Healthy Menu Picks From Your Fave Chicago Restaurants
In case you haven't noticed, I'm mid- health kick. Which isn't a diet (hate that word) because I thoroughly love and enjoy all the delicious foods i'm eating, and I'm never hungry, nor do I deprive myself. I've just been staying away from all meat except seafood, making smarter and healthier choices, especially when out at restaurants, and working out a ton. Piece of cake really... mmmmmm cake.
You might think it's impossible to go out to dinner and still eat well. It's NOT! Even if you're veggie and/or seafood focused. Here are my fave picks from my/ Chicago's fave restaurants. I've included a ton of neighborhoods, and cuisine types. Please share with me your favorite healthy dishes, I'd love to discover even more!
Eataly Chicago- the grilled octopus (polpo alla griglia) at Il Pesce restaurant inside Eataly. Cooked to perfection, not rubbery AT ALL. The great kick from the chili flakes and chili peppers will also jump start your metabolism!
Bub City- Bub City is known for their succulent BBQ. But if you're not eating meat, or trying to eat light.. there aren't too many options on their menu. It has almost discouraged me from going until I discovered, in the very bottom right corner of their menu is one seafood item. The blackened or BBQ grilled salmon. They're both INSANELY delicious, but if you're trying to cut sugar, get it blackened.
Pearl Tavern- They are oyster and seafood focused, so there are a few great options like the ceviche and oysters of course. But their Salmon burger with shredded butternut squash and house made giardinera is quite possibly the tastiest sandwich, and dare I say, burger, I've had in a LONG time.
La Sirena Clandestina- There's really no way to go wrong at this spot since all their food is to-die-for. But if you're keeping it healthy, check out the Head On Prawns with charred Serrano Salsa.
Maude's Liquor Bar- The oysters are to die for in this romantic and intimate setting. I love the way they're served too. Makes you feel like it's more of a meal vs. an appetizer.
Osteria Langhe- Love the unique Italian fare at this Logan Square spot. The Cauliflower with salted cod and sunchoke puree with house pickled veggies is a great meatless and lighter choice.
MFK- This Lakeview spot has some of the best ceviche I've had. But their Boquerones are fab too. An anchovy is perched atop piquillo peppers and fennel, all of which is resting on a piece of crusty Italian bread.
GT Fish and Oyster- always my fave. Their Thai Coconut soup is light yet filling. So yummy with chunks of fish and shrimp in it. Also their mussels in a spicy red marinara is outstanding.
Beatrix- Love everything on this menu, but the standouts for my fave healthy fare would be the Mushroom and Quinoa Burger with swiss, baby kale, and sriracha aioli. It's one of the best, if not THE best veggie burger I've ever had.
RPM Steak- Do you ever feel like you "just can't even" go to a steak house if you're not eating meat, or trying to eat healthy. Well ya can. RPM Steak has a ton of amazing salads, but 2 items I have literally dreamed about are the Coal Roasted King Crab legs with lime and coriander, and the Atlantic Scallops. Trust me, you will NOT feel left out while your fellow diners are gnawing on Flintstone's sized Tomahawk bones.
Sushi Dokku- Now sushi can be pretty healthy overall... especially if you're not getting mayo rolls deep fried in sweet and crunchy tempura batter. When you hit up this outstanding West Loop venue, try the Uni but order it in a cucumber cup and compliment it with the Tako (octopus) sashimi.
Greek Islands- If you love Greek Town as much as I do, you never want to have to give up the yummy food just because you're eating healthy. Fortunately, I can OD on taramosalata and grilled octopus and this spot has the best of both. If you're cutting carbs too, or gluten conscious, order the taramo with veggies for dipping instead of bread/pita.
India House- Indian food is known for having a ton of vegetarian options. Even though they're fried I cannot eat Indian food without getting the veggie samosas. Also, order the tandoori shrimp which is very light and comes with veggies on the side. I love to mash up the samosas and mix it with the sauces and all the tandoori and veggies too!