A Healthy Foodie's Guide to Chicago
Chicago is home to so many incredible restaurants and casual spots for just about any cuisine you could be in the mood for. It has become more health-conscious in recent years, with trendy cafés and juice bars opening throughout. With the growing healthy food scene, I always look forward to eating out :) Now that I’m moving out-of-state after living in the suburbs for most of my life, I thought it would be fun to share my favorite places in the Chicago area! Keep reading for my top recommendations in the Windy City.
for food
in the city
★ The Allis: A stylish hangout in the West Loop’s Soho House with fab food! Brunch with the “allis breakfast” or the smashing avocado toast.
★ Beatrix: Healthy comfort food dishes, vegetarian options, also a coffeehouse
★ Blue Door Farm Stand: Seasonal farm-to-table café
★ Cantina Laredo: Authentic Mexican in an upscale atmosphere
★ Chicago Raw: Plant-based grab & go café serving smoothies, sandwiches & raw treats (carrot cake, avocado brownie, pitaya cheesecake, mint square, lemon bar, mock tuna sandwich, raw rolls… SO MANY goods!)
★ Ema: Mediterranean small plates & spreads
★ Fig & Olive: Beautiful Mediterranean cuisine
★ Food by Fare: Amazing build-your-own nourish bowls (also sells Coconut Cult & Lilbucks!). This food vendor in the casual Wells Street Market never disappoints!
★ Goddess & the Baker: Modern bakery with salads, wraps, pastries & specialty coffee
★ Le Colonial: Famed upscale French-Vietnamese spot in the Gold Coast. From decor and ambiance, to service and flavorful food, it’s an absolutely wonderful experience.
★ Le Pain Quotidien: Elegant and organic communal café. I love the sunny side breakfast bowl and baker’s breakfast. Ask for the super seed gluten-free bread on the avocado toast!
★ The Little Beet: A delicious health-conscious fine dining restaurant with impressive spreads. Flavors are incredible (I love the salmon and crispy spirulina rice bowl) and veggies are roasted to perfection (the best sweet potatoes)!
★ Lululemon (Lincoln Park): Heaven for foodies and fitness fanatics… there’s a whole lot more to do than shop! After a meditation session, yoga or workout class at this innovative health hub, fuel up at the seasonal restaurant that serves salads, toasts, burgers, smoothies, coffee and drinks. I highly recommend the tempeh power bowl, smoked salmon toast and roasted sweet potato power bowl!
★ Lyfe Kitchen: Casual spot with tasty food (red lentil & halloumi salad, salmon & buckwheat soba noodles, buffalo cauliflower tacos)
★ Meli Café: Neighborhood restaurant & juice bar; delicious breakfast; vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options
★ Protein Bar & Kitchen: Healthy “fast food” chain serving delicious & filling wraps, bowls, smoothies
★ Real Good Stuff: Organic juices, smoothies, toasts, sandwiches, bowls, NoyoFoyo!
★ Sunda: Modern Asian cuisine; gluten-free & vegan options
★ Sweetgreen: Great build-your-own salads with seasonal ingredients
★ Terrace 16: Indoor/outdoor restaurant on the 16th floor of Trump Tower; spectacular views of the Chicago River; great place for celebrations
★ True Food Kitchen: This nourishing, seasonal restaurant is one of my all-time favorites. I’ve probably had every item on the menu at least once! You can’t go wrong, but the ancient grains bowl is the best. Wish I could bottle up the cilantro pumpkin seed pesto because it’s beyond delicious!
★ Yolk: Creative breakfast spot that will satisfy all foodies
★ 3 Arts Club Café: See Restoration Hardware below
in the suburbs
★ Egg Harbor Café (Naperville): Traditional breakfast spot by the riverwalk with some delicious healthy options, like the shakshouka or quinoa breakfast skillet (I always add more veggies)!
★ La Sorella di Francesca (Naperville): Fresh Italian in a cozy atmosphere; vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options (there’s an amazing salmon entrée)
★ Restoration Hardware (Oakbrook): Recently opened in 2021, RH not only has an upscale interior, but a stunning rooftop dining atmosphere. The avocado toast on charred sourdough with della terra aged balsamic and a farm egg is worth a trip alone — trust me! The salads are beyond picture perfect and flavorful.
★ Santo Cielo (Naperville): A modern restaurant-lounge atop Hotel Indigo with city views. It’s a global cuisine with the best Sunday brunch buffet!
★ Standard Market (Westmont): While shopping at this gourmet grocery store, make sure to grab a bite at the Grill for fantastic lunch/dinner/brunch. I love adding a protein to any of the salads or buddha bowl. Don’t miss the sweet potato fries or crispy brussels! You can also sub any pizza with gluten-free cauliflower crust. Definitely pick up a house-made cold pressed juice on your way out!
★ The Table at Crate (Oakbrook): Crate & Barrel’s stunning contemporary restaurant at the outdoor Oakbrook mall. The farmer’s market crudité and shrimp poké bowl were so refreshing!
for coffee
in the city
★ Blue Bottle Coffee: Located along the river, this trendy café opened in 2021. Offering premium, fresh coffee and delicious bites, it’s the perfect setting to work remotely.
★ Hero Coffee Bar: South Loop coffee shop hidden in an alley. Try their signature lavender latte!
★ HI-VIBE Superfood Juicery: Organic coffee, juices & smoothies packed with superfoods and quality ingredients (hello Bulletproof!); vegan and paleo options; I loved the matchaga!
★ Limitless Coffee & Tea: Gorgeous lattes (I got the super greens) & great vibes in this contemporary space
★ Sawada Coffee: Chill hangout for creative & classic coffee in a rustic setting. The military latte is the real deal: it’s made of espresso, matcha, white chocolate sauce, cocoa powder, oat milk & hot water.
★ Starbucks Reserve: Visiting the biggest Starbucks in the world is quite the experience, with five floors to explore!! Coffee bars, a roastery, bakery, café & roof deck… you might want to make a day out of it :)
in the suburbs
★ Sparrow Coffee (Naperville): My all-time favorite place for local coffee. Their artisanal drinks are crafted to perfection. The avocado toast is truly one of a kind :)
★ STEAM Coffee Co (Oakbrook): So many delicious options! Love the Bulletproof.
