10 Healthy D.C. Restaurants You Have to Try

For Diet-to-Go customers meal-time can be as set as they want it to be. That’s because customers can choose between a 5-day or 7-day meal plan — and can choose whether they want to receive breakfast, lunch and dinner, or just lunch and dinner.

Yep, with Diet-to-Go, it’s all in your hands.

But what about those days when you just want to get out of the house and try something new? Maybe it’s a special occasion. Maybe you’re going out with friends. Maybe it’s date-night.

Whatever the reason, when you head to a restaurant, we want you to be as prepared as possible and know where to go to get the healthiest (and still delicious) meals in your metro.

Diet-to-Go is starting a mini feature series where we’re sharing our 10 favorite healthy restaurants in the five metros where we offer fresh pickup.

The restaurants featured are sure to light up your taste buds while still keeping you in-line with your weight loss goals.

Our first stop? Washington D.C.

1) Chaia.

Can’t pronounce the name? Don’t sweat it. The delicious creative tacos served up at this retro little joint tucked in Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park will soon take your mind off it. The menu is 100 percent vegetarian (great for vegans, too, though you may have to opt out of some of the soups), healthy and delicious. Pick out your taco trio and then walk over to the park to enjoy your meal lakeside, followed by a walk.

Go there

 

2) Protein Bar.

Protein Bar’s mission? To change the way people eat, and do it in a way that still tastes good and satisfies. This fast-casual joint is great for lunch, or for a take-home dinner. They’ve got “bar-ritos and bowls,” take your pick. Each bowl is made with locally-sourced ingredients ranging from avocados, to beans, to chicken, to pesto and more. Oh, and did we mention they’re all under 650 calories?

Go there

 

3) Keren Restaurant.

Feeling creative? Maybe even a little adventurous? Then make your way to Keren Restaurant. Don’t let the dive appearance fool you. It’s small, but mighty. Seriously, there’s a reason Keren is usually packed — this place is a gem, especially if you want to satiate parts of your taste buds you never knew existed with Ethiopian food. It’s an absolute must-try.

Go there


 

4) Cava Grill.

Speaking of being adventurous, how about a journey into the middle-land? Yep, we’re talking about Mediterranean food (Mediterranean is Greek for “middle-land”). Cava’s menu is fully customizable based on whatever your taste buds desire (although most people say the “crazy feta” is to die for), and the interior has a trendy vibe to it, as colorful as the menu items themselves. There’s soups, pita wraps, sauces, you name it. (And you’ll love it).

Go there

 

5) DC Harvest.

Chef and owner Arthur Ringel has 15-plus years experience in the food business, and he knows his stuff — one taste of his menu, and you’ll find out why. This upscale kitchen spot truly encompasses everything we love about American food. Not the greasy, fried stuff you might get at a chain restaurant, but the kind of American that grandma cooks on a Sunday evening. The menu includes dinner and brunch items, like roasted chicken or brisket (both garnished with healthy sides like quinoa and couscous) for the evening, or things like cremini mushrooms or shrimp and grits for the morning. Mmmm, mmm.

Go there
 

6) Busboys and Poets.

Do you have a quirky, maybe even a bit eccentric, personality? Then you’ll fit right in at Busboys and Poets. The restaurant’s vibe is as interesting as its menu. It’s got lounge chairs, sofas, high-tops, bars and even a bookstore in the back. It’s the kind of place you go curl up with a good book, tap away at your laptop or play a game with friends. And all the while munch down on some healthy, tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner items.

Go there

 

7) Chop’t Creative Salads.

Salad, right? It gets old quick. Unless you find yourself at Chop’t, that is. The restaurant is all about getting super creative with its offerings (hence the name), and it won’t disappoint. Choose from their Destination Salads menu (we’re talking Crunchy Thai Market or Spicy Green Papaya), their Classic Salads (everything from Mexican Caesar to Texas Po’Boy), their Grain and Noodle Bowls (Mediterranean Falafel, for example) or Warm Kale & Quinoa Bowls. They even have a Create Your Own option. (We won’t blame you if you’re already headed to your car).

Go there

 

8) Restaurant Nora.

When you’re ready to spend a few extra bucks and want to eat 100 percent organic, tasty dishes like pan seared scallops, salmon or veal, head to Restaurant Nora. Known as America’s first certified organic restaurant, Nora’s has been serving healthy, wholesome food for more than 37 years. Restaurant founder Nora Pouillon has received multiple culinary awards over the years and advised many big companies on how to incorporate organic food into their menus. The price tag for dinner will be on the higher-end, but it’s just the thing for a classy date night.

Go there

 

9) Donburi.

Authentic Japanese cuisine all the way — authentic and delicious, that is. Donburi (named after a rice bowl dish in Japan) is known for having some of the most delicious Katsudon in town. (Katsudon is a bowl of rice topped with pork cutlet, egg, vegetables and sauces.) The dish is a big deal in Japan, and for good reason. It’s sure to lift your spirits, especially if you pick some up from this place.

Go there

 

10) Blue Duck Tavern.

Besides having great service, Blue Duck Tavern has a great ambiance and the menu to match. Dishes run the gamut — everything from roasted quail or duck confit, to crab cakes or steak, to poached pear salads and more. It’s the kind of place you want to carve out some time for (maybe a special occasion or date), because it’s relaxing, laid-back and friendly.

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.