Self-described “vegetarian bistro” Counter, home of the iridium martini, has become a Certified Green Restaurant™ (we’re required to put a ™ after that, or they’ll force us to drink iridium). Becoming a truly green restaurant in the eyes of the Green Restaurant Association doesn’t happen overnight, but Counter has taken the initial steps by using nontoxic chemicals, energy-efficient lighting, recycling used fryer oil, and using occupancy-sensing lights. Not all green restaurants seek the GRA’s blessing (take what might be the greenest of them all, Birdbath), but for good measure we broke the certified restaurants down according to their current ratings.
Candle Café (31): Dish machine; dish-washing station; five types of recycling; composting of food waste; recycled menu paper; no Styrofoam; organic vegetarian-vegan food; recycled napkins, office paper, paper towels, and cutlery; nontoxic cleaners, hand soap, air freshener, and candles; green electricity; and window coverings.
Gusto Grilled Organics (22): Energy-efficient broiler, oven, refrigeration, and freezer; five types of recycling; locally grown organic food with vegetarian, organic, and sustainable-beef options; no Styrofoam; recycled cups, napkins, takeout containers, cutlery, organic products, cup carriers, and paper bags.
Counter (13): Energy-efficient occupancy sensors; water-efficient prerinse spray valve; five types of recycling; organic, vegan, and vegetarian food options; organic and shade-grown coffee options; nontoxic hand soap and abrasive cleaner.
Le Pain Quotidien (multiple locations) (12): No information available.
Primehouse New York (10): Water-efficient faucet aerators and prerinse spray valve, four types of recycling, and nontoxic cleaning products.
Atlantic Grill (8): No specifics available.
Blue Water Grill (8): Water-efficient faucet aerators and prerinse spray valve, five types of recycling, and no Styrofoam.
Dos Caminos (all locations) (8): Water-efficient faucet aerators and prerinse spray valve, five types of recycling, and reusable eating ware.
Fiamma (8): No specifics available.
Isabella’s (8): Water-efficient faucet aerators and prerinse spray valve, five types of recycling, and no Styrofoam.
Ruby Foo (8): Water-efficient faucet aerators and prerinse spray valve, five types of recycling, and no Styrofoam.
Vento Trattoria (8): Water-efficient faucet aerators and prerinse spray valve, five types of recycling, and no Styrofoam.
Related: Former Home of the Whopper Now City’s First Certified Organic Restaurant and An Interactive Tour of the Country’s Greenest Food Business
Green Restaurant Association [Official site]
