According to the American Heart Association, healthy eating is one of the most important things you can do for your body. A healthy diet and lifestyle can help physical and mental growth as well as fight against life threatening issues like heart disease. To help get you started, we’ve rounded up 23 restaurants serving the healthiest dishes in South Jersey.

Animo

Made-to-order juice, soups, salads and burritos, Animo was started because owners Joe and Anthony were sick of processed fast foods filled with preservatives. Without the use of microwave ovens or deep fryers, the duo serves all-natural, organic whole foods that nourish the mind and body.

Location: 210 Kings Hwy. E., Haddonfield, NJ. For more information, call 856-427-9070 or visit AnimoJuice.com.

Blue Fig Café

This health-conscious Mediterranean restaurant features a variety of Middle Eastern cuisine from the likes of Turkey, Greece, Lebanon and Egypt. Whether you are looking for a night out, delivery to your home or catering for a party, the Blue Fig does it all. They suggest trying the salmon kebab entrée for a delicious combination of char-grilled marinated salmon, couscous and grilled vegetables.

Location: 200 Young Ave., Moorestown, NJ. For more information, call 856-638-5186 or visit BlueFigMoorestown.com

Blue Plate

This all-American classic is serving up farm-to-table dishes filled with ingredients from the local South Jersey area. Working with partners like the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, they focus on high-quality foods from enriched soils and family farms. Their pizzas, flatbreads, pastas and cakes are all made from non GMO-certified organic flours and their wines are provided by Wagonhouse Winery in Swedesboro.

Location: 47 S. Main St., Mullica Hill, NJ. For more information, call 856-478-2112 or visit BluePlateNJ.com.

Enlightened Café

The robust organic menu highlights healthy breakfast and lunch options including avocado toast on house-made bread, gluten-free coconut pancakes, mahi-mahi tacos and a “happiness bowl” crafted with a sweet potato and quinoa hash, shredded chicken, Brussels sprouts, scallions, tahini honey and lime sauce.

Location: 6414 Ventnor Ave., Ventnor City, NJ. For more information, call 609-594-5283 or visit EnlightenedCafe.org.

Esti’s Besty’s Vegetarian Restaurant

A unique combination of American, Mediterranean and Italian fare, Esti’s is a family- owned and -operated eatery in the heart of Cherry Hill. With everything made fresh to order, it may be hard to choose from options such as the Israeli salad, Bourkea platter or the Sabich, a combination of eggplant, hardboiled egg, sliced potato, tomato and cucumber, all stuffed in a warm pita pocket and drizzled with tahini.

Location: 2442 Rte. 38 W., Cherry Hill, NJ. For more information, call 856-755-1116 or visit EstyBestys.com. 

The Farm & Fisherman Tavern

A follow-up to their Philadelphia location, owners Josh and Colleen Lawler aspire to provide regional produce and proteins with carefully-selected wine and local drafts in a family-friendly environment. From Korean wings to spicy gulf shrimp and a cauliflower panini, the James Beard semifinalist serves brunch through dinner, seven days a week.

Location: 1442 Marlton Pike E., Cherry Hill, NJ. For more information, call 856-356-2282 or visit FAndFTavern.com.

The Farmhouse

Resourcing local farmers and suppliers for all of their food products, The Farmhouse is a seasonally inspired eatery serving up mouthwatering Southern menus in an 1800s farmhouse setting.

Location: 312 Kresson Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ. For more information, call 856-528-2249 or visit FarmhouseCherryHill.com.

Good Earth Organic Eatery

Good Earth provides exactly that: good food from the earth. The all-organic menu features seasonal fruits and vegetables, locally caught fresh fish and homemade breads made with an all-natural sourdough starter.

Location: 600 Park Blvd., West Cape May, NJ. For more information, call 609-898-6161 or visit GoodEarthOrganicEatery.com.

Greenplate

Known for their fresh, organic products and customizable menu, Greenplate urges customers to eat good, feel good and live good. On your next visit, opt for their pineapple habanero stir fry for a delicious combination of brown rice, organic chicken, bell peppers, carrots, red onions, pineapple pico de gallo and a spicy-sweet pineapple habanero sauce. If stir fry isn’t your thing, try out one of their fresh salads highlighting locally sourced ingredients and homemade dressings.

Location: 202 Rte. 130 N., Cinnaminson, NJ. For more information, call 856-735-5468 or visit EatGreenPlate.com. 

Greens and Grains

Established in 2017 by the LAN Restaurant Group, customers are provided with a range of menu options like acai bowls, savory salads, healthy juices, wholesome wraps, and creative craft cocktails. Weekly specials include organic quinoa and soup of the week. 

Location: 80 W. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Galloway, NJ. For more information, call 609-277-7060 or visit GreensAndGrainsNJ.com.

Green Street Market Café

The organic and natural supermarket in Rio Grande stocks their shelves with resources to provide a naturally healthy and holistic lifestyle. Swing by for groceries and supplements, but be sure to stop by their juice bar for a signature juice blend such as the Bee’s Knees: a combination of banana, strawberry, pineapple, coconut flakes, flaxseeds, bee pollen and coconut water.

Location: 3156 Rte. 9 S., Rio Grande, NJ. For more information, call 609-463-0606 or visit GreenStreetMarket.com.

Healthy Blend Café

A healthy alternative to fast food, Healthy Blend provides made-to-order wraps, salads and smoothies from fresh and natural ingredients. Order the Avocadolicious smoothie and add in an immune boost for a healthy start to your day.

Location: 609 Cross Keys Rd., Sicklerville, NJ; 1041 Glassboro Rd., Williamstown, NJ; 1360 Hurrfville Rd., Woodbury, NJ. For more information, visit HealthyBlendCafe.com.

Healthy Garden

With locations in Moorestown and Voorhees, it’s easy to enjoy Healthy Garden’s fare no matter where you live. Pair their homemade hummus and toasted pita bread platter with one of their signature fresh squeezed juices for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Location: 200 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd., Voorhees NJ and 73 East Main St., Moorestown, NJ. For more information, call 856-616-9300, 856-234-2533 or visit HealthyGardenCafe.com.

Health Haven Café

After filling up your cart with nutritional supplements and vitamins, stop by Health Haven’s café for a delicious and healthy lunch. Choose from array of healthy options like melted cheese sandwiches to veggie burgers and whole wheat pita pizzas.

Location: 1381 Rte. 38, Hainesport, NJ. For more information, call 609-267-7744 or visit HealthHavenMarket.com.

Heart Beet Kitchen

The menu at Westmont’s Heart Beet Kitchen is not only organic, but gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, plant-based and locally sourced. Delicious and healthy menu options include avocado toast, roasted cauli hummus and a heart beet burger made topped with sprouts, avocado, tomato and horseradish aioli on a gluten-free bun.

Location: 29 Haddon Ave., Westmont, NJ. For more information, call 856-240-1106 or visit HeartBeetNJ.com.

Leaf

Providing healthy food for healthy living, Leaf just unrolled a brand-new, must-try Sunday brunch menu. Sweet fiends can opt for options like oatmeal topped with blueberries, bananas, walnuts, brown sugar and maple syrup while those that prefer savory brunch bites can munch on raw pad thai or cauliflower buffalo bites with a house made blue cheese dressing.

Location: 6 Kings Ct., Haddonfield, NJ. For more information, call 856-528-5715 or visit LeafEatery.com.

Local Links Market Café

The eat-in and take-out market café brings locally sourced and freshly prepared seasonal food to hungry and health-conscious customers. Early birds can enjoy favorites such as the French toast burrito and Aunt Millie’s eggs while those late risers can be privy to fish tacos, BBQ burritos, and a mouthwatering sausage parm.

Location: 533 Station Ave., Haddon Heights, NJ. For more information, call 856-617-6227 or visit LocalLinksMarketCafe.com.

Naked Lunch

Part of MOM’s Organic Market, Naked Lunch boasts a robust menu of all-organic dishes. Whether you choose the black bean burger or a sushi bowl filled with brown rice, miso-roasted tofu, avocado, carrots, cucumbers, seaweed, sesame seeds, soy sauce and ginger sesame dressing, you are guaranteed to get the freshest ingredients. Don’t forget to pair your lunch with one of their organic raw juices, too.

Location: 1631 Kings Hwy. N., Cherry Hill, NJ. For more information, call 856-685-5760 or visit MomsOrganicMarket.com/NakedLunch.

Nature’s Café and Juice Bar

Stop by Vineland’s healthiest café for a fresh squeezed juice and smoothie bowl. Add a health shot to any drink, or throw one back as an appetizer to one of their healthful wraps. Be sure to keep an eye on the specials board for favorites like vegetable stir fry with basmati rice and organic three bean ginger turmeric soup.

Location: 1672 N. Delsea Dr., Vineland, NJ. For more information call 856-896-6803.

Ohana Juice Bar

Escape to the islands of Hawaii with one sip of their house-made juices. If the dreary winter weather is getting you down, order the Golden Glow drink made with orange, carrot, pineapple and lemon. Guaranteed to get your glow back.

Cost: Varies. Location: 10 Central Ave., Hammonton, NJ. For more information, call 609-481-2353 or visit OhanaJuiceBar.com.

Organico Pizza

The integrity of their food comes from a commitment to use only the best organic ingredients from organic central milling flour to organic Italian tomatoes and mozzarella. Their sources are carefully chosen, and hold the quality standard they believe in. While they are helmed for their delicious pizza combinations, the Marlton eatery also features an array of power bowls that are high in antioxidants. Try the kale crunch bowl on your next visit: filled with kale, sweet potato, avocado, chick peas and either brown rice or quinoa.

Location: 21 N. Maple Ave., Marlton, NJ. For more information, call 856-267-5501 or visit OrganicoPizzaNJ.com.

SELF Love Vegan

The mobile food truck creates healthy and sustainable plant-based dishes for the community. Past menu items included a BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwich and an “Cheezestake” made from caramelized onions, green peppers, mushrooms and a house- made cheese whiz.

For more information, follow them @SelfLoveVegan.

The Square Meal

Bringing fresh and sustainably sourced food to locals, The Square Meal is a family-owned and family-run business. Grilled PB & J, roast chicken sandwiches and falafel fills the menu. Guests also have the option of choosing The Square Meal: three prepared foods or half a sandwich and two side dishes.

Location: 211 West Clinton Ave., Oaklyn, NJ. For more information, call 856-942-4325 or visit Facebook.com/TheSquareMealOaklyn.

The Tortilla Press

The quaint town of Collingswood is home to many family-owned eateries, including the Tortilla Press, which pumps out traditional Mexican cuisine. Try them out for brunch during your next visit to the area and try favorites like huevos rancheros, chorizo hash and eggs or their Collingswood Farmers’ Market Breakfast Sandwich, which is a hearty combination of egg, cheese, bacon, soy chorizo, peppers, onions, sausage patty and breakfast potatoes.

Location: 703 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. For more information, call 856-869-3345 or visit TheTortillaPress.com.

Wildflower Vegan Café

Serving an ever-changing menu, this vegan café keeps patrons happy with hot soups, super salads, and sweet treats. Order a chocolate chip cookie pie to go but don’t forget a gluten-free peanut butter doggie treat for your furry friend.

Location: 501 N. High St., Millville, NJ. For more information, call 856-265-7955 or visit WildflowerVegan.com.