Your Guide to Healthy Eats and Drinks in Arlington

Whether you're a long-time local or just passing through, Arlington has become a go-to destination for health-conscious foodies. From nutrient-packed smoothie bars to plant-based cafes and farm-to-table restaurants, our vibrant community is serving up wellness on every corner.

We’re diving fork-first into the best spots where you can nourish your body without sacrificing flavor.

Pictured | True Food Kitchen is one of many options for healthy eats in Arlington!
Credit | @thethriftyspoon via Instagram

Juice and Smoothie Bars

Get your greens and fresh fruit in liquid form at South Block, a local chain, which started in Clarendon and has since grown into multiple locations around the D.C. metro area. Known for smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and acai bowls, South Block also offers toasts, energy balls and other healthy snacks. They are very active in the community and support the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).

If you're looking for more delicious acai bowl options specifically, locals recommend Playa Bowls and Palm Berries.

Local Health Food Options

Ballston Quarter’s Quarter Market food hall has a number of healthy food options. Maizal serves South American street food and specializes in arepas, a Venezuelan stuffed cornmeal bread. Create your own bowls with grains and greens with many veggie and protein options to create a healthy meal. Also, in Ballston Quarter, Mezeh Mediterranean grill serves all-natural food that’s made daily with fresh ingredients. True Food Kitchen is a full-service restaurant focusing on seasonal, healthy food that tastes good.

Newly opened in Ballston, Life Alive Organic Cafe serves invigorating food that tastes as good as it makes you feel—energized, uplifted and fully alive. With offerings like smoothies and acai bowls, as well as warm grain bowls, soups, and handhelds, there's a feel-good dish for everybody!

Sweet Leaf Cafe, a DMV area chain with locations in Ballston and Clarendon, offers fresh, organic, and locally sourced food and drinks, including sandwiches, smoothies, and catering.

RASA, another local chain with a location in Crystal City, serves up vibrant, healthy bowls inspired by the Indian subcontinent such as chef-curated bowls and build-your-own salads.

For a vibrant, plant-based experience try Busboys and Poets in Arlington's Shirlington neighborhood, their menu features a vegan and vegetarian section complete with delicious dishes including Roasted Beet Salad, Vegan "Tuna" Salad sandwich, a Roasted Vegetable Panini and more.

National Health-Food Chains

In addition to the swathe of homegrown healthy eats, Arlington is home to many nutritious food chains and fast-casual options:

  • Chopt Creative Salad Co.: Fast-casual eatery serving salads, wraps and bowls.
  • Sweetgreen: Serving simple, seasonal, healthy salads and bowls.
  • Toastique: Known for their gourmet toasts, healthy breakfast, smoothies, and more.

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Jackie Evans

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