Loving to go out to eat doesn’t have to lead to unhealthy decisions. You can still enjoy fun meals out without the greasy temptations offered by some restaurants.

If you’re looking for healthy restaurants in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place.

Eating healthy isn’t just about your waistline, it’s also a huge factor in your energy levels, complexion, and overall health.

Thankfully, eating healthy doesn’t mean eating a bland, dry salad, or something that might as well be bird seed anymore. You can get hearty, nutritious meals that leave you satisfied. You can get meals from healthy restaurants in Chicago that don’t break the bank. You can get a fine dining experience that wows your date or your favorite foodie with several courses.

With all of these options, there’s no excuse not to stay on track with your healthy diet while living in or visiting Chicago.

4 Can’t Miss Healthy Restaurants in Chicago

We’ve broken down our top 4 healthy restaurants in Chicago into convenient categories for you to easily digest (pun intended). We last checked that each one was open in November 2026. Prices (listed as How Much) are rough ranges.

1. Sweetgreen

Where: 623 N State St Chicago, IL 60654 (River North)

When: Open daily 10:00am-10:00pm

How Much: $$

Highlights: supportive of sustainable, local farming, calories listed for every dish on the website, make your own bowls, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options plus responsibly sourced animal products.

This expanding chain started in 2007 and has seen success in providing seasonal, healthy food. Sweetgreen’s mouthwatering menu is as transparent as it is delicious: with calorie counts provided so you won’t be playing a guessing game in your health food needs. The warm bowls are a great option for those tough Chicago winter months.

2. Protein Bar & Kitchen

Where: Several locations around Chicago. Check their website for locations.

When: Hours vary by location. Some are open daily, some are closed on Saturdays & Sundays.

How Much: $ to $$

Highlights: Bowls, salads, wraps, protein smoothies, vegan and gluten free options.

This grab and go menu offers healthy and filling breakfast, bowls, soups, wraps, salads, and more. Great for the days you are on the go but still want something healthy to fill you up. This restaurant is carb conscious and lists calorie information on the website as well.

3. Ema

Where: 74 W Illinois St Chicago, IL 60654 (River North)

When: Lunch on weekdays, brunch on weekends, and dinner every night

How Much: $$$

Highlights: Several flavors of delicious hummus and other dips/spreads, cocktails, kids menu, gluten free menu

Run by Top Chef alum and Top Chef Duels winner Chef CJ Jacobson, this Mediterranean meets California fresh restaurant brings a deliciously inventive set of dishes to Chicago. This restaurant is great for a special night out or a healthy business lunch. The well plated dishes and nutrition packed veggies incorporated into the dishes will leave you full without the guilt.

4. Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar

Where: 100 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611 (Gold Coast) & 55 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (River North)

When: Open daily for Lunch and Dinner. Both locations: Monday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm Sunday: 11am – 9pm

How Much: $$

Highlights: healthy ingredient cocktails, vibrant salads, nice environment unique to each location, both with quick service.

Founder and president Craig Bernstein’s named this growing chain after his late father, “Doctor B.” Doc B’s offers a large menu with mostly healthy options, and a few indulgences in the mix as well.

Come here to exercise your everything in moderation clause and try one of the big salads or a Wok Out bowl. You’ll leave full and satisfied, and as long as you can exercise some restraint against the fries, you’ll leave feeling proud of your healthy choices.

That’s All Folks!

Now let’s be clear, not everything on every one of these menus can be considered healthy. But they are a heck of a lot better than eating some of the Chicago “classic” food that typical tourists may identify with the city.

Of course, a huge part of staying healthy is balancing your nutritious diet with exercise.

If you want help with that side of things, here’s what happens in your free first personal training session at our studio.