Franklin may be known for its Southern comfort food, but you’ll also find incredible organic, farm-to-table restaurants, fresh juice bars, and healthier spins on Southern cuisine. If you’re looking for healthier options around Franklin, these nine amazing local restaurants will hit the spot. These are also great stops for finding paleo, keto, gluten-free, and almost any other special meal options and treats as a bonus. Clean eating never tasted so good!
Herban Market
This organic foods market turned full-scale restaurant has some of the most delicious organic food around town, not to mention a full-service coffee bar and bakery to boot. The menu features all organic, made from scratch dishes, which also include many locally sourced ingredients. Stop by during breakfast time for their tasty Breakfast Burrito made with a house-made organic pita stuffed with local, pastured eggs and breakfast sausage, as well as avocado, black beans, cheddar cheese, and homemade salsa. The pita can also be substituted with a gluten-free coconut wrap, which is just one of the many ways Herban Market caters to all of its customers’ dietary needs. With an Olive Oil and Balsamic tasting bar and plenty of other locally made goodies to peruse, Herban Market is your one-stop health food stop!
Grabbagreen
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If you’re on the hunt for a quick and healthy lunch on the go in the Cool Springs area, then head over to Grabbagreen. The “Patagonia Grabbabowl” is my husband’s favorite featuring steak, black beans, red pepper, Chimmichurri sauce, and cilantro served over your choice of spring mix or quinoa. I prefer the “Energy Elevator” smoothie for a midday pick-me-up, made with cold brew coffee, bananas, whey protein, flaxseed, almond milk, cacao, and agave. Grabbagreen also offers a nutritious kids menu featuring fresh smoothies and a “Might Mac and Cheese.”
Health Sushi
Did someone say guilt-free sushi? Count me in! Health Sushi is locally owned, and Chef Joseph Khup sources only the best organic and wild-caught ingredients. Each item is made to order, ensuring the freshest and best quality sushi. Health Sushi also offers gluten-free and wheat-free options, catering to any dietary need you might have. The beautiful presentation of the specialty sushi rolls shows the care put into each item. The Tennessee Roll and Dragon Roll are two local favorites.
Frothy Monkey
Frothy Monkey is a downtown Franklin delight with various healthy and delicious menu items featuring locally sourced ingredients. For example, Frothy Monkey uses eggs from Egg Shack in Herndon, Kentucky, and Chorizo from Porter Road Butcher in Nashville. For a protein-packed breakfast, try the Quinoa Bowl made with quinoa, herbed tofu, basil pesto, marinated chickpeas, sprouts, red onions, cucumbers, and sun-dried tomato pesto. Frothy is churning out menu items like the quinoa bowl that are chef-driven and one of a kind, all while nourishing for the whole body.
Juice Bar
With several locations in Williamson County, the Juice Bar is convenient, fast, and incredibly fresh! I have been visiting the Downtown Franklin location since my kids were babies; they have always loved the PB and J Smoothie. I usually stick with the Ginger Greens fresh-squeezed juice and an Allergy Shot for a springtime boost. You can truly taste the freshness of the ingredients from The Juice Bar, and the quality and customer service are always on point!
CoreLife Eatery
CoreLife Eatery is a new and welcomed addition to the Cool Springs area, making grass-fed beef and homemade bone broth the norm for “fast food.” Core Life features hearty bowls chock full of lean protein, fresh greens, and healthy grains. The Chicken Tinga Taco bowl stands out for me, including marinated chicken, purple rice, street corn, Mexican crema, avocado, pineapple pico, and more! Each bowl is made to order with responsibly sourced ingredients so you can feel great about fueling your body with good and good-for-you food from Core Life.
Dushi Wrap Cafe
The word “Dushi” actually means “tasty” in some Caribbean areas, and that’s the perfect word to describe the food at this new favorite of mine! Personally, I get pretty tired of the same bland salad with grilled chicken when attempting to watch what I eat; that’s why I love places like Dushi Wrap. They offer a unique variety of foods with Caribbean-style flavors that is anything but boring. The Mixed Grill Kabab is a go-to for me with grilled steak and chicken, smothered in an herby chimichurri sauce, served over a bed of rice with a side salad. Another Caribbean-style dish you won’t find anywhere else around is the Cowboy Arepas, made fresh and bursting with flavor. The light, beachy atmosphere makes this place even better. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Califarmia
The Saturday morning Franklin Farmer’s market offers local produce, baked goods, and several fantastic food trucks such as Califarmia. Most of the food Califarmia serves is grown by Tennessee farmers, and you can certainly taste the freshness. The Coconut Bang Bang Bowl is a must-try with chargrilled chicken, Thai Spiced Zucchini, Honey-ginger carrots, green onions, toasted coconut drizzled with a sweet Thai chili sauce.
Franklin Juice Co
Step into the historic Factory at Franklin for eclectic shopping and a BomBom Bowl from Franklin Juice Co. The Acai blended base is topped with granola, cacao powder, bananas, strawberries, almonds, and honey. I like to add a drizzle of natural peanut butter for that extra richness. Franklin Juice Co also offers incredibly fresh, raw juices such as the “Sing” juice made with spinach, kale, green apple, and lemon. A local favorite!
