Healthy Food Guide: Portland

1. Prasad (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Now with two locations, this place is SO good. The Classic Oatmeal or Chili Scramble is a must-try!

2. Kure (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This place is another great option at any point during the day. Their juices and smoothies are SO tasty and packed with nutrients. My personal favorite is the Lush Life smoothie. I’ve also heard rave reviews about the Hangover Helper smoothie and that it will help you feel like a different person. I wouldn’t know, I’ve just heard about it… ; )

3. Bob’s Red Mill (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Yes, this is at the HQ where they make all of the awesome Bob’s Red Mill products. I personally love the museli and yogurt, but there are loads of options and the food is extremely affordable.

4. Radio Room (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Back in my single days, this spot was my favorite place to go on the weekend after a night out. They have a lot of options for carnivores and herbivores, as well as great gluten-free options. My go-to? The Classic Rocker Scramble and the pint Mimosa with blood orange (yes… I repeat… pint!). YUM.

5. Fern Kitchen (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Tons of healthy, tasty options and they use all local and organic produce. I love the “Eggs Your Way” with tempeh and New Cascadia toast.

1. The Whole Bowl (Vegan/Gluten-Free): I think if I had to eat a single meal for the rest of my life, it might be this. And yes, there is just one bowl on the menu and you can order it “veganized” or “full loaded.” Either way, it is so dang good.

2. Harlow (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is the sister to Prasad and just as tasty. I love their bowls; specifically the Urban Bowl. I also can’t leave there without ordering their Turmeric Toddy (hot). This place has a lot of space too, so I like to grab my computer and get some work done there from time to time.

3. Jade  (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Ahhh, this place! I honestly can’t say enough good things about this spot. This place is a unique twist on veitnamese and thai food, but it is so much lighter and healthier than most places. The Minced Chicken dish is my go-to. And you have to order the sweet rice with mango for afterwards. Mmm!

4. Garden Bar  (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): If you are a salad-for-lunch kind of person, this will be your new favorite. The salads on the menu are great, but if you prefer to mix your own, you can do that too. The Bliss-Detox salad is excellent!

5. Cultured Caveman (Paleo): This place is a great spot, especially if you eat a paleo diet! I will warn you, it is pricier than most lunch spots, but well worth it. Make sure to grab some bone broth while you are there. They also have amazing chicken tenders for kiddos!

 

1. Bamboo Sushi  (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This is actually the first sustainable sushi restaurant in the world and let me just tell you, this spot is never a disappointment. Make sure when you visit, you order everything because everything is so delicious. I also really love their happy hour menu. It’s no wonder this place is so popular!

2. Farm Spirit (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is a multiple-course dinner place, so you are going to have to reserve your spot and pay ahead of time. But don’t worry, this is totally worth it. You are not only getting incredible food that just so happens to be vegan, you get to enjoy an amazing culinary experience.

3. Andina  (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Talk about a culinary experience, Andina is just that. I recommend ordering a bunch of tapas to try. My favorites are the Quinoa Con Verduras and the Atun Fusion. They have a lot of fresh and healthy options, which is why I like it there so much. Oh yes, and don’t forget to order a Pico Sour! They are the BEST!

4. Park Kitchen (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): If you are looking for a great Northwest style cuisine, you won’t be disappointed here. They have plenty of healthy, seasonal options and a great happy hour.

5. Blossoming Lotus (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This place is deeeeelicious. I highly recommend the mac n’ cheese and a slice of raw cheesecake. Everything here is organic and vegan.

6. Higgins (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): Don’t be misled by the traditional decor; this place is great! It isn’t up there as the hippest spot in Portland, but this is a great, classic Portland restaurant and because of that, it has a lot of charm. They are known for their Northwest cuisine and using locally sourced ingredients. I recommend ordering their seasonal fish dishes.

7. Luc Lac (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): This place has, hands down, the BEST pho in town. I will just leave it at that!

Best Healthy Bars/Breweries:

1. Sweet Hereafter (Vegan/Gluten-Free): Ahhh, this place is great for a good drink and a vegan meal. Definitely not your typical bar food. My go-to? Old Fashioned with a Jamaican Bowl (ask for a brown rice tortilla on the side to make a burrito out of it).

2. Wilder  (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): I love this place. It has a great date night vibe and the food is super tasty. It is the perfect spot to go if there are vegetarians and/or meat eaters in the group. What to order? Wilder burger and ask for it over polenta. And don’t forget to order one of their craft cocktails. There are so many good options.

3. Ground Breaker (Gluten-Free): This is a 100% gluten-free brewery. It also has some really great healthy food options for all dietary needs!

4. Bye & Bye (Vegan/Gluten-Free): I like to head here with a large group of friends. The food is super tasty, they have great vegan/gluten-free options, and the drinks are always strong. My drink of choice: Lefty’s Prayer. Food pick: Brussel bowl.

5. Interurban (Vegetarian/Gluten-Free): This is one of my favorite bars in Portland. They have the best old-fashioned’s and such great food. You can find a lighter meal here or a heavier one; either way, your belly will be happy : )

Best Dessert Spots:

1. Back to Eden (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This is my absolute favorite dessert spot in Portland. No matter what your food sensitivity might be, they have a dessert for you! My favorite? The dairy free yogurt in a gluten-free waffle cone.

2. Eb and Bean (Vegan/Gluten-Free Options): You will not be disappointed here. This is an organic yogurt spot that also has some great dairy-free options.

3. Petunias (Vegan/Gluten-Free): This bakery is completely vegan and gluten-free, and is my go-to for office treats, birthday treats, etc. Their black and white cake is out of this world!

I am always on the search for new, healthy places to indulge. I will keep this list updated as I find new places. And as always, please share your favorites with me!