Best Healthy Restaurants and Organic Eating in Houston

By Shea Serrano

Updated 03/31/18

True Food Kitchen
Courtney of True Food Kitchen

Houston has some of the best Tex-Mex on the planet — thanks, in no small part, to the unlimited supply of amazing queso — and as a result, waistlines might be a bit more stretched in the Bayou City than in other places. But that's all changing. Organic and locally grown dining, a rarity just a few years ago, is becoming more and more prevalent in the Houston area. Even locations where the primary draw is indulgence are starting to offer lower-calorie or more sustainably produced items on their menus. Below is a list of restaurants and catering companies specializing in healthy food options for the busy Houstonian.

  • 01 of 06

    Local Foods

    Local Foods in Houston
    Catherine X./Yelp

    Local Foods prides itself on its gourmet selections of hearty and delicious sandwiches, salads and sides, all made with — you guessed it — local ingredients. Even the olive oil they use comes from Texas Hill Country. 

    The Crunchy Chicken is a favorite for regulars. Pair it with some seasonal fruit or watermelon gazpacho, and wash it all down with their delicious mintade for a fresh and satisfying meal. 

    Pro tip: In a hurry? You can save time by ordering ahead online. 

    Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

  • 02 of 06

    True Food Kitchen

    True Food Kitchen
    Courtney of True Food Kitchen

    The menu changes by season and includes a mix of health-conscious salads, sandwiches and entrees. Protein for their dishes is responsibly sourced, including grass-fed beef and sustainable fish, and sandwiches are made from only fresh, unprocessed ingredients. 

    Be sure to try one of their delicious pizzas, made with organic tomatoes and spelt and flax dough made fresh daily, paired with one of their many organic, bio-dynamic wines. 

    Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

  • 03 of 06

    Baba Yega Cafe

    Baba Yega Cafe
    Robyn Correll

    Located in the heart of Montrose, Baba Yega is a Houston favorite for those looking for fresh, quality food. In addition to their impressive regular menu, they also have a vegetarian and vegan menu, as well as an extensive list of gluten-free options.

    What sets Baba Yega apart, however, is its fun and interesting atmosphere. Inside, guests sit among an eclectic-yet-tasteful mix of decor, including a live, full-grown tree in one of the dining rooms. Outside, patrons can enjoy a small koi pond, while covered seating areas and large fans help make the outdoor environment comfortable — even in the dead heat of Houston summers. 

    Pro tip: The Sunday brunch buffet — one of the best in Houston — brings in a large crowd, so be sure to come early to avoid a long wait. 

    Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free 

  • 04 of 06

    Snap Kitchen

    Snap Kitchen
    Shaady Ghadessy / Courtesy of Snap Kitchen

    This take-out only restaurant is fully committed to a menu that consists of only locally grown and organic foods. In addition to yummy eats like Texas Grass-Fed Beef Hash and Peanut Butter Pancakes, Snap Kitchen also provides consultations with an on-site registered dietician, home/office delivery and a bulk menu. Snap Kitchen's online menu makes it easy to find foods that fit your dietary preferences. Choose from a long list of options, and the site will mark the menu items that meet your criteria. 

    Pro tip: Delivery options are available through multiple food service apps, such as UberEats and Seamless. 

    Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo, Low-carb, Plant-based, Low-sodium

    Continue to 5 of 6 below.
  • 05 of 06

    Bellagreen

    Kale Salad from Bellagreen
    Robyn Correll

    When it originally opened in 2008 (then as Ruggles Green), this restaurant became Houston's very first Certified Green Restaurant. Since then, it has expanded to several more locations and rebranded as Bellagreen. Each site offers a menu loaded with local and organic ingredients. Its online menu makes it easy to find gluten-free and dairy-free options, as well as vegetarian dishes and healthy kids meals. The salads, in particular, are robust and flavorful — loaded with veggies, lean proteins and light dressings to leave you feeling full and content.

    Pro tip: Delivery is available through the Door Dash app. 

    Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free

  • 06 of 06

    Hobbit Cafe

    Bacon Cheeseburger with a Fried Egg from Hobbit Cafe
    Bacon Cheeseburger with a Fried Egg from Hobbit Cafe. Robyn Correll

    This Richmond Avenue restaurant prepares all the favorite Americana classics (including cheeseburgers and nachos) but with fresh, small-batch ingredients and options to make the dishes healthier — or at least, not quite as bad for you. Burgers can be made using leaner bison meat and piled with real spring lettuce, not flimsy iceberg. While most American restaurants default to a side of fries, at Hobbit Cafe, shredded carrots are more common, though you can still get the fries if you want them. The spectrum of options available make it a great place for mixed groups wanting both high-quality salads and finger-licking stuffed jalapeño poppers. No judgment. If you do opt for the salad, however, be sure to try the creamy dill dressing. The house-made sauce is a pleasant break from heavy ranch or oily Italian dressings common at other eateries. 

    Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free

    Robyn Correll contributed to this report.