OpenTable Launches New Diner Backed ‘Top 100 Restaurants with Healthy Bites’ List

With new consumer research1 revealing that over half (57%) of Brits made eating more healthily their New Year’s resolution in 2024 and 78% are likely to consider eating more healthy in 2024 vs 2023, OpenTable launches its Top 100 Restaurants with Healthy Bites in the UK.2 Compiled from analysing over 1.2 million diner reviews, using dining metrics including diner ratings and the percentage of restaurant reviews where diners tagged it as “healthy”, the list aims to support Brits in sticking to their resolutions and desired healthier dining habits.

The same research found that nearly a quarter (23%) of Brits admitted to never having kept a New Year’s resolution.1 However, with so many Brits having made eating more healthily one of their New Year’s resolutions for 2024 and 66% finding it challenging to discover restaurants they consider healthy, the new list makes it easy to discover a variety of restaurants, including vegan spots and seafood restaurants, as well as pubs and cafes which offer both hearty and lighter options, as identified by OpenTable diners.

In a bid to help diners make more informed choices when eating out, OpenTable has partnered with leading nutritionist and author and founder of Rhitrition, Rhiannon Lambert, who shares her top tips on how to navigate a menu and dine out when looking for healthier options:

Say hello to whole grains: Whole grains contain high levels of fibre, which promotes satiety and gut health, which may contribute to a more satisfying dining experience. Look for dishes that incorporate foods like brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat foods like pasta and couscous.
Switch up your protein: If your go to is always a meat dish, why not try plant-based alternative proteins such as tofu, tempeh, and legumes. These foods can offer a wide variety of nutrients and are often prepared in diverse and delicious ways.
Method on the mind: Opt for grilled, baked, or steamed dishes to retain nutritional goodness without the potential addition of unnecessary saturated fat. These methods not only preserve flavours but may also prevent the breakdown of some key nutrients in your food.
Opt for a veggie side: Including a side of vegetables with your meal offers a variety of health benefits. Their nutrient density not only enhances the nutritional value of the meal but also supports digestive health.
Mindful meals: Try eating slower and remaining mindful to give your body time to recognise fullness cues, helping prevent issues like bloating and feeling sluggish and making a more enjoyable dining experience.

“OpenTable research shows that 28% of Brits find it difficult to make healthy choices at restaurants,1 however wanting to eat healthier shouldn’t stop you from dining out,” says Rhiannon Lambert, leading nutritionist and author. “When creating healthier dining out habits, try looking for dishes that offer lots of colour. Different colours often signify a variety of nutrients, so the more diverse your plate, the more nutritional benefits you’re likely to receive.”

“57% of Brits eat out less when trying to eat healthier,1 but diners don’t need to skip dining out to keep to their resolutions,” says Robin Chiang, SVP of International Growth at OpenTable. “Our new list spotlights places that have been cited by diners as offering healthier options, and there’s variety in cuisine and location,.”

Discover restaurants that offer healthy bites without breaking the bank
The new list sets out to show that opting for healthier options when dining out needn’t break the bank. Whilst 49% of Brits believe healthy eating is more expensive than other menu options,1 nearly half of restaurants (45%) featured on the list are priced at £25 and under, per meal,3 such as Brighton’s Food for Friends, Imad’s Syrian Kitchen in London’s Soho or Lobo in Glasgow.

37% of Brits plan on visiting more restaurants in January 2024 than they did in 2023 and OpenTable offers a variety of features to help diners discover new restaurants.1 Alongside the Top Restaurants for Healthy Bites list, diners can use the filters on the app or website, including price and cuisine, to find their next favourite spot.

For more information on the ‘Top 100 Restaurants with Healthy Bites in the UK’ list2 and to explore further consumer dining insights in the UK, visit OpenTable’s website.