Pasadena, California, offers a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with a growing emphasis on healthy and nutritious options. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, you'll find a plethora of restaurants and eateries dedicated to providing fresh, high-quality ingredients and catering to various dietary preferences. This article explores some of the best healthy food destinations in Pasadena, highlighting their unique offerings and commitment to well-being.
Fast, Fresh, and Flavorful: Ben's Fast Food
Located near Pasadena City College and the Rose Parade route at 1060 E Colorado Blvd, Ben's Fast Food is revolutionizing the concept of fast food by making healthy, crave-worthy meals accessible and affordable. With a focus on lightning-fast pickup and delivery, Ben's caters to the busy lifestyles of Pasadena residents.
Whole Ingredients and Flexible Bowls
Ben's prides itself on using whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that are easy to pronounce. Their menu features craveable, clean-label meals like the Chicken Hearty Bowl, Pork Shoulder Garden Bowl, and the (V) Chickpea & Potato Mixed Bowl. The bowls are designed to be flexible and kid-friendly, making them perfect for families. Everything is gluten-free, dairy-free, and contains no refined sugar or preservatives. The garden bowls are an excellent low-carb or keto-friendly choice.
Accessible Pricing and Rave Reviews
Ben's is committed to making healthy eating accessible to everyone. Customers rave about the reasonable prices and generous portions. One reviewer noted, "You could go somewhere like Sweetgreen and spend $22 on a bowl, whereas with Ben's you're getting cleaner food for $9." Many customers have expressed their satisfaction with the high quality of ingredients and the absence of refined sugars. The restaurant's dedication to customer service is also evident in the personalized touches, such as writing out customers' names and expressing gratitude.
Convenient Pickup and Delivery
Ben's Fast Food offers fast pickup and delivery throughout Pasadena and surrounding areas, including Altadena, San Marino, South Pasadena, and Alhambra. Whether you're squeezing in lunch between errands, looking for a healthy late-night bite, or heading home after a hike, Ben's makes it easy to enjoy a clean, satisfying meal.
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The Daily: Your Go-To Spot for Healthy Meals on the Go
The Daily offers a variety of smoothies, juices, bowls, salads, wraps, and beverages. They cater to vegans, vegetarians, and those with special dietary needs. The Daily is extending their hours into dinner, and you can stop in or order online from 11 am to 8 pm. One customer, Jacob, said, "I love having healthy food near me." Another customer appreciates having "a fun little lunch spot near Trader Joe's."
True Food Kitchen: Where Flavor Meets Nutrition
True Food Kitchen is a popular destination in Pasadena for those seeking healthy and delicious meals. Their menu is carefully crafted to serve up big flavor, an abundance of fresh ingredients, and a taste of the unexpected. The restaurant is praised for its varied and inventive menu, catering to diverse dietary needs, and serving fresh food with quality taste.
Seasonal Offerings and Hand-Crafted Beverages
True Food Kitchen's artisan chefs create crave-worthy classics alongside a steady rotation of seasonal offerings that take advantage of naturally ripe fruits and vegetables. Creative, hand-crafted beverages built around seasonality, quality ingredients, and simple preparations complement every occasion.
Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery: A Neighborhood Oasis
Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery showcases live-fire cooking with seasonal ingredients and offers a curated selection of artisan cheeses and provisions. The restaurant provides spaces for large parties, an open kitchen, an outdoor patio, and a marketplace, making it suitable for various occasions.
Holiday Catering and Thoughtful Gifts
Agnes offers catering services for parties and family get-togethers during the holidays. The Cheesery provides stunning products, including large format cheese, meat and crudité platters, tinned fish, delicious gifts, and freshly baked treats.
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Nick's South Lake Ave: Quality and Freshness
Nick's South Lake Ave is a restaurant that offers a variety of nutritious dishes. One reviewer praised their "Very fresh produce - asparagus fries, and Quinoa & kale salad." Another review highlighted the "Salmon cooked to perfection" and a "kale and quinoa salad perfectly balanced." The restaurant is dedicated to offering the highest quality food, making it a healthy choice for dining.
Café Santorini: Mediterranean Flavors in Old Town
Nestled in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, Café Santorini has been delighting guests since 1993 with its refined Mediterranean cuisine and inviting ambiance. The restaurant offers both cozy indoor seating and a romantic rooftop patio. Their diverse menu showcases flavors from Greece, Italy, Morocco, and beyond, featuring signature dishes like grilled calamari, beef brochette, and Moroccan lamb shank.
Gale's Restaurant: Northern Italian Fare
Gale's Restaurant is a local Pasadena spot for Northern Italian fare. Patrons can enjoy Bruschetta, Burrata Salad, or Gale's Simple Salad, followed by the Tuscan steak or one of the house-made ravioli specials. For dessert, the Tiramisu or Gale's Coconut Cake are popular choices.
Green Street Restaurant: A Pasadena Tradition
Green Street Restaurant has been a Pasadena tradition since 1979. It features an eclectic menu with savory salads, tasty meats, fresh fish, and creative sandwiches. Guests can enjoy a full bar and interesting wines by the glass on a beautiful patio or in the airy interior.
All India Cafe: Authentic Indian Cuisine
Located in Pasadena, the All India Cafe features a variety of authentic dishes from all regions of India. The menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options and is made with all-natural ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives.
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Eden Garden Bar and Grill: Mediterranean Cuisine with Entertainment
Eden Garden Bar and Grill offers vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, live entertainment, and a lively atmosphere. Customers have praised the fresh food, generous portions, and diverse menu. The entertainment includes musicians, performers, and belly dancing shows.
Panda Inn: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Panda Inn blends classic American Chinese favorites with authentic flavors inspired by Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng. It is a place where heritage meets innovation, and the warmth of family embraces you with every bite.
Healthy Food Delivery with Postmates
Postmates offers delivery from various healthy spots in Pasadena. Delivery fees can vary, but some spots offer free delivery. There are also several healthy spots that offer pickup on Postmates.