True Food Kitchen is the rare “healthy” restaurant that appeals to the health-conscious, omnivores and kids. Normally the thought of going out to eat health food makes me cringe. I’d much rather be eating fried chicken or a pastrami sandwich. However at True Food Kitchen, I don’t feel like I’m making any sacrifices by eating there. Located on the bottom floor of the Santa Monica Place mall, True Food Kitchen has proven to be very popular since it’s opened. This location has both indoor and outdoor patio seating (alas, no view of the ocean).

I’ve only been to two locations (the other in Newport Beach). Both locations have nice big airy dining rooms with an open kitchen. The restaurants are bright and bustling.

They have a kids menu that my daughter actually likes, even though they’ve managed to replace the traditional kid fare with healthy twist. My daughter’s pizza had spelt and flax in the crust, but I don’t think she noticed.

My husband had the Huevos Rancheros while I opted for the Turkey Burger. The burgers and sandwiches come with your choice of kale salad, sweet potato hash, or half and half. I always go for the half and half.  The burger had a little too much crushed garlic in it, but I still ate it all.

In my defense, the portions aren’t huge. All three of us had clean plates (well, except for my daughter’s pizza crusts). The menu  is pretty varied with items that will appeal to omnivores, vegans and gluten-free diners –  freshly squeezed fruit drinks, pizza, salads, sandwiches, tacos, curries, fish, etc. Andy’s Favorite TLT is a BLT with tempeh instead of bacon. My friend who is a lifelong vegetarian describes it as “life-changing.” I think that’s because she’s never had real bacon before. It’s decent but nothing compared to the real thing. This may sound weird, but the bathrooms here are beautiful. Even my husband commented on them.

The service is always good too. The waitstaff is very happy and friendly. So if you are looking for a place that will make people of different dietary restrictions happy or just looking for healthy fresh food, True Food Kitchen is the place for you!

Location:Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 172, Santa Monica, 90401. Additional California locations in El Segundo, Newport Beach and San Diego.  Also in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Website: http://www.truefoodkitchen.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – Yes
Pesco-Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Gluten-Free Options – Yes