Cerritos and its surrounding areas offer a diverse culinary landscape, including a growing number of restaurants that cater to health-conscious diners. Whether you're looking for Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, or lighter versions of classic dishes, there are options to satisfy your cravings while keeping your health goals in mind. This guide explores some of the best healthy food restaurants near Cerritos, highlighting their offerings and special features.
Mediterranean Delights: A Focus on Fresh Ingredients
Mediterranean cuisine is widely recognized for its health benefits, emphasizing fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Several restaurants near Cerritos specialize in this vibrant and nutritious cuisine.
Luna Grill (Cerritos, LA): Luna Grill offers a wide array of fresh Mediterranean fare inspired by the entire region, including Greece. They are dedicated to preparing healthier, homemade Mediterranean food using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients. Luna Grill is a great option for those seeking gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, or keto-compliant meals. They offer convenient takeout and delivery options, partnering with services like DoorDash, UberEats, Postmates, and GrubHub. However, ordering through the Club Luna Rewards app is recommended to earn points towards rewards.
Luna Grill provides numerous options for various dietary needs. Their menu clearly indicates vegan, vegetarian, keto, gluten-free, low-calorie, and high-protein choices. The Classic Luna Vida Bowl, featuring grilled sustainable salmon on a bed of lettuce with lemon vinaigrette, Greek cabbage, chickpea salad, cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, and tzatziki, is a popular gluten-free choice. They also offer catering services for various events, including weddings, with options for catering packages, individual meals, and a la carte items.
AMMATOLI (Long Beach): Situated in Long Beach, AMMATOLI is a Mediterranean restaurant specializing in Levantine cuisine. They prioritize the use of high-quality ingredients to create fresh, healthy, and flavorful dishes. Reviews often highlight the restaurant's "healthy versions" and "vegetarian options," noting the "fresh, light, and delicious" food. Their menu draws inspiration from traditional recipes, capturing the essence of the Mediterranean diet.
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Seafood Sensations: Fresh Catches and Ocean Views
For seafood lovers, several restaurants in the Long Beach area offer fresh catches prepared in healthy and delicious ways.
Parkers' Lighthouse (Long Beach): Nestled in Long Beach's Shoreline Village, Parkers' Lighthouse boasts premium seafood, an award-winning wine list, and a full-service patio with stunning views of the Long Beach Harbor and Pacific Ocean. They offer an extensive menu that highlights the flavors of Southern Californian cuisine, including fresh sushi, mesquite-grilled fresh fish, and oysters on the half shell. Parkers' Lighthouse is conveniently located near attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Long Beach Convention Center.
American Cuisine with a Healthy Twist
Even restaurants specializing in American cuisine are increasingly offering healthier options to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: While known for its handcrafted beer and deep-dish pizza, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse also provides lighter options. They focus on crafting a brewhouse experience where guests can make the most of any meal.
The Carvery (Downtown Long Beach): This boutique, artisanal restaurant offers high-quality new American food with an emphasis on slow-roasted meats and vegetarian choices. They pride themselves on offering carefully selected dishes, aiming to be the most innovative eatery in Downtown Long Beach.
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Other Options to Consider
Spaghettini (Seal Beach): Located off the 405 freeway at Seal Beach Boulevard, Spaghettini is known for its exceptional Northern Italian cuisine and top-name entertainment. While not strictly a "healthy" restaurant, they offer a variety of dishes with fresh ingredients and lighter preparations.
Black Angus Steakhouse: While primarily a steakhouse, Black Angus offers cuts of meat aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, and expertly flame-grilled. Guests can choose leaner cuts and pair them with healthy sides for a balanced meal.
Tips for Healthy Dining Out
When dining out at any restaurant, regardless of its specific focus, there are several strategies you can employ to make healthier choices:
- Check the menu online: Before you go, review the restaurant's menu online to identify healthier options and plan your meal in advance.
- Ask about preparation methods: Inquire about how dishes are prepared. Grilled, baked, or steamed options are generally healthier than fried foods.
- Request modifications: Don't hesitate to ask for modifications to your meal, such as requesting sauces on the side or substituting vegetables for fries.
- Portion control: Be mindful of portion sizes. Consider sharing an entree or taking leftovers home.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout your meal.
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