Dietary Restrictions

Drishti S., M1

With my countless allergies including (but not limited to) peanuts, tree nuts, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and various fruits and vegetables, I have always found it difficult to find places to eat that had allergen-free options and that were flexible and accommodating. However, as someone whose primary hobby is trying new food, I have found several places that offer me a variety of options, and hopefully the list below can be helpful to you if you also struggle with food allergies! As a disclaimer, please always make sure to ask about ingredients in the food and potential cross-contamination. Happy eating!

Chris D., M1

In my first few months in St. Louis, I’ve sampled my way through a bunch of gluten-free eateries. My favorite for casual breakfast and baked goods is New Day down the road in Clayton (dedicated facility; try the biscuits and gravy!), and Retreat has my vote for best restaurant in Central West End. Some other favorites are included in the list below. I’m always looking for new places, so let me know if you come across something great!

Jackie H., M1

A good majority of STL restaurants have really great veg options! You won’t go hungry, I promise. Here are some of the best places for almost every occasion. Lulu’s Local Eatery is hands-down my favorite and always will be. I take all my friends and family there and everyone loves it. So many of my favorites are listed below!

Upscale Mexican, but still pretty affordable. It only has a couple veg options, but they are really good! Amazing drinks!

Try the Butter “Chicken” with a dairy-free mango lassi!

Nice ice cream (try gooey butter flavor or Italian butter cookie) and naughty ice cream (boozy banana rum, anyone?).

Classic bar food for when you have fried food cravings.

They have vegetarian and vegan options and strive to be low-oil, low-salt type of food. The mushroom reuben, Impossible burger, Beyond Meat burger and the Frida taco are all hits. Many clearly designated gluten free options. Brunch on Sundays.

Vegan buffet on Monday nights with dairy-free lassi!

Weird, eclectic place, but serves food until 3 a.m. on weekends and always has awesome options.

It’s fun to watch them make the nitro ice cream and they have a decent selection of dairy-free options.

The FLTC location is right next to classrooms and carrels and is a popular meeting place. All locations are vegetarian friendly, and the FLTC location is fully vegetarian. The Euclid location is great for studying and has a mix of cozy/modern vibes. It’s a bit crowded during the weekend but in general, a great place to hang out with friends and get some work done!

Great sushi close to campus (ask for gluten-free soy sauce).

Comfort food, but still vegetable-focused. They serve brunch on Sundays now!

Mango in downtown is another wonderful option for diners with allergies. The restaurant serves Peruvian food, with classics like lomo saltado and ceviche. Even if you have a seafood allergy, there are several other protein options available.

Street tacos and excellent margs, popular with WUSM students. Late night happy hour specials include $2 tacos and $2 tequila shots after 10 p.m.

Memphis-style barbecue worth the sometimes long line — a true favorite in STL.

Gluten-free noodles can be substituted into any of their dishes.

Cool vibes and amazing pizza.

This is a great place for the family or a group to go since it has a lot of options.

They just opened up a storefront and their items are gluten-free AND vegan, but still somehow delicious!

This has a whole foods, plant-based style. Many raw options.

East Coast-style pizza with gluten-free crust available, plus a gluten-free chocolate mousse as a dessert option.

Unique offerings, great drinks. Outdoor seating available during nicer weather.

If you’re semi-addicted to Sunday brunches, check out Rooster. Try the seasonal Apple Pie French Toast, which features caramelized cinnamon apples, crème fraiche, and a toasty pie crumble. While some of their menu items do feature nuts, they are very accommodating of allergies, and you should have no problem eliminating or substituting any allergens in your meal.

Also a little pricey, but the chef and service are amazing. It’s a perfect option for a nice dinner out. Also has great drinks!

They have traditional, gluten-free, and vegan baked goods. They also have a great vegetarian/vegan breakfast and lunch!

While The Hill is known for its Italian eats, Taco Circus is a great find for those with food allergies who love Tex-Mex. They offer extremely filling tacos including al Pastor, carnitas, and grilled skirt steak which all can come on corn tortillas if you have a wheat allergy/are gluten free.

A little bit pricey for the quality, but has a good atmosphere and a rotating seasonal menu. Great date night option!

They have a vegan Big Mac and vegan Jack-in-the Box tacos that taste just like the real thing.

Vegetable-forward, upscale farm-to-table restaurant. The chef is James Beard semifinalist Michael Gallina. Beautiful dishes and atmosphere.