6 Bariatric-Friendly Restaurants in Los Angeles

Dining out with family and friends can feel like an obstacle when you’re trying to stick to a bariatric diet. Fortunately, many restaurants have menus and offerings that cater to people who have food restrictions, including people like you who seek a post-bariatric surgery diet.

Next time you’re thinking of dining out, check out these six bariatric-friendly restaurants in the Los Angeles area. They offer healthy menu choices to help you stay on track. They have nutritious options that will help meet your daily protein goal, which should be around 60-100 grams per day depending on your body type and ideal weight. Check with your doctor if you’re not sure what your calorie intake and breakdown should be.

1.Café Pinot

Dishes served at Café Pinot are farmers’ market-inspired, offering lean protein options such as a daily rotisserie chicken. Remember that white meat is always the healthiest on chicken and be sure to remove any skin prior to eating. Avoid consuming dark pieces such as legs or thighs. Stick to a 3-ounce portion when ordering the rotisserie chicken.

Other bariatric-friendly menu options include the grilled salmon on the small plate section of the menu. This is served with protein filled edamame and a preserved lemon vinaigrette dressing, which can be served on the side. Consider this dining option for a light patio lunch with smart portion sizes.

700 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071

(213) 239-6500

2. Sidewalk Grill

Embrace a taste of the Mediterranean with an open kitchen and casual dining experience at Sidewalk Grill. Plates are prepared without preservatives and lean meats are fire-grilled and seasoned to perfection.

Navigating the menu at Sidewalk Grill should be stress-free, with a simple lean meat menu offering white meat chicken or salmon kabobs. Notable post-op side choices include fresh shirazi salads (chopped cucumber and tomatoes with vinaigrette), home-made sautéed potatoes and grilled mixed vegetables. If you’re looking for a healthy fast-food option in the Los Angeles area, this is the place to go.

1727 N. Vermont Ave. #102, Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 669-3354

3. Otium

The Otium is a unique forward-thinking restaurant located at the Broad Art Museum in downtown Los Angeles. Seasonal menu options include dishes with fresh ingredients from the chef’s on-site mezzanine garden. This farm-to-table dining experience offers a variety of healthy dishes, from protein-filled oysters to grilled fish.

If you’re not a fan of seafood, other sensible options for you to choose from include a cooked cauliflower dish or falafel with protein-rich chickpeas and eggplant paired with cucumber and lemon. 

222 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, CA

(213) 935-8500

4. Farmhouse

Newly opened Farmhouse at the Beverly Center is a contemporary dining concept known for a “seed-to-table” menu, bringing six fresh ingredients to the table on every plate. Locally-sourced green ingredients and lean protein choices make this a sensible dining choice.

Healthy wood fire grill menu options include chicken and bass, which are both available in half orders for smart portion sizes. Pair your protein with refreshing avocado or non-starchy green beans. Bariatric-friendly plates are served for lunch, dinner and weekend brunches.

8500 Beverly Blvd. #113, West Hollywood, CA 

(310) 818-4925,

5. Oliver Café

Described as a “health-conscious dining restaurant with 500 calories items or less,” the Oliver Café is adjacent to the Equinox Fitness Club. Offering light bites for lunch or dinner and helpful menu call-outs for smart ordering, you can count on finding smart meals at this forward-thinking café no matter your schedule.

Grab a protein blended smoothie for an on-the-go meal or sit down with a tofu bowl for a quick meal. The dedicated fish portion of the menu provides a wide selection of protein-rich options, including salmon, tuna and white fish. The Oliver Café fits well into post-op bariatric diet plans overall.  

1835 S Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025

(310) 477 -7799                                                                       

6. Tender Greens

Casual restaurant chains are beginning to offer health-conscious menu items, and Tender Greens is an example of a restaurant that is doing just that. The restaurant has four Los Angeles area locations, chef-led kitchens, farm fresh ingredient-sourcing and a menu featuring a variety of antibiotic-free proteins.

Custom protein plates are available from the menu, including grilled salmon, herb brushed tuna, falafel and your choice of a side. Noteworthy sides include mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies and chicken soup. Menus do change throughout the year to reflect top-quality meats, fish, and produce from each location’s network of organic growers. 

505 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

(213) 873-1890

Bariatric diet ordering do’s and dont’s

Dining out after surgery will become easier as you learn what to look for while exploring restaurant menus and are mindful of your dietary guidelines. Here are some do’s and dont’s to help you order a bariatric-friendly plate:

 

One final do: Refer to our post-op dieting guide for week-by-week dietary suggestions as your body heals. If you have questions about bariatric surgery or wish to schedule a consultation contact Soma Weight Loss today.