It’s officially 2025, which means everyone is in New Year’s resolution mode.
Many individuals like to kick off the new year by embracing a healthier lifestyle. For some, this means purchasing a membership at their local gym, while others may be looking to change their eating habits.
There are plenty of restaurants in Greater Cincinnati that offer nutritious and tasty meal options that can help everyone meet their 2025 goals.
10 healthy restaurants in Greater Cincinnati
Clean Eatz
Technically, this national chain was founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Don and Evonne Varady in Wilmington, North Carolina. But Queen City natives and University of Cincinnati graduates Chase Whitehead and Brandon Cress opened their first franchise location in Newport in 2023, offering clean weekly meal plans, grab ‘n’ go meals and healthy dine-in options. In January 2024, the pair opened a second Clean Eatz franchise in Green Township.
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1759 Monmouth St., Newport & 5770 Harrison Ave., Green Township. cleaneatz.com.
The Whole Bowl
According to its website, The Whole Bowl features a “comforting and healthful mix” of vegetarian and vegan options, many of which come with brown rice, black and red beans, avocado, cilantro, black olives, Tillamook cheddar, sour cream, salsa and the restaurant’s signature Tali Sauce. But if you decide to visit The Whole Bowl, you must get it to-go as the restaurant offers no indoor seating.
364 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. thewholebowl.com.
Better Blend
If you’re craving a milkshake, try a protein-shake alternative at Better Blend. This local franchise features an extensive menu of smoothies, smoothie bowls and healthy snacks that “taste like your favorite indulgences, but without the guilt.” Popular dessert-inspired flavors include Birthday Cake, Banana Caramel Cheesecake, Brownie Bater, Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Oreo and more.
Multiple locations. betterblend-smoothies-bowls.com.
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar is a California-style breakfast and lunch spot that Thunderdome Restaurant Group opened in 2015. In 2018, People magazine called it one of the most popular breakfast spots in America. Maplewood’s menu boasts all-day breakfast options, a variety of bowls, salads, sandwiches, cold-pressed juices and more.
525 Race St., Downtown. maplewoodkitchenandbar.com.
Rooted Juicery + Kitchen
Rooted Juicery + Kitchen, which opened in Oakley in 2015, offers a variety of fresh juices and grab-and-go vegan meals, including sandwiches, salads, bowls, pasta dishes and more. The restaurant also features a selection of sugar-free desserts and other baked goods.
3010 Madison Road, Oakley. rootedjuicery.com.
Sleepy Bee Cafe
Sleepy Bee Cafe, which has three locations across Greater Cincinnati, offers a fresh breakfast and lunch menu made with locally sourced ingredients. Popular dishes include the Queen City Bee breakfast sandwich with goetta, apple, arugula, broken yolk egg and “nectar” sauce on a milk bun; Ember Avo Toast, which features avocado, one over-easy egg, ember oil, pickled golden raisins, arugula and walnut dukkah on a slice of multigrain toast; and the Sweet Bee Quinoa Bowl, which has quinoa, brown rice, sauteed mushrooms, spinach, sweet potatoes and chimichurri sauce topped with pickled onions.
Multiple locations. sleepybeecafe.com.
Melt Revival
This Northside staple offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads, such as the veggie cheesesteak made with seitan, grilled peppers, onions and provolone cheese, baked on a Sixteen Bricks Cubano hoagie. Melt Revival is also known for its signature sandwich, The Rachel, which is a smoked turkey sandwich with red cabbage, apple sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.
4100 Hamilton Ave., Northside. meltrevival.com.
Wildflower Cafe and Wine Shop
This upscale, farm-to-table restaurant and wine shop boasts a list of gluten-free starters, including tempura fried local mushrooms and beet wings, which come with a house buffalo sauce, whipped herb goat cheese, pickled peppers, celery and sesame seeds. The entree menu features dishes made of organic, locally sourced ingredients, such as the restaurant’s gluten-free fried local chicken gumbo, which consists of pasture-raised chicken in a tomato base, with carrot, onion, okra, local peppers, andouille sausage, tasso ham and New Orleans-style rice.
207 E. Main St., Mason. linktr.ee/WildflowerMason.
Northstar Cafe
Northstar Cafe, a popular Columbus-based restaurant chain, is known for its wide selection of organic and artisan-produced dishes ranging from soups to salads, pizza, burgers, fish sandwiches, bowls and more. The restaurant also offers a variety of cocktails, including its signature Northstar margarita, and a selection of wine, craft beers, smoothies, soda, coffee and tea.
7610 Sloan Way, Liberty Township. thenorthstarcafe.com.
Silver Ladle
This downtown Cincinnati fast-casual “health-conscious diner” specializes in homemade soups, chilies, gourmet sandwiches and salads, per its website. Popular menu options include the Silver Ladle Salad, which comes with mixed field greens, feta cheese, dried cranberries, roasted almonds and tomatoes, served with house dressing and a balsamic glaze; and the Silver Ladle Sandwich, which consists of pan-roasted turkey breast, mixed field greens, tomato, cheddar cheese, sliced bacon and chipotle aioli mayo on a telera roll.
580 Walnut St. S700, Downtown. silverladle.com.
