Whole Foods Market offers several dining options, including fresh sushi, for those who don’t want to make their own dishes but also do not want to go to a restaurant.

If you, like me, are appalled by how much money you spent during textbook-buying season, you might think about making a trip to Whole Foods Market next time you feel like going out to eat. Actually, you might consider Whole Foods, whether or not you’re broke, for a post-grocery-shopping fresh deli sandwich and creamy gelato.

When I visited, I was expecting something akin to a Schnucks salad bar. I repent! Whole Foods Market throws the old grocery store vision of dining to the wind and offers a legitimate quasi-restaurant in its place. Turn a corner to the left side of the store and you find an array of multicultural selections of impressive variety, everything from gelato to sushi to spanakopita. There are plenty of American classics too, like grilled chicken, pizza and macaroni and cheese (classy twist—the mac and cheese is fried into breadcrumb-covered balls). 

The Whole Foods Market Eatery is not quite like a restaurant for a few reasons. There is no wait staff; you order, pay and take a seat. Many of the food items that are meant to be eaten warm are sold cold and can be reheated in a communal microwave in the dining area. This dining area is equipped with large open windows, ideal for people watching.

The dishes are most often presented in unattractive plastic containers, though the food itself often has an aesthetic flair.

So, on to the food! I enjoyed a lovely quinoa dish with a tang of lemon, which contained slices of mango, snow peas and red cabbage. It was a beautiful, colorful dish, though slightly dry. I would call it “healthy-tasting;” the kind of dish that leaves me proud of myself but a bit unsatisfied. 

The macaroni and cheese balls, which quickly relieved me of my healthy dissatisfaction, would appease any child—or adult. The breaded coating of the cheesy balls remains crisp, even once reheated, and breaks apart into a soft ball of cheese and noodle.

The sesame chicken tenders with mango and orange sauce were a step in the wrong direction for me (I guess I was expecting something slightly more sophisticated), but chicken tender lovers will adore this comfort food with a citrusy twist.

Overall, the Whole Foods market restaurant was tasty and convenient. My meal cost less than nine dollars and left me happy and full—until I splurged and ordered the salted caramel gelato, leaving me even happier and even more stuffed, while still keeping my spending under $12.