8 Healthy Atlanta Restaurant Faves from Food Blogger Eating with Erica

By Erica Key

As a full-time food blogger, I know how important a healthy lifestyle is. I feel better when I eat better. I have more energy and my mood is much better, just ask my husband. Fortunately, when I’m looking to dine out, Atlanta has plenty of healthy and delicious options to choose from.

1. Local Green Atlanta.

Three tacos arranged on a wooden board — “3 Stack” Cauliflower Taco

Zachary “Big Zak” Wallace opened Local Green Atlanta with a mission to bring healthy, affordable food to Atlanta’s Westside. A well-known name in Atlanta’s music scene, you’ll see music references sprinkled throughout his menu such as the “3 Stack” Cauliflower Taco, which is a 100% vegan dish with roasted cauliflower, trinity mix (onion, bell pepper, celery), diced tomatoes, avocado and a red cabbage garnish with cilantro-lime sauce and a Sriracha-mayo drizzle and the “Slim Shady,” a sandwich of sliced avocado, fried egg white, sautéed mushrooms and Sriracha-mayo drizzle on 21-grain toast. Details: 19 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW., Atlanta; localgreenatlanta.com

2. Juiceheads ATL.

Purple juice in glass on wooden bar — Cricket Juice

After a great workout, or when I am craving a light meal, my go-to’s are juices and smoothies. Juiceheads ATL has an impressive combination of both. My favorite smoothie is the Cricket, with its combination of oranges, pears, spinach, wheatgrass and apples. Details: 2591 Piedmont Rd. NE., Ste. 1110, Atlanta; juiceheadsatl.com

3. Buena Vida Tapas & Sol.

Eggplant Montadito Buena Vida Tapas & Sol — Eggplant Montadito

When I am eating clean or I have friends who have dietary restrictions, I make sure to visit Buena Vida Tapas & Sol. It has plenty of appetizing vegan and vegetarian options to choose from. A menu must-try is the Eggplant Montadito. The crispy flatbread is layered with smoked eggplant, arugula, cilantro, sesame brittle and vegan aioli. This dish is divine. Details: 385 N. Angier Ave. NE., Ste. 100, Atlanta; buenavidatapas.com

4. Kale Me Crazy.

Avocado toast with egg topping sitting on bright blue table — Avocado Toast

If you love acai bowls, cold-press juices, salads and wraps, add Kale Me Crazy to your food bucket list. During this pandemic, Kale Me Crazy shots have been my go-to to build my immune system and the avocado toast is tasty. Details: kalemecrazy.net

5. Salata.

Salata Watermelon Salad on wooden table — Watermelon Salad

Salads don’t have to be boring, which is why I love visiting Salata. With over 50 toppings to choose from, there are countless options for green and protein combinations, making it a great choice for healthy and filling salads and wraps. Make sure to try the tea tap—the organic plum cinnamon tea is so refreshing. Details: www.salata.com

6. Toast On Lenox.

fresh-pressed watermelon juice and superfood salad on marble table — Fresh-pressed watermelon juice and superfood salad

When I want to have a clean meal, I don’t want to sacrifice taste. I enjoy visiting Toast On Lenox because it offers a variety of menu options no matter what your dietary restrictions are. Two of my favorite menu items are the fresh-pressed watermelon juice and superfood salad. With its combination of quinoa, farro, dates, roasted red peppers, apple, shaved kale, toasted almonds, chives, avocado, craisins and citrus vinaigrette, the superfood salad is delicious and makes for a full meal. The watermelon juice is made-to-order and garnished with mint and lime—perfect for warm weather! Details: 2770 Lenox Rd. NE., Ste. B1, Atlanta; www.toastonlenoxatl.com

7. {SAMA} Food For Balance.

Fresh juice with coffee and order of salmon toast on board and wooden table — Fresh juice with coffee and order of salmon toast

Located in Buckhead, {SAMA} Food for Balance offers yoga classes on top of tasty, healthy fare. “Sama,” which means “balance” in Sanskrit, is focused on helping the Atlanta community find balance in their body, mind and soul using Ayurveda principles. I highly recommend ordering the Six Taste fresh, organic juice. This invigorating beverage is made from a blend of cucumber, celery, apple, dandelion, lemon and ginger. Details: 56 E. Andrews Dr. NW., Ste. 17, Atlanta; www.samafoodforbalance.com

8. Grub Fresh Bowls & Wraps.

sweet and spicy salmon bowl with orange sauce on top — Sweet and spicy salmon bowl

Located on Atlanta’s Southside, Grub Fresh Bowls & Wraps offers a variety of healthy options for high-quality, delicious and fresh fast food. Grub has a combination of bowl and wrap options, which change seasonally and all food is made in-house from scratch with fresh ingredients. My go-tos are the sweet and spicy salmon bowl and avocado chicken wrap with jasmine rice. Details: 876 Virginia Ave., Ste. B, Atlanta; www.grubbowls.com

Woman in red dress holding glass of wine — Erica Key

Erica Key established Eating with Erica in 2013 to share her love of the Atlanta food scene. For over seven years, Erica has established a food influencer brand and network that is sought out by brands across the country and across the globe. She has crossed over from the food industry to combine her love of food with her passions for travel, beauty and fashion. When Erica isn’t enjoying a great meal or relishing a glass of red wine, she is running her food-inspired candle company EWE Home, which features 100% soy candles. eatingwitherica.com

Don’t have time or money to go out for food? Check out these healthy recipes for cooking at home.

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Photos courtesy of (1) Local Green Atlanta, photography by Ryan Aaron; (2) Juiceheads ATL; (3) Buena Vida Tapas & Sol; (4) Kale Me Crazy. (5) Salata; (7) {SAMA} Food for Balance; (8) Grub Fresh Bowls & Wraps, photography by Travis Hudgons. (Erica Key) Photography by Irina Chepko.