Traveling with food allergies, intolerances, faith-based restrictions or other dietary limitations, can be much more enjoyable if you are armed with good information and plan carefully! First, if you have any serious intolerances or allergies, be sure to prepare for food emergencies. Not only does that mean having snacks available for plane rides, layovers, and long afternoons of travel, but also making sure you have any necessary and/or relieving medications to help you through a mishap. Second, if you are traveling somewhere you do not know the language, you should still learn how to communicate your dietary restrictions. Ask the concierge to write down anything you might need to convey to a restaurant in the local language and keep it with you at all times. Beyond these basics, we have put together a list of destinations and restaurants from around the world that cater to eaters with dietary restrictions.
For those who are vegan, vegetarian, lactose-intolerant, gluten-free, or practice certain faith-based dietary guidelines, here are 8 restaurants that offer some of the best dining options:
New York City // Ellary’s Greens
Ellary’s Greens is located in the heart of the West Village and offers an inviting environment with delicious homemade food. The selection is carefully crafted to accommodate most dietary restrictions, but also offers an opportunity for everyone to enjoy a meal together—from carnivore to gluten-free vegan! Each menu showcases a legend that marks each dish as being any combination of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or dairy-free so that you know just what to order based on your needs.
Austin, Texas // Odd Duck
This Austin eatery prints seven different menus every night, each customized for diners who are celiac, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, tree nut-free, dairy-free, and shellfish-free. It seems that more restaurants are recognizing the advantages of accommodating allergies and other dietary restrictions—difficult diners rejoice!
Berlin, Germany // Kopps
Berlin is the Vegan Capital of Europe, with more exclusively vegan restaurants than any other European city. Kopps is an upscale option, the city’s first high-end vegan restaurant, where diners can indulge with a five-course dinner. The menu offers creative interpretations of traditional German cuisine, using only the freshest organic produce.
Tel Aviv, Israel // Miss Kaplan
Israeli cuisine appeals to almost every special diet! Miss Kaplan offers unique dishes based on local seasonal produce, using a unique mix of flavors to create a modern twist on traditional Israeli food. Vegans will especially love the Jack Daniel-ed carrot hot dog!
Taipei, Taiwan // Fruitful Food
Vegetarians and Vegans can enjoy an extensive array of vegetarian food options at Fruitful Food, ranging from steamed dim sum and sushi to Italian pastas and Indian curries. To top off the incredible selection, this spot is also an affordable buffet so you can eat to your heart’s content!
Chiang Mai, Thailand // Pun Pun
Catering to a large Buddhist population, this popular destination in Thailand has nearly 100 vegetarian restaurants and an even larger selection of eateries that provide meatless options. In addition to being vegetarian and vegan friendly, many Thai dishes are also naturally gluten free! Pun Pun offers farm-to-table fare at all three of its locations in the city, sourcing organic vegetables from its own farm and serving curries on fresh banana leaves.
London, England // Food for Thought
This vegetarian favorite also utilizes a symbol system for decoding every menu item. Patrons can tell at a glance whether the quiche is vegan, wheat-free, gluten-free or contains nuts and then decide that maybe the Mushroom Stroganoff (wheat-free, gluten-free, and vegan) may be better suited for them. The menu includes everything from Mexican to Indian dishes, all at an agreeable price!
Perth, Australia // Sandalford Winery
Australia is a country that is very much at the peak of its food revolution, catering to all kinds of taste buds and dietary limits. This Swan Valley restaurant, located just outside of Perth, offers vineyard views, fresh regional produce, and innovate cuisine – all in addition to great wines. Here, your special food needs will not be met with any stigma. Feel free to browse through the extensive a la carte menu and easily find what can be modified or served to meet your needs!