Top 5 Healthy Places to Eat in Oakville

Published May 29, 2017 at 4:37 pm

At some point or another (cough, January 1?!) many of us commit to eating a more nutrient-rich diet in the hopes of self-improvement … unless you’re already on that Oakville #gymlife. Try as you may, healthy eating (and living, really) involves a paradigm shift and subsequent lifestyle changes which not everyone can commit to. While health is in the mouth of the beholder, we’ve included different lifestyle choices on our quest to find good food. These top 5 healthy restaurants will make dining out a breeze, whether you’re a new dieter, have been eating clean for a minute, or are a seasoned level 5 vegan. 


5. Vegebitez

(closed down)

This 100 per cent vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free restaurant packs a serious flavour punch in the menu which “ain’t your mama’s rabbit food!” and is comprised of mains like sandwiches, bowls, burgers and salads. After much debate on which dish was the healthiest, I opted for the Ohana Bowl, which included teriyaki soy curls, pineapple, cremini mushrooms, edamame, cashews, and sesame seeds. It was scrumptious. Their menu is fun; with substitutes like tempeh bacon, teriyaki tofu and smoked gouda “cheeze,” Vegebitez doesn’t sacrifice flavour in their healthy picks. For the occasional treat or cheat day, be sure to try their baked goods and milkshakes (we love the Amaretto flavour because alcohol). The resto, in a plaza on Neyagawa Blvd., is a happy place, with lilac, turquoise, and pineapple motifs.

Must-try: Ohana Bowl ($16.95) 

Seating: Limited.


4. Noble Bistro

Serving up fine dining without stuffiness, Noble offers a chef-inspired menu boasting farm to fork cuisine. There were some surprises. For gluten-free folks, the chickpea fries ($7), served with a sriracha mayo, were unconventional, crispy, and perfectly salted. The tuna tartare was tasty, while the salmon, scallops (in Polenta Agnolloti) and roasted chicken were perfectly cooked. The quiche was flavourful, with a kick of goat cheese and a tough crust. The man behind the menu, JohnRoss Woodland, ranks among the top chefs in the country. Naturally, there’s also an excellent selection of wines to enjoy alongside your meal. 

Must-try: Pan Seared Canadian Scallops ($24) 

Seating: Yes.


3. Boon Burger

The good folks at Boon Burger prove you don’t necessarily need meat to create a phenomenally satisfying meal. Their Cowboy burger is the topseller in Burlington and boy, it’s massive. Made from scratch, burgers are handmade, grilled, baked, and served on a whole wheat bun. The black bean patty comes with BBQsauce, “bacun,” lettuce, tomato, and it’s slathered in Bermuda sauce (which really should be called Vegan Big Mac sauce because it tastes gluttonous and McDonald’s has officially been replaced for all cheat meals going forward). This Canadian chain, or “world’s first vegan burger cafe,” has mastered selling plant-based junk food for the masses. Hot sauce and other (less important) condiments are already on the table, surrounded by a massive roll of brown paper towels. The environment is quirky and full of farm animals. Very friendly staff wear black T-shirts reading ‘boonivore’ on the back. After one bite of the Cowboy, I want one, along with everything on their menu. P.S. Another must-have? The oh-so-trendy Pulled Jackfruit Poutine — fries are baked, topped with yams and sprinked with sesame seeds.

Must-try: Cowboy Burger ($11)

Seating: Yes.


2. Trish Juice

There’s beets, spinach, kale, and spectacular customer service in south Oakville. And it’s not pretentious or overpriced. Trish Juice opened in spring 2018 along Lakeshore Rd. W. (meaning there’s a good chance this cute resto might be near your home or work). It’s a great breakfast, lunch, or light dinner option, especially after a particularly punishing training session in the weight room. Or if your hands are full with a baby — the owner will stop what she’s doing to help a mom with a stroller get in and out the door. But back to the bevvies. I love me some fresh juice, and the beet juice, with carrot and lemon, didn’t disappoint. Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather eat my calories than drink them but there’s one exception and it’s a real juice made right before my eyes, full of brightly hued fruit and vegetables, poured into a tall glass. Trish Juice is in the former K.B. Rugs spot. You’ll find hip, trendy items such as Avocado Toast, (we tried the Hummus Toast, topped with alfalfa sprouts — yum). This independently owned and operated juice bar will not only serve fresh juice, but also smoothies (including bowls), milkshakes, cocktails, salads, wraps, and quick health shots. Even better news? All menu items are under $15 — so it’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, affordable lunch. Exhibit A: Avocado Toast – served on rye bread – is $2.99. Exhibit B: Salads and wraps are $5.99. We dug right into the Maple Apple salad (it’s perfect for a sweltering summer day), with spinach, kale, chopped almonds and walnuts, granny smith apple, feta, and a tangy maple dijon dressing. This is also the spot to visit if you want to hop on the turmeric bandwagon. 

Must-try: Maple Apple salad

Seating: Limited.


1. Kerr St. Cafe

This Kerr Village staple, featuring a cafe and restaurant, has such a relaxing atmosphere (with plenty of natural light) it’s second only to a day at the spa. Or a day trip to New York City, because it feels like I’m at a posh cafe near Columbia University (yup, I’m thinking of Joe’s). Superb service complemented my lunch — the aptly named Clean Bowl of Health, which was amazingly light yet satisfying. Warm and crunchy, it includes avocado, quinoa, goji berries, toasted herbed chickpeas, shredded cabbage, sweet potato mash, steamed seasonal greens, and tahini. I couldn’t get enough. To chase it, the ginger kombucha was perfect, as was the chia granola, paired with blood oranges and coconut milk. Or if you need a caffeine fix, you could saunter to the other side and order a cup of joe via sister company Brothers’ Coffee Roasters. (Note, there are no reservations during the day). The hours here were classic Oakville – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – but they’ve recently added dinner to the menu! 

Must-try: Clean Bowl of Health ($16)

Seating: Yes.


What’s your favourite healthy spot in Oakville?
[[nid:8155]]


  1. Kerr Street Cafe
  2. Trish Juice
  3. Boon Burger Cafe – Oakville
  4. Noble Bistro
  5. Vegebitez (closed down)
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising