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Best Healthy Fast Food Spots In Los Angeles

BLT sandwich 610
(credit: shutterstock)

(credit: shutterstock)

Living in Los Angeles means we're lucky to be surrounded by a myriad of dining options. From exclusive hot spots to more casual restaurants and everything in between, we have a pick of every cuisine to choose from. More than any other city, LA also offers a ton of healthy fast food options including Indian, American, and Mediterranean food. So, the next time you're on the go and want to keep it healthy, use this list as a guide.

TenderGreens
(credit: Tender Greens)

Tender Greens
9523 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 842-8300
www.tendergreens.com

With locations across the city, including Burbank, Glendale, Torrance, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Culver City and elsewhere in LA, Tender Greens has made a name for itself by serving modern, cafeteria-style food that tastes great. This chain, which serves salads, sandwiches, salads and plates, is a go-to healthy hotspot that LA locals love. Each restaurant offers a sit down area, but many visitors love the fast nature of this eatery, as they can order at the counter and watch their food being made. Order a big plate of salt and pepper chicken or backyard marinated streak with sides, or choose to get a salad like their baby arugula or butter lettuce one. The chain also offers soups ranging from roasted roma tomato soup and rustic chicken soup to specials of the day.

california chicken cafe
(credit: Christina V./Yelp)

California Chicken Cafe
2005 Westwood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 446-1933
www.californiachickencafe.com

Serving rotisserie chicken, salads and wraps since 1991, California Chicken Cafe first opened on Melrose Avenue but has since become a chain, with operations all over LA. The restaurant, which was started by two college friends, offers healthy options along with quick service for its patrons. The restaurant is somewhat of a rarity in today's come and go restaurant industry. Over the years, California Chicken Cafe has gained a steady and loyal fanbase of customers who love their counter-served food options, including a plates of moist and deliciously cooked rotisserie chicken with a sides like squash, mashed potatoes, a Chinese cabbage salad and many others. Or, choose from wraps like their Chinese wrap, which comes with chicken, Chinese noodles, Chinese dressing, carrots, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. One of the more popular options is the Chinese chicken salad as well as the California Chicken salad. Whatever you get here though, you can be sure that not only is the food delicious, but the staff is friendly and the food quality is not compromised even though it comes out fast.

lemonade restaurant
(credit: Lemonade)

Lemonade
2047 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 478-0900
www.lemonadela.com

Since its inception, Lemonade has been a big hit throughout the LA area. While they do offer different flavored lemonade options to choose from upon checkout, patrons mostly come here for a colorful bounty of seasonal California comfort food that is both healthy and quick to get. Aside from the restaurant being a comfortable place where eaters can enjoy a rotating spread of meats, sides, salads, and sandwiches, patrons love the cafeteria type setup that allows customers to come up to the counter, choose from a bevy of market sides, sandwiches, hot market veggies, or meats, and then check out. Their food is perfect for customers who crave delicious flavors while also caring about eating healthy. Menu items vary by location, but generally each location offers sides like shaved Brussel sprouts, sherry vinaigrette butternut squash, tandoori spiced carrots, kimchi vegetable edamame, and many more options. Add salmon, seared ahi tuna, rosemary chicken or other meats to it to make the perfect meal.

massis kabob
(credit: Jen E./yelp)

Massis Kabob
Glendale Galleria
1132 Galleria Way
Glendale, CA 91210
(818) 240-7375
Multiple Other Locations
www.massiskabob.com

Founded in 1976, this counter-serve eatery specializes in Middle Eastern kebabs and pita wraps like no other place in the city. So, if Mediterranean food is your thing, Massis Kabob is the place to visit. Billing themselves as the "Original Kabobery," Massis is found only in malls and prides itself on serving reliable and reasonably priced food. The chain started in the mid-70's with one store at the Glendale Mall, but since then has expanded to other top malls around LA including Century City. Walk into the food court at around noon, or throughout the day for that matter, and you'll notice that Massis Kabob seems to have the longest lines out of all the other food vendors. And, for good reason. The food is absolutely mouthwatering. Order a chicken kabob wrap with lettuce inside, or go for the plate which comes with rice in addition to sides likes hummus, pickled cabbage and shirazi salad. There are plenty of options to choose from on the menu, but other favorites include the falafel vegetarian plate, the chicken and steak plate with rice or fries and the Argentinian skirt steak plate with fries. Whatever you order, you can be certain that it's not only delicious, but healthy and fast too.

sweetgreen
(credit: Navin W./Yelp)

Sweetgreen
8055 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 934-3404
www.sweetgreen.com

In the mood for a salad for lunch or dinner? Well, Sweetgreen has practically cornered the market for salads in numerous cities, including Los Angeles. The chain has locations across the country and recently has expanded to open locations in Santa Monica, Hollywood and West Hollywood. Simply go up to the counter, choose an option and watch it being made there right in front of you. The ingredients are as fresh as can be and you can either choose from one of their signature salads or make your own. What sets Sweetgreen apart is their values of sustainability, and using ingredients that are not only unique for flavor but fresh.

grilled cheese clementine
(credit: Shelley Boyle)

Clementine
1751 Ensley Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 552-1080
www.clementineonline.com

Clementine may only hold one location in the LA area, but it sure is a hit. This quaint counter-serve American style cafe and bakery provides a wide range of always changing menu items for its customers. From sandwiches, salads and breakfast items, to baked goods and more, the food is always dependable, healthy and fast to come out of the kitchen.

coral tree cafe
(credit: Stephen T./yelp)

Coral Tree Cafe
11645 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 979-8733
www.coraltreecafe.com

Answering the call for healthy and quick dining options, Coral Tree Cafe offers everything from sandwiches, salads & other basic bites to great coffee, teas and drinks. With locations in Encino, Brentwood and at the Century City Mall, each location offers food that is not only tasty, but also quick. Options on the menu including breakfast items like an Applewood smoked bacon ommelett, as well as lunch and dinner options that include paninis, chopped salads, soups, hot dishes and much more.

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