by Kristen Wile

When it comes to dining with a special diet, having to ask for a detailed breakdown of every dish can be a bit of a downer. As food allergies and sensitivities become more common, restaurants are making it easier for diners who follow specific restrictions to enjoy a meal out. Here are some of our favorite places to go when something’s off the menu.

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Cafe Monte, SouthPark

SouthPark’s beloved French restaurant has been serving traditional fare since 2007
Good for: Gluten-free
Why we picked it: With gluten-free waffles, bread, and pizza crusts, even this bread-focused menu is gluten-free friendly

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Calle Sol, multiple locations

FS Food Group’s Latin spot offers bright flavors and reliable service
Good for: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian
Why we picked it: A separate menu marks which dishes contain allergens, including options for modified dishes and where there may be cross-contamination

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Catalú, South End

Traditional tapas and paella along the rail trail in South End
Good for: Gluten-free, vegetarian
Why we picked it: The authentic menu includes a variety of gluten-free small plates, some of the city’s best paella offerings, and vegetable-focused small plates.

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Counter-, West Charlotte

Themed tasting menus change throughout the year at this fine dining spot
Good for: Any dietary restrictions
Why we picked it: With advance notice, menus can be crafted to fit just about any dietary needs thanks to limited diners per seating at this special occasion spot

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Kid Cashew, Dilworth

A Charlotte mainstay, Kid Cashew has been an East Boulevard destination for families, couples, and friends for any occasion
Good for: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian
Why we picked it: This Dilworth restaurant has the vibe, service, and menu to become a regular spot for just about anyone

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L’Ostrica, Montford Park

This high-end, seasonality-driven tasting menu can be enjoyed with 5 to 7 courses or 10+
Good for: Any dietary restrictions
Why we picked it: The talented kitchen can turn most dietary requests into a delicious adjustment

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Lam’s Kitchen, Matthews

Mostly Szechuan, but other regional Chinese dishes
Good for: Tofu and veggie lovers
Why we picked it: While the extensive menu is meat-centric, it also offers many meat-free options, among its platters, soups, and claypots. Great for a large dining party which may have varied needs.

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Leluiah Hall, Dilworth

The newest restaurant from Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group features a seafood-heavy menu in a beautiful historic church
Good for: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian
Why we picked it: A special allergen menu is available to help diners with special diets order more easily

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Maiz Agua Sal (MAS), West Charlotte

Scratch-made tortillas are the base of the menu in this West Charlotte kitchen
Good for: Gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free
Why we picked it: This spot delivers on flavor, and the tight menu is easily adjustable to special diets

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Puerta, Elizabeth

A high-end taco and tequila spot from the group behind The Crunkleton
Good for: Gluten-free
Why we picked it: With a menu that leans heavily on corn, everything here is gluten-free — with the exception of the empanadas — and creative 

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Restaurant Constance, West Charlotte

Creative, farm-driven fare from Your Farms Your Table
Good for: Any dietary restrictions
Why we picked it: One of the benefits of smaller dining rooms is the kitchen can take more care with each dish — including accommodating dietary restrictions

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Seemingly Overzealous Ice Cream, multiple locations

A local spot with multiple locations for frozen treats
Good for: Most dietary restrictions
Why we picked it: These flavors avoid most common allergens, meaning more people can enjoy a cup or cone.