With Mediterranean-style weather and more than 5,000 farms, San Diego is a natural when it comes to producing the freshest ingredients for healthy eating. Eating organic, seasonal, sustainable, and farm-to-table meals is a lifestyle and not a trend in San Diego. Locals and visitors can feel good about what’s on their plate while delighting in healthy, innovative cuisine. Whether embracing healthy eating options occasionally or committing all year long, it’s easy to nourish the body with delicious food in San Diego.
If you are looking to make up for all the homemade banana bread or just start the year on a healthier note, order takeout at these healthy San Diego eateries. You’ll also be supporting local businesses.
EVE
Where:
Encinitas: 575 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Oceanside: 507 N Coast Hwy 101, Oceanside, CA 92054
With two locations in San Diego, EVE is a vegan’s paradise known for its fresh, plant-based menu. Their first eatery opened in 2016 in Encinitas and quickly became a local favorite among healthy food aficionados. Its newer location in Oceanside shares the flagship’s tasty menu plus 30 taps of kefir soda, kombucha and cold brew. Both locations offer a cozy, bohemian setting with outdoor and indoor seating and an Elixir & Tonic bar. Try one of their hearty buddha bowls like the Havana affair or the Aphrodite. Other menu options include salads, flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, smoothies, and a variety of entrées.
Pachamama
Where: 3737 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Nestled in the up-and-coming Normal Heights neighborhood, Pachamama, synonymous with “Mother Earth,” pays tribute to South America’s vibrant cuisine. The all-day menu is inspired by a wide variety of countries including Peru, Colombia and Argentina. Owner Vick Vannucci creates innovative, healthy dishes with locally sourced ingredients including herbs and spices from her garden. Awaken your palate with a salmon teriyaki bowl or the tacu tacu, tasty vegan quinoa and Peruvian bean patties on mixed greens and topped with aji sauce and salsa criolla.
Señor Mangos
Where: 4607 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116
This hole in the wall might not look like much but it has some of the best fresh, all-natural juices, smoothies and açai bowls in town. Other favorite menu items include fruit salads, agua frescas, wraps, and power smoothies. Start the morning off right with a vampiro juice, combining celery, beet, carrot, and orange juices. Need to replenish after a workout? Get the premium bowl with organic pitaya and açai and topped with fruit, cacao nibs, hemp seeds, goji berries, and granola. For cheat days, Señor Mangos also has you covered. Grab one of their delicious tortas and a chamango, a Mexican sorbet with mango, homemade chile, lime, and chamoy. Find this family-owned and -operated gem along 30th Street in hip North Park.
Trilogy Sanctuary Café
Where: 7650 Girard Ave, Suite 400, La Jolla, CA 92037
Catch the good vibes at Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla. Primarily an aerial rooftop yoga studio, Trilogy Sanctuary is also a retail boutique and an organic, gluten-free and vegan café. Their zen menu offers detox programs, fresh cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, and thoughtfully crafted dishes. Highlights include the seared spring rolls and the two perfect tacos with quinrizo and eggplant bacon. Have a sweet tooth? Grab a guilt-free dessert like the “transcendent,” a rich brownie served warm with coconut ice cream and walnut date caramel sauce.
Parakeet Café
Where:
La Jolla: 27 Silverado St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Little Italy: 1680 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Del Mar: 745 Paseo Pl, #820, San Diego, CA 92130
Coronado: 1134 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Owned and operated by a husband and wife duo, Parakeet Café originated after the couple went on a quest to improve their daughter’s health with healthy food. They now share the benefits of eating healthier with an all-day menu of nutritious and delicious recipes. The menu features vegan, gluten-free, keto, and paleo items like salads, veggie bowls, avocado toasts, and baked goods. Their beverage program includes wellness lattes and handcrafted coffees from ethically sourced beans. All high-quality ingredients are sourced from local organic farms. Stop by any of Parakeet Cafe’s four chirpy locations in La Jolla, Little Italy, Del Mar, and Coronado.
Greater Greens
Where: 5608 Mission Center Rd, #901, San Diego, CA 92108
This Mission Valley eatery specializes in nourishing the body with healthy and delicious grain and salad bowls. All recipes use seasonal, high-quality ingredients from local farms. Choose between the apple cranberry salad or the kale couscous grain creation. Better yet, get creative and build your own perfect salad or grain bowl. Greater Greens has more than 50 different toppings to choose from, including veggies, fruits, cheeses, nuts, dressings, and proteins.
Zero Gelato
Where: 3331 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Can dessert be healthy? Naturally low in fat and sugar, gelato is a great dessert when you’re craving something sweet. This small gelato shop in Normal Heights specializes in 100% natural gelato, plus pops and shakes. All gelatos and sorbets are crafted in small batches from scratch with organic milk and fresh fruits. The seasonal menu changes weekly and includes flavors like whiskey and fig and keto berry lavender cheesecake. If you prefer something warm, grab one of the superfood lattes with organic superfoods, spices and apoptogenic ingredients.