Best Healthy Restaurants in Santa Monica
27 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Satdha Plant Based Thai Kitchen
Pioneering plant-based Thai cuisine in LA for over a decade with no fake meats
Notable Picks
Chef Gunn Pankum's plant-based Thai kitchen transforms vegetables into complex, layered dishes without relying on mock meats. Since 2013, this Lincoln Boulevard veteran sources from local farmers markets to create inventive takes on classics like Khao Soi and Mung Bean Pad Thai alongside unique preparations like Southern Thai Fried 'Chicken' made from lion's mane mushrooms.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Southern Thai Fried 'Chicken', Mung Bean Pad Thai
What Makes it Special: Pioneering plant-based Thai cuisine in LA for over a decade with no fake meats
#2
Pita House
8.4
Family-run Mediterranean spot opened in 2016 serving generous portions of kabobs, shawarma, and handmade baklava with consistently fresh ingredients. Known for juicy meats marinated in-house and creamy hummus varieties that draw regulars from across the Westside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Kabob, Chicken Shawarma, Mixed Kabab Plate
What Makes it Special: Halal meats with build-your-own bowl concept and 3000+ delivery reviews
#3
Bun & Mi
8.2
Family-owned Vietnamese fusion spot specializing in fresh banh mi sandwiches, noodle bowls, and spring rolls with house-made sauces. Owners Alvin and Pamela bring personal attention to this intimate Montana Avenue gem, crafting dishes with vibrant vegetables and perfectly seasoned proteins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Banh Mi, Saigon Grilled Chicken Noodle Bowl, Shrimp & Pork Spring Rolls
What Makes it Special: Husband-wife team delivers personalized service with house-made chili sauce.
8.2
Former lawyers turned plant-based ice cream artisans create dairy-free frozen treats using minimal natural ingredients like dates and organic agave. Made fresh daily on Montana Avenue, their rotating specials and homemade peanut butter caramel have earned devoted local following.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Peanut Butter Caramel, Daily Special Flavor, Classic Chocolate
What Makes it Special: 100% plant-based ice cream that rivals traditional dairy versions
#5
Tocaya
8.2
Modern Mexican concept emphasizing organic produce and hormone-free proteins in customizable burritos and bowls. Founded in Venice 2016, they hand-press tortillas to order and offer extensive vegan and gluten-free options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Mexicano, Fajita Del Rey Bowl Burrito-Style, Vegan Cilantro Lime Chicken Burrito
What Makes it Special: Extensive vegan menu with innovative plant-based proteins
8.2
Hawaiian-inspired taro donuts fried to order in coconut oil bring a dense, cake-like texture with tropical glazes that rotate weekly. The made-to-order approach means each donut arrives hot, though the smaller size and premium price point may surprise first-timers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Taro Donut, Hail Mary, Chaga Chai
What Makes it Special: Hawaii's taro donut tradition brought to Santa Monica with made-to-order preparation
8.1
This chef-driven New American restaurant occupies a historic building with a charming courtyard patio. Operating a 100% scratch kitchen with 90% gluten-free menu, they serve Euro-inspired dishes alongside California classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Protein Power Bowl, Neapolitan Pizza, Puff Bread with Hummus
What Makes it Special: Historic courtyard setting with scratch-made gluten-free focus
#8
Rabano
8.1
This health-focused counter-service spot opened in 2023, bringing sustainable bowls and Latin-Asian fusion to Main Street with locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. The menu balances globally inspired options like Peruvian saltado and Korean-style bowls with approachable California fare, drawing a steady lunch and dinner crowd to its modern, light-filled space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Knockout Bowl, Peruvian Saltado Bowl, VIP Poke Bowl
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table fusion bowls with extensive vegan and gluten-free options
#9
Sunny Blue
8.1
California's pioneering omusubi specialist crafts Japanese rice balls fresh daily with unexpected fillings like curry chicken and spicy salmon. The eco-conscious counter-service spot transforms grab-and-go into an art form with rice balls wrapped in crispy nori.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Curry Omusubi, Spicy Salmon Omusubi, Miso Beef Curry
What Makes it Special: First and only dedicated omusubi shop in Southern California since 2010
#10
Blue Daisy
8.1
Cheerful all-day cafe specializing in sweet and savory organic crepes alongside healthy American breakfast favorites. The spacious dining room with outdoor patio welcomes families with extensive gluten-free options and bottomless weekday mimosas for parents.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nutella Strawberry Banana Crepe, Salmon Cake Scandia, Croissant French Toast
What Makes it Special: Extensive gluten-free crepe options made fresh daily
#11
Crimson
8
Health-focused Mediterranean cookhouse established in 2013 using hormone-free meats and organic produce when possible. The open-flame grilling method and 40-year family recipes create flavorful dishes with authentic Middle Eastern spices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Kebab, Filet Mignon Kebab, Chicken Shawarma
What Makes it Special: Hormone-free meats grilled over open flame with health-conscious preparation
#12
Samosa House
8
A counter-service vegetarian Indian cafeteria running a rotating daily lineup of curries, dosas, and chaats — the kind of place where regulars show up not knowing what's on the steam trays and trust it anyway. The three-item combo with rice and naan lands under $15 on a stretch of Main Street where that buys you half a salad elsewhere, and the operation has held this format steady across four locations and nearly 50 years of family ownership.
Must-Try Dishes:
Samosa Chaat, Chole Bhature, Dosa
What Makes it Special: All-vegetarian Indian cafeteria with a rotating daily lineup of curries, served counter-style with a three-item combo of naan, rice, and your pick of entrées.
#13
Urth Caffé
8
LA institution serving exclusively organic, heirloom coffee with health-conscious California cuisine in Spanish-style building. Founded in 1989, Urth pioneered the organic coffee movement and offers extensive breakfast menu featuring everything from vegan options to decadent pastries, all made with sustainable ingredients in a European-style coffeehouse setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Spanish Latte, Sticky Buns
What Makes it Special: America's first exclusively organic coffee company with celebrity following
#14
Burger Lounge
8
Eco-friendly burger chain using grass-fed beef and organic ingredients in a modern, minimalist setting. Their commitment to sustainability and quality ingredients appeals to health-conscious families in the Third Street Promenade area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lounge Burger with Aged White Cheddar, Turkey Burger with Avocado, Quinoa Veggie Burger
What Makes it Special: Grass-fed beef and eco-conscious fast-casual dining
Worthy Picks
#15
Crimson
7.9
This halal-certified Mediterranean cookhouse fires hormone-free meats over open flames, serving generous portions of kabobs and falafel since 2013. The counter-service spot balances healthy eating with bold flavors, drawing families and health-conscious diners to its casual patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Kabob Plate, Falafel Trio, Mediterranean Bowl
What Makes it Special: Halal-certified grilled meats with organic ingredients
#16
Go Greek Yogurt
7.9
Authentic Greek frozen yogurt bar featuring probiotic-rich options with old-world methods creating luxuriously thick texture. Fresh fruit is hand-cut daily and they offer unique toppings including freshly ground nut butters made to order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Greek Honey Frozen Yogurt, Wild Berry Bowl, Plain with Fresh Fruit
What Makes it Special: Authentic Greek yogurt with freshly ground nut butters on demand
#17
Kafe K
7.9
European-style cafe serving health-conscious organic breakfasts on a sunny outdoor patio. Women-owned and locally operated, this Main Street spot emphasizes fresh, farm-to-table ingredients with extensive vegetarian and vegan options alongside classic breakfast sandwiches and Mediterranean-inspired salads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Organic Poached Eggs, Smoked Salmon on Toasted Bagel, Acai Bowl
What Makes it Special: European cafe atmosphere with locally sourced organic ingredients
#18
CAVA
7.8
This fast-casual Mediterranean chain delivers customizable bowls and pitas with fresh ingredients and bold flavors at accessible prices. The build-your-own format lets diners mix proteins, dips, and toppings for healthy, quick meals perfect for beach-day fuel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa Avocado Bowl, Spicy Lamb Pita, Greens + Grains Bowl
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean Chipotle with unlimited toppings
7.8
Health-conscious pizzeria focuses on upgraded nutrition with fresh, ethically-sourced ingredients. Extensive dietary options including gluten-free, vegan, and keto make this an ideal choice for families with allergies or special dietary needs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Triple Pepperoni, Gluten-Free Crust Options
What Makes it Special: Exceptional allergy protocols and dietary alternatives
#20
Café Bolívar
7.8
South American cafe serving handmade arepas since 2002, with gluten-free cornmeal pockets filled with pulled pork, mango, and panela cheese. The laid-back space doubles as a coffee shop and art gallery, drawing laptop workers and neighborhood regulars for aromatic Colombian-inspired brews and crispy arepas with rosemary aioli.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pulled Pork Arepa, Pacifico Arepa with Mango, Cafe Bolivar Latte
What Makes it Special: Authentic South American arepas in a neighborhood cafe with art gallery
#21
Z Garden
7.8
Counter-service Mediterranean that delivers sit-down-sized plates—lamb shank, grilled salmon, shawarma—at fast-casual prices, making it a reliable weeknight solve on Pico. The covered patio and strip-mall lot keep the overhead low and the turnover quick, which is the point: real entrees without the restaurant markup. Best suited for locals who want a full plate and an easy park, not a lingering dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma, Grilled Salmon, Lemon Chicken
What Makes it Special: Counter-service Mediterranean with full-plate entrees, a leafy covered patio, and portions sized like sit-down dining at fast-casual prices.
#22
Rejuice
7.8
Founded by actress Elisabeth Rohm in 2012, this organic juice bar specializes in cold-pressed blends served in refillable glass bottles. The signature G1 (kale, celery, apple, lemon, ginger) and medicinal juice formulas attract health-conscious locals who appreciate the master juicer's attention to functional nutrition and the option to customize cleanse programs.
Must-Try Dishes:
G1 Green Juice, GFT (Grapefruit, Fennel, Turmeric), Chocolate Smoothie
What Makes it Special: 100% organic cold-pressed juices with refillable glass bottle program since 2012
#23
Alfalfa
7.6
Counter-service cafe from Hoboken specializes in organic salads and wraps but offers gluten-free donuts with unique flavors like lemon thyme and fairy bread. The sunny back patio and health-forward approach attract the Main Street lunch crowd seeking balance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemon Thyme Donut, Fairy Bread Donut, Blood Orange Donut
What Makes it Special: Gluten-free donuts fried in dedicated fryers alongside health-focused salads
#24
Pacific Catch
7.6
Sustainable seafood specialist blends Pacific Rim flavors with California sensibility, offering poke bowls, sushi tacos, and fresh catch plates on a sunny patio. The extensive menu satisfies diverse tastes from traditional sashimi to innovative fusion creations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Poke Duo Bowl, Wasabi Crusted Ahi, Coconut Shrimp Roll
What Makes it Special: Sustainable sourcing with Surfrider Foundation partnership
#25
Sushi Vegan
7.6
Santa Monica's dedicated all-vegan sushi hub uses plant-based proteins and fresh local ingredients to craft surprisingly satisfying rolls that win over even fish-eaters. The 911, Volcano, and Baked Lobster rolls deliver balanced flavors without relying on artificial substitutes, though the compact dining space fills quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Hot Lovers Roll, Baked Lobster Roll, 911 Roll
What Makes it Special: Fully plant-based sushi menu that doesn't compromise on flavor
#26
Thai Vegan
7.6
Operating since 2010 in a shared food hall space near Main Street, this counter-service spot focuses on straightforward plant-based Thai classics. The casual setup with outdoor communal seating makes it ideal for quick takeout or a low-key meal, though the menu plays it safe with familiar preparations rather than pushing creative boundaries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Green Curry, Papaya Salad
What Makes it Special: Affordable all-vegan Thai menu in shared food hall near the beach
7.5
Fast-casual rotisserie and grilled chicken specialist offering wings among their extensive menu. Known for fresh ingredients and healthy preparations with a loyal local following since 1993.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rotisserie Wings, Chinese Chicken Salad, Chicken Wraps
What Makes it Special: Rotisserie chicken done right with 30+ years experience