Let’s face it—takeout has become a necessary part of our lives over the last few months. Even avid cooks get restless for trying something new, and most of the options you see on the various delivery service websites are filled with the kind of temptation that doesn’t fit into a healthy-eating routine. Fortunately, a variety of locales in every part of the city hear our cries for something fresh, fun but far from fattening. There are some new spots as well as neighborhood staples featuring menu items that ‘check all the boxes’ when it comes to treating ourselves while staying true to our clean-eating goals. These are a few of those we count on for loading up on nutritious (and delicious) fare whenever it comes time to place that takeout or delivery order.
Bowl Us Over
Recently opened in The Nations neighborhood, Radish is our kind of stop. A build-your-own menu for salads, grain bowls and wraps make it ideal for dealing with various tastes in any household while keeping nutrition on track. Their selection includes healthy but filling options (grilled chicken, salmon, unfried falafel, roasted sweet potatoes). Their toppings are far from the expected—think navel orange, mint, red pepper and walnut dip, snap peas, and lentils to name a few. To top they’ve got everything from indulgent vinaigrettes (we like the jalapeno ginger) to light dressings with just a squeeze of lemon or lime. One menu feature to embrace is the family order – which is available for any of the signature dishes. When you’re in a rut with your routine on weeknights- try ordering the West Coast Radish (tamari soy-glazed salmon, avocado, veggies with carrot ginger miso dressing) for the entire family.
https://www.radishkitchen.com/
Down Under All Day
Open for all day dining, Hearts is a new Australian cafe in East Nashville with breakfast, salads and bowls, sandwiches, and loads of healthy side options. Start your day off with a Chia “Pavlova”, a coconut and vanilla chia pudding with fresh fruit, lime meringue, and mint. For lunch enjoy a Brassica + Hummus Bowl with charred broccoli, almonds, freekeh and crispy kale. Add a poached egg to any bowl for an added protein and flavor boost. Hearts also gives lots of love to those with dietary restrictions and allergies offering a variety of gluten-free or vegan options. Have fun with things like panko-crumbed chicken, smoked salmon, halloumi or tomato salad which can be added to your bowl or salad. For those who can’t wait to get home to dive into takeout, take advantage of their outdoor (socially distanced) picnic tables.
https://www.heartsnashville.com/
Far East Favorite
The latest hotspot for adventurous eaters that prefer their healthy fare with a side of spice is East Side Banh Mi. The menu focuses on clean-eating preparations of Vietnamese dishes. Known primarily for their Banh Mi, they offer an impressive variety including the veggie with chili crispy tofu and roasted eggplant, roasted lemongrass chicken, line-caught albacore tuna or impossible meatball. More into Bowls? Go with Gracie’s Big Salad with your choice of protein, farm-fresh greens, papaya, and other energy-building ingredients topped off with an amazing citrus-soy vinaigrette. Spring rolls with shrimp, tofu or veggies are at the top of our order list. We also highly recommend picking up a side order (or two) of Bloomsbury Farm seasoned veggies. It doesn’t get any fresher than that!
Beat the Blues
You had us at CBD, but we’re sticking around for the food. This light, airy and friendly little place is a treat to pop by either for takeout or for enjoying an infused coffee blend with a friend. For West End and Belle Meade residents, it’s become a weekly go-to for generous salads and gorgeous cheese and veggies boards. And don’t even get us started on their breakfast ‘pizzas’. Starting the day at Anzie Blue is never a mistake. You can fill up on fresh fruit and veggies all day, every day, and get made-to-order combination boxes to go. Look out for new menu items in the coming weeks as Anzie Blue is adding the chef behind 5th and Taylor to their team. West Sider’s can’t wait!
Dieter’s Dream
With five locations in and around Nashville, E + ROSE is convenient no matter where you live. They’ve built a strong reputation with their notable juice cleanses and meal plans, but E + Rose is also ideal for picking up breakfast or a light lunch on busy days. The menu is quite extensive – including everything from toasts, wraps, and salads, to bowls, protein blends, and juice shots. You can spruce up boring breakfast toast with their almond butter topped with coconut oil, strawberries, and dried figs or other combinations of choice. For lunch, a must is their RAWcos—walnut “meat” wrapped in jicama ‘shells’ and topped with house-made vegan “crema” and served with a side of vegan nacho “cheese”.
Supper Plans
Each week, the Sylvan Park neighborhood favorite, Answer offers fresh, hand-prepared supper for patrons that can easily be turned into gourmet meals at home. The dishes are clean and colorful and with multi-course flavors including appetizers, salads, entrees, sides and desserts. You can check their Instagram for daily menu offerings devoted to family-style food. Past menus have included tomato and basil grilled chicken, balsamic brussels sprouts, summer crudites with green goddess dip, roasted asparagus, and artichoke hummus. They’re also open for patio seating if you’d prefer to dine in.
https://www.answerrestaurant.com/
For more cooking tips, check out the articles we feature in the Cooking and Recipies section.
Skip the Store Stop
Cafe Roze in East Nashville also offers daily family dinners that can be picked up but with the added bonus of the inviting gourmet grocery, Roze Bodega. This little gem stocks organic produce, pre-packaged goods, as well as Cafe Roze sauces, dressings, and dips. For family dinner, expect items such as stir-fried kimchi udon noodles, roasted salmon niçoise salad with turmeric egg, and summer tomato Panzanella. Key menu items on our rotation are avocado hummus, carrot toast, shaved celery salad, coconut curry dinner bowl, and the simple pasta with house-made kale pesto. For those living on the opposite side of town- be on the lookout for the sister location, Roze Pony – opening very soon with promises of equally enticing and nutrition-packed items.
https://www.toasttab.com/cafe-roze-nashville/v3
The Original
A long-time Berry Hill outpost, The Yellow Porch was a trailblazer for inventive but healthy fare long before it was fashionable in the area. The neighborhood haunt is well- known for savory, protein-packed salads and filling sandwiches, including a scrumptious vegetarian portobello sandwich.
The charming bistro now serves up family-style takeout with a wide variety of healthy offerings based on the freshest ingredients. Enjoy herb-crusted salmon with zucchini squash casserole (so good!), Mediterranean vegetable lasagna with watercress and fennel salad or combine a tray of cherry salad with baby greens with a quart of tomato basil soup. And if you are flying solo, no worries—you can order individual portions- and they even deliver in select areas – which is always a plus. https://www.theyellowporch.com/menu
Weekly Essentials
Tucked away on Bandywood Drive, The Food Company has been hosting us for years. The small but mighty restaurant boasts a beautiful porch for social distancing if you want to eat on site. The takeout menu offers both family-style options and a standard menu full of healthy salads, sandwiches and soups. The seasonal gazpacho comes with a crunchy avocado toast topped with roasted carrots and paprika-chili oil (summer perfection!). Group dinners such as chicken or black bean enchiladas feed roughly four people. One unique feature is the Bargain Bag, which includes two entrees, two quarts of soup, a pint of chicken or tuna salad, and a pint each of kale salad and pesto penne—a perfectly well-rounded meal for the whole family or a group of friends. It’s also a great option for singles stocking your fridge on those weeks when meal prep just didn’t happen.
