About True Food Kitchen - Arboretum

True Food Kitchen was founded on the principles of Dr. Andrew Weil's anti-inflammatory diet, creating a menu that's as delicious as it is nutritious. This isn't your typical "healthy" restaurant—the food here is genuinely crave-worthy while also being good for you.

The Arboretum location brings this health-focused dining experience to Northwest Austin, offering a beautiful space with a seasonal menu that changes to highlight the freshest ingredients available. It's become a destination for health-conscious diners who refuse to compromise on flavor.

Part of Fox Restaurant Concepts (also behind Flower Child and North Italia), True Food Kitchen represents the more upscale, full-service expression of their healthy dining philosophy.

Gluten-Free Dining at True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen is exceptionally GF-friendly with a genuine commitment to accommodation:

  • Clearly Marked Menu: GF items labeled with icons throughout the menu
  • Extensive Selection: More than half the menu is naturally GF or easily modified
  • Anti-Inflammatory Focus: Whole foods approach means less gluten overall
  • Trained Staff: Team educated on dietary accommodations and cross-contamination
  • Seasonal Changes: GF options evolve with the seasonal menu for variety
  • Full Bar with GF Options: Cocktails and wines carefully curated

Cross-Contamination Note: While they have extensive GF options, this is not a dedicated GF kitchen. The kitchen prepares items with gluten, so inform your server about celiac disease for extra precautions. Most celiac diners report good experiences with proper communication.

Popular GF Menu Items

  • Ancient Grains Bowl (GF): Quinoa-based with seasonal roasted vegetables, avocado, and tahini
  • Grass-Fed Burger (GF): Available with GF bun or lettuce wrap, sustainable beef
  • Sustainable Fish: Daily catch prepared with seasonal flavors
  • Seasonal Salads (GF): Fresh, creative salads with house-made GF dressings
  • Edamame Dumplings (GF): Fan favorite made with rice wrapper
  • Squash Pie (GF): Their signature dessert—don't skip it!
  • Organic Chicken: Wood-grilled with seasonal preparations

The Dr. Weil Philosophy

True Food Kitchen's menu is guided by Dr. Andrew Weil's anti-inflammatory food pyramid, emphasizing foods that reduce inflammation and promote health:

  • Seasonal Produce: Fresh vegetables and fruits at their peak
  • Whole Grains: With GF alternatives like quinoa available
  • Healthy Fats: Olive oil, avocado, nuts, and omega-rich fish
  • Lean Proteins: Sustainable seafood and organic poultry
  • Reduced Processed: Minimal sugar and processed ingredients

This philosophy naturally aligns with GF eating, making True Food Kitchen one of the most accommodating mainstream restaurants for celiac diners.

The Arboretum Experience

The Arboretum location offers a beautiful, airy dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, natural materials, and a vibrant atmosphere. The space feels healthy and energizing—exactly what you'd expect from the brand. There's both indoor seating and a pleasant patio for Austin's nice weather days.

This location attracts a mix of health-conscious professionals, families, and groups celebrating special occasions who need a restaurant that can accommodate everyone's dietary needs. The full bar offers craft cocktails and an impressive wine list.

Pro tip: Weekend brunch is popular—consider reservations. The seasonal menu items are worth exploring, as they change quarterly to highlight the freshest ingredients.

Other Austin Locations

Community Reviews

"The GF options here are actually exciting, not just afterthoughts. Love the seasonal menu changes and the Squash Pie is incredible!" — Patricia L., Austin
"Great for group dinners when everyone has different dietary needs. Plenty of GF, vegan, and regular options. Everyone leaves happy." — Tom K., Round Rock
"Finally, a nice restaurant where I can eat without stress. The staff really understands celiac and takes it seriously." — Maria S., Northwest Austin

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