Building better habits is a great goal for the new year. Starting a new fitness routine is always helpful, but you can’t forget to back it up with a nutritious diet. Thankfully, some local healthy restaurants can make it easier for you. 

Whether you’re going Vegan, eating more vegetables, or just watching where your food comes from, there are several stand-outs that can fit your needs less than 20 minutes away from our community. 

Give these five healthy restaurants in Little Rock a try in 2021. Even with a pandemic going on, you have no excuse – they have all adjusting their offerings to provide outdoor seating, curbside pick-up, or delivery services! 

#1: The Fold Botanas & Bar

Looking for a fabulous taco spot with Vegan options galore? The search stops here. 

The Fold Botanas & Bar in Riverdale uses locally produced ingredients to craft seasonally centered menus for brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks. With so many yummy choices for tacos, burritos, tamales, tortas, and salads, you can go as light or heavy as you like. 

Plus, with their expanded, pet-friendly patio, The Fold is accommodating if you want to try dining in person. You can stop by for happy hour or weekend brunch or call ahead to order some tacos to-go with a delicious cocktail kit.  

Either way, The Fold is an Instagram worthy healthy eating spot! 

Our Healthy Picks:  

• Seared Yellowfin Tuna
• Brussels & Kale Salad

#2: Izzy’s Restaurant

If you love supporting local, you will adore this next family-owned business. We’re talking about Izzy’s Restaurant!  

Since 1985, Izzy’s has been blessing West Little Rock with their family recipes for staples like tamales, soups, and pastas, all made fresh every day. Gluten-free and Vegan menus are also available! 

But one factor that makes Izzy’s stand out from other restaurants in Little Rock is that some of the flavors you taste are grown onsite or at their farm. They also have their own bee apiary, which provides much of the honey that comes with your food.  

To top it all off, Izzy’s even sells facemasks! Check them out on Instagram or Facebook.

Our Healthy Picks: 

• Veggie Tamale Platter
• Izzy’s Veggie Burger

#3: The Roof Café 

What makes The Root Café in SoMA so delicious? It’s a farm-to-table fantasy full of Southern comfort classics. If you are gluten-free or Vegan, several menu items can even be substituted at no extra cost. 

100% of the meat, eggs, and bread they serve come from small farmers across Arkansas. Most of their vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheeses do, too. 

With healthy organic foods, compostable utensils, and welcoming atmosphere, The Root Cafe really does it right. That’s why we think it’s a must try! 

Follow them on Instagram to see all their delicious food and everything they do to support the community. 

Our Healthy Picks: 

• Spiced Pecan Salad
• Shiitake Mushroom Burger

#4: Taziki’s Mediterranean Café 

Whether you need a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café has the healthy options you need. Just look at their Instagram – it is full of bright and colorful meals! 

Taziki’s gives a Southern flare to traditional Mediterranean-inspired dishes like kebobs, gyros, hummus, and more. 

There’s no need to worry about any dietary restrictions, either. Just look out for the gluten-free, vegetarian, and Vegan designations on their menu or the calorie counts listed next to each item.

Our Healthy Picks: 

• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
• Mediterranean Salad

#5: ZAZA’s Fine Salad + Wood-Oven Pizza

ZAZA’s specializes in wood-fired, Napoli-style pizzas and hand-tossed salads made with fresh, local produce. What’s not to love about a light, crunchy crust, and clean, crisp salad? Perfect combination! 

ZAZA’s menu has all the classics plus some house favorites, but you can also build your own and control exactly what goes on your plate. 

If you’re up for trying something new, you should always ask about their specials, too. You may be surprised with something like Green Coconut Curry or Thai Ramen Shrimp Salad! Just follow them on Instagram for the latest updates.

PS: When you’re ready to reward yourself for all your healthy eating, try their homemade gelato. It has half the fat of American-style ice cream!

Our Healthy Picks: 

• ZAZA House Salad
• The Forager Pizza

Tag Us in Your Healthy Eating Adventures! 

With all this fresh, local food available here in Little Rock, eating healthy has been made simple and tasty.

We hope that you take the chance to experience all these amazing restaurants this year! Just don’t forget to tag us in your posts and tell us what you think.

Our staff here at The Pointe Brodie Creek is always around to offer more suggestions, too. Contact us at 501.221.3377 or stop by the concierge desk to get our opinion on local places to go.

Photo credit from left to right: The Fold Botanas & Bar, The Root Café, ZAZA’s Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza, Izzy’s Restaurant, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café.