10 healthy lunch spots in the city

Raw treats, super foods and endless varieties of green juices—Adelaide City is lucky to boast some of SA's best health and wellness restaurants and cafés. Whether you're after a vibrant noodle bowl or vegan burger, we've compiled a list of some of the best lunchtime spots that focus on healthy, delicious and nutritious meals. 

For fresh and healthy produce, look no further than the Adelaide Central Market. Tucked away near Market institution Lucia’s Pizza & Spaghetti Bar, Jamu prides itself on tastebud-tantalising smoothies, super bowls and cold pressed juices for every palate. All its products are vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free, making it perfect for the health conscious. For the time poor, grab a Greenie smoothie — a blended combo of spinach, kale, pineapple, banana, spirulina and matcha — which is packed with all the good stuff (and not to mention delicious).

Craving something fresh, healthy and packed with green goodness? Head to Liv Eat, your new lunchtime go-to just off Pulteney Street. Here, you'll find zesty burrito bowls, sandos, healthy burgers, barista-made coffee and freshly squeezed juices, plus plenty of on-the-go options.

A much-loved institution, Argo on the Square draws in hungry diners from all corners of the city for either a quick snack or sit-down lunch. Dishes are generous and the staff take care of diners with dietary requirements or allergies. Eggs benny lovers, rejoice—Argo’s popular dish is far from ordinary. Argo’s take on the traditional dish includes herbed labneh, crispy potatoes, rocket, poached eggs, hollandaise, savoury granola and rosemary oil. Better yet, gluten free and vegan options are available.

Kombucha on tap? Smoothie range curated by nutritionists? Fresh falafel wraps? If you're after a healthy option for breakfast, lunch or even take-home dinner, look no further than Adelaide's largest health food store Foods for Life! You can also expect a huge range of good-for-you snacks to keep you going through that 3:00pm slump.

100% plant powered, Veggie Vie is simple, uncomplicated and honest eatery where diners can leave feeling happy, nourished and replenished. Co-owner Manu used to sell veggie burgers from a tricycle in the city and his food became so well-known that he enlisted Monica, his co-owner, to pedal around another trike to manage the hungry hordes. Now, the duo have a bricks and mortar store with a mouthwatering menu of vegan dishes and smoothies.

Colourful, textural and light, we recommend "forgetting" your lunch so you can try one of these delicious poke bowls at two convenient city locations. Build your ultimate bowl, or choose from their range, including the 'Tuna Turner' (with sashimi tuna, wasabi mayo, wonton crisps and kimchi), 'Cluck Norris' (chicken, avo, edamame and more) and vegan 'Mushroom Magic' (with marinated mushrooms, sesame sprouts, fried shallots and seaweed salad).

Creating comforting, home-cooked vegetarian and vegan food for busy people, every morsel from Let Them Eat is made from scratch and free from preservatives. Focussing on high quality local ingredients, you'll find soups, salads, pastas, desserts and more!

Grab one of their regular meal deals for an easy and filling lunch, with plenty of vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options available.

These crispy, crunchy falafels have been self-described as the "best in the universe"—and we'd tend to agree. Add them to a soft, warm pita with housemade hummus, pickles and salad and you've got one of the best healthy lunches around.

Try their haloumi bowl (with a handful of fresh fries as a cheeky garnish), explore vegan and gluten free options, or stop by for brunch and tuck into a hearty shakshuka.  

Cafe Troppo has built a thriving community on their great food, coffee, wine and music. Nestled in a green corner of the city, this South West favourite focuses on seasonality and local ingredients to serve up their famous bowls and top notch brews.

Let the good times roll at Motomo, a fun sushi train experience just off Rundle Mall. Serving up a huge range of freshly made options—including nigiri, sashimi, donburi, udon and even sushi tacos—this Kings Lane spot is your new go-to for speedy lunches, post-work eats and more.

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