We hate to say it, but sometimes, you just need an ice cream detox.
The Cape is known for plenty of foods which aren’t exactly “light” fare. We’re chocked full of pizza, pasta and ice cream. And, true, fish can be good for you – but not when it’s deep fried and served with a side of oily fries (no matter how incredible they taste).
But Cape Cod is increasingly gaining ground on the good-food game: we’re serving up deliciousness which serves a nutritional purpose, opting for pan roasting instead of deep frying, oil instead of butter and expertly-prepped vegetables over mediocre meats.
Below are a few local restaurants which pride themselves on serving food to sustain the mind and body – food which, if given the choice, you would actually choose just as often as that deep fried stuff.
Green Lotus Cafe – Hyannis
The first, and so far only, dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurant on Cape Cod features innovative sandwiches, desserts, coffee, tea, juices, bubble tea and healthy snacks. And they are all made with or without dairy. A must-visit for any vegetarian or vegan, Green Lotus is open mornings and afternoons only.
349 Main St, Hyannis
Common Ground Cafe – Hyannis
The Common Ground Cafe will transport you away from the hardships of everyday life to a place where you can relax and feel at home and enjoy good food! With its unique decor, there is nothing else like it. Salads, soups, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies and more can be found at the Common Ground Cafe. Many healthy options are available, including gluten free bread! There is also an espresso bar, hot teas and homemade desserts.
420 Main St, Hyannis
Pickle Jar Kitchen – Falmouth
Right on Main Street in Falmouth, the Pickle Jar Kitchen is in a convenient location to stop by and grab a bite to eat or just an uplifting beverage! Eggs, breakfast sandwiches, salads, sandwiches, snacks and kitchen specials are among this café’s specialties.
170 Main St, Falmouth
Karoo Restaurant – Eastham
Karoo features a mix of British, Dutch, African, Malaysian, Portuguese and Indian flavors, with many of African-born chef Sanette Groenewald’s recipes dating back eight generations. Groenewald’s menu allows for vegetarian and vegan-friendly protein swaps for the more traditional plates – but even those are pretty healthy and incredibly savory.
3 Main St #32b, Eastham
Idgy’s Gluten Free Restaurant – South Yarmouth
Idgy’s is the only dedicated gluten free restaurant on Cape Cod, focusing on breakfast, brunch and lunch treats with occasional dinner fare. This is a fantastic place for those that are intolerant to gluten OR those who just need break from beer and pizza.
23 Whites Path, South Yarmouth
Bangkok Kitchen – Hyannis
At Bangkok Kitchen you can order healthy, and sometimes spicy, foods. Select from many traditional or contemporary Thai dishes, with a flavor and spice level for everyone. You can request your entree to be made vegetarian or with any of the fresh meats offered. Dine in, or have takeout – without the guilt!
339 Barnstable Rd, Hyannis
Sunbird Kitchen & Café, Orleans
A relaxing bird-themed venue with food unlike anything else on the Cape, Sunbird Kitchen offers some typical café fare with a delicious and healthy twist – so long as you can resist the more decadent baked goods! Look for their quinoa porridge, creative sandwiches and farm egg frittatas.
85 MA-6A, Orleans
Hi! Great list, thank you so much for putting this together. Another place that has some great organic and antibiotic free meat is Wicked in Mashpee. It’s in the Roche Bros. plaza. It’s got great gluten free options, salads and great meals. Hope that may help someone. I’m always looking for healthy options.