Find Your Healthy Place Madison Highlights — Surya Cafe
Happy 2019! We are excited to continue our Restaurant Series with you in this New Year! As always, we looked to answer the same list of questions that will help you find your healthy place in Madison and the surrounding area when looking for local restaurants. Here is what we are reviewing:
- The food
- The knowledge of the staff regarding different diets or preferences
- The overall experience
The sixth restaurant in our Madison Healthy Restaurant Series is Surya Cafe!
Surya Cafe, Fitchburg, WI
A few weeks ago, our Creative Team had the pleasure of eating at Surya Cafe for lunch. From the moment we walked in, we knew that Surya was going to be different from the typical cafe or lunch spot. Eating at Surya was about the experience… the atmosphere, the purpose, and the food.
Surya Cafe is in Fitchburg, just off of E. Cheryl Parkway. It is located inside of Perennial, a local studio that focuses on yoga, meditation and hosts other community classes.
“Perennial is an energy-rich and serenity-filled yoga, meditation and Truth-seeking community.”
Perennial is owned by Megan Grace whose mission is to create a space for people to be in community and to leave feeling grounded and refreshed. The calming energy from the yoga studio permeates the restaurant.
Surya Cafe, which gets its name from the Sanskrit word for sun, is the perfect addition to the yoga studio. They choose their food with integrity and their goal is to provide delicious, plant-based food that will leave their customers satiated and energized.
What’s on the Menu?
Surya Cafe features plant-based cuisine and everything (yes everything!!) on their menu is vegan and gluten-free! Their menu includes delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For breakfast, they offer granolas, toasts, waffles, and smoothie bowls. For lunch and dinner, there are salads, soups, sandwiches and grain, and vegetable bowls. They also offer fresh-pressed organic juices, hot beverages, energy balls, and desserts!
There is so much variety in the menu and no matter what you order, you can be sure that it is going to fill your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Chef Lauren, one of our Health Ambassadors for The Healthy Place, is passionate and committed to improving the health and wellbeing of those whom she serves.
Logistics
When you arrive at Perennial (Surya Cafe), you will enter through the yoga studio entrance. As you walk back toward the restaurant, you will place your order on an Ipad and find a seat.
They have two spaces for dining. One space, which is located near the kitchen where you order, has a variety of seating options, including cushions on the floor. The other space has an amazing view with natural light. When your food is ready, they bring it out to you.
More About Surya Cafe
Do they offer a variety of healthy options? (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan)
Yes! Plant-based food has so much to offer the body. Every meal is colorful and packed with nutrients that your body needs.
Do they use seasonal, local foods when possible?
Yes! As often as possible, they shop at the local Fitchburg Farmers Market and buy from local, organic farmers to get their produce.
Do they accommodate food sensitivities and allergies?
Yes, absolutely!
Do they have separate menus?
No, but everything in the restaurant is vegan and gluten-free, so they don’t need separate menus! Chef Lauren is also very willing to make modifications if you let her know.
Do they have separate kitchens/ food preparing spaces?
No, it is just one kitchen, but again, is completely gluten-free and vegan.
Are the servers/staff knowledgeable?
Yes! Because it is a smaller space and wasn’t extremely busy when we were there, we were able to speak directly with Chef Lauren. She answered all of the questions that we had and was extremely helpful. We love their passion for clean, plant-based eating.
What is the atmosphere like?
It’s quiet, serene, and the perfect place to grab a quiet meal alone or enjoy space and food with your family or friends!
Is the food delicious?
Yes, the food was fantastic! I’m not a vegan (or even a vegetarian), but I left feeling satisfied! I often hear people say that you need meat protein to really fill you up, but I left Surya feeling just the right amount of full. I wasn’t hungry again until dinner and it was amazing to know that I had filled myself with greens, multiple kinds of veggies, whole grains, nuts, and seeds!
Catering & Events with Surya
Surya caters for social and business events! Visit their website, to learn more about the options and prices. They also host special/seasonal events.
Coming up, they are hosting Celebrate Love, a Valentine’s Day event. It will be a 3-course dinner. They have a few spots left, so grab your tickets quickly!
Final Thoughts On Surya
We highly recommend Surya! We love their passion for high-quality food and their respect for the environment. From their delicious food and an amazing atmosphere to the hospitality and reusable straws, we enjoyed every aspect of eating at Surya. Even if you aren’t vegan or gluten-free, do yourself the favor of eating at Surya. Your body will thank you!
Surya’s Location
5500 E. Cheryl Parkway
Fitchburg, WI 53711
(608) 288-8448
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608-663-2640
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608-203-5245
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