Cedar Rapids offers a diverse culinary scene, including a growing number of restaurants focused on healthy and nutritious options. Whether you're a health-conscious local or a visitor looking for a wholesome meal, this guide highlights some of the best healthy food restaurants in Cedar Rapids.
Groundswell Cafe: Nourishing the Community
Groundswell Cafe stands out with its mission to provide fresh, healthy meals to everyone, including those in need. The cafe's menu features a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, and omelets, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Much of the food comes from the Cultivate Hope Urban Farm and a hydroponic garden, ensuring freshness and supporting local agriculture.
Groundswell Cafe operates with a unique pay-it-forward system, allowing customers to contribute to a fund that helps pay for meals for those in the community. This initiative ensures that everyone has access to a healthy meal, regardless of their financial situation.
Beyond its culinary offerings, Groundswell Cafe also provides opportunities for community involvement. Solo and group volunteers can assist with various tasks, such as serving food, providing hospitality, busing tables, and washing dishes. The cafe also welcomes individuals and groups to host exhibitions within its Groundswell Gallery, further fostering community engagement.
Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery's Recommendations for Healthy Bites
The staff at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery encourages healthy living and understands the importance of nutritious food. They recommend several nearby spots for those seeking a quick and healthy bite in Cedar Rapids.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Juice Bars and Smoothies
For those craving fresh juices and smoothies, Cedar Rapids offers several options. These juice bars use fresh fruits and vegetables from the Cedar Rapids area to create their concoctions. Extracted juices are made fresh daily, and smoothies offer a wide range of combinations tailored to individual preferences.
Upscale Cafes and Bars
In the heart of NewBo, you'll find upscale cafes and bars that cater to residents seeking healthy, delicious, and unique food and spirits. These establishments often feature innovative menus with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Mediterranean Grills
Also located in NewBo, Mediterranean grills offer flavorful dishes prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from local growers. The cuisine is so delicious that you might forget how good it is for you.
Fresh Deli & Grill
As the name suggests, the Fresh Deli & Grill prioritizes fresh ingredients in all of its menu selections. This is a great option when you want something simple, satisfying, and healthy.
Island Grill
If you're craving Caribbean flavors, the Island Grill at NewBo serves up the freshest Caribbean fare in Cedar Rapids. Their jerk dishes are a local favorite.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Vietnamese Cuisine
Located on Edgewood Road, this Vietnamese restaurant features a variety of Vietnamese dishes, served fresh and hot. It's a great place for lunch or dinner, offering a healthy and flavorful alternative to typical fast food. The restaurant is open six days a week and closed on Mondays.
Roasters Coffee House
For coffee lovers, Roasters Coffee House offers organic coffee blends, as well as bakery and deli selections. It's a great place to grab a healthy breakfast or lunch while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Stack Wellness Cafe: Empowering Health Through Nutrition
Stack Wellness Cafe, with a location on Edgewood Road and a new location in the NewBo neighborhood, focuses on empowering health through nutritious meals and a vibrant community. They offer a menu of smoothies, protein bowls, and other healthy options, with online ordering available for convenience.
The cafe also has a rewards program, where customers earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for free smoothies and other perks. Stack Wellness Cafe also offers employment opportunities.
Why Rice and Beans? A Universal and Particular Dish
Rice and beans is a staple dish at many healthy restaurants. Almost every part of the globe has some version of this universal pair, so a wide variety of cuisines can be served using that staple meal. Despite this universality, every version is different than the next in flavor and presentation. These simple ingredients can explore a world of flavors and traditions.
Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution
Many restaurants, like the rice and beans based restaurant, offer vegetarian menus, and anything containing dairy will have a non-dairy equivalent. Their entire menu is gluten-free.
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