Best Restaurants for Healthy Eating with Kids

Best Restaurants for Healthy Eating with Kids

Finding restaurants that offer healthy options for kids can be a challenge, but many establishments are stepping up to provide nutritious and delicious meals for the whole family. Here are some of the best restaurants for healthy eating with kids, ensuring that dining out is both enjoyable and healthy.

Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen is known for its fresh, seasonal salads and bowls. The menu is customizable, allowing you to create a meal that suits your family’s tastes and dietary needs.

• Benefits:
  • Fresh, organic ingredients
  • Customizable options
  • Kid-friendly portions

What to Order

• Kids’ Menu: Smaller portions of their popular salads and grain bowls.
• Customizable Salads: Choose a base of greens or grains, add lean proteins like chicken or tofu, and top with fresh veggies and healthy dressings.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread offers a wide range of healthy options, including soups, salads, and sandwiches made with whole grains and fresh ingredients.

• Benefits:
  • Nutritional information available
  • Whole grain options
  • Kid-friendly choices

What to Order

• Kids’ Menu: Includes healthy options like whole grain sandwiches, yogurt, and apple slices.
• Soups and Salads: Pair a bowl of soup with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle is a great option for healthy, customizable meals. Their menu focuses on fresh ingredients and allows you to build your own burritos, bowls, and tacos.

• Benefits:
  • Customizable meals
  • Fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients
  • Whole food options

What to Order

• Kids’ Menu: Includes build-your-own tacos or a small quesadilla with sides like rice, beans, and fresh veggies.
• Burrito Bowls: Choose a base of brown rice or greens, add beans, lean proteins, and a variety of fresh toppings.

True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen focuses on health-driven, seasonal dishes. Their menu offers a variety of nutrient-dense options that cater to different dietary preferences.

• Benefits:
  • Seasonal and organic ingredients
  • Diverse menu options
  • Kid-friendly atmosphere

What to Order

• Kids’ Menu: Healthy versions of kid favorites like almond butter, banana sandwiches, and chicken teriyaki bowls.
• Entrees: Try the Ancient Grains Bowl or a fresh salad with added protein.

The Little Beet

The Little Beet emphasizes plant-based, gluten-free, and nutrient-rich meals. Their menu features a variety of bowls and plates that are both tasty and healthy.

• Benefits:
  • Plant-based options
  • Gluten-free menu
  • Focus on nutrient-dense foods

What to Order

• Kids’ Menu: Smaller portions of their signature bowls and plates.
• Bowls and Plates: Choose a base of greens, rice, or quinoa, and add lean proteins and fresh veggies.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews

Red Robin offers a range of healthier options alongside their famous burgers. They have a dedicated kids’ menu with healthier choices and customizable sides.

• Benefits:
  • Customizable meals
  • Dedicated kids’ menu
  • Healthier side options

What to Order

• Kids’ Menu: Offers options like grilled chicken, turkey burgers, and veggie sides.
• Entrees: Opt for a lettuce-wrapped burger or a grilled chicken sandwich with a side salad.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company offers a variety of globally inspired noodle dishes, salads, and soups. Their menu includes healthy options and smaller portions for kids.

• Benefits:
  • Whole grain and vegetable-based options
  • Customizable dishes
  • Kid-friendly menu

What to Order

• Kids’ Menu: Includes options like spaghetti with marinara, grilled chicken, and broccoli.
• Zoodles and Caulifloodles: Try vegetable-based noodles for a healthier twist on traditional pasta.

P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s offers a variety of Asian-inspired dishes with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. They also have a kids’ menu with healthier options.

• Benefits:
  • Fresh, quality ingredients
  • Health-conscious menu options
  • Family-friendly environment

What to Order

• Kids’ Menu: Features items like chicken fried rice with less oil and more veggies.
• Main Menu: Opt for dishes like Buddha’s Feast, a vegetable stir-fry, or Chang’s Spicy Chicken with a side of steamed broccoli.

Cava

Cava is a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant that allows you to build your own bowls, pitas, and salads with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

• Benefits:
  • Customizable meals
  • Mediterranean diet focus
  • Fresh, healthy ingredients

What to Order

• Kids’ Menu: Includes smaller portions of their signature bowls.
• Build-Your-Own Bowl: Start with a base of greens or grains, add lean proteins like grilled chicken, and top with a variety of fresh vegetables and healthy dips.

Zoe’s Kitchen

Zoe’s Kitchen offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are fresh, flavorful, and healthy. Their menu includes many options that are perfect for families.

• Benefits:
  • Mediterranean diet emphasis
  • Fresh, wholesome ingredients
  • Kid-friendly options

What to Order

• Kids’ Menu: Features items like grilled chicken fingers, veggie sticks, and hummus.
• Main Menu: Try the quinoa salad or the grilled chicken kabobs with a side of roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Dining out with kids while maintaining a healthy diet is possible with the right restaurant choices. These establishments offer nutritious options that cater to both kids and adults, making it easier to enjoy a meal out without compromising on health. Next time you’re planning a family outing, consider these restaurants for a balanced and delicious dining experience.