Concord, Massachusetts, nestled in the Greater Boston area, boasts a vibrant dining scene that caters to health-conscious individuals. With a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and innovative culinary approaches, Concord's restaurants offer a delightful array of options for those seeking both delicious and nutritious meals. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, Concord's commitment to health and freshness makes it a prime destination for satisfying and beneficial dining experiences.
Restaurants with a Focus on Fresh, Local Ingredients
Several restaurants in and around Concord prioritize the use of fresh, local ingredients, ensuring that diners enjoy meals that are both flavorful and packed with nutrients.
80 Thoreau
Located in Concord, 80 Thoreau is a progressive fine dining restaurant that sources its ingredients from local farms. This commitment to local sourcing ensures that the menu features the freshest and most seasonal produce available. Reviews praise the restaurant's 'local, creative food' and use of 'fresh ingredients'. The menu caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian options, and is frequently updated based on fresh availability. In addition to vegetarian dishes, 80 Thoreau offers a variety of meat and fish dishes, making it a great choice for health-conscious diners seeking balanced and nutritious meals.
Seasons 52
Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar that offers a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. The restaurant's seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, prepared using oak-fire grilling or brick oven roasting techniques, without the use of fryers. This approach ensures that the dishes are both flavorful and lower in fat and calories. Seasons 52 also offers an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle, allowing diners to complement their healthy meals with a carefully selected wine. With lunch and dinner served daily, and a happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6PM, Seasons 52 provides ample opportunities to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
The Painted Burro
From the team behind Posto, The Painted Burro blends bold Latin American flavors with local, seasonal ingredients. The menu draws inspiration from across Latin America, featuring dishes such as rich, layered moles, wood-grilled meats and seafood, and modern twists on traditional dishes. Rooted in chef-driven technique and a deep respect for heritage, The Painted Burro offers a delicious ride through the flavors of Mexico and beyond. The use of local, seasonal ingredients ensures that the dishes are fresh and flavorful, while the focus on grilled meats and seafood provides healthy protein options.
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Seafood-Focused Restaurants
For those who enjoy seafood, Concord offers several restaurants that specialize in fresh, high-quality fish and shellfish.
Row 34
Row 34 serves up a seafood-heavy menu in an industrial-inspired setting. Chef/Owner Jeremy Sewall's menu offers fish entrees and an extensive oyster selection, along with craft beers and an eclectic wine list. Classic comfort food side dishes round out the menu. With its focus on fresh seafood and thoughtfully curated beverage options, Row 34 is a great choice for a healthy and delicious meal.
Restaurants with Diverse Healthy Options
In addition to restaurants that specialize in specific cuisines or ingredients, Concord also offers several establishments with diverse menus that include a variety of healthy options.
Cafe Escadrille
Located just 15 minutes north of Boston, Cafe Escadrille is a landmark restaurant and neighborhood gem known for its great food, drink, and service. The restaurant offers classic and new American dishes in a lively atmosphere. During the warmer months, you can enjoy cocktails or dine on the outdoor patio. Cafe Escadrille also offers a venue for special events, including full menus, cocktail service, and selections from the restaurant's extensive wine list, as well as sweet creations from the in-house pastry chef. With its diverse menu and lively atmosphere, Cafe Escadrille has something for everyone.
Clean Eatz
Located at 8694 Concord Mills Boulevard, Suite #30, Clean Eatz in Concord is a healthy food restaurant that offers a variety of delicious and affordable options for customers. The dine-in cafe menu includes burgers, wraps, flatbreads, meltz, build your own bowls, smoothies, and more. Customers can place their orders online, pick up their meals at Clean Eatz in Concord, take them home, and then simply heat and eat. Most meals are under 500 calories. In addition to the café menu and meal plans, healthy food options at Clean Eatz in Concord include Grab ‘N’ Go meals, protein smoothies, healthy snacks, and catering for all occasions.
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2 Gals Kitchen
Belinda and Mary, the owners of 2 Gals Kitchen, moved from the west coast with the dream of having a gourmet sandwich shop where people could experience beautiful food, a comfortable atmosphere, and fun people. The restaurant offers pick-up and delivery options for those who don't feel like cooking. The food is described as delicious and fresh, with a wonderful staff and an adorable atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned the yogurt parfait, which is made with homemade yogurt and described as the creamiest they had ever eaten. The restaurant also offers homemade, scratch food, with unique breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. One reviewer ordered the ABC Burger with a side of crab pasta and noted that the burger was fresh with a clean and homemade feel.
Restaurants Catering to Specific Dietary Needs
For individuals with specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free or plant-based diets, Concord offers several restaurants with dedicated options.
The Crust and Crumb
The Crust and Crumb offers a wide range of gluten-free and vegan options, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Col’s Kitchen
Col’s Kitchen is a plant-based restaurant in Concord, offering a menu entirely free of animal products. This is an excellent option for vegans and vegetarians seeking healthy and delicious meals.
Restaurants with Crohn’s-Friendly Options
For individuals managing Crohn’s disease, dining out can be challenging. However, several restaurants in Concord offer options that can accommodate a Crohn’s-friendly diet.
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Live Juice
Live Juice is an excellent breakfast spot with a large selection of salads, wraps, whole grain bowls, juices, and smoothies. Everything is prepared and cooked in-house, including salad dressings, sauces, and meats, ensuring that diners know exactly what's in their food. Fresh juices and smoothies are made using whole, fresh fruits and vegetables.
In A Pinch Cafe
In A Pinch Cafe is a breakfast and lunch spot with a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups, providing options for those with Crohn’s disease.
The Works Cafe
The Works Cafe is known for its customizable salads and sandwiches, making it a Crohn’s-friendly restaurant. Grain-power bowls and a variety of salad/quinoa bowls are also available.
Teatoller Café
Teatoller Café offers a variety of sweet treats and lunch options, with a focus on accommodating allergies and dietary restrictions.
B. Good
B Good is incredibly transparent with their nutrition information, publishing a comprehensive list of all ingredients in every menu item.
Ayasofia Flavor Mediterranean Restaurant
Ayasofia Flavor Mediterranean Restaurant fuses all Mediterranean cultures, specializing in authentic, homemade Mediterranean/Turkish cuisine featuring soups, salads, lean meats, and vegetables. The Mediterranean diet is often recommended for individuals with Crohn’s disease, as it is rich in vegetables, fresh fruits, olive oil, poultry, peas, whole grains, fish, nuts/seeds, and limited amounts of lean red meat.
Other Notable Restaurants
Stazione di Federal
Stazione di Federal is Waltham's newest authentic Italian restaurant, featuring a scratch kitchen with the freshest local and imported ingredients. The menu includes antipasti dishes like Vongele e Sausage and Grilled Shrimp, Lobster Amatriciana and Cacio e Pepe for pasta features, and Pesce Spada and Milanese de Pollo for entrees.
Chopps Italian Steakhouse & Bar
Chopps Italian Steakhouse & Bar is a modern and inviting chophouse serving Italian-inspired cuisine. The restaurant offers an affordable alternative to an upscale steakhouse while maintaining exceptional quality. Succulent cuts of all-natural beef and regional specialties with fresh local ingredients are paired with artfully crafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. Chopps welcomes guests to enjoy authentic family-style Italian fare in a warm and comfortable setting with a featured open kitchen, an unpretentious atmosphere, and a bustling bar scene with live music in the background.
Goodnight Johnny’s American Music Bar
Goodnight Johnny’s American Music Bar is Burlington’s newest hot spot for live music and quality food and drinks. The restaurant features top musical entertainment and a full-service restaurant with classic American menu offerings. Goodnight Johnny’s offers lunch, dinner, a weekend brunch, a few drinks, and live music.