Healthy on Lark

The first thing I noticed on entering Healthy On Lark was the great atmosphere! A very homey, yet vibrant setting that immediately makes you feel nice and relaxed. The owner was very pleasant and friendly, and put on some music for us to enjoy with our meal. The food was tasty, especially the house made salsa!! Very fresh and delicious! I should've asked to see if I could take a jar home with me! The Funky Monkey smoothie was very good also. I'm already thinking about what I'll be ordering there the next time I go to Albany!

After trying to go to Terra nearby and realizing they were closed (even though all their hours pointed to them being open) I decided to go to the closest fully vegetarian restaurant after reading some reviews. I realized I had made a good decision as soon as I opened the door and was greeted by Sharon. She was gauging my preferences and what I was hungry for right off the bat and it was unusual and charming compared to the usual place. It felt very personal and the food was delicious, unique, and homey and the restaurant itself was cute and unconventional in its seating and decor. After some contemplation of all the attractive options (burritos, chickpea burger, BLT, etc.) I had the beans and rice bowl with some mixed veggies and her homemade salsa with a juice containing cabbage, apples, ginger, and carrots. We wound up having a long conversation afterwards about our mutual dislike and fear of Donald Grump and agreed to talk again after the election and reevaluate our state of affairs. She also had many cute trinkets for sale, including tiny homemade baby farmed animals in baskets - I bought two! Would definitely recommend for anybody in Albany.

While I suppose you could point to something on the menu and it would show up, my experience was quite different. My lunch mate and I selected items from the menu and then Sharon Lastique, the owner, asked questions so that she could customize our plates to our liking. Questions beyond which bread and side. Questions like do you want your bread dressed with coconut oil or vegan mayo. Do you like Bragg's? Would you enjoy mushrooms? And so on.

The result was very much worth the process. I ended up with a sandwich no part of which is on the menu--sliced tofu sautéd with onions and garlic on hearty whole grain bread with vegan mayo and a side salad of baby greens dressed with balsamic. Delicious, attractive and very much to my liking. My lunch mate ordered a breakfast burrito and was also very happy.

Despite the small kitchen, two people working and substitutions galore, the food came out quickly. A nice pot of hibiscus tea kept us company in the small but clean and comfy dining room while we waited. The bill seemed low--the food is worth more--but if they can make it work at these prices, more customers to them.

Thanks to Healthy on Lark. I'll be back.

I had used to go to Lil' Buddha and was unsure what the flavors would be like at Healthy on Lark. My best friend and I were definitely satisfied- the food was delicious and Sharon (the owner) was very engaging- always attentive and genuinely wanted to have conversation with her customers.

The flavors were amazing and she always asked about what we preferred in our dishes (she customized our dishes to what vegetables she had gotten locally and what we had preferences for). It was great- you don't often see such fluidity in recipes at restaurants.

I can say without a doubt if you loved Lil' Buddha, you'll love Healthy on Lark even more! We will definitely be visiting again!

They seem to have the magic touch when it comes to the food here. The flavors just come together! Even though the healthiness apparent at every level it's the deliciousness that hits you first. ANd then the whole local food farm to table veggie vegan friendly thing.