The Holiday season is synonymous with decadent desserts, rich dinners, and sweet, frothy drinks that keep us warm on even the chilliest of Boulder’s winter nights. After feeding our souls with end of the year comforts, we’re looking forward to resetting our minds and bodies with a renewed commitment to healthy living. Lucky for us, Boulder is a haven of health-conscious restaurants. Each of these establishments acknowledges wellness as starting from the source and nourishing both our bodies and minds. This year, enjoy local Boulder restaurants that focus on whole health by utilizing fresh, authentic ingredients in distinctive dishes and connecting us, through food, with our communities.
SALT
This decade old establishment has long been connecting Boulder residents with their neighborhood farmers. The ever-changing menu showcases nature’s seasonal offerings, which not only make their dishes brighter and fresher, but help bolster the local economy, as well. Guests can treat their taste buds to dishes like Seven Hour Braised Beef Bourguignon and Plant Based Cassoulet with confidence that their New Year’s Resolution of ‘no processed foods’ can be safely kept.
Leaf
This charming, vegetarian restaurant is a delicious way to get back on the healthy eating wagon in 2019. Its dinner menu bursts with mouth-watering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options that spare nothing when it comes to flavor or satisfaction. You can eat your fill guilt free at this serene restaurant just off Pearl.
Cafe Aion
Cafe Aion brings Moroccan and Spanish style cuisine to our mountain hideaway, sourcing local ingredients, when available, such as peppers, onions, and lamb. This restaurant inspires guests to engage with each other and their food by offering small tapas for tasting and large paellas for sharing communally amongst the table. Feed the body and soul at Cafe Aion through a laid-back, group dinner made with conscious ingredients and loving purpose.
Wild Standard
Started in 2015 – Salt’s sister restaurant, Wild Standard, provides a warm, family-style atmosphere that doesn’t surrender quality or sophistication. This hot spot guarantees that out of season foods will not be offered on the menu; anything ordered from Wild Standard will not only be of supreme quality for you, but also for the environment. Here, you can enjoy ramen of much higher grade than the 99 cent variety you survived college on – Wild Standard packs theirs full of nutritious winter veggies and lobster. Even if you swore off processed sugars for 2019, their dessert menu boasts a raw key lime tart that will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
Blooming Beets
This establishment creates meals with mindfulness – using clean, wholesome ingredients sourced locally when possible. Its entire menu is gluten free and can be manipulated to cater to strict dietary guidelines. Blooming Beets has a thoughtful, easy to navigate menu with a legend that helps decipher a multitude of options such as Paleo, Primal, Ketogenic, and more. From dishes like a dairy-free Zucchini Fettuccine Alfredo Bake or The Superfood Tacos, made with Cassava Coconut shells, you won’t miss bread or pasta while dining here.
Shine Restaurant & Potion Bar
Shine prides itself on providing a space for connection, support, and wellness. In addition to organic dishes utilizing wild-caught or grass fed meats, it also offers vegan and vegetarian options. In need of an energy boost after all of the rich Christmas food? This creative eatery specializes in a healthful smattering of ‘potions’. From a hot chocolate made with sprouted almond milk to mimosas made with organic orange juice, this Boulder gem has something for every palate and preference.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner option for date night or a warm atmosphere that’s fit for the family – Boulder has plenty of health-conscious venues. Start the new year off with a nutritious and tasty outing – you won’t be disappointed with any of these favorites.