Isn’t it nice when someone else does the cooking for you? If you’re seeking a place to dine in Wichita, Kansas, that serves health-conscious menu items made with fresh ingredients, this list of restaurants checks all the boxes.
I’m a native Wichitan who has dined at each of these locally owned eateries, and I can vouch for their menu selections, customer service, and overall value.
10 Places to Dine in Wichita, Kansas, If You’re Seeking Healthier Menu Options
Meddy’s
Fans of Mediterranean cuisine rave about Meddy’s (4 Locations) for its menu of entrees prepared fresh daily. Their shawarmas filled with marinated meats with tomato onion relish try to steal the show, but platters like the Fancy Falafel served with a salad of your choice, creamy hummus, and Spanish eggplant steal the show.
One may not expect a fast-casual restaurant kitchen to produce healthy selections, including Grilled Citrus Salmon and Tabbouleh Salad, but they’d be surprised.
The Kitchen
Are you craving a protein bowl or a mega-sized signature salad? The Kitchen (725 E. Douglas), known for chef-prepared lunch and dinner entrees, delivers flavor-forward meals focusing on creativity.
The owner/chef Natasha Gandi-Rue is the real deal. She won Food Network’s Grocery Games, proving she can curate ingredients and produce award-winning dishes. Customize your salad or order one of six signature salads. “Good-for-you-delicious” Buddha Bowls, like the Thai bowl, arrive at the table heaped high with chicken and vegetables.
Tanya’s Soup Kitchen
The soup, salad, or sandwich combo doesn’t get much better than at Tanya’s Soup Kitchen (1725 E. Douglas). Each recipe is handcrafted in-house using only the freshest ingredients available. Plus, the chalkboard near the register features a list of four seasonal soups, which are available as a flight of 4.5-ounce servings.
Ten signature sandwiches are equally loved by vegetarians and carnivores alike. Delilah’s Light Lunch, prepared with sliced chicken breast, apricot relish, sharp cheddar and romaine and served between a onion kaiser roll, is top-notch.
Sunflour Collective & Cafe
Sunflour Collective & Cafe’s (6120 W. Central) focus is to serve health-focused and plant-forward using whole foods and in-season ingredients. Expect the unexpected on the menu. Balsamic Fig Salad, Pistachio Basil Pesto Grilled Cheese, and Cheesy Spinach sandwich are menu favorites that you won’t find served elsewhere in the city.
Order appropriately so you leave room for a scrumptious 4″ ExtraOrdinary Cheesecake prepared gluten-free but full of flavor.
HomeGrown
If someone asks me if I want to dine for breakfast, only one restaurant that comes to mind, HomeGrown (3 locations). Perfectly ripe fruit, vegetables, and organic eggs are used in early-morning classic dishes like Salsa Verde Pork & Egg, The Ironman, and West Coast Wake Up.
For lunch, diners can choose from a short list of Sammies served on optional gluten-free bread, or Power BLT salad or bowl of soup.
Las Delicias ICT
Not every meal needs to be a big, hearty one, and that’s why I like visiting Las Delicias ICT (1052 N. Waco) when I’m craving lighter fare. Employees stand over cutting boards, slicing watermelon, cucumber, and jicama to add to Mexican Fruit Cups drizzled with sweet but tangy Chamoy sauce.
If you’re seeking a small lunch entree, order an open-faced tostada or shrimp ceviche cup and pair it with a glass of freshly made aqua fresca.
Oak & Pie
This might sound odd, but I don’t visit Oak & Pie (2244 N. Greenwich) for their pizza. For me, it’s all about the salads served in unexpectedly large portions with ingredients like candied pistachios, red wine vinaigrette, and hard salami.
Most pizza joints serve a Caesar salad or a basic garden salad, but you find far better on the menu at Oak & Pie. If you need help deciding which one to choose, order the Farmer’s Market Salad or an extra-large House Salad layered with unique ingredients.
Public
I’ve lost count how many times I’ve dined at Public (129 N. Rock Island), a farm-to-table restaurant in the basement of a historic Old Town district building.
The chef uses regionally sustainable ingredients to create sought-after charcuterie boards, Prairie Bison Sliders, hearty salads, and homemade pizzas (gluten-free crust available). The Spicy Cauliflower, a starter appetizer, is a flavor punch that delivers serious spice. Ask the server about the day’s specials or plan your visit around a season, which often inspires the chef to make limited-time-only dishes.
Bella Luna
Mediterranean cuisine is known for its use of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, legumes, produce, and spices. Bella Luna‘s (2 locations) menu features a robust list of Greek and Lebanese traditional entrees. Chicken Schawarma or Grilled Portobello Sandwich are ideal lunchtime choices.
Seafood Trio and Chicken Du Chateauround out the healthier menu options for dinner. Curry lovers will feel right at home with three protein options served over rice.
Newport Grill
What if you could indulge in a fabulous seafood meal while viewing a scenic waterfall from your patio table? Newport Grill (1900 N. Rock Rd), a fine dining restaurant, ships fresh seafood daily.
The appetizers are so good, especially when paired with Happy Hour cocktails, that you may need to remind yourself that the shining star is the dinner menu. Fresh catch entrees ranging from swordfish to trout are the base for delectable meals that are beautifully plated.
Skip the high-caloric meal when dining out in Wichita and instead choose a meal from one of these ten restaurant menus.
A few notable runner-up restaurants include locally owned Crafted, Green Acres (Deli), and The Wine Dive. Also, refer to my blog post, Get Your Greens On: Where to Find the Best Salads in Kansas if you’re on the hunt for big bowl salads that satisfy.
If you’ve not enjoyed tamale, you can expect shredded chicken, pork, or beef in sauce wrapped in masa inside a corn husk. The dish represents traditional food brought to the states by Mexican immigrant populations. Masa is a soft dough made from ground corn with a slightly sweet yet savory flavor.
I ordered a Dirty Horchata served hot to accompany my meal. A cinnamon vanilla rice drink with a double espresso was served in a vibrant handmade coffee cup. The cafe’s interior is visually stunning as it is filled with colorful pottery from Mexico. All of it is marked for sale, so keep your eyes peeled for a gem to take home with you.
When our bus stopped at the 
We drove to a historic two-story stone building near railroad tracks and a baseball field, which has served as the headquarters for 
The nondescript building was constructed because the community needed a place where Latinos could gather without discrimination. In the early 1900s, it served as a Methodist mission and school. Years later, the outside of the building contrasts greatly with the interior’s design which features a sports bar where locals gather to enjoy game day.
It’s a hidden gem, or the kind of restaurant locals know and dare not tell others about, because their go-to places become crowded. Bring your appetite and prepare to be wowed by fresh seafood dishes like Shrimp Chipotle, Fire Grilled Trout, and Seafood Paella. They didn’t win Best Seafood and Best Mexican Food by Feast magazine for nothing.
It’s one of the most festive celebrations I’ve attended. Vendors line both sides of Central Avenue, offering the best gifts and authentic Mexican food dinners. The smell of freshly grilled meat lingers in the air.Walking the route, you encounter live bands performing Latin pop and regional Mexican music in front of small groups of onlookers. Women dressed as Catrinas wear makeup resembling skeletons ad flowing gowns with hats or elaborate headdresses.
I was asked if I wanted to ride in the parade inside a decorated bus with authentic music (see pictured). “Yes, of course!” We threw candy to eager children from the bus and waved at families. Dancers led our path down the street. Everyone was in good spirits laughing, eating authentic food, dancing, and singing. The festival is one you don’t want to miss.
Take a moment to downtown 
The seaside restaurant is known for its extensive menu of rum drinks and fresh seafood, which have received rave reviews. It was incredibly windy, so we dined indoors near a window. The service was excellent. Our waitress took the time to review the menu with us and give her recommendations.
We knew we were in the right place. I ordered a cucumber mojito and a seared tuna appetizer. Tossed in peanut vinaigrette, the chilled rice noodles, veggies, and herbs paired nicely with the seared tuna. It was a large meal for one diner, yet perfect for sharing for two people. The mussels appetizer was tasty but wasn’t nearly as large a portion.
If you can, visit Doc Ford’s near St. Pete’s Pier. It’s a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The deck seating area is a choice spot for snapping a photo with Tampa Bay in the background
We hopped on a free shuttle from the gateway to Pier Teak, a rooftop bar serving cocktails and beer. The view of the city’s skyline was in the background as sailboats and yachts sat docked near shore. We admired the city’s architecture noting a contrast between modern skyscrapers and Art Deco, brightly painted buildings.
Level 2 of the St. Pete Pier is the Driftwood Cafe. It is quaint in size and offers vast views of the bay in a cozy setting. We found ourselves inside Pier Gear & Gifts on Level 1. After purchasing new sunglasses, we headed outside to the fishing deck.
If you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the option to catch fresh seafood and clean it on-site. Gator Jim’s Tackle sells last-minute fishing supplies if you find yourself in need.
Further down the pier’s walkway, we discovered the Family Park with a splash pad nearby. Families stood in line for ice cream at a nearby creamery. The weather might have been windy, but the sun was shining, and everyone was enjoying themselves.
Whether relaxing in an Adirondack chair in the shade under a canopy of palm trees or watching children play on the beach, you’ll find more than enough to do on a good weather day. Adults can peruse the Marketplace to shop from local vendors, while art enthusiasts can seek out 
I particularly appreciated “Morning Stars,” a mosaic mural of geometric shapes created by artist Xenobia Bailey. As I walked back and forth, it appeared as if the shapes took their own movement.
A visit to St. Pete isn’t complete without spending time at the pier. Parking at St. Pete Pier requires payment, but it’s inexpensive. Once you park, make a note of the parking space number and walk to a payment kiosk to deposit $4 for two hours. It’s a small price for access to pristine beaches and the pier’s grounds.
We stopped by 
Known for serving craft beer, mead, and cider, Green Bench’s slogan is “It’s more than beer. It’s community.” If you’re unsure what to order, they’re happy to pour you a sample or two. The menu is constantly changing. The staff goes out of their way to make patrons feel right at home.
Several group members ordered the Cuban sandwich made with roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mayo, and mojo served on crusty bread. The sandwich’s flavor was no joke. I could’ve easily eaten another one. Latin pop music played over the stereo. It was a festive experience.
Pro Tip: When visiting Bodega, order at the window on the sidewalk. They will give you a number to take to the table, and servers will run your food. View the menu 
I settled for the Fish & Chips, which arrived at our table piping hot. The Garlic Steamed Middle Neck Clams didn’t last long either. Other good-looking menu items included Mahi Mahi Tacos and the Grilled Garlic Shrimp Roll.
I chose the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs served with fresh fruit and toast. Our family seemed just as happy with their menu selections ranging from chocolate chip pancakes for the kids to omelets and breakfast skillet meals. The server was a pro at managing a bustling restaurant, ringing orders, and attending to our needs. The restaurant experience was 5 stars.
Highlights of the world-class aquarium include listening to animal handlers as they feed turtles, fish, and dolphins. Also serving as an animal hospital, many exhibits showcase information on the walls about each animal in captivity and their rehabilitation story.
We took the aquarium at our own pace rather than booking an animal experience session. However, if you’d like to get an up-close look at what it is to care for dolphins or have a photo moment with one, you can book a hands-on Animal Care Experience 
Pro Tip: If you arrive in your vehicle, you can go ahead and park in the nearby parking garage. Ticketing is on the third level near the entrance. We parked in the neighborhood and walked to the aquarium’s third level to purchase admission. You can plan your visit and get directions to the aquarium 
A popular destination for anglers, you can fish from the pier if you pay for admission. It’s the spot to see dolphins, hammerhead sharks, and other fish like grouper and snapper. 
Pro Tip: Parking at Pier 60 requires depositing money at a pay station. Be prepared to deposit $4 per hour at nearby lots. A downtown-to-beach trolley runs every 30 minutes Monday-Thursday, and every 15 minutes Friday-Sunday.
Popular with tourists and locals, the restaurant is known for its fresh gulf grouper dishes, fish tacos, and Boom Boom Shrimp Bites. I opted for a House Salad with Blackened Mahi. The Stuffed Flounder and Clam Chowder were other menu items that caught my eye for a future visit.
Pro Tip: To get a sneak peek of the restaurant’s upper deck view, check out their live web cam 
