Here’s a roundup of some allergy-friendly restaurants in Metro Vancouver that are worth checking out.
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Dining out in Vancouver is an adventure, with countless options across even more cuisines.
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So how do you navigate that choice when you’re dealing with an allergy? Or perhaps a dietary requirement?
For the most part, major chain restaurants like Earls or Cactus Club will have standard protocols in place on how to handle allergies and can accommodate meal modifications as needed.
“Allergies are a major concern for many of our guests and something we take extremely seriously,” said spokesperson Jacqueline Edwards with Earls Kitchen + Bar Restaurants.
“We have a rigorous process for every single guest and every allergy identified to us. We have many guests that return to us knowing how seriously we take their allergies and food safety. It’s something that is important to us and that we are proud of.”
While those with allergies will have their own approaches and preferences on how to deal with allergies and dietary requirements while out for a meal, there are a few restaurants around Vancouver who have gone above and beyond to ensure everyone is welcome.
As always, you know yourself and your allergies best. Be sure to call ahead to a restaurant to check about specific allergens or to add a note to your reservation, and always speak with your server or a manager and advocate for yourself if you’re uncertain about ingredients before ordering. Bring an Epi-pen as needed, and don’t be afraid to check again with your server before taking your first bite.
Here’s a roundup of some allergy-friendly restaurants in Metro Vancouver that are worth checking out.
Earls Kitchen + Bar Restaurants
Where: Various locations
All Earls employees undergo in-house and online training to ensure they are well versed in allergy protocol and food allergen awareness. According to Edwards, their training covers 14 major allergens, issues of cross-contamination, recognizing allergic reactions and understanding how to communicate allergen information.
Allergy awareness starts at the tableside when servers ask diners about possible allergies and then follow-up questions as needed. A manager then confirms the order and any allergy modifications with the guest and the kitchen. The order is then highlighted with all relevant allergy information before the kitchen prepares the meal. The runner then confirms the allergy preparations before bringing the dish out to the guest and again, verbally confirming the allergy modifications to the guest.
Bin 4 Burger Lounge
Where: 2350 Boundary Rd., Burnaby; 2996 Granville St., Vancouver
Craving a good burger and deal with a gluten intolerance? Never fear, Bin 4 Burger Lounge is here. The restaurant’s website has clearly posted dietary policies, indicating a strict allergy policy is in place and that those with peanut and shellfish allergies are welcome. Their online menu also offers an allergy filter that highlights which dishes are suitable for those with allergies.
MeeT
Where: 4288 Main St., 1165 Mainland St., 12 Water St., Vancouver
A search online for allergy-friendly restaurants sees MeeT being mentioned several times and it’s clear to see why it’s become a favourite. MeeT’s menu clearly indicates menu items that contain tree nuts or gluten, and their allergy protocol includes separate deep fryers for gluten-free items. All of MeeT’s locations are peanut-free establishments and their menu is entirely egg- and dairy-free. The restaurant also does not allow groups to bring in birthday cakes, as a preventative measure against cross-contamination with allergens.
Chickpea
Where: 4298 Main St., Vancouver
Chickpea is a peanut-free restaurant, however, some dishes do contain cashews and almonds. Their entire menu is vegan and most dishes are gluten-free as well, but the restaurant is happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions as needed.
Caveman Cafe
Where: 508 Abbot St., Vancouver
Caveman Cafe bills itself as a restaurant that caters to “any diet protocol,” including those who are keto, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other elimination diets. So while it isn’t geared specifically for those with allergies, reviews online seem to vouch for the kitchen team’s careful handling of dishes and knowledge about ingredients.
Red Robin
Where: 803 Thurlow St., Vancouver