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Best US Destinations For Travelers with Food Intolerances

A Food Fun Travel Guest Post

More and more people are struggling with food intolerances. And just because you do – doesn’t mean you don’t want to enjoy the best foodie options in the US cities you visit! It’s no secret that people with food intolerances face a number of challenges. Because of this, the idea of traveling to an unfamiliar place might sound a little scary to some. After all, we always hear stories about people getting sick when they’re staying in a new place.

Luckily, when visiting many popular cities in the USA there’s no need to worry. Many of the most famous cities are actually very friendly for people with food allergies and digestive conditions. YAY!. So whether you’re looking for a safe place to order in for the night or feel like trying something new at a fancy restaurant you’ve heard about, you’ll find what you’re looking for in these cities. 

Chicago

The Windy City is one of the most popular travel destinations in the US. You’ll be happy to know it’s also one of the country’s most allergy-friendly cities. While it’s always a good idea to call ahead, most restaurants and hotels will ask you upfront if you have any food allergies. Almost every staff at every restaurant is familiar with the most common food intolerances.

And it might not surprise you to learn that there’s a ton of delicious food options to choose from. You can find everything from Italian dishes, Mexican food, burgers and fries, and much more. And of course, there’s plenty of gluten-free treats as well. Check out Frio Gelato if you want to try some gelato or sorbet in a place that’s completely nut-free.

Piccolo Sogno is not only one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, but it’s also one of the safest. They have been serving guests with food intolerances for decades with GF indications on 90 percent of their menu. Try to visit in the summertime so you can sit on their gorgeous patio while you eat.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most food-conscious cities in America. It’s the birthplace of veganism and gluten-free eating, so it’s naturally a great destination for travelers with food intolerances. Their restaurants and hotels are highly accustomed to receiving special requests, and virtually everyone caters to allergies and gluten intolerances.

In fact, most restaurants will note which foods contain nuts or gluten right there on their menus. This makes it very easy to decide which dishes are right for you. Furthermore, it’s fairly easy to find restaurants that are completely vegan or 100 percent nut-free or soy-free.

Real Food Daily is a vegan restaurant that serves organic, plant-based cuisines. They also serve dishes that are nut-free, soy-free, and gluten-free that are clearly labelled on the menu. Their menu also features everything from salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, and tacos. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find it here.

New York

Of course, New York is one of the most diverse cities in the entire world. It should come as no surprise that it’s also one of the most allergen-friendly cities in the US. It’s relatively easy to find places that have experience with serving people with food intolerances.

This is true regardless of whether you’re near Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, or anywhere else in this magnificent city. There’s also a wide variety of different foods to choose from. Additionally, there are plenty of hotels with staff that are knowledgeable about food allergens.

If you feel like eating some burgers and fries at an old-school diner, then you have to check out Big Daddy’s. Along with having excellent food, the owner and his daughters all live with food intolerances themselves. The entire kitchen is nut-free as a result, and there’s a variety of gluten-free options as well. Also, make sure you visit A La Mode for some nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free ice cream options.

San Francisco

San Francisco is known as a city where you can get an incredible selection of food options – and that includes places that cater to people with food intolerances.

A popular restaurant with locals and visitors to San Francisco is Kitava – Gluten Free Restaurant who are 100% free of gluten, dairy, corn, soy, peanuts, refined sugar & seed oils. Check out their tasty veggie bowls in store or get them to deliver straight to you through numerous food delivery apps that they work with.

Another not to miss place that makes delicious food that caters to people with food intolerances is Vegan Picnic. Their slogan is “Guiltlessly Delicious” and this couldn’t be truer. Alongside their tasty plant based products they also have a selection of gluten-free menu items as well. Try out their VP burger and also drop by to taste their breakfast menu – the cheesy breakfast burrito and Maple PB Banana Waffles will have you going back for more!

Seattle

Finally, we have the wonderful city of Seattle. Many restaurants within the city provide allergy- free options. This is especially true in Seattle’s downtown area. There’s also plenty of organic food stores where you can find exactly what you need if you don’t feel like eating out.

When it comes to Italian food, Razzi’s Pizzaria has one of the most comprehensive vegan and gluten-free menus of any restaurant you can find. This is very good news for people who thought they’d never eat pizza again.

You can also visit The Flying Apron for a bakery that’s completely gluten-free. In fact, they have their entire facility audited by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization every year. It’s an excellent place to grab some vegan cookies, scones, or muffins.

Naturally, it’s always a good idea to take certain precautions when traveling with food allergies. Always pack plenty of your own snacks before you leave, and never eat snacks that served on an aeroplane. When you arrive at your destination you can also use a food delivery service that caters to people with food allergies, so you get a selection of tasty options with the peace of mind that it’s made allergen free. A list of such reliable services can be found here. As long as you plan ahead and be careful, you’re guaranteed to have a great vacation that you can remember or the rest of your life.