The 5 Essential Menu Items That Make Naturally Good Foods Montauk A 40-Year Health Legacy

Stepping into Naturally Good Foods & Cafe today, in late 2024, is like walking into a living history of the Montauk health food movement. For nearly four decades, this unassuming spot on Montauk Highway has been the essential destination for locals and summer visitors seeking organic, whole-food options—a true anchor in a town known for its seafood shacks and surf culture. What started as a simple health food store in 1985 has evolved into a vibrant cafe, juice bar, and market, proving that healthy eating is not just a trend, but a sustainable way of life at "The End."

The establishment's enduring success is not accidental; it’s the direct result of a powerful partnership between culinary excellence and nutritional science. Owners David Piacente and Lauren Martin have fused their high-level expertise—one a Culinary Institute of America (CIA) graduate and the other an NYU-trained nutritionist—to create a menu that is as delicious as it is genuinely good for you. This deep-rooted commitment to quality ingredients and mindful preparation is the fresh secret behind every organic coffee, vibrant smoothie, and hearty wrap served today.

The Founders: A Culinary & Nutritional Powerhouse Biography

The foundation of Naturally Good Foods & Cafe rests on the impressive and complementary backgrounds of its two principal owners, a rare combination that instills immediate topical authority and trust in their offerings. They have successfully bridged the gap between gourmet dining and genuine health food, a feat few establishments achieve.

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• Name: David Piacente (Chef/Owner)
• Role at Naturally Good: Chef, Owner, and Culinary Visionary.
• Education: Graduate of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
• Prior Experience Highlights: Piacente is a highly respected figure in the Hamptons culinary scene. Before dedicating himself to Naturally Good, he served as the Executive Chef at the iconic Gosman's restaurant for 10 years. His resume also includes tenures as a Sous Chef at the prestigious 1770 House and Executive Chef at East by Northeast, showcasing a career deeply rooted in high-end, classic Montauk dining. His participation in events like Dan's Chefs of the Hamptons further solidifies his standing.
• Culinary Philosophy: Brings fine-dining precision and flavor expertise to healthy, organic ingredients.

• Name: Lauren Martin (Owner)
• Role at Naturally Good: Owner and Nutritional Expert.
• Education: Holds a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University (NYU).
• Nutritional Philosophy: Ensures the menu is balanced, uses whole foods, and caters to various dietary needs, including robust vegan and vegetarian options. Her background provides the scientific backing for the cafe's commitment to genuine health and wellness.

This dual-expertise model—a master chef focused on flavor and a master nutritionist focused on wellness—is the engine that has kept the cafe thriving since 1985, adapting to new dietary trends while maintaining a core commitment to organic ingredients and fresh preparation.

5 Must-Try Menu Classics and Why They Endure

While the menu is extensive, featuring everything from organic breakfast bowls to Friday night dinners, certain items have achieved legendary status among the Montauk community. These enduring classics perfectly encapsulate the cafe’s mission: delicious, hearty, and undeniably healthy. If you are visiting for the first time, these are the essential orders that define the Naturally Good Foods experience.

1. The Surfer Special Sandwich

Perhaps the most famous item on the menu, the Surfer Special is the quintessential Montauk healthy lunch. It’s a carefully crafted powerhouse designed to fuel a day on the waves or a long hike. The combination of creamy avocado, sharp cheddar, fresh tomato, and sprouts is elevated by their homemade lemon-tahini sauce, all served on hearty sprouted wheat bread. It’s a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can create an unforgettable flavor profile.

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2. Lauren’s Go-To Sandwich

Given her background, any item personally endorsed by the nutritionist-owner is a must-try. Lauren’s Go-To Sandwich is often cited by regulars as the perfect balance of flavor and clean eating. While the exact ingredients may vary or be a closely guarded secret, it embodies the cafe's philosophy of fresh, whole-food ingredients combined for maximum nutritional benefit and taste.

3. The Fresh Organic Juice Bar

The juice bar is the heart of the "health food store" component. Naturally Good offers a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetable juices, made to order with organic produce. These are not just trendy drinks; they are potent nutritional supplements, popular for post-workout recovery, immune boosting, and a clean energy lift. The quality of the organic produce used here is what sets their juices apart from standard juice bars.

4. The Vegan Baked Goods and Pastries

In a major win for plant-based diners, Naturally Good is renowned for its selection of vegan pastries and desserts. The commitment to offering a variety of vegan options, including a highly-rated vegan cheese, ensures that those with dietary restrictions or preferences never have to compromise on taste or quality. A review from July 2024 specifically highlighted the extensive vegan selection, proving it remains a priority.

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5. Hearty, Healthy Wraps and Salads

For a quick, filling, and customizable meal, the wraps and salads are a staple. They feature a variety of options that cater to every preference, from high-protein chicken and turkey wraps to all-vegetable, gluten-free bowls. These items are designed for the Montauk lifestyle—easy to grab-n-go and perfect for eating on the beach or before hitting the surf. The emphasis is always on fresh, local, and organic ingredients.

More Than a Cafe: The Naturally Good Health Food Store Experience

What truly elevates Naturally Good Foods & Cafe beyond a typical eatery is its dual identity as Montauk’s primary health food store. This is where the "Foods" part of the name comes into play, offering a year-round resource for the entire community.

The store section is meticulously curated, stocking essential items that are often hard to find in smaller coastal towns. You can find organic groceries, high-quality vitamins, supplements, specialty health products, and a range of grab-n-go meals packaged in convenient to-go ware. This inventory is a lifeline for residents and visitors committed to a specific dietary regimen, ensuring access to organic ingredients even when away from a major city.

The cafe itself is a cozy, laid-back atmosphere, often described as a "home away from home." It functions as a community hub where the friendly staff ensures a welcoming experience. Whether you're ordering a simple organic coffee, a powerful green juice, or sitting down for a full organic breakfast, the focus is on a warm, inviting environment that complements the wholesome food.

Why Naturally Good Remains a Montauk Institution in 2024

The longevity of Naturally Good Foods & Cafe, serving the community for nearly 40 years, is a rare achievement in the volatile restaurant industry. The secret to its enduring appeal lies in several key factors that establish its topical authority in the wellness space.

First, the fusion of a CIA-trained chef and an NYU-educated nutritionist is an unbeatable formula for quality control. Every dish is a perfect marriage of flavor and health. Second, their unwavering commitment to using organic and healthy food ingredients, even when it means higher costs or more complex sourcing, resonates with a health-conscious clientele. Finally, the cafe is open year-round, providing a consistent source of organic and healthy options when many seasonal Montauk establishments are closed. This commitment to the year-round community makes it an essential staple, not just a summer hotspot.

From the first-time visitor grabbing a Surfer Special to the longtime local stocking up on organic groceries, Naturally Good Foods & Cafe continues to be the trusted destination for hearty, healthy eats. It is a true Montauk landmark that perfectly captures the town's laid-back, yet health-aware, spirit.