Healthy Lunch Takeaway Spots in Redfern: Squad-Approved Picks

Let’s set the scene.

You’ve just finished smashing a morning session with The Outdoor Squad. Your endorphins are up, your glutes are still twitching, and your stomach is beginning to make those little post-workout whale sounds. The last thing you want is a soggy ham sandwich or a sad microwaved mystery meal from the corner store.

You want flavour. You want fuel. You want a lunch that actually supports all that hard work you just did.

Last week, we talked about the best coffee spots near Camperdown, this week we’re tackling the best lunch spots in Redfern. Redfern is packed with delicious, health-friendly takeaway spots that make refuelling easy, enjoyable, and energising, whether you're on a short lunch break, working from home, or just wandering around in activewear like the local legend you are.

Here are our top Squad-approved lunch takeaways in Redfern, guaranteed to keep you feeling strong and satisfied. These places do it right with macro-balanced meals, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and actual flavour. No sad salads allowed.

1. Pepper Seeds Thai Redfern

📍 308-310 Cleveland St, Redfern
🕒 Open: Mon to Sat from 11am

Why we rate it:

This spot is well-known for its flavour-packed Thai food that somehow manages to feel indulgent and clean at the same time. Their lunch specials are generous, fresh, and perfect for Squad members needing that protein-carb-veggie balance.

Squad Favourite Order:

Grilled chicken with papaya salad and brown rice. Add chilli if you’re feeling spicy.

Health Vibe:

  • Customisable with steamed or brown rice

  • Protein and veg heavy

  • Vegan and gluten-free options available

  • Generous portions that won’t leave you hangry by 3pm

Pro Tip:

Ask for less sauce or request it on the side if you’re tracking macros. They’re super flexible and friendly.

2. Wholefoods House Redfern

📍 2/140-146 Pitt St, Redfern
🕒 Open: Mon to Fri from 8am

Why we rate it:

This spot is basically a healthy foodie’s playground. It’s part organic grocer, part café, and part secret superpower for anyone trying to eat clean without falling into a rabbit hole of bland and boring. The takeaway fridge is full of nutrient-dense meals ready to grab and go.

Squad Favourite Order:

The turmeric roast veggie and quinoa salad with tahini dressing.

Health Vibe:

  • 100 percent organic

  • Gluten-free and dairy-free options galore

  • Plenty of vegan meals

  • Rotating seasonal items that taste as good as they look

Pro Tip:

Grab a bottle of kombucha or cold-pressed juice to help with recovery. Also check the freezer for take-home meals for dinner.

3. Bread & Circus Wholefoods Canteen

📍 21 Fountain St, Alexandria (just next door)
🕒 Open: Daily from 8am

Why we rate it:

Yes, it’s technically in Alexandria, but it’s only a short walk from Redfern Station and 100 percent worth the few extra steps. Bread & Circus is a cult favourite for good reason. Their dishes are colourful, nourishing, and packed with wholefood goodness. It’s casual enough for takeaway but pretty enough to Insta.

Squad Favourite Order:

The haloumi lunch plate with greens, roast pumpkin, brown rice, and chimichurri dressing.

Health Vibe:

  • Vegetarian-forward menu with optional protein add-ons

  • Nutrient-dense bowls and salads

  • Anti-inflammatory ingredients everywhere

  • Great portion sizes and super satisfying

Pro Tip:

They rotate specials daily so if you’re a creature of habit, ask what’s running before you settle. And yes, the chai is epic.

4. Scout's Honour

📍 118 George St, Redfern
🕒 Open: Weekdays from 7am

Why we rate it:

It’s unassuming from the outside, but Scout’s Honour is quietly serving up some of the best balanced takeaway lunches in Redfern. Their salads are far from boring and they do excellent seasonal updates that keep things fresh.

Squad Favourite Order:

The roasted sweet potato salad with kale, quinoa, pomegranate and soft-boiled egg.

Health Vibe:

  • Vegetarian, vegan, and meat options

  • Lots of roasted veggies, legumes, and grains

  • Hearty without being heavy

  • Grab-and-go fridge with ready-made goodness

Pro Tip:

If you’re training later in the day, grab one of their protein boxes and stash it in the fridge. Perfect pre-training fuel for the afternoon squad.

5. Rara Ramen (Redfern)

📍 66b Regent St, Redfern
🕒 Open: Tue to Sun from 12pm

Why we rate it:

Hear us out, ramen can be healthy. Especially when it’s coming from Rara, which makes its own broth and noodles in-house and offers a vegetarian miso broth packed with mushrooms, seaweed, and tofu. It’s warming, filling, and packed with umami.

Squad Favourite Order:

Vegan miso ramen with extra bamboo and greens. Skip the egg if you're dairy-free.

Health Vibe:

  • No deep-fried nonsense

  • Customisable broth and toppings

  • Gut-friendly fermented ingredients

  • Great for post-training recovery and hydration

Pro Tip:

Get it in a takeaway container and enjoy it while stretching out in the park. Just don’t spill broth on your yoga mat.

6. Little Evie

📍 688 Bourke St, Redfern
🕒 Open: 7am every day

Why we rate it:

This is one of those places where everything on the menu feels like something you should eat, but also really want to. Their bowls and wraps hit the mark for clean eating without compromising on flavour. They also do great smoothies if chewing feels too ambitious post-workout.

Squad Favourite Order:

Grilled chicken wrap with hummus and tabbouleh. Or a green smoothie with added plant protein.

Health Vibe:

  • Gluten-free wraps available

  • Fresh herbs and dressings that are actually good for you

  • Well-balanced meals

  • Breakfast and lunch overlap so it’s great for mid-morning fuel

Pro Tip:

Their coffee is solid too. Grab a takeaway and make it a full refuel mission.

7. Redforno Pizzeria (yes really)

📍 412 Cleveland St, Redfern
🕒 Open: Daily from 11:30am

Why we rate it:

Not everything has to be kale. If you’re craving carbs but want to keep it quality, Redforno is surprisingly good for mindful indulgence. Their pizza base is light, their toppings include plenty of veg, and you can grab a salad or soup if pizza isn’t your post-workout vibe today.

Squad Favourite Order:

Zucchini and feta pizza on wholemeal base or the Tuscan bean soup with crusty bread.

Health Vibe:

  • Light, fresh and handmade dough

  • Gluten-free options

  • Warm lunch options that won’t leave you snoozing by 2pm

  • Surprising macro balance if you customise your order

Pro Tip:

Split a pizza with a mate and add a side salad. Balanced and blissful.

Final Bites

Redfern isn’t just a hotspot for culture, character, and community: it’s also a goldmine for delicious, healthy, and satisfying lunch takeaways.

Whether you’re in the mood for a warm bowl, a crisp wrap, a vegan salad, or even a cheeky wholemeal pizza, these Squad-approved spots have something to fuel your day without undoing your training efforts.

You’ve already shown up to move. Now eat like someone who wants to keep showing up tomorrow. Trust us, your body will thank you.


Previous
Previous

Why the Best Boot Camp Isn’t in a Gym: It’s in Your Local Park

Next
Next

The 5 Best Coffee Spots Near Camperdown to Hit After Your Workout