We’ve featured a lot of different types of food on this website, but we noticed we had forgotten to mention the abundance of healthy options here in Denver, from power bowls to locally-sourced to salads and subs. So just in time for the new year, when everyone has that extra little motivation to eat healthy, energize their body, and be more active, we put together a guide to 10 of our favorite healthy restaurants. We hope you enjoy!
1. Vital Root
Vital Root is a fast, casual approach to vegetarian dishes with real ingredients. Not to mention, the interior is beautiful and the patio is cozy. Some of their dishes include 3 different types of bowls–roasted cauliflower, noodle, and a Mexican-inspired brown rice bowl. Plus their dinner specials like their sunflower risotto and pad thai are a must have if you want something a little more global. Don’t forget to go for brunch and indulge in some healthy bahn mi breakfast tacos or autumn-spiced waffles.
Where: 3915 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
2. Bubu
Chef Troy Guard’s healthy lunch spot is a globally-infused build-your-own-bowl place that has now expanded to four locations in Denver. There are two types of bowls on the menu–ones that you build yourself by choosing of base (like brown rice or chilled noodles) a protein (try their sirloin steak or sushi-grade salmon) , and a ton of fresh ingredients. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with the menu, you can’t go wrong trying one of Guard’s recipes like the Aloha Poke with french green beans, sushi-grade tuna, hearts of palm and kimchi. They’ve also got their own unique dressings to choose from to keep things tasty and fresh. Their newest location is in the brand new Grange Hall that just opened in 2021.
Where: 1423 Larimer St #010, Denver, CO 80202 (Larimer Location)
303 16th St Mall #3, Denver, CO 80202 (Republic)
3. Vert Kitchen
Vert Kitchen is the perfect spot for organic, healthy lunches, coffee, natural wines, beer, and cocktails. Inspired by slow cooking and French cuisine, Vert’s menu consists of salads, like their Warm Goat Cheese Salad to sandwiches like their Roast Turkey with Fig Jam pictured above, to soups like their Roasted Tomato.
Where: 704 Pearl St, Denver, CO 80209
4. Whole Sol Blend Bar
You can order delicious, healthy bowls with next-level ingredients at Whole Sol’s two locations–one in Boulder and one in Denver. Go for one of their signature smoothie bowls like their I Like You Matcha with a supercharged green base (with matcha, of course) and topped with coconut, blueberries, coconut, and granola. They’ve also got hot bowls for the colder weather, like their baked oats or tofu scramble.
Where: 3605 Walnut St. Denver (RiNo)
1735 Chestnut Pl, Denver, CO 80202 (LoDo)
5. Stowaway Kitchen
Stowaway Kitchen has a full espresso bar as well as a globally-influenced kitchen to fuel you throughout the day. For a healthy option, why not pair a hot latte with a Japanese-inspired fried chicken sando, their Kara-a-ge Chicken Sandwich? If you’re a little more adventurous, try their Smoked Trout Salad with buttermilk dressing for a protein-packed start to your day.
Where: 2528 Walnut St #104, Denver, CO 80205
6. Just BE Kitchen
Just BE Kitchen is a great spot if you’re gluten-free. They promise to create delicious food that’s also 100% free of gluten, grain, and refined sugar, plus they do comfort food that’s Keto, Paleo, AIP, and Whole-30. Try their renditions of warming classics like Shepherd’s Pie, made with plantain mash, bone broth gravy, and grass-fed beef, or their cozy Chicken and Dumpling dish. For dessert, they have a menu of cupcakes specially and healthily made in vanilla, chocolate, and lemon.
Where: 2364 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
7. Somebody People
One of Denver’s most hip and aesthetically pleasing Mediterranean spots, Somebody People, is creating inspiring little bites that are equally pretty and delicious. Try their menu, which consists of things like roasted cauliflower, local king trumpet mushrooms pictured above, and risotto made with celery root and broccolini. For something sweet, try their chocolate tart with hazelnut and pear or their housemade ice cream in chocolate or salted caramel. They’ve also got a nice list of zero-proof cocktails, one of the most interesting 2022 drink trends we’ve been seeing ramp up since late 2021.
Where: 1165 S Broadway #104, Denver, CO 80210
8. Sub-Culture
Sub sandwiches are maybe one of the best lunches ever and Sub-Culture is doing them in a variety of different ways. Try the Colorado Slow-Roasted Beef and Provolone Cheese hot sub or a cold veggie sandwich, like their ‘The Woods’ which comes with portobello. Pair that with a satisfying soup like their broccoli and cheese and a chocolate chip cookie, and you’ve got a delicious weekday lunch.
Where: 1300 Pennsylvania St Ste 102, Denver, CO 80203
9. Root Down
Vital Root’s artsy little sister, Root Down is a mid-century spot doing delicious “from-the-earth” food. The Colombian Arepas are warm and comforting with a little spice and the Colorado Lamb Burger is savory, fresh, and delicious. Save room for dessert, as their Torched S’more is divine, and top it all off with a craft cocktail–their Straw-Basil fields is definitely a good choice.
Where: 1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
10. The Green Collective Eatery
The Green Collective is doing toasts, salads, and juices with organic, healthy, and local ingredients. Not to mention, they dabble in superfoods to give you that extra charge you need to get through those busy days. We think the star of the show here at Green Collective is, without a doubt, their toasts. From their Pink Toast, pictured above, made with beet tahini spread, red cabbage slaw and raddish, to their elevated Avocado Toast that’s accentuated with dill, lemon, and a poached egg.
Where: 2158 W 32nd Ave Unit 100, Denver, CO 80211
[featured image by greencollectiveeatery via instagram]