Blue Zones Project Approved
Restaurants
Restaurant meals can weigh us down or lift us up. The typical entrée in an American restaurant weighs in at 1,000 calories. For the average adult, eating one meal away from home per week translates to gaining about two additional pounds a year. The Blue Zones Project Approved™ restaurants below have demonstrated a commitment to offering smarter choices to their customers.
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RESTAURANT
Aki Fresh Mex

Marina, CA, 93933
Chef Isabel Escorcia owner of Aki Fresh Mex offers a variety of delicious plant-based dishes from their Blue Zones Inspired menu. From their Calabacitas Mexicana’s to their Aki Fresh Veggie Tacos served with Chef Isabel’s home-made salsa.

RESTAURANT
Angelina's Bakery Deli & Café

Seaside, CA, 93955
Angelina’s Bakery Deli & Café is a local and family-owned bakery with a mission to provide quality service to each and every one of their valued customers. Stop by and check out their Blue Zones Inspired menu that offers delicious plant-based dishes for breakfast, lunch, and options for little Blue Angels!

RESTAURANT
BLOOM COFFEE SHOP

King City, CA, 93930
BLOOM COFFEE SHOP is a locally owned cafe that offers a variety of delicious coffee drinks, tea, acai bowls, and fresh smoothies.

RESTAURANT
Café Mia Brew Bar & Bistro

Marina, CA, 93933
Café Mia Brew Bar and Café is a local coffee shop located in Marina, CA. This shop has its own personality and is a great stop to get a healthy bite to go. Everything at Coffee Mia is made from scratch with the finest and freshest ingredients as well as a whole lot of love...so you know it tastes good!

RESTAURANT
Cultura Hidalgo y Oaxaca

Salinas, CA, 93905
Chefs Martha Tapia and Roman Monjaraz will welcome you with Norma Ramirez to taste their Tlayuda Vegana, Huarache Tostadita and other culinary delights. Go discover their creative cuisine on their outdoor patio or takeout.

RESTAURANT
Del Monte Cafe

Monterey, CA, 93940
Del Monte Café located in Monterey is a family owned and family-run restaurant that offers delicious homemade breakfast and lunch! On their Blue Zones Inspired menu you can find plant-based dishes from their Garden Bowl made with fresh vegetables to options such as the Monkey Toast now available on their kids’ menu.

RESTAURANT
Drummond Culinary Academy

Salinas, CA, 93907
Under the direction of Executive Chef, Estevan Jimenez ("EJ") the Drummond Culinary Students prepare and serve the meals every Friday evening. Blue Zones Inspired dishes will change every time the menu is updated!

RESTAURANT
Eagle Restaurant

Salinas, CA, 93901
Eagle restaurant is a gem in one of the most unlikely of locations. Serving authentic Chinese cuisine, Eagle surpasses your expectations in price, quantity, taste, and service. If you are looking for great food in a clean, relaxed place, look no further.

RESTAURANT
Earthbound Farm Stand

Carmel, CA, 93923
Nestled in California’s Carmel Valley, just down the road from Earthbound Farm’s original 2½-acre farm, is our Farm Stand. A cherished destination for organic food and gardens by locals and out-of-town visitors alike, the Farm Stand is a living celebration of Earthbound Farm’s mission to bring the benefits of organic to as many people as possible, in a most delicious and inspiring way.

RESTAURANT
East Village Cafe

Monterey, CA, 93940
Historic iconic neighborhood spot in Monterey serving authentic chai, locally roasted organic coffee, teas, & Eastern goodies. Vegetarian!

RESTAURANT
El Cantaro Vegan Restaurant

Monterey, CA, 93940
Fresh Mexican Homemade Cooking. Healthy, Flavorful and they'll even please the Meat Eaters.

RESTAURANT
El Colibrí Restaurant & Deli

Salinas, CA, 93901
El Colibrí Restaurant & Deli offers delicious homemade soups & sandwiches, along with our family recipes for Mexican dishes.

RESTAURANT
Emma's Bakery and Cafe

Salinas, CA, 93901
Emma's Bakery and Cafe offers scrumptious cuisine to their diners that can be enjoyed in their restaurant or in the comfort of your home. Their menu features many mouth-watering dishes and scratch-made specials.

RESTAURANT
Fountain Court Cafe

Monterey, CA, 93942
The Fountain Court, just inside the entrance of Community Hospital, offers freshly made food, snacks, coffee, and drinks for Community Hospital staff, visitors, and some patients. It is located next to the picturesque fountain that has a large atrium feel and where those visiting can see and sit next to the iconic Community Hospital koi fish. Employees and customers of the Fountain Court can find Blue Zones Inspired dishes throughout the menu. These delicious options range from a Veggie Hummus Sandwich to a Cowboy Caviar Salad served with a side of vegan chipotle cashew cream. The menu also includes healthy options for kids.

RESTAURANT
Garden Café at Natividad

We strive to provide a healthy variety of foods to our customers, supporting Monterey County’s Healthy Food Policy as well as Blue Zones Project.

RESTAURANT
Googie Grill

Seaside, CA, 93955
Established by longtime local restauranteur Jack Hakim and his two daughters, Googie was created as a neighborhood eatery that offers fresh and delicious comfort food. Working together they developed menus that include old family recipes and classic plates with a modern twist. Customers come to Googie to enjoy delicious breakfast specialties, amazing sandwiches, and burgers, cooked to perfection steak and fish, and homemade desserts.

RESTAURANT
Guadalajara Grill

Salinas, CA, 93901
Try their cauliflower ceviche and their Tiffany Burrito bowl! Located right next to Nob Hill on Main Street (just off 68), go discover one of their four Blue Zones inspired dishes!

RESTAURANT
Happy Girl Kitchen Co.

Pacific Grove, CA, 93950
We are dedicated to simple, delicious and farm driven foods. Whether we are preserving produce for seasons to come in our cannery or serving whole foods in our cafe, our mission is to enrich the local food community. By hosting parties, recipe swaps, pop-up dinners and workshops, happy girl kitchen co. empowers people to get involved and learn about the importance of what's on their plate.

Restaurant
Hestia Cafe

King City, CA, 93930

RESTAURANT
Jacks Monterey

Monterey, CA, 93940
Jacks Monterey offers a refreshing dining experience in downtown Monterey. Enjoy globally-inspired traditions of California Cultural Cuisine, emphasizing local ingredients. Now you can find a variety of delicious plant-based dish options on their menu that can be identified by a blue check mark next to them. These menu options are available for both breakfast and dinner. Featured for breakfast is Javier’s Skillet which comes with scrambled egg-whites, tofu, spinach, black beans, salsa, and corn tortillas.
Our Blue Zones inspired cookbook, features recipes from community members and local chefs at Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants in Monterey County. This collection is designed to make healthy eating both delicious and accessible, bringing the secrets of longevity and well-being right to your kitchen.