Survey: Americans Trending toward Healthier Eating

Hold the hamburger: I'll have a pita sandwich, please. According to a Zagat Survey of America's top restaurants, people are shifting towards healthier eating habits while dining out. People are also going to more casual places to spend their evenings away from the kitchen.

The survey considered 23 million meals, over 1,400 restaurants and 132,000 surveyors. From that population, Zagat was able to conclude that restaurant diners were spending an average of $33.29 for their dinner out. "Prices have remained quite reasonable at the nation's better restaurants, however, diners everywhere are looking for fresh, healthy and sustainably raised options and say that they are willing to pay more for them," said Tim Zagat, Zagat Survey CEO. "Even at fine dining establishments, diners are insisting on casual dress and mien."

Among the restaurants surveyed, 11 restaurants scored 29 out of 30 points for food to include Barrington's in Charlotte, North Carolina; Carlos' in Chicago, Illinois; the French Room in Dallas/Fort Worth; and Bacchanalia in Atlanta.

West Coast residents were willing to pay more for healthier food, according to the survey. 72% of Seattle dwellers and 67% of San Francisco diners didn't mind pushing out extra dough for less-fattening meals out. Overall, the country indicated that 60% of diners were willing to spend more money on greener food, with 55% willing to shell out for organic food.

Nearly two thirds of Americans are also done with Trans fats, supporting a ban of them in restaurants. Continuing with health in mind, Americans also said that 77% of them would eat out less if smoking was allowed in local restaurants, with only 2% willing to eat out more.