Where to eat Whole30 (or just healthy) in Brooklyn

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You can wander around Brooklyn at just about any time of day and find something you really want to eat. But grain-free, dairy-free, unprocessed food? That’s asking a lot. For those on the popular Whole30 clean-eating program this month, which eliminates sugar, grains, dairy, alcohol and legumes, the plan may be good for your gut but not so good on your choices for eating out.

Though the Whole30 focuses largely on making your own food, it’s a bit unrealistic to say you won’t eat out at all in January. If you’re embarking on a nutrition reset, or just want healthier eating options, these cafes and restaurants in Brooklyn and Manhattan satisfy all the requirements.

Pure Bistro, Park Slope

Photo: Pure Bistro

This Park Slope spot is committed to offering organic, hormone-free meats including grass-fed beef and free-range chicken. That’s good news for the Whole30 goer because their skewers, chicken, and fish entrees are great options as long as you nix the brown rice and substitute extra veggies instead.

Pure Bistro, 88 5th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219

Ako, Williamsburg

Photo: Ako

Most sushi places are a great option for Whole30 diners, just as long as you stay away from anything soy or rice-related. Sashimi is compliant, but if you want something more along the lines of a sushi roll, go with the Naruto. It’s a rice-free roll of sashimi and avocado in thinly sliced cucumber, which is much more filling and satisfying than just the fish or a steam veg. Plus, you could bring your own Whole30-compliant coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce.

Ako, 205 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

 

Rita, Red Hook

An all-day breakfast spot could be a Whole30 dream, especially if they’re down to accommodate for food allergies and dietary restrictions. Such is the case with Rita’s and their egg plate—soft scramble and greens, plus you can add meat, fish, or avocado for a little something extra. For lunch, many of their special soups pass muster too, like this kombu broth with roasted beets. 

Rita, 293 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY 11231

Dig Inn, Williamsburg

Photo: Dig Inn

A lot of chain restaurants could be difficult for a grain-free diet, but Dig Inn makes it super easy to find out what exactly goes into each of their dishes, where it’s sourced from, and its nutrition facts. For proteins, both the Charred Chicken and Herb Roasted Chicken are safe, plus sides like the Farm Greens, Roasted Sweet Potato, and Sautéed Broccoli. Even better, you can always add a side of avocado to your marketbowl.

Dig Inn, 166 N 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 and locations throughout Manhattan

 

Loving Hut, East Williamsburg

Whether you’re a vegan Whole30-er or not, Loving Hut can offer you something healthy you’ll enjoy. Their salads, for instance, can be made with just olive oil for dressing. The spot also offers sides like mashed sweet potatoes and a variety of mixed veggies.

Loving Hut, 76 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Bareburger, Park Slope

Photo: Bareburger

Bareburger’s “Be My Burger” menu is a Whole30 dieter’s dream. Go with a beef, bison, or beyond burger wrapped in collard greens. Most of the veggie toppings are compliant, too.

Bareburger, 170 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

DeStefano’s Steakhouse, Williamsburg

Photo: DeStefano’s

Luckily, you won’t have to skip out on the steakhouse dinner during your Whole30 run. DeStefano’s uses no butter on its steaks; just olive oil, salt, and pepper. That means the porterhouse, ribeye, and strip are fair game. And as for sides, the sautéed spinach is made with just garlic and oil, but the staff is happy to accommodate any other specifications you give them.

DeStefano’s Steakhouse, 89 Conselyea St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

 

Selamat Pagi, Greenpoint

Photo: Selamat Pagi

 

This Indonesian spot uses only local grass-fed, sustainable, and organic meats, plus they have a brunch menu Whole30-ers can count on. Try the Sautéed Greens and Sun-Dried Radish Omelette.

Selamat Pagi, 152 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

 

 

 

 

 

Inday, NoMad

A make-your-own bowl at this fast-casual Indian spot is a great option for lunch: cauliflower “rice,” greens, sweet potatoes, and hold the sauce!

Inday, 1133 Broadway, New York, NY 10010

Hu Kitchen, Union Square

Photo: Hu Kitchen

Hu Kitchen’s entire menu is gluten and dairy free (unless otherwise specified), plus there’s no vegetable or canola oil whatsoever, so no intense questioning to the staff necessary! Lunch and dinner options include a grain-free lasagna and organic rotisserie chicken. For breakfast, try the Caveman sausage and eggs. 

Hu Kitchen, 78 Fifth Avenue (@14th Street) New York, NY 10011

 

 

 

 

 

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