8 Healthy NYC Lunches That Aren’t Sweetgreen
In the city that never sleeps, it can be hard – and expensive – to live a healthy lifestyle. But rest assured that there are plenty of options to keep any (lingering) clean eating resolutions safely intact while working away in New York City.
Staying well-within your daily per diem, here are 8 healthy lunch options scattered around NYC that will keep you full for under $15 – and they aren’t a salad:
Nish Nush – Tribeca & Financial District
This entirely vegetarian menu is centered on the fresh tastes of the Mediterranean with hummus and falafel bowls reining supreme. With gluten-free options and smoothies, even the pickiest diner will find plenty to eat during their lunch break.
Try: Turmeric Kick Smoothie (mango, banana, pecans, turmeric root, honey tahini)
Inday – Flatiron
“Good karma served daily” is the motto for this fast-casual Indian restaurant and for good reasons. With a 100% gluten-free menu that serves antibiotic-free meats, local vegetables and organic beverages, you can choose from its signature, seasonal or make-your-own bowls.
Try: Curry Flower Bowl with Cauliflower Rice
Two Forks – Midtown
Another delicious lunch bowl option in Midtown is Two Forks which pairs all-natural, slow cooked meats with seasonal slaws and globally-inspired sauces. Get your bowl (or bun) to go and eat at the iconic Bryant Park which is right around the corner.
Try: The Moo York (pulled beef, horseradish chive sauce, roasted cabbage, parmesan, and lemon slaw)
Mulberry & Vine – NoMad, Midtown East, Dumbo
Trying to narrow down your plate to three options will be the hardest thing you do all day. With vegan and dairy-free choices, the Mulberry & Vine motto “Live Dirty, Eat Clean” is accurate for this city. The housemade infused waters and lemonades still keep you under budget and hydrated!
Try: Roasted Brussels with Nori-Hemp Vinaigrette (seasonal special)
Siggy’s Good Food – NoHo
Eating healthy doesn’t mean you give up comfort foods! Grab a hamburger from this neighborhood standout that’s made from local, organically raised, grass fed beef (wow – that’s a mouthful) for a guilt-free meal.
Try: Happy Beef Burger
Chikarashi – Chinatown
This is the closest to experiencing a refreshing Hawaiian poke bowl as you can get walking in off the streets of Manhattan. Its location has limited seating so plan on a takeout order and enjoy a lunch in one of the many public parks in the neighborhood – because who wants to eat at their desk again?
Try: Goma Shoyu Tuna Bowl
Dig Inn – Manhattan & Brooklyn
With a location in LITERALLY every Manhattan neighborhood, this chain has found its niche in the NYC work crowd. Offering a choice of one protein, one grain and two vegetables – all mindfully sourced from regional farms – Dig Inn will keep you full until dinnertime. Don’t be intimidated by the long lines; they go fast. Also, get the in-house hot sauce for an extra kick!
Try: Jasper Hill Mac & Cheese – okay this isn’t the healthiest option but that’s what the veggies are for
Beyond Sushi – Manhattan
Make sure you Instagram your roll before you scarf it down. These vegan sushi rolls (aka no raw fish) are made with black rice instead of regular sushi rice for an extra health kick. There’s soups, dumplings and rice paper wraps if you’re craving something extra.
Try: Chic Pea (black rice, roasted eggplant, artichoke, and English cucumber)
