While it may not seem like a first choice of restaurant, Whole Foods is one of the best places to eat if you are looking for a reasonably priced meal with choice. With two nearby locations in West Hartford, Whole Foods is definitely worth a try.

The chain opened its doors in 1980 in Austin, Texas. Since then, it has grown to not only serve in multiple locations across the United States, but it also has locations in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Known for its locally grown and organic foods, Whole Foods is a common grocery store for many. It also refuses to use a list of unnatural and harmful ingredients in their foods. As a somewhat picky eater, I really appreciate when I am offered not only a menu of options but autonomy over picking them. Buffet-style restaurants allow me to peruse and self-select as opposed to feeling bothersome to a waitstaff, asking for substitutions.

The provided nutritional labels also help the conscious eater make better food choices. Offering a wide array of
foods, Whole Foods regularly has a hot, salad, pizza, sushi, and olive bar. In the early morning, the hot bar offers breakfast foods, including toast, waffles, eggs, oatmeal, and much more. This disappears around 11 a.m and is replaced with a lunch or
dinner bar, which is plentiful in food options.

Typically, I always make a salad, but it never looks the same. The salad bar allows me to get a little bit of each item, including seaweed, veggies, almonds, fish, and more. There are also pre-made salads if I am not feeling creative. My second go-to meal spot is the sushi bar that offers a range of classic, fresh rolls to special rolls made with rice, brown rice, cucumber, etc. While I
don’t order many hot foods, it is nice to know that they offer a range of classic dishes, such as pizza, fried chicken, French fries, and more.

The only possible frustrating thing about Whole Foods is that they do not have the same foods all the time. Since they use fresh produce and ingredients, it is all dependent on what they have available to them. For those who like variety, this is great; however, I can see how coming back for your favorite dish only to find that it is not for sale that day can be disappointing.

When you are done with your meal, you can also pick up some dessert. The bakery has an array of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. Not only are the desserts diverse in flavors, but there are also allergy-friendly options. Personally, I prefer the gluten-free cupcakes over the regular ones. They do not break apart like other gluten-free baked goods and are not incredibly sweet.

Furthermore, contrary to what some think, the prices are quite reasonable and are on par with most restaurants when eating out. Of course, given that the food is typically locally grown, the price is a little more expensive; however, eating out is typically always more expensive than eating at home.

So, if you are looking for a place that is wholesome, plentiful in options, and good for you, consider stopping by Whole Foods. The prices are reasonable, and the food is fresh and diverse, allowing customers to leave feeling satisfied.