Calle Sol has a special menu to help those with food allergies order. Kristen Wile/UP

Dining out is an adventure for many; however, it is a complex challenge for the 32 million U.S. citizens who have food allergies — a figure that includes more than 10 percent of adults and 7 percent of children, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. For these diners, their concerns go well beyond finding a gluten-free burger bun on a menu. 

Many restaurants are prepared to address customers’ concerns over wider-known food allergies, such as nuts and eggs; other allergens, however, can present more of a challenge to chefs and managers — like allergies to sesame, which are on the rise. Navigating Charlotte’s culinary scene with special dietary needs or allergy restrictions has to be a true partnership between patrons and restaurant owners for a positive (and safe) experience. Fortunately, there are helpful resources, both nationally and locally, and even several restaurants actively engaged in this common goal.  

For starters, the Vegan CLT “Where to Eat” section shows visitors where to dine and drink vegan in the city. From brunch to beer to desserts, the site lists those establishments with transparent vegan menu options, such as Futo Buta’s vegan ramen offerings, Kid Cashew’s vegan menu section, and Heist Brewery’s seitan wraps and nuggets. Another site, allergyeats.com, provides a national database of restaurants considered allergy-friendly. Launched in 2010 by a founder with three food-allergic children of his own, this U.S. peer-reviewed directory has become a quick and easy way for users to decide where to dine, especially helpful when traveling.  

Here are some strategies advised by allergyeats.com to use when attempting to enjoy a dining experience out, with food allergies in tow, that can help not only the customer but also the kitchen.  

• Know which questions to ask of staff, who will vary in their preparedness to assist with dietary needs. These are some specific examples. 
• Along with your credit card, carry a Chef Card – These handy allergy cards conveniently explain in explicit terms any dietary restrictions for the kitchen. They are available ready-to-use for purchase on various sites, or you can design your own using a free template from foodallergy.org.
• Do your homework before you arrive. Most restaurants share their menus online, which allows diners to arrive more prepared to order. It is also okay to call ahead and inquire about any ambiguous items, too. Choosing to arrive at the restaurant for your meal during off-peak hours can aid the process with staff as well. Having reduced capacity can even allow the kitchen staff increased ability to focus on any accommodations you might request. 
• That said, double-check your order. We’ve all had to send back an order due to error, and even the most well-intentioned waiters and chefs can make mistakes. Certain mistakes, though, can be unhealthy and even life-threatening for consumers with food allergies. Arrive with any medications you may need in the result of oversights, and realize that some ingredients are hidden (Think marinades, dressings, and drizzles.) and that others can get cross-contaminated. If you are unsure about an item on your plate, ask.

Charlotte restaurateurs Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown know what it means to be proactive when it comes to dietary needs and preferences. They eat gluten-free, and so do their three children. They have to be intentional about everything from school meals to sweet treats. “We get the cauliflower pizza crusts for the kiddos, and I like to order an extra pizza for their lunches the next day,” Brown says about dining at Brixx Pizza. She also recommends Sunflour Bakery, a vegan purveyor of baked goods. “They have delicious gluten-free treats that can be enjoyed on their patio on a beautiful day. You can order bulk cupcakes gluten-free from them, too. It’s been a great birthday option for us.” A spot the family has not yet visited but is looking forward to is the allergy-friendly sweet treat spot in Matthews, Artisan Gelato. 

Here are some additional allergy-friendly places to visit in Charlotte to help you along in your next dining adventure, along with links to special menus and provided dietary information. 

Flower Child, South End
When you want to eat healthier fare, this cheery spot has a wide range of scratch-made options: vegetarian, vegan, omnivore, paleo, keto, and gluten-free to name a few. Even if you don’t choose or have to avoid gluten, don’t miss their gf mac and cheese.
Allergen & Dietary Information Guide

Legion Brewing, SouthPark
The website shows only a traditional food menu, but in person, the hosts offer customers vegetarian and gluten-free menu options before being seated. The items on these alternative menus are as comprehensive, varied, and delicious as the basic menu offerings.

Burtons Grill & Bar, Blakeney and Montford
With multiple U.S. locations, the Charlotte ones consistently offer a positive dining experience in terms of both taste and service. The company prides itself on its allergy-friendliness and even has an official “Allergy Commitment Statement” on its site that reads, “Each staff member goes through extensive allergy and safety training, and a manager personally inspects all incoming orders to ensure special requests are carefully prepared. In addition, your food will be delivered by an allergy specialist as a final safety check.”
Full Gluten-Free menu

Calle Sol Latin Cafe & Cevicheria, Plaza Midwood
This restaurant has nine categories denoted in a differentiated allergy menu, including the more rare allium and sesame food allergens. It also lists the vegetarian-friendly menu items and uses a symbol to denote items that can be modified upon request.
Allergy Menu

Seoul Food Meat Co., South End
Not one but ten easy-to-understand allergy menus are on offer here, including menus specific to tomato and honey food allergies.
Allergy Menus

Red Robin, Ballantyne
The allergy menu for this fast casual chain of burgers and fries allows for interactive ordering. Give it a try to see how it works.
Interactive Allergy Menu

Disclaimer: The information contained here is of a general nature to provide research-backed educational content. It is not intended to offer professional medical diagnosis and treatment. While a certified nutritionist produced this article, your specific needs may or may not apply. Consult your team of professional healthcare providers with health concerns or questions.