True Food Kitchen, although a nationwide chain, is one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans. I recently discovered it in April and quickly fell in love. The restaurant’s commitment to vibrant, nutrient-dense ingredients and balanced flavors is abundantly clear in every dish. There’s a sort of home-cooked quality to the food, not because it’s simple, but because there’s no additives, preservatives, or shortcuts. You can truly taste the real ingredients prepared with care.
Dr. Andrew Weill founded these restaurants 15 years ago with the vision of great tasting, nutritious food. His approach emphasizes anti-inflammatory eating, and True Food reflects this vision entirely. As seed oils are often criticized for their inflammatory potential, they are nowhere to be found on the menu. Rather the kitchen exclusively uses avocado and olive oil. As a nutrition minor, I find his story and mission especially inspiring because he took an idea many people have talked about – food that tastes good and makes you feel good – and built it into a thriving, research-driven business. Today, True Food Kitchen operates in about 45 states, making its philosophy widely accessible.
Even the atmosphere supports the mission. Walking into True Food feels like stepping into the phrase “eat the rainbow” with bright, produce-inspired colors, fresh greenery, and a clean modern look that makes healthy eating feel energized. It’s the kind of environment that makes you excited to order something colorful!
Let’s dive right into the food, because the menu truly has something for everyone. It’s impressively extensive, ranging from mouthwatering appetizers to nourishing bowls and pizzas along with show stopping desserts.
For starters, the edamame dumplings are a dish I recommend for everyone. They’re incredibly light yet packed with flavor and finished with a hint of truffle that somehow makes them decadent without being heavy.
My true obsession with the menu? The sourdough pizzas. With dietary restrictions that limit me to only sourdough, finding a restaurant that features it as a pizza base feels like winning the lottery. Their margherita pizza is truly to die for, making it the perfect meal to freeze for later when I don’t want to cook!
Image Via True Food Kitchen
Their approach to the ultimate comfort food…chicken tenders is equally refreshing. Rather than greasy, deep-fried chicken tenders, True Food air-fries theirs in olive oil. This gives them crunch without making them heavy. You can enjoy them plain with one of the signature sauces, as chicken parmesan, or stacked on a sandwich.
If you’re a bowl person, the ancient grain bowl is a standout!! This is honestly one of my favorite meals anywhere. It’s an incredible mixture of texture and flavors featuring grains, roasted sweet potatoes, charred onions, snap peas, portobello mushrooms, avocado, and pistachio pesto. Add grilled chicken or salmon and it becomes a deeply satisfying, feel good meal!!
Image Via True Food Kitchen
Beyond these staples, the menu features salads, hearty burgers, and seasonal entrees, each designed with the same flavor meets function philosophy.
Dessert deserved its own paragraph, because this might blow your mind, but every dessert is gluten-free! And they’re shockingly good. The seasonal offerings rotate throughout the year (right now they’re offering carrot cake and seasonal pie). The flourless chocolate cake and chocolate chip cookies are always on their menu year-round. True Food proves that gluten-free can also be indulgent!
Whether you go for the health-conscious cooking, vibrant atmosphere, or simply great-tasting meals, True Food Kitchen is worth the visit. You don’t have to be in New Orleans, you’re likely to find one wherever you travel! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand.
