By Vanessa Packer

AT BONBERI, WE PRIDE OURSELVES on being in the know when it comes to the healthiest spots around the globe. For our launch, we’ve scoured our hometown of New York City for the best that each neighborhood has to offer, from green juices to body scrubs. Below, enjoy our first installment of Wander Neighborhood Crawls and be on the lookout for more upcoming neighborhood features as well as global guides to some of our favorite cities around the world.

JUICE

Liquitera – This classic standby in the East Village has been a destination for thirsty juicers since 1996. We love their pressed juices and selection of smoothies, but on a cold day, don’t miss their rotating menu of homemade soups. Insider Tip: if you feel a cold coming on order a Hot Killer with Cayenne and a cold blaster shot. 24 hours later you will be good as new!  170 Second Avenue (at 11th Street) 

Juice Press – Known for their outspoken marketing, the people behind Juice Press are militant about an organic raw lifestyle. The variety of green juices are always a good choice, but if you are looking for something more substantial the detox super smoothie is one of our favorites.  (Multiple Locations) 70 East 1st Street ; 279 East 10th Street ; 201 East 10th Street. 

SPECIALTY GOODS/MARKETS

LiveLive – Stocking the best organic products to promote a high vibrancy lifestyle, this shop has everything from coconut oil and raw kale chips to skin and beauty care and helpful books and DVDs. Don’t miss their Bee Yummy Skin Food packed with natural antioxidant and enzyme rich bee pollen and propolis–this miracle cream not only makes your skin glow with it’s nourishing properties, but can also be used to heal cuts, burns and bruises. 261 East 10th Street. 

High Vibe – A wonderful raw goods shop that specializes in advising clients on cleansing and detoxification diets. 138 East 3rd Street 

Commodities – A fully organic local grocery store with personality to boot! Great selection of produce, delicious store-made raw vegetable juices. They also sell OMilk, which one of our favorite organic raw nut milks. 165 1st Avenue 

Sustainable NYC – An eco-general store and cafe that supports local, organic, fair trade, recycled, re-purposed, biodegradable, and alternative energy products. The cafe has a nice selection of salads and sandwiches, and even an outpost of Lula’s Sweet Apothecary. 139 Avenue A 

RESTAURANTS

Gingersnaps Organic – A haven for raw food and one of our favorite spots for lunch! Don’t miss the marinated kale borecole salad and the uber nutritious ramen made from daikon and sea kelp noodles! Also a must are the ‘donut holes’ made from almond flour. Gingersnaps also makes their own homemade almond milk! 130 East 7th Street 

Souen – Our favorite soups and noodles in the city reside at this outpost of the popular macrobiotic eatery Souen. You can’t go wrong with any of their homemade noodle soups. A bonus for the gluten intolerant, among the more traditional selection of noodles they offer zucchini, brown rice and gluten-free soba noodles. 326 East 6th Street 

Angelica Kitchen – Go for the delicious raw/macro/vegan food options and stay for the groovy atmosphere. We love this classic organic vegan restaurant, with their daily specials and wide variety of menu options it’s a great pick for whatever you’re craving. Save room for the best gluten-free chocolate walnut cookies on the planet! 300 East 12th Street 

Organic Grill – Low-key and yummy. This casual vegan organic spot is often overlooked, but worth a stop by. Great for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. The tostada salad and homemade spicy guacamole are some of their tastiest offerings. 123 First Avenue 

Northern Spy Food Co – If you want to bend a little, indulge at this local seasonal gem. Vegetarian options are available and just as delicious as the non-veg items. They also have a wonderful selection of bio-dynamic wines and hand-crafted beers. Also the home of the best kale salad in New York. We’re not kidding. 511 East 12th Street 

Quintessence – 100% vegan, organic, and raw, this highly respected and super delicious option shouldn’t be missed.  263 East 10th Street 

ACTIVITIES

Yoga to the People – Open to all levels, this pay what you want class can be both an easy intro into the world of yoga and a challenge for long practicing yogis alike. 12 Saint Marks Place 

Body Evolutions –  This beautiful holistic studio offers pilates, gyrotonic and yoga. Privates and classes offered. 266 East 10th Street  

Soul-Cycle – Get your sweat on with this rightfully popular spin class. The new studio in Noho couldn’t be more convenient and fun! 384 Lafayette Street

Sixth Street Pilates – A great pilates studio offering privates and group classes.  525 East 6th Street 

SPAS/SELF-CARE

Russian Baths – Learn what shvitz is all about at this famous East Village bathhouse. 268 East 10th Street 

Gil’s Colonics – In this hole in the wall (literally), you’ll experience life changing colonic treatments and an education in holistic health in its truest form. Once you go, you know. 528 East 5th Street (212) 254-5279

Gravity East Village – Pop over after Gil’s for a one hour infrared sauna that will draw all the remaining toxins out of  your skin. Prepare to sweat! 515 E 5th St # 1A (212) 388-9788

SWEET TREATS

Lula’s Sweet Apothecary – New York’s first non-dairy, all natural, vegan sweet shop. Incredible alternative ice creams made from cashew, coconut and almond milks as well as a large selection of gluten-free and nut-free treats. Great vibe in this classic style sweet shop. 516 East 6th Street 

Jennifer’s Way – Famous for her acting roles films and TV, Jennifer Esposito created this gluten-free, organic, non-gmo bakery after being diagnosed with Celiac disease as a place to set the new standard for healthy, gluten-free treats. 263 East 10th Street