Healthy food has never been as in vogue as it is now. During an ordinary conversation about lunch with friends and colleagues, the words xylitol, hemp seeds, gluten-free and whole foods will be thrown in without anyone batting an eyelid. Many restaurants – old and new – are now sprinkling these phrases generously throughout their menus as they respond to the health-conscious eater.

Joburg has some excellent restaurants for this specific breed of diner, whether they be vegan, vegetarian, gluten- or lactose-intolerant, or waging war against carbs, sugar, flour, and/or processed foods. Here’s my pick.

A photo posted by Gareth Pon Eats (@garethponeats) on Oct 13, 2015 at 3:57am PDT

The Greenside Café (Greenside)

Serving only vegetarian and vegan food, the Greenside Café is capable of seducing even meat eaters with its tasty, plant-based food. Try out the full English breakfast, which includes scrambled tofu, vegan bacon, carrots and beets. There are also pizzas (sourdough or gluten-free bases – all homemade), pasta (spaghetti or tofu ribbon option), wraps (wholewheat, nori seaweed and gluten-free), and yummy, healthy desserts, among other dishes served at the very laid back and simply furnished café.

A photo posted by Imogen Holland (@imogenholland89) on Sep 25, 2015 at 7:32am PDT

Fresh Earth Café (Emmarentia)

Not only is the ice cream handmade and sugar free, but you can tuck into creative, inspired meals, such as falafel burgers, shepherd’s pie or bobotie made with lentils instead of mince, and banting-friendly meals. The lunch buffets, offering a range of healthy meals to renew your energy for the rest of the day, bring to mind the expression, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine thy food.” The restaurant is warm and intimate, making it an ideal place to meet for lunch or set up your coffice.

A photo posted by The Grove Green Cafe (@grovegreencafe) on Jul 25, 2016 at 4:26am PDT

The Grove Green (Parktown North)

Offering quinoa salads, bun-less burgers, smoothies and fresh fruit and vegetable juices, this is LCHP (low-carb high-protein) heaven. The Grove Green leaves customers satisfied in every respect with its gargantuan portions at very fair prices. Try the roast chicken quinoa salad with shredded roasted chicken, tomatoes, baked sweet potato, almonds, kale, caramelised onion and cucumber. They also serve flourless, sugarless ‘cheat snacks’ – the dark-chocolate pecan brownie cake being the best you’ll find.

A photo posted by Larah (@larahmusic) on May 20, 2016 at 4:50am PDT

Fruits & Roots (Bryanston)

The restaurant at Hobart Grove Shopping Centre in Bryanston is a sunny, airy, welcoming place where you can eat guilt-free cake. Sample, for example, gluten-free carrot cake or a carob Florentine and tea in the courtyard, or enjoy a vegetarian and vegan lunch buffet every day except Sunday. Organic coffees and smoothies are also available. Stock up on your health-conscious pantry items while there.

A photo posted by Elemental Cafe (@elementalcafe) on Apr 29, 2015 at 6:43am PDT

Elemental Café (Victory Park)

Think vegan ravioli, stuffed with butternut and mushroom, in a Napoli sauce or tossed in basil pesto? Those who know Elemental would highly recommend their plant-based meals, which include Thai rice wraps, vegan omelettes, and vegetarian burgers, among others, all presented beautifully. The lovely and welcoming café also has a kids’ menu with similar healthy vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free options.

Want to make a quick, easy meal at home? Here’s how to upgrade a peri-peri chicken for a tasty midweek meal. (Get the full recipe here.)