If you want rustic-chic, American-style food, search no further than Little Barn. With delicious food, great drinks and lively entertainment — all in a barn-like building, served by friendly staff — Little Barn has a special charm.

From lobster mac n’ cheese to a Tuscan kale salad, they offer a wide selection of food for everyone, including vegetarians, vegans, and those on a gluten-free diet.

Westport-based nutritionist Heather Bauer serves up her top healthy picks for Little Barn.

NOTE: Because the portions are so generous, all starters can be shared.

For Vegetarians

Appetizers

• The Tuscan kale salad is the perfect way to start your meal. To lighten things up, order it without cranberries and pecans.
• More traditional? Go for the fork-and-knife Caesar (without the croutons, and with a vinaigrette dressing instead).

Entree

• Dig into the Shrooms or another veggie burger; request any salad on the side. To reduce carbohydrates, take off the top bun and eat your burger “topless.”

For Pescatarians

Appetizers 

Pair up with your partner and share one of the following:

• Tuna blocks
• Brussels and chorizo
• Tuna tacos wrapped in lettuce.

Entrees

• Brussel sprouts salad with grilled salmon or tuna on top
• Fork-and-knife Caesar salad without the croutons; dressing on the side; add salmon or tuna
• Tuscan kale salad with either cranberries or pecans; add salmon or tuna
• Tuna tacos.

For Carnivores

Appetizers

• Beef or pork taco wrapped in lettuce
• Fork-and-knife Caesar without the croutons, but with vinaigrette (ask for dressing on the side).

Entrees

• Cobb Salad (skip blue cheese). with the option to add steak over grilled chicken
• Any Brussels sprouts salad with grilled chicken or steak
• Tuscan kale salad with either cranberries or pecans, with grilled chicken or steak
• The DQ burger without the bun — or eat it “topless” with a side salad.

Heather’s Tips

Because this restaurant is so laid back, you can add up your special requests as long as you are with good family or friends. In this casual atmosphere the entire table shares a few appetizers; then everyone each chooses their own entrees.

If your table is sharing appetizers you can’t really make special requests, but you can try to add in an appetizer (like the ones noted below) for a healthier option.

But if your appetizer feels “heavier” to you and you already had protein in your appetizer, go for one of the salad recommendations sans protein.

Keep the “3/4 rule” in mind: Since food can be heavier at a restaurant than at home, eat 3/4 of your meal; leave ¼ to take home for lunch the next day.

However, remember that fat and flavor are important in satiety and staying healthy. When you deprive your body of too much fat and flavor, you end up craving less healthy food. So be mindful of what and how much you’re eating, while still enjoying things that sound good to you.