A practical, healthy guide to Austin, Texas. This article highlights the best nutritious restaurants and cafes, plus active and restorative things to do while visiting. If you want to stay well and energized during your trip to Austin, use this guide to find wholesome meals, great coffee and outdoor activities.
My partner and I recently spent time just outside Austin and explored the city with a focus on healthy food and active experiences. Austin makes it easy to find nourishing options: many restaurants offer gluten-free, dairy-free and plant-based choices, and the city is full of parks, trails and water activities that keep you moving. Below is a concise, practical list of restaurants, cafes and things to do that helped us feel our best while traveling.
Healthy Restaurants in Austin, Tx:
Picnik – A standout for anyone seeking a mostly gluten-free menu with many dairy-free options. Picnik cooks using avocado oil and focuses on clean, thoughtfully prepared dishes. Try the Coconut Curry Lime Bone Broth as a warming beverage, share the creamy cashew queso as an appetizer, and consider a Harvest Hash or their breakfast tacos made with Siete tortillas. They operate both a restaurant and a food truck.
Sway – Contemporary Thai cuisine with numerous gluten-free choices. Flavors can be bold and spicy, so ask about heat levels when ordering. It’s a good option for a slightly more upscale dinner or date night.
Curcuma – A plant-based food truck in East Austin known for fully vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free offerings. It’s popular, so check operating hours before you go.
Flourchild – A higher-priced spot, but the bowl options are fresh and made from quality ingredients. Good for a nutritious lunch or light dinner.
Forthright Cafe – Frequently recommended by locals for lunch; they offer a well-liked gluten-free bread and thoughtful seasonal menu items.
Cava – Fast-casual Mediterranean bowls and build-your-own plates. A practical choice for customizable salads, grain bowls and pita-based meals when you want quick, healthy food.
True Food Kitchen – Focused on seasonal, balanced dishes with plenty of vegetable-forward choices. A reliable healthy lunch or brunch spot.
Blenders & Bowls – Smoothies and smoothie bowls with many fresh toppings. Ideal for a nutrient-dense breakfast or midday snack.
Café No Sé – California-inspired menu with seasonal changes and allergy-friendly accommodations. The rustic atmosphere pairs well with vegetable-forward plates and customizable options for special diets.
Sweet Ritual – A bit further from downtown but worth the trip for dairy-free and gluten-free ice cream alternatives made with coconut or almond butter bases. Flavors like chocolate-peanut butter can be indulgent while still fitting dairy-free preferences.
Best Cafes in Austin for Matcha and Coffee:
Flat Track Coffee – A favorite for matcha lovers; they use organic matcha and prepare a creamy oat milk option. Cups can be small and prices slightly higher, but the flavor stands out.
Juice Society – Offers cold-pressed juices as well as coffee and matcha. A convenient spot if you want a fresh drink or quick pick-me-up.
Tom’s Store (South Congress) – A small café inside a well-known shop, serving good matcha and coffee. The atmosphere is relaxed and it’s a nice stop while exploring South Congress.
7th Flag Coffee – Welcoming atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. They offer solid coffee and a few milk alternatives; a comfortable place to work or relax for a while.
Houndstooth – Known for quality beverages and a variety of milk options, including non-dairy choices. It’s a long-standing local favorite for chai, matcha and coffee.
What to Do in Austin:
Zilker Park – A large green space with walking trails, picnic spots and room for recreational activities like frisbee or yoga. It’s an excellent place for a relaxed, active day outdoors.
Climb Mount Bonnell – A short stair climb rewards you with panoramic views of the city and the Colorado River. The ascent is easy and the lookout is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.
Rent scooters – Electric scooters are widely available and provide a fun, efficient way to explore neighborhoods and nearby sights without driving.
Visit local shops – Austin hosts a variety of specialty stores and outdoor brands. Spending time browsing retailers like outdoor and lifestyle stores can be a pleasant way to learn about local culture.
Walk South Congress – This neighborhood is lined with independent shops, boutiques and eateries. A stroll up and down South Congress offers great window shopping and chances to discover unique local finds.
Stand up paddle boarding – Paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake is a popular, active option when the weather is warm. Rentals are available and it’s a fun way to see the city from the water.
Barton Springs Pool – A natural spring-fed pool with grassy areas for lounging. There is an entrance fee, but it’s a refreshing place to swim, picnic and relax outdoors.
Combine these meals, cafes and activities and you’ll likely leave Austin feeling refreshed and energized. The city’s focus on accessible, healthy food and outdoor living makes it easy to maintain a balanced travel routine.
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