Jack Greens

You know all those reality shows from LA that feature beautiful bods sipping on iced tea and endlessly munching on salad? Jack Greens has that laidback vibe, but with a firmer grasp on ethics.

Owners Wade Galea and James Marshall wanted to create a lunchtime option that was locally sourced and health conscious, while still tasting amazing. Rather than the usual midday meal presented between two slices of bread, Jack Greens’ emphasis is on salad that isn’t relegated to the side of a plate.

The menu consists of six Greens (such as the Downtown Waldorf), four Grains (such as the Pesto Quinoa Bowl), and four seasonal options.

Ingredients are diverse and easily customised but could include roast chicken, marinated tofu, falafel, parmesan crisps, sourdough croutons, roasted almonds, black beans, red grapes or candied walnuts.

There are also a couple of breakfast options such as barley porridge or house-made baked beans with poached eggs and smoked ham, as well as soups.

To drink there’s coffee from local roaster Monastery, as well as house-made iced tea that rotates but could come in flavours such as citrus, or cranberry and ginger. It’s enough to have you longing for that California sun.