Whether you're still going strong and enjoying healthy living as part of your resolution this year or have long been practicing a healthy lifestyle, knowing the best places to score some great healthy food when you're out and about or can't cook at home will help maintain your lifestyle and health goals. Luckily, there are many places in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that'll serve you the food you like, no matter your dietary needs. Here's our list of the best healthy restaurants in the area to help make your meal planning easier when you're on the go.
Fresh First
Fresh First in Fort Lauderdale is a restaurant serving gluten-free food in fun and inventive ways. The menu items are creative and nutritious and offer many healthy options to fit all dietary needs.
At Fresh First, everything is made from scratch, and the establishment takes into consideration any allergies or food sensitivities. Some loyal customer favorites include the loaded sweet potato baked to perfection and filled with good-for-you ingredients such as sprouted garbanzos, garlicky kale, house-made guacamole, and toasted sunflower seeds, as well as the vegan BLT made with smokey marinated tofu.
If you head over for breakfast, consider a quick smoothie to help you power through the morning. The Dazzling Dani is a healthy concoction made with strawberries, cinnamon, dates, oats, banana, almonds, and almond milk. It has enough fiber and protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. If you have more time, try the Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bowl served with banana, honey, and house-made granola.
- Location: 1637 S.E. 17th St., Fort Lauderdale.
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
- Contact: 954-763-3344.
The Whole Enchilada
If your taste buds crave the spice and flavors of Mexican cuisine, The Whole Enchilada packs a whole lot of flavor. While the menu has everything, from shrimp tacos to nachos, we suggest you visit this place with an appetite.
You can't go wrong when you order the Whole Enchilada Platter. This plate is a generous serving of two corn tortillas rolled fresh to order and filled with your choice of chicken, ground beef, pork, or tofu with cheddar cheese. The entire dish is topped with a delectable red mole sauce, melted cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. The side items that are included with this platter are Mexican rice, black or pinto beans, chips, and fresh salsa.
- Location: 4115 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
- Contact: 954-561-4040.
Christina Wan's Mandarin House
The Wan family is a celebrated member of the Fort Lauderdale community and a beloved gem in the county. Since 1966, the Wan family has offered their unique fare to the South Florida area, including Fort Lauderdale.
Christina Wan's Mandarin House is a great place for lunch or dinner. If you go at midday, try the lunch stir-fry noodle bowls. They're packed with healthy vegetables, protein, and just enough carbs to keep you satisfied till dinner. The Mei Fun Bowl is filled with bean sprouts, snow peas, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, baby corn, broccoli, and carrots. Protein options are chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, or vegetarian (tofu).
If you go for dinner, start with the cold sesame noodles served with snow peas, bean sprouts, and a sesame sauce. For a main course, try the Buddha Delight. This special includes broccoli, snow peas, carrots, napa, black mushrooms, and tofu. Wash everything down with a tasty drink from the full bar featuring beer, cocktails, and wine.
- Location: 664 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.
- Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Closed on Tuesday.
- Contact: 954-527-0228.
Beehive Kitchen
The Beehive Kitchen has created a buzz around Fort Lauderdale for good reason. The fresh ingredients used in the recipes make every bite taste extra delicious. The gluten-friendly establishment offers patrons the opportunity to build their own bowls to help them adjust the ingredients to fit their dietary goals and needs. If you're stopping by for a bite to eat mid-run or when you're on your way to the gym, consider grabbing a wrap to help you get the energy you need for the next few hours.
Alternatively, you could save some time on dinner and order one of the family meals starting at only $43.99. The pack serves from four to six individuals and comes with one base, one protein, two veggies, one sauce, and one add-on. For a simple snack, grab an order of chips and guacamole for only $4.99.
- Location: 6312 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
- Contact: 954-541-8787.
SoBe Vegan
SoBe Vegan is a quick and casual restaurant that has some of the best vegan food you'll find in the area. The establishment promises to provide a healthy twist on American fare without sacrificing flavor. The diverse menu includes salads, bowls, juices, burgers, and sandwiches. Breakfast is served all day, and the power bowls are filling enough to keep you going on the longest days while running errands. The kids menu is equally as healthy but features kid favorites such as gluten-free mac and cheese and grilled cheese.
- Location: 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
- Contact: 954-368-4640.
So, there you have it. Here at the biostation, we have reveled in the opportunity to share with you our list of the best healthy restaurants where you can chomp on healthy food in and around the Fort Lauderdale area. So, what do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite spot to grab a crunchy salad or yummy shake? If we did, please let us know. Leave us a message sharing your thoughts, and we'll be happy to check out your idea. You may even find that we add your suggestion to our list in the future.