When you don’t feel like cooking but you’re watching what you eat, Portland has some tasty options.
1. Laughing Planet Cafe
3320 SE Belmont Street
(503) 235-6472
922 NW 21st Ave
(503) 445-1319
3765 N Mississippi Ave
(503) 467-4146
What’s on the menu
Burritos and bowls with brown rice, beans, fresh salsas, organic vegetables, and high-quality chicken and tofu. For an even healthier meal, choose a whole-wheat tortilla to wrap it all up. Vegetarian soups, fresh-squeezed juices and vegan cookies round out the menu.
2. Mio Sushi
3962 Hawthorne Blvd
(503) 230-6981
2271 NW Johnson St
(503) 221-1469
4204 NE Halsey St
(503) 288-4778
What’s on the menu
The stars of the show are sashimi, nigiri, and sushi rolls made with fish of stunning quality. Make a light meal by combining spicy tuna rolls with the wonderfully crisp cucumber salad and a bowl of miso soup. Lunch specials are a great bargain here, too.
3. Whole Foods Market
1210 NW Couch Street
(503) 525-4343
7380 SW Bridgeport Rd
(503) 639-6500
What’s on the menu
The deli here is amazing, and there are plenty of good-for-you options. The salad bar not only has the freshest ingredients, you can also choose from prepared salads made with whole grains like quinoa and couscous. Try the homemade soups and sushi, too. Everything in the deli is free of artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, and synthetic preservatives.
4. Sweet Tomatoes
6600 SW Cardinal Lane, Tigard,
(503) 443-6161
13011 SE 84th Ave, Clackamas
(503) 794-2921
What’s on the menu
The concept of all-you-can-eat buffets isn’t so healthy, but when you make the right choices at this giant salad bar restaurant, you’re golden. Load up on fresh vegetables from the salad bar, then have a bowl of delicious homemade soup. Skip the pasta and the potato bar. For dessert, there’s fresh fruit and frozen yogurt.
5. Kalga Café
4147 SE Division Street
(503) 236-4770
What’s on the menu
Vegetarian and vegan options abound at this delightfully dark restaurant. The eclectic menu is dotted with Asian dishes such as pad thai, sushi, and an Indian sampler platter. Organic wines and beers are also available.
