The Bottom Line
Pros
- Almost as quick as fast food but with vastly healthier options (perfect for a quick lunch)
- Extremely customizable food options; from 'build your own salad' to gluten-free
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff and owner who genuinely believe in the eco-healthy food philosophy
- Fresh, organic, local ingredients
- Reasonable prices for ample portions
Cons
- Choice of beverages could be healthier and more varied
Description
- The Century City location also serves breakfast starting at 8 a.m.
- Greenleaf was voted top in catering by several magazines as it offers nice healthy catering platters that serve six.
- Free delivery is available.
- Beverly Hills location hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Century City location hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Guide Review - Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop in Century City and Beverly Hills
LA has always been a health food Mecca. But it seems like more and more healthy dining options (that embrace flavor) are cropping up these days. Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop in Beverly Hills was riding this wave to success, so not too long ago they opened another Chopshop in Century City--hopefully encouraging those stressed out CAA guys to get on the bandwagon too.
I haven't been the BH location, but the Century City one is friendly and clean and offers a fast, healthy dining option. If you have some time, you can eat in at one of the rare communal restaurant tables in LA.
But when it comes to the food, Greenleaf gets a lot more personalized--which finicky eating LA people love. Whether you're vegan, gluten intolerant or just have particular tastes, the laidback eatery can cater dishes to your needs and they've even got a 'build your own salad' option. It allows for multiple choices of fresh greens, up to four toppings (including nuts, fruit, herbs and cheeses), meat, fish and vegetarian add-ons, and so many dressing choices it will make your head spin.
Head spinning yet? You can opt for a simple eat-as-is dish. Of those, I would recommend the flavorful, filling AND healthy Mexplosion specialty salad (greens with black bean salsa with cilantro, sunflower seeds, avocado, Jalapeno Jack cheese and a citrus basil vinaigrette and spicy Chipotle orange BBQ sauce). The hot sauce is a tad spicy--but in this case it works nicely with the ingredients.
Unfortunately (if you're not a spicy food person), some of the dishes are a little unnecessarily heavy on the pepper and spice like the otherwise delicious wild mushroom pizza with white truffle oil on whole grain tortilla, and the chicken panini. However, the grilled veggie panini with mushrooms and carrots is perfectly balanced, moist and pretty fantastic.
The same adjective could be used to describe the 'Carrots are Good for You' carrot cake with agave-roasted pecans. I believe that one came from grandma's recipe trove. They also have some yummy freshly made chocolate chip cookies--which don't fit the same healthy agave infused model but, explains one of the owners, it's about balance. Dishes like the garlicky but delicious Antioxidant Orchard are must-tries. I especially liked the touch of shaved celery--which really gave it a fresh punch.
My only real criticism is that, for a health food spot, their beverage choices--via a self-help soft drink station--feel like they're fit for a 'fast food' eatery (although they also offer a line of presumably healthy ice teas). I know this is the 'something for everyone' model but since they're doing such a nice job with the integrity of the food, the drink choices somewhat cheapen that concept. Otherwise, a nice, friendly, healthy place with loads of options.
9671 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-246-0756
1888 Century Park E.
Century City, CA
424-239-8700
