"We are what we eat", as the age-old adage goes. You might be a big fan of that upscale steakhouse or barbeque bistro, and you might just love reading restaurant reviews. There’s no harm in going through restaurant reviews to locate cool and cozy eateries near you. But most of these “best lists” are definitely not for people who have recently switched to a largely vegetarian diet or have simply gone vegan. So here's a list that’s a little different from the usual ones. It packs in the top restaurants in the US that serve healthy and mostly vegetarian food.
Arugula Ristorante in Boulder, Colorado
If one word could describe the ambiance of this Italian specialty restaurant, it would be "elegant". Step into this Iris Avenue restaurant, and you will see beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and olive oil bottles gracing each of the tables. The service is impeccable, to say the least. You can find a wide assortment of Italian dishes here, though they source the ingredients locally. Also, the reason Arugula Ristorante makes it to this list is that they cater to new-world dietary demands. If you are a vegetarian, you would surely be spoilt for choices in this restaurant. Don’t forget to try the Arugula specials – Pear and Gorgonzola Gnocchi and the Black Seafood Risotto. The menu is subject to seasonal changes.
Abby’s Table in Portland
They have a superb tagline – “We believe in the power of yum”. The tagline itself pretty much sums up the restaurant’s mojo. The food they serve is natural and scrumptious. If you want to reserve a seat beforehand, you will be amazed to know that they offer themed bi-weekly dinners such as Peruvian dinner or Thai dinner. Abby’s Table is Chef Abby Fammartino’s dream-come-true project where she experiments with new ingredients and cooking techniques. Diners can expect fresh and unusual vegetables, all sourced from local farmers’ markets, especially on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Good Karma Café in New Jersey
Good Karma Café is another popular hideout for true foodies, especially those who have chosen to go vegan. The restaurant is the ideal place for having a wholesome breakfast. The cafe also serves great vegan food for active and health-conscious people. The Good Karma Café regales its guests with Live Nachos (which is raw nachos paired with sour cream, sunflower crumble, and guacamole), Elvis Smoothie (a must-try), and Tempeh Reuben. Also, if you have kids, they offer a special menu for the young ones. The best part of the restaurant is that they serve at least 80% organic whole food. If you have chosen a vegan lifestyle and you live close to Red Bank, NJ, try this café at least once!
Encuentro Café in Oakland, California
A casual dine-out place, Encuentro features bamboo decor which reminds us of island living. Keeping up with the decor, the menu features local delicacies. Their menu also changes seasonally, and vegans might find great delight in the Farro salad rich with essential nutrients or the Italian breadstuff called bruschetta topped with mouth-watering seasonal vegetables. Previously operated daily, the laid-back style eatery now opens monthly for curated dinners and special events. If you want to throw a small party for your friends who love vegetarian food, call the place for advanced booking as the much-loved vegetarian wine bar is in high demand all year round.
Mihoko’s 21 Grams in New York
The Franco-Japanese restaurant is designed by eminent ballerina and philanthropist, Mihoko Kiyokawa. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance with white tablecloths and classy interiors. They also serve a couple of healthy and wholesome delights, including the unforgettable Turbot Beige. If you are a great fan of fusion food that is also nutritious, Mihiko’s 21 Grams is your place. The menu contains a lot of vegan varieties. If you want to try Chinese sushi and American french fries, this is the restaurant you should check out soon.
If you want to choose a restaurant, don’t just try to get a table to eat. Instead, consider the location of the restaurant, the ambiance, the food, as well as the music and the art before booking a table. If you can read real reviews before making a decision, you are likely to get an unforgettable gastronomical experience!
