restaurants (we) love
I believe you can and should have fun as you journey through a healthy lifestyle. Making better choices doesn’t mean food should ever lack personality and there should always be room for a little indulgence!
Here are a few of my favorite restaurants and my friends’ favorite restaurants from cities around the US and beyond. Some healthy, some indulgences, all certified YUM. Because reviews from actual people trump random internet bot reviews any day! Dig in... (and check back regularly as this is constantly being updated throughout my food journeys!)
VF = Vegan Friendly
GF= Gluten-Free Friendly
WESTERN USA:
California:
Mad Beet - San Diego - best açaí bowl you’ll ever taste - it’s the first place I go every time I’m in San Diego! VF
Il Fornaio - amazing Italian with a water view in Coronado'; great wine great atmosphere!
Jupiter - Berkeley - a neighborhood favorite of my cousin; we went here when I visited her and her now-husband! Their Xanthia pizza is to die for and they have great brews as well! Fun outside seating with gorgeous greenery
CA READER FAVORITES:
Ravioli di Uovo at Bottega - Napa Valley
Halu- Richmond, SF
Mastro’s Steakhouse - LA - “Get the petit filet and the butter cake —it’s amazing”
Denver, Colorado:
BRUNCH in DENVER
Atomic Cowboy aka Denver Biscuit Co aka Fat Sullys
if you live in Denver, but you haven’t been here, do you really live in Denver? DBC is their brunch name, get the biscuit cinnamon roll - just do it, we take every single visitor here - it’s a staple. Big fan of the “3 Run Double”, Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, any of their biscuit sandwiches, and even their greek yogurt with homemade granola + berries!
Fat Sully’s is the name of their lunch/dinner entity - they have incredible NY style pizza the size of your face.
Lucille’s- always wanted to go to Cafe du Monde in New Orleans but haven’t been able to justify the plane ticket just for beignets yet… so I am thrilled to have this gem of a brunch spot (homemade beignets included!!) at my fingertips here in Denver. Their biscuits are incredible, they do brunch very very well. Delicious collard greens, shrimp & grits, and everything else creole -inspired.
Jelly Cafe - Delicious classics, and their signature donut holes (YUM)
Snooze - good luck finding a table, but if you can get in, they do breakfast very well. It’s a chain now so it’s not as unique but very good pancakes, hashes, with a diner feel.
LUNCH in DENVER
Snarf’s - really good, fast sandwiches with cool Denver-vibe-y staff
Pizzeria Locale- super fast salads and pizza made in front of you - delicious and inexpensive
Maci Cafe- this hole-in-the-wall cafe is owned by our neighbor Massimo- a Chef from Italy! They have such wonderful service and their paninis are divine- I love the Raffy. Also try their nitro cold brew!
DINNER AND DESSERT in DENVER
(update - it closed!) Marcella’s - amazing italian food -highly recommend the lamb bolognese gnocchi or their signature fettuccine with meatball, but also their cocktails are incredible too!
Bistro Vendome- OMG. are you even a Denver person if you haven’t had their steak au poivre and their pommes frites?! Go here on your anniversary, or on a day you’re in a wine and dine mood, or on a sucky day when you need a pick me up. Get literally anything on the menu. You’ll drool.
Euclid Hall- their cheesy spaetzle, duck chips, and bratwurst burger are incredible. German food with a twist
Fire on the Mountain - their bone-in wings are divine! We don’t recommend the boneless wings however, because somehow we always get sick from them (but their traditional wings are so good we overlook that part LOL)
Rhein Haus - german food done well, big fan of their apple strudel and bratwurst
Parisi - for quick quality italian cuisine (we adore the diavola pizza, butternut squash ravioli with sage butter and their margherita pizza with bufalo di mozzarella), pair anything with the Nero d’Avola wine, imported gelato (try the sea salt caramel and the stracciatella) and cookies (imported from Italy obvi!) They also have Firenze downstairs for upscale dining!
Kaos Pizzeria - amazing brick oven style with a twist - we love the “Smokestack” and their outdoor patio is super cozy
OTOTO- best ramen in Denver in my opinion - I get the spicy pork miso ramen. Always fresh, always good service. Also get the spicy edamame, katsudon bowl, pork gyoza.
Sushi Den - best sushi hands down, and sister restaurant to OTOTO. We get the Crispy Spicy Tuna, Red Dragon Roll, Spider Roll, and the Lobster Tempura Roll and always get spicy edamame to start. Their dine-in experience is fabulous - the servers are poised and super kind (in fact, we celebrated our engagement there I love it so much!).
Uncle Ramen - also good ramen! Also related to OTOTO
Hapa Sushi - less expensive, still good quality, fun rolls
Hops and Pie - not a fan of the atmosphere (it’s very dark inside) but their pizza is so good and you can customize your own! Pretty good caesar salad too
High Point Creamery - very fresh, made from scratch local and delicious ice cream - try the basil lime or the tin cup whiskey, funfetti, pumpkin pie, and/or the cookies^3
Local Colorado Breweries:
Prost Brewery - magical because I met my husband there, but also some of the best German beer you’ll find in the city
Odell’s - Fort Collins - so many good choices
Denver Beer Co - try the Princess Yum Yum (it sounds girlier than it is- it’s a raspberry kolsch that’s not overly sweet and runs a little bit sour)
Station 26 - the Tangerine Cream Ale and Colorado Cream Ale are two of my all time favorite beers I’ve ever had
Platte Park Brewing Company - SUPER fun place for a date - they have tons of board games, but also their Nitro Cream Ale is incredible
New Mexico:
Paloma - Santa Fe- delish traditional Mexican
Texas:
Magnolia Table- Waco - Chip and Joanna Gaines’ restaurant - the food is as fun as the atmosphere. Get.the.lemon.pie. GET IT. Their chicken salad sandwich is pretty delish too.
Steel City Pops - Fort Worth- Gourmet popsicles - so yummy!!
Righteous Foods - Fort Worth- delicious açaí bowls, delicious breakfast options, really good thick cut nitrate-free bacon, great coffee
Houston:
Vibrant -GF- Even if you’re not gluten free this place is delish! We love their breakfast tacos and chicken tacos and it’s been a godsend for George. It’s the only totally gluten free place we know of here so far that is actually filling and flavorful!!
They have awesome coffee too. I will note though I didn’t like their donut with the bee pollen on it but it wasn’t terrible. Also what’s not to love with this: “We are fully gluten, dairy and refined sugar free and we make our bread, cheese, milks, and sausage from scratch in-house daily. We source locally and organically and support regenerative, farming practices.”
Zanti - Delicious Neopolitan style pizzas!
Sixty Vines - delish food - delish wine- great Gluten free options and people who genuinely care about service!
MIDWESTERN UNITED STATES:
Illinois:
Lucky Dorr - Chicago - awesome bar with the coolest history in Wrigleyville. Ask them about the Cubs…!
Pequod’s - Chicago - forget Lou Malnati’s everyone says Pequod’s is the best. I’ve had Lou Malnati’s and it wasn’t bad, but wasn’t my favorite, so I’m excited to try Pequod’s next time we’re there!
IL READER FAVORITES:
Hardware - Chicago - Seasonal menu, with a focus on environmental sustainability. They grow their own herbs and veggies, smoke their own meats and brew their own beer!
Little Goat Diner - Chicago
Au Cheval- Chicago- “I get the traditional single cheeseburger and add bacon ( it’s super thick) so simple but soooo good.” Also get the crispy fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and egg on top
EAST COAST:
Connecticut:
Colony Grill Fairfield, CT- DIVINE, extremely thin pizza - my favorite is their meatball pizza - and add extra hot oil! They have also been known to make a killer corned beef and cabbage pizza for St. Paddy’s - a staple for us when we were in college at Fairfield!
Westfair Fish and Chips - Wesport, CT - in my and my family’s opinion the BEST lobster roll … they also carry whoopie pies for all of you whoopie pie fans out there
The Stand Fairfield, CT: great sandwiches, juices VF
Sugar and Olive's Norwalk, CT - awesome brunch
The Chelsea Fairfield, CT (amazing amazing amazing food)
Isabelle et Vincent Fairfield, CT- amazing french bakery complete with quiche, macarons, beignets, homemade chocolates. When I was in college my French Club would go here often to practice our french and the food was just absolutely divine, like we were instantly transported to Aix. The owners are so sweet and welcoming.
Delaware:
HomeGrown Cafe Newark, DE fun, upbeat restaurant serving local cuisine, wide variety. I love the pot of fries - Parmesan and herb fries served in an actual flower pot! VF
Kid Shelleen's they give you unlimited homemade cinnamon buns instead of rolls for brunch!
The Charcoal Pit - A DE classic - I personally like them best for their dessert - the kitchen sink or their black and white malt milkshakes!
Pizza By Elizabeths - Greenville, DE - theme is famous Elizabeths … their breadsticks and pizza are delicious, also big fan of their tomato soup and salads! Great atmosphere for a lunch with friends or date night YUM
District of Columbia:
Sweet Green -Georgetown- amazingly tender lettuce, fresh and local produce, yummy frozen yogurt and unique iced herbal drinks VF GF
Pizza Paradiso -Georgetown- best gluten free pizza I've ever had GF
El Centro DF- My go-to spot for margs in DC… delicious chips and salsa too
Good Stuff Eatery - Cap Hill- yummy milkshakes and burgers
The Sweet Lobby -Washington- delish cupcakes- also featured on Friday on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars
Baked and Wired -Georgetown- delish and huge gluten free cupcakes! Plus coffee..if you're in the mood
We The Pizza Capitol Hill-- amazingly delicious pizza
Ted's Bulletin -Eastern Market-- homemade pop tarts and a peanut butter bacon burger please!
DC READER FAVORITES:
Bombay Club
Founding Farmers
Casolare
RPM
Georgia:
GA READER FAVORITES:
Cristina Italian -Eggplant Parmesan
Blue Ridge Grill- Seafood Tower
Barcelona- Tapas
Maryland:
Bethesda:
True Food Kitchen - pretty good GF options! I liked their quesadilla and their cocktails!
Frederick:
Pistarro’s - incredible authentic Italian pizzas, and the TIRAMISU oh my GAH!
MD READER FAVORITES:
Baltimore:
Woodberry Kitchen
Swallow at the Hollow - burgers
Little Havana - brunch
Massachussetts:
MA READER FAVORITES:
BOSTON:
Alive and Kickin’ Lobsters
Coppa- “Best brunch I’ve ever had. Lemon ricotta pancakes will always have a special place in my heart”
Fat Baby
Tiger Mama
Al Dente
Trattoria Il Panino
Pinnocchio’s Pizza- Harvard Square
Felipe’s Taquiera - Harvard Square - “The spicy margarita with tamarind is 100”
Alden & Harlow - “the pickled corn cakes are a must!”
Dali
Tasting Counter
Neptune Oyster
Giulia
Pammy’s
Oleana
New York:
Manhattan
Beauty and Essex- Get the veal tagliatelle with whipped ricotta, you will drool!
Absolute Bagels - incredible hole in the wall. Homemade real-deal bagels and spreads
Olio e Piu- my siblings and I used to go here for dinner after Sunday night Mass and it was always absolutely divine. Delicious wine, amazing carbonara and bolognese, comfortable home-like Italian feel.
Brasserie Ruhlman- when I interned at NBC my coworkers would take me here to spoil me at lunch time. On one occaision we sat next to Hoda Kotb (and based on that lunch observation she seems to be just as lovely in person as she is on TV). Thankfully they paid for me because as a college student the only thing I could afford was the side salad. Get the lobster salad entree tho- it’s incredible.
Fresh&Co the most lovely salads, similar to Sweet Green, but they chop for you VF
Carmine’s - giant servings of pasta for the whole family
Umami Burger - soo good, also try their cookie ice cream sandwiches
Blue Bottle Coffee Co. the absolute best cappuccino I've ever had (and they make cafe art w/ the foam)
Pommes Frites- incredible Belgian fries as well, with authentic belgian mayo - giant cut fries in a cool atmosphere
Le Pain Quotidien French/Belgian style organic cuisine-- they sell speculoos and authentic french beignets for when you are feeling sentimental
Clarke's Standard really good hot dogs and shakes
Baked By Melissa adorable mini cupcakes for when you just want a bite of sweetness!
Friedmans I used to eat at their location in Chelsea Market every morning of my internship - they never disappoint and have great GF substitutes (not sure if they’re Celiac friendly now though)
Sarabeth’s My go-to brunch spot. You’ll need a reservation and your whole party must be there before you sit down! They have something for everyone, amazing hearty breakfast, good salads, etc.
Levain Bakery - I still have yet to embark on their cookie journey to heaven but I see so many people lining up! And I’ve heard from so many friends who still live in the city that they’re the best.
Tompkins Square Bagels - I’m a sucker for their funfetti cream cheese. Their bagels are a little sweet for my taste so I think of them as a pastry :) My favorite bagel remains Absolute Bagels and Country Hot Bagels of Northport Long Island overall.
SOHO:
Spring Street Natural-- delicious kale salad with apricots, hazelnuts, amaze.
Balzam-- yummy soups!
Dominique Ansel Bakery: the home of the Cronut! This guy knows his food, and he doesn't sacrifice quality for quantity!
Long Island
Country Hot Bagels of Northport- (cash only!) BEST BAGEL you will ever eat, period. They’re cooked the old fashioned way in kettles and the staff is funny and service is fast. I always order an egg everything bagel w two fried eggs, salt and pepper, American cheese and sausage. Mouthwatering.
Brooklyn:
River Styx--if you're looking for a heavenly sticky bun and killer nachos as the perfect brunch, lovely atmosphere!
Roberta’s -Bushwick- the BEST pizza, the coolest atmosphere
Five Leaves-- so you want a kickass breakfast? or lunch? or Dinner? or coffee to go... with hipsters? go here.
Allswell-- best fries I've had since I was in Belgium... no joke.
Pies N' Thighs-- gourmet fried chicken and buckwheat waffles...and killer donuts
The Meatball Shop- delicious meatball subs, cookie ice cream sandwiches
Fabbrica Restaurant and Bar: fun fact, I used to work here! Amazing from-scratch hand-rolled pasta-- My fave? Pici al Limone
NYC READER FAVORITES:
Mexicue - “the entire menu - but we love the tuna ceviche nachos, lobster taco, Nashville hot chicken taco, mexican street corn. They also have a BOMB brunch - breakfast margs with cinnamon sugar rim, bloody maria, breakfast sliders I dream about daily”
Flex Mussels- “SO many types to choose from! I usually do Thai with coconut curry and lemongrass, or Maine with lobster, or there’s one with blue cheese that is SOOO good! They also have amazing crab guacamole and donuts where you can choose the cream filling! The Meyer lemon one is outstanding”
Toloache -”Ceviche is amazing, they do table-side guacamole, suckling pig carnitas!! And they usually have my fav pumpkin beer in the fall so bonus points!”
Sushi Ren - “best sushi on UES. The sashimi is amazing, super thick-cut salmon sashimi. I love the spider roll, tempuras, reg rolls are great.”
JG Melon- “known for their amazing burgers. I get a bacon cheeseburger with cottage fries and a Manhattan and die every time. Cash only”
Uva - “Pappardelle! They have a great crostini app too with honey goat cheese/sundried tomato! Gnocchi is also fantastic”
Antica Pesa
Buvette - french
Tre -Italian
The Smith - American fusion
Blue Ribbon Sushi
Raoul’s - “The burger that you can only order at the bar and is not on the menu is unreal. You have to know about it to order and they only make [a certain amount] per day. The steak au poivre is a must (order extra au poivre sauce to dip your fries in)”
North Carolina:
Sooey’s BBQ- some of the most delicious East Carolina BBQ! Get their pulled pork and fried okra and don’t skip on extra vinegar sauce and their traditional bbq sauce - divine
The Spot - great acai bowls - delish!
Brew Thru- not a grocery store, just an amazing experience - convenience store you drive through, customer service is awesome and always a treat. We discovered a fave beer here - OBX Weeping Radish Kolsch!
Pennsylvania:
Woodside Farms Creamery Kennett, PA delicious homemade ice cream
SIW Vegetables Chadds Ford, PA farm stand, awesome fresh corn and lettuce, heirloom tomatoes
Harvest Glen Mills, PA local/organic upscale restaurant-- pricy-but-delicious, ever-changing menu
Cuba Libre Philadelphia, PA fun Cuban atmosphere, delicious, unique food. try the plaintain chips and mango salsa!
PA READER FAVORITES:
Buddakan - “Small plates, pork belly Chinese eggplant, black pepper beef, lobster fried rice - everything is amazing! “
Zahav - Old City Philly - amazing Israeli food
Royal Boucherie - French- inspired American food
Virginia:
Sweet Water Tavern -Fairfax- get the Ozzy rolls, chicken havarti sandwich, chicken tenders, chopped salads, flourless waffle, firecracker shrimp, banana pudding - SO many good items! Also in the same restaurant group: Coastal Flats, Ozzy's, Mike’s American Grill.)
Dixie Bones —Woodbridge-- BBQ and banana cream pie are on point
Pig N' Steak -Madison- fried pickles, pulled pork barbeque sandwiches... southern cooking done right, a camp favorite
Williamsburg:
Amber OX- divine scratch made food - the shrimp and grits was delectable, loved their beet salad, delicious cocktails
The Bake Shop - outrageously good bagels, coffee, and … DONUTS!
The Cheese Shop - their mini country biscuits with country ham and house sauce = heaven. I also love their sandwiches - so fresh and good - and their cheese selection is wonderful - loved their Virginia dill chèvre - my mom loves their prosciutto sandwiches too
Le Yaca - great crab cake crepe
VA READER FAVORITES:
Pippin Hill- vineyard and restaurant - a favorite spot for date nights!
EUROPE
Belgium:
Neuhaus Chocolates in Brussels - I mean… best chocolate in the world, am I right?!
Der Pedestal in Antewerp - the food is really delicious (but I got really sick from eating their horse steak.. and I still feel bad about eating a horse … insert sad face)
England:
ENGLAND READER FAVORITES:
Nando’s - delicious South African food known for their peri-peri chicken - you can choose how hot you want it.
Dishoom - ”best Indian food in London!” -
Fortnum and Mason - “I sometimes consider a weekend trip to London just for an afternoon tea [here].”
Chiltern Firehouse -
Hugo’s -”[they] have the yummiest pavlova”
France:
PARIS:
Laduree - macarons
La Maison du Chocolat - dark chocolate covered orange slices, marzipan champignons
AIX-EN-PROVENCE:
Jeff de Bruges - chocolates - I used to go here daily when I studied abroad … the owners are SO nice and the chocolate is DELISH
Italy:
RAVELLO:
Mimi Bar - delish pizza, amazing buffalo mozzarella, incredible cypress salad - very fresh!
Mama Aggata’s Cooking School - you will not be disappointed - join the list of celebrities before you who have cooked and learned and eaten well here!
POSITANO:
Il Ritrovo - gorgeous cliffside views, amazing zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, black truffle ravioli, lobster
CAPRI:
Le Zodiac - for seafood and caesar salad!
Japan:
READER FAVORITES:
TOKYO:
The Alley -Sumida, Tokyo - Amazing bubble tea!
Loving Hut - international chain, very reliable for vegan friendly options VF
Mr. Farmer- Shinjuku- vegan cuisine VF
Falafel Brothers - Roppongi- “one of my favorites [in Tokyo for vegan cuisine]” VF
YOKOHAMA:
Sitar- “Favorite indian place in Yokohama!” VF
Russia:
READER FAVORITES:
Cippolini - Yuzhno-Sakhalinski - Italian food
Kyoto-