, but the Harvester Omelet and Vibrant Veggie Wrap will also satisfy your Sunday. beebiscuit.com
Café Stella At its popular Ghent location on Colonial Ave., Cafe Stella is definitely the place at which to “see and be seen.” But it’s not all just vibes—the all-day menu boasts pretty spectacular and healthy bistro fare, plus a fresh juice bar, craft beer and wine; not to mention house-roasted coffees sourced from all over the world. cafestellaroasters.com
Carrot Tree Kitchens You can satisfy your sweet tooth with the delectable selections at this scratch bakery with locations in Williamsburg and Yorktown. But they’re also sweet on garden-fresh and good-for-you breakfast and lunch items. Try the Grilled Goddess, Yorktown Onion or Abe Lincoln wraps or Debi’s Winter Salad with apples and walnuts. carrottreekitchens.com
Citrus They started the fancy brunch trend with the opening of their location on Shore Drive (the second is on Great Neck). Delicious fresh squeezed juices have always been on tap alongside pancakes and bloodys but so have their healthy breakfast options approved by local fitness guru Jim White. See also the Almond Milk Berry Oatmeal and Summer Glow bowls. citrusvb.com
CLTRE. Vgn Jnt A delightful plant-based café located in the KempsRiver area in Virginia Beach, CLTRE. offers delicious breakfast and lunch fare—did someone say “chicken” and build-your-own waffles? Taste their Brekkie Burrito, OG Avo Toast or Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap, or make it a vibe with a Green Goddess Smoothie, mushroom coffee or whole-leaf tea. cltrevgn.com
Commune If you’re thinking glorious farm-to-table goodness in Coastal Virginia, Commune ought to be top-of-mind. With hot spots in Virginia Beach’s ViBe and Norfolk’s NEON districts, their eye-poppingly colorful bowls, salads and breakfast bites are a rainbow of nutritious and delicious and feature ingredients probably picked in Pungo not long before. communeva.com
Food For Thought Popular with locals and visitors, thisWilliamsburg destination features décor inspired by historical figures complete with thought-provoking quotes. Their menu also makes you think. There are many healthy and vegetarian options alongside comfort faves—from the “Where Is The Beef?” Meatloaf to Stuffed Acorn Squash and the Portobello Stack. foodforthoughtrestaurant.com
The Green Cat The Green Cat Juice Bar + Market at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is a one-stop shop for organic, plant-based goodies and holistic nourishment—with a side of retail therapy. In addition to signature smoothies like The Mother Earth and the Traveling Yogi, they serve bottled juices, immunity shots, smoothie bowls, oatmeal, toasts and salads. thegreencat.com
Grunow’s Kitchen This gluten- and nut-free kitchen in Yorktown has plenty of better-for-you baked goods. But their savory selections also satisfy with crowd-pleasing salads like the Citrus Glazed Salmon and Chimichurri Steak. Pick a Pesto Veggie pizza or dairy-free Shrimp Alfredo if you’re feeling more peckish but want to keep it light. facebook.com/grunowskitchen
Honest Pastures Honest Pastures in Virginia Beach is Dacia Thorson’s answer to Subway. Coastal Virginia’s first vegan deli is known, in part, for sandwiches stacked high with house-made, plant-based “meats” and a dazzling selection of cheeses, toppings and condiments. Soups, salads, “drummies,” “dawgs” and desserts keep the good stuff coming. honestpastures.com
Jikoni Café Jikoni’s superpower is Jikoni Kush, a super-nutritional non-hybrid grain that hails from Africa. Tucked inside The House of Consciousness in Norfolk, this unassuming cafe serves up Kush on nachos, pasta, pizzas or sandwiches—like a crave-worthy “chicken” or tasty “tuna”—as well as in burritos, chili or their signature, saucy pita pockets. jikonecafe.com
KEΦI Greek Kitchen This authentic Greek kitchen on Richmond Road in Williamsburg is big on style and flavor. Healthy options are date-night worthy from the extensive hot and cold meze menus to beautiful salads and light, luscious soups to fresh fish like their Cedar Plank Salmon with cherry tomatoes, squash, pistachios and lemon balsamic glaze. kephigreek.kitchen
Leaping Lizard Café This charming Shore Drive staple is tucked into the trees in an old green house, complete with a garden and chickens out back and indoor-outdoor seating reminiscent of Key West. Freshness is front and center with their menu of salads, wraps, tacos, house-made soups, breakfast and brunch and “Lizard Loungers” cocktails. facebook.com/leapinglizardcafe
No Frill Bar and Grill While this beloved Ghent mainstay, which also has a Hilltop location, has plenty of comfort food, their salad game has been making a meal out of lettuce in the best way since the late ’80s. Get your lunch fix without falling asleep at your desk after when you dig into their famed Spotswood, Funky Chicken or Teriyaki and Sesame Grilled Tuna. nofrillgrill.com
OrapaxThis iconic Chelsea neighborhood eatery has been drawing hungry crowds with their beloved Greek family recipes for half a century. And if you are looking to eat healthy while there, you’ll have plenty to choose from—and not just dolmades and hummus. Big fat Greek salads, grain bowls, lentil soup, wraps and vegetarian selection abound. orapaxrestaurant.com
Rajput Indian Cuisine Rajput has been serving authentic Indian biryani, tandoori, curry and regional dishes for since 1999, with current locations in Harbour View, Greenbrier and Ghent. Their extensive vegan and vegetarian menus are bursting with flavorful spices full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and healthy whole grains and legumes. rajputonline.com
Saffron This Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant on Warwick Blvd. in Newport News is a kabob specialist and offers lots of dishes guests may know (hummus, falafel and babaganoush) and some to discover (like their Ghormeh, Bandanian and Gheimeh stews). Opened in 2015, the dining room has a cozy yet retro ’70s kind of vibe. saffronnewportnews.com
Sage Kitchen Tucked inside of Anderson’s Garden Center is Sage Kitchen; a casual, foliage-filled cafe serving light lunches, vegan menu items, and craft cocktails. For health-conscious diners, the food here is farm-to-table, scratch-made, and offered in “halfsie” portions for folks who love a small soup-salad-or-sammie combo. Definitely try the chicken salad! loveandersons.com
Session The hip Session on Shore Drive promises “an ode to good eats, beats and inclusivity” at their art- and plant-filled café where the jams are pumping and the breakfast, lunch, smoothie and cocktail menus are good for the soul. From bowls like the Breakfast Fried Rice and The Herbie to Mushroom Bahn Mi and Up in the Club chicken salad, these beats are fresh. sessionvb.com
Simple on Shore Simple Eats on Shore Drive crafts healthy dishes from produce and proteins grown and raised by local farmers and Virginia purveyors. They serve brunch all day (try the Avocado Toast or Garden Omelet), seasonal salads, sandwiches, apps, tacos and fresh catches and specials along with coffee, cocktails, smoothies and shakes. simpleonshore.com
The Stockpot The Stockpot, with locations in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake, is known for its house-made stocks, soups, healthy comfort foods, plates, popular ramen and paella nights, craft cocktails and more. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options from their Turkish Breakfast to the Bui Bowl to the Avo Toast. stockpotsoups.com
TASTE TASTE has earned its reputation as the OG go-to spot for sandwiches, soups, salads and gourmet goodies to-go, many of them Virginia-made. Specializing in wholesome, scratch-made food featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, their Northender is practically a religion, but choices like the Mediterranean Salmon Bowl or Citrus Beet Salad are guilt-free goodness. tasteunlimited.com
Town Center Cold Pressed This woman -and minority-owned coffee shop and café has been steadily expanding around the region. Fans flocks not only to their signature roasts and pressed juices but also their bangin’ bagel (and more) menu featuring the TG (turkey bacon, tomato and greens) on a toasted multi-grain croissant. Oatmeal, match and smoothies also pop. tccp.cafe
Zeke’s Beans & Bowls You can’t get much more chill than the vibe at Zeke’s, whether at their Virginia Beach, Norfolk or Chesapeake locations. But there’s a lot to geek out over on their menu of healthy açaí, poke, Asian and Latin-inspired egg bowls, pitas, salads, and smoothies. Pair that Zeke’s Bibimbap or the K Special with beet juice or cold brew and you’ll be pumped. zekes.net
CoVa Mag is all about local restaurants—whether it’s healthy eats or sinful sweets. We do our best to include as many establishments as we can in each published Dining Guide, but our space is limited. Please note this is a partial list compiled by Coastal Virginia Magazine editorial staff and contributing writers. Look for more listings in upcoming issues!
