Eating out when you or a family member has a food allergy can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. I’ve rounded up this list of allergy-friendly restaurants in and around Detroit to help make the process a little easier. Be sure to contact the restaurant in advance to discuss any allergy restrictions and restaurant protocols.
Allergy-Friendly Restaurants In + Around Detroit:
Anita’s Kitchen | Detroit, Ferndale, Lake Orion, + DTW
Anita’s Kitchen prides itself on offering menu options that address all of the top 8 allergens. In addition to their menu clearly labeling allergens, they have a document on their website listing all the items with each specific top 8 allergen. This document includes other dietary restrictions such as onions, garlic, corn and halal.
Anna’s House | Ann Arbor + Westland (among other locations)
This retro diner with various locations around Michigan offers a clearly labeled menu featuring gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. They have a large vegan menu available that will satisfy anyone for breakfast or lunch. Items include pancakes, waffles, quesadillas, and burritos. Anna’s House also offers soy or almond milk for coffee drinks.
Brown Iron Brewhouse | Royal Oak + Washington Township
Brown Iron has gluten-free items on their menu. You’ll want to check the menu for the location you’re headed to, to see what your options are!
Buddy’s Pizza | Various Locations
The Detroit-style pizza staple is a great place for an allergy-friendly meal. Common food allergen information is available on their website and each location offers gluten-free crust and Daiya vegan cheese.
Detroit Vegan Soul | Detroit
Using fresh and completely plant-based ingredients, Detroit Vegan Soul has several soy- and gluten-free options. The menu can be found on their website and clearly states which items are gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free. They offer dairy-free cheese and have an Allergen Sensitivities menu available.
Fresh Forage | Ann Arbor
Focusing on fresh, healthy, and locally-sourced foods, Fresh Forage changes their menu seasonally. Their website menu clearly states each dish’s allergens and has items that are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Ima | Detroit
Corktown’s Ima serves a variety of Japanese-inspired noodles with diverse dietary needs in mind. Their website clearly labels which items are vegan, gluten-free, or include allergens like shellfish and soy.
Planthropie | Birmingham
Planthropie is a plant-based cheese and dessert bar for anyone who has a dairy allergy, but still wants to enjoy cheese. The concept began from the owner’s son’s dairy allergy and features a menu entirely made from plants. The cheese is made from tree nuts or other plants instead of traditional dairy milk. They are also free of artificial flavoring, soy, and gluten.
Rainforest Cafe | Auburn Hills
One of our readers recommended Rainforest Cafe as a great restaurant that is allergy-friendly. Make a day of it, and spend some time at Great Lakes Crossing before or after your meal!
Rumi’s Passion Bakery | Plymouth
Rumi’s Passion Bakery is an artisan gluten-free bakery dedicated to offering delicious baked goods that happen to be gluten- and wheat-free. Rumi’s also offers several vegan and dairy-free options including pies, muffins, and cakes.
Tru Pizza Co. | Troy
Formerly Renee’s Gourmet Pizzeria, this restaurant is gluten-free. They really pride themselves on being a safe eating environment! You can read over their values on their website for tons of information and to answer any questions you might have before you go. Make sure to read over their allergen list, too.
If someone in your family has food allergies, I hope this guide is helpful as you navigate the path of eating out. As always, you have to do what’s best for your family and your level of comfort. Here are a couple tips before eating out with a food allergy:
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- Call the restaurant ahead of arrival to discuss allergy protocols and menu options
- Carry a card listing all of your food allergies to give to the chef or manager. Here is an example from the FARE website.
- Enjoy a meal out that you didn’t make!
Do you have any allergy-friendly restaurants to add that you love? Let us know!
