Restaurant Reivew
Green Sage Cafe
Green Sage is a popular healthy organic café with 3 convenient Asheville locations. This is the place to go if you are seeking healthy, GMO-free, vegan, and/or gluten-free fare. Most of the menu is plant-based and over 95% of the ingredients they use are organic.
Food
If you are seeking a high quality organic meal in Asheville, definitely plan for breakfast or lunch at Green Sage Cafe. You will not find a better place that offers more delicious organic meals, most of which are vegetarian. They work with local farmers and companies so everything is always fresh and local. And, most importantly, their business model is centered around sustainability.
If you visit for breakfast, you will be treated to options such as fresh fruit smoothies, a full espresso bar, and a variety of entrees made with farm fresh eggs and loaded with veggies.
Try the Mediterranean omelet featuring feta cheese and spinach. Or, if you are craving something a bit sweeter, treat yourself to the Apple Sunflower Oatmeal featuring apples, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, raisins, cranberries, maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon, and coconut oil.
My favorite dish is the Pure Vida bowl featuring eggs, black beans, brown rice, sauteed kale and onion, root hash, avocado salsa, and salsa verde. It's so filing, healthy, and delicious!
Even their coffee is organic! They serve Larry's, which is one of the first roasters in the US to serve only 100% organic, fair trade, and shade grown coffee.
For lunch, you can choose amongst a variety of fresh salads, sandwiches, and plant-based bowls. One filling option (which will definitely help you refuel after a workout) is the Tigris bowl.
This healthy dish includes all sorts of veggies including cherry tomatoes, kale, red cabbage, carrots, and avocado, plus falafel, sunflower seeds, tabbouleh, and chickpeas for a plant- based protein boost. The lemon tahini dressing is delicious.
Everything is really filling here, easily justifying the above average prices. Plus, you really cannot complain when everything is organic, local, and GMO free!
If you are up for dessert, you really cannot pass on a Golden Milk milkshake (made using immune boosting turmeric, spices, and DF coconut milk and ice cream).
Service
This is a counter service establishment where you order at the register. This often means a long line outside the door. With all the people around, it's a bit hard to read the menu so you may want to scan online in advance. You also have to buss your own table, so take note if you prefer table service.
Service is a bit slow on weekends due to the high traffic. Expect a wait to order and an even longer wait for your food. It's best to visit on a weekday or early in the day before the lunch crowds hit. Weekday mornings are typically the least crowded. Visit the Merrimon location if you prefer to dine in a quieter environment.
Atmosphere
The decor is a little bland, although the place is pretty clean with a fresh modern vibe. The dining area at the Hendersonville Rd location (both inside and outside) can get really hectic, especially on busy weekend afternoons.
Be prepared for a possible wait, especially around Saturday lunch and Sunday brunch hours. Tip: Visit the Merrimon cafe if you prefer to avoid crowds. This cafe is always less busy, especially during breakfast hours.
Final Remarks
Green Sage is your best bet in the Asheville region for healthy food, and also one of the top choices if you have specific dietary concerns. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability, use of fresh local produce and organic ingredients, and focus on healthy plant-based entrees, definitely make it the standout choice for healthy cuisine in Asheville.
