Bellingham, Washington, nestled on the coast near the Canadian border, is not only a popular tourist destination known for its outdoor recreational opportunities but also a place where healthy eating is accessible and celebrated. For those conscious about their food choices, whether due to health reasons or lifestyle preferences, Bellingham offers a diverse range of restaurants and cafes committed to providing fresh, high-quality, and nourishing options. This article explores some of the standout establishments in Bellingham that prioritize healthy ingredients and cater to various dietary needs.
Embracing Veganism: Stone Grown
Stone Grown stands out as a 100% vegan restaurant, emphasizing the use of local, organic flour in its menu items. This approach ensures that diners enjoy plant-based meals made with carefully selected ingredients, supporting both their health and the local agricultural community.
Natural and Local: Old Town Cafe
Located in the heart of historic Old Town, Old Town Cafe is a locally owned establishment that strives to incorporate natural, local, and organic products into its offerings. From all-day breakfast to lunch options, their menu caters to a variety of tastes while maintaining a commitment to quality and sustainability. Their pastries, made on-site with whole wheat flour and unrefined sweeteners, offer a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods.
Superfood Power: Vitality Bowls
Vitality Bowls is dedicated to bringing health and wellness to the community through its focus on fresh, high-quality superfoods. Their menu boasts a wide array of options, including Acai bowls, which are nutritional powerhouses made from a thick blend of the Amazon’s antioxidant-rich organic açaí berry. These bowls are topped with organic granola (gluten-free available) and a selection of superfood ingredients. Vitality Bowls prides itself on using NO ice, NO frozen yogurt, NO artificial preservatives, NO trans fats, or any other fillers, ensuring that everything is made fresh to order.
From Farm to Table: Brandywine
Starting as an heirloom tomato farm, Brandywine has evolved into a prepared food business that offers amazing, locally sourced, and affordable food for the soul. Their menu features a variety of dishes, including:
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- Apple-Jalapeno Chicken: Grilled free-range chicken, baked apple, pepper jack, pickled jalapeños, aioli, and cilantro.
- Orchard Salad: Mixed greens, free-range chicken, baked apple, feta, balsamic beets, marinated radish, and sliced almonds.
- Gluten-Free Fish Tacos: Seasoned cod, cucumber-mango salsa, cotija cream sauce, iceberg lettuce, and cilantro.
Brandywine also offers seasonal specials, such as:
- Seasonal Curry Chicken Salad: Mixed greens lightly tossed in Caesar dressing, Craisins, and topped with Curry Chicken salad made with apples, celery, red onions, curry, and mayo (available as a salad or wrap).
- Seasonal Spring Strawberry Salad: Mixed greens, strawberries, chèvre cheese, shaved almonds, and strawberry-poppyseed vinaigrette (can be made vegan with almesean cheese).
- Seasonal Caprese Panini: Mozzarella, tomatoes, pesto mayo, balsamic reduction, and greens, grilled on Avenue Focaccia.
The Templeton List: A Resource for Healthy Dining
Created by James Templeton, a 30+ year Stage 4 Melanoma cancer survivor, The Templeton List is a valuable resource for those seeking healthy restaurants. James Templeton, the successful CEO of Uni-Key Health Systems and founder of the Templeton Wellness Foundation, developed this list based on his own experiences navigating the challenges of finding quality food sources while traveling. The Templeton List aims to help anyone easily find trustworthy, carefully vetted healthy restaurants across America.
Convenience at Your Doorstep: Healthy Food Delivery with Postmates
For those who prefer to enjoy healthy meals from the comfort of their own homes, Postmates offers delivery from various healthy spots in Bellingham, including popular choices like Black Pearl. With Postmates, satisfying cravings for healthy food is convenient and accessible, whether it's in the morning, evening, or late at night.
Postmates provides access to 20 healthy places offering delivery in Bellingham, with options for free delivery through Postmates Unlimited. Late-night options are also available, with some spots like Culture Cafe offering delivery until 1 am. Additionally, many of these establishments offer pickup options for those who prefer to grab their meals on the go.
Exploring More Options: A Diverse Culinary Landscape
Beyond the highlighted establishments, Bellingham boasts a diverse culinary landscape with numerous other healthy food options:
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- Aslan: While known for their beer, Aslan offers incredible vegan selections, such as Cashew "Queso" Dip, Yam Enchiladas, and Bánh Mì Bowl (both can be made vegan upon request). They also feature a vegan veggie burger and a B.L.A.T (with avocado) that can be made with vegan bacon.
- Big Love Juice: This establishment invites customers to explore the world of superfoods, specializing in fresh ingredients and locally sourced produce. Their menu includes juice shots, smoothies, locally sourced coffee, salads, vegan burritos, and a variety of acai bowls.
- Black Sheep: Specializes in margaritas with a light menu of fresh and delicious tacos served on homemade tortillas.
- La Fiamma: A downtown Bellingham staple since 1998.
- Leaf & Ladle: This food truck is on a mission to provide Bellingham with a never-ending supply of amazingly fresh food, offering vegan and gluten-free sandwiches, burgers, loaded fries, tacos, and more at various locations around the city.
- The Wild Oat Bakery & Cafe: Focuses on seasonal menus, ensuring that diners have access to the freshest and most flavorful ingredients.
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