Healthy Eats and Drinks in Arlington

We've been cooped up for quite some time now, and many of us are longing to get out there and enjoy a restaurant (distanced, of course) or simply grab a smoothie and walk around outside. Perhaps you're longing for some fresh flavors of the season.

Perhaps you're trying to lose the couple of lbs put on (ahem) during quarantine. Or maybe you're just like so many of the Arlingtonians who contributed to our community being named the Fittest City in America for the third year in a row and just enjoy some healthy eats. Here's where you can make it happen.

South Block @danithenutritionist-IG

Juice and Smoothie Bars

Get your greens and fresh fruit in liquid form at South Block, a homegrown local chain, which started in Clarendon and has since grown into 10 locations. 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). Sip on a smoothie in Clarendon, Ballston, Rosslyn or the East Falls Church neighborhood.

Waterhouse Coffee and Juice Bar serves coffee, lunch and juices in a casual café setting. Try one of their juice blends made onsite or sip on their fresh smoothies with superfoods like acai and kale. Looking for a meal? In the morning, pair coffee with ancient grain oatmeal or avocado toast. For lunch, try a chicken pesto sandwich or a Power 4 & Quinoa salad with four types of greens.

South Block @Livingracefullyy-IG

Health Food

Ballston Quarter’s Quarter Market food hall has a number of healthy food options. Rice Crook makes fresh Korean-inspired rice bowls, salads and wraps. The food stall sources sustainable meat and produce locally, and also serves handmade tortillas from Casa Blanca. 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.

True Food Kitchen @Thethriftyspoon/Instagram

Popular local chain Cava Mezze is known for fresh Mediterranean food and shared plates in a casual setting. Started by 2006 by local childhood friends, Cava Mezze serves dips, salads, veggies, grilled meats, seafood and other Greek and Mediterranean delights with many vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options. Its fast-casual restaurant spinoff, Cava, has Arlington locations in Ballston, Rosslyn and Reagan National Airport.

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 with a location in Rosslyn
Honeygrow: Healthy-focus on stir fries and salads at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
Roti: Delicious flavors, wholesome ingredients, bright spices, and 100% grass-fed beef; locations in Pentagon City and Rosslyn
Sweetgreen: Serving simple, seasonal, healthy salads and bowls in various Arlington neighborhoods