How are you doing on your New Year’s Resolutions? I know New Year’s Resolutions are often dismissed as cliche and pointless, but I’ve always been a proponent of leaning into the fresh feeling of a new year and letting that clean slate push us toward our goals. I also think that food tastes better in bowls. So in the spirit of feeding our bodies nutritious but delicious food, I’ve rounded up a list of healthy bowls in the Triangle. This list of restaurants proves that eating healthy doesn’t have to be a tasteless and joyless feat.
(last updated Jan 2023)
Zenfish is Feeding You Bowls of Courage and Gratitude
I love poke, and I love Zenfish! I first wrote about Zenfish before they even opened a second location in Morrisville, and now they’re on the brink of opening a third! Since writing that blog post, I’ve befriended the owner and now consider her family. How she runs her business at Zenfish reflects so much her big heart. Janet cares deeply about supporting local communities and making decisions on behalf of her business that is gentler on the planet. Even her core values are reflected on her menu; Her signature bowls have names like Compassion, Gratitude, Courage, and Kindness. My favorite is courage! Spicy and delicious.
P.S. They recently added miso soup to their menu to help keep you warm during this winter season!
Zenfish
https://www.zenfishpokebar.com/
Go Crazy for Crazy Feta and Cava’s Captivating Combinations
As I write this blog post, my last meal consumed was the bowl pictured above. I’m absolutely in love with Cava. You have so many options and they let you go halfsies if you’re feeling indecisive. Can’t pick between a grain bowl or a salad bowl? Go half and half! Can’t choose between proteins? Go half and half! Today I went half braised lamb and half roasted vegetables for my protein choice. I’m crazy for their crazy feta and even though I just had this bowl today, you won’t need to twist my arm to go again tomorrow.
Cava
cava.com
Hearty Salads at Farmside Kitchen
Starting in April of 2021, Farmside Kitchen opened in the RTP area. I had the Pitchfork Salad which features chili lime tofu, cucumbers with pickled onions, feta cheese, lentils, and more tossed with a Mediterranean vinaigrette and lemon tahini drizzle. I finished it all and would do it again. Tall praise from someone who is usually salad-resistant. If you happen upon this article before April 1, 2021, enter my Farmside Kitchen giveaway here!
Farmside Kitchen
5431 Page Rd, Durham, NC 27703
farmsidekitchen.com
Happy and Hale Cares about Healthy Humans and the Planet
Happy and Hale features so many options for healthy bowls with seasonal chef collaborations, like the Bida Bowl, the popular bowl collaboration with Bida Manda. Their diverse bowl menu includes their chimichurri steak bowl, quinoa bowl, ahi poke bowl, falafel grain bowl, and more! In addition to caring about providing healthy fuel, Happy and Hale, according to their mission statement, will be adding reusable bowls, bags, and silverware to all locations in 2020. They’re all over the Triangle now!
Happy and Hale was also featured in my Brunch Guide to the Triangle
Happy and Hale
happyandhale.com
Rush to Rush Bowls for that PBJ Bowl
🎶It’s peanut butter jelly time! I’m obsessed with Rush Bowl’s PBJ bowl, which has banana, strawberry, peanut butter, your milk choice, frozen yogurt (optional), and is topped with organic granola, house-made peanut butter and jelly, and honey. This national smoothie bowl company originally hailed from Colorado. They have an expansive smoothie bowl and smoothie list. I was intrigued by their warm bowls and can’t wait to try one of those next time.
2811 Hillsborough St #105, Raleigh, NC 27607
https://rushbowls.com/raleigh
The Purple Bowl for Your Acai Cravings
Located on Franklin St. in Chapel Hill, this shop offers UNC students and Chapel Hill residents a break from fried chicken and fries. (Okay, fine. They gave me a break from fried chicken and fries.) I’m grateful that Purple Bowl has been a Franklin St. staple. One of the owners always seems to remember all their regulars when I stop by. They also have smoothies and avocado toast!
The Purple Bowl
306B W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
purplebowlch.com
Namu’s Burrito Bowls Features Korean Flavors
If it seems like I won’t shut up about Namu, it’s because I won’t shut up about Namu. When I’m feeling virtuous and want to bask in some sun on their beautiful patio, I order their burrito bowl! (I get their kimchi fries when I’m feeling naughty.) Namu is also featured in my guide to coffee shops in the Triangle and unique fries.
Namu
5420 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707
https://www.namudurham.com/
Luna’s Vegan Chilli-Braised Jackfruit Grain Bowl Makes me Happy Dance While I Eat
If you’re new to jackfruit, it can easily be passed for pulled pork when properly cooked. As someone who mostly eats terribly, I can’t help but do a little happy wiggle every time I eat Luna’s vegan chili-braised jackfruit grain bowl. It’s nutritious and dang good.
Luna Rotisserie & Empanadas
Multiple Locations
http://www.lunarotisserie.com/
Raleigh Raw for Poke Bowls with a Side of Your Specialty Drink of Choice
How does Lady Gaga like her fish? Raw, raw, raw, raw, raw!
Please don’t unfollow me for that.
Okay, back to healthy bowls of the Triangle. Raleigh Raw, located in downtown Raleigh, is a popular juice bar that also serves poke bowls. Sometimes on a pretty day, I like to set up shop outside with their delicious matcha latte and crank out some work.
Raleigh Raw
7 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
raleighraw.com
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill
Another Mediterranean spot with nutritious bowls is Mezeh! They recently opened a location in Raleigh, close to NC State. Try their wide array of fresh juices, made-from-scratch hummus, and perfectly seasoned and crunchy pita chips. They have specialty bowls and build-your-own options, flatbreads, and wraps! I built my bowl with arugula, rice, braised lamb, roasted vegetables, spicy harissa sauce, and Greek beet dip! It was *chef’s kiss.*
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill
mezeh.com
So that concludes my list of healthy bowls in the Triangle! If you’re like me, someone who loves carbs and fried foods and wrinkles your nose at salads, you’ll enjoy some (if not all) of these bowls! These bowls don’t sacrifice taste, and your body will thank you! I know mine did.
What are some healthy habits you’ve tricked yourself into enjoying? Tell me in the comments!
For more about the Triangle, check out my Ultimate Guide to the Triangle!
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Follow my eating adventures and happenings on Instagram. You can also see what is catching my attention in the food world on Twitter and Facebook. I also recently launched a Patreon to share some behind the scenes of running a food and travel blog!
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