10 Great Allergy Friendly Restaurants in Orlando

In Orlando, the fast food capital of the US, there are 20.9 fast food chains for every 100,000 residents (the highest per capita rate in the country). This doesn’t surprise me as stopping at a McDonalds and Subway is often the most convenient & cheapest option when you are on vacation. A packed itinerary consisting of running around to the various theme parks all day often leaves no time for dining at a nice sit down restaurant.

I can see why mosts tourists want to dine at familiar restaurants rather than trying something new in a hectic environment. Obviously, fast food is not the best choices for those with food allergies and special dietary restrictions. As a vegetarian and health conscious diner, I try to find more local options that cater to all diets. Fortunately, both the theme parks and restaurants across the metro in general cater more to guests with special diet needs than most other big cities. I have found a lot of wonderful options over the years – many of which are still going strong more than 10 years after my first visit.

I have been vacationing at the parks for well over decade and also took many daytrips (to explore hidden gems) while living in Tampa. This has given me a lot of time to check out the local dining scene. As I followed a gluten & dairy-free diet for 3 years, I am very familiar with the region’s best offerings. Today, I no longer need GF fare and primarily opt for vegetarian fare which is the most easily found of the 3 major dietary restrictions.

All of these restaurants featured in my guide are located within close proximity to the theme parks, so also super convenient. I’ve tried to include restaurants which offer a mix of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free fare. Note: Although many of these restaurants offer GF items, they cannot guarantee it due to cross contamination concerns. Please dine at your own discretion.

1. Raglan Road

Where: Disney Springs

Highlight: Gluten-free Fish & Chips, gluten-free onion rings, vegan Shepherd’s Pie

Disney Springs is a fun destination for dining and shopping on non park days. The ambiance is super fun and touristy, so you still feel like you are on vacation even though there are no rides. Raglan Road, a fantastic Irish pub, is my top restaurant pick (at the Springs or anywhere in the city) for guests with food allergies. I’ve been dining at this restaurant for a long time and it never disappoints.

Almost everything on the menu can be made gluten-free, including fish and chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and fried favorites like scallops, onion rings, and French fries. We were told that a special batter and dedicated fryer ensures no cross contamination. Because the chef prepares meals from scratch and uses a dedicated fryer, it is very easy to customize most of the menu to fit a gluten-free diet.

Many of the dishes can also be made dairy-free. In recent years, I have enjoyed a delicious Butternut Squash Risotto and a filling Quinoa based salad. The menu can change at any point, but there is always something delicious to look forward to me.

Most recently (I am no longer dining GF just vegetarian), I ordered the most incredible Vegan Shepherd’s Pie. I’ve never seen a vegetarian version offered before and it was really tasty and filling. Unfortunately, the vegan pie contains gluten, although the regular can be ordered GF.

Although the food is great, the highlight of dining here for me is enjoying the live Irish entertainment and beautiful decor. The hourly Irish step dancing performances are incredible (so be sure to visit from 4pm-9pm to take in a show). The wonderful mix of live entertainment, great food, and amazing decor always makes this my number one choice when visiting the Springs.

2. Aashirwad Indian Food & Bar

Where: 7000 S Kirkman Rd

What to try: Palak Paneer (vegetarian), Aloo Gobi (vegan). Many dishes and apps are naturally GF (ask your server for more details).

Indian food is usually a safe bet if you are seeking vegetarian fare. They usually offer a ton of veggie friendly curries and side dishes in my experience. Many of the entrees are naturally free of any meat and some are vegan too. Most entrees and apps are free of gluten too with the exception of Naan bread and some appetizers like samosas. Aashirwaad is a decent option in this city. I’ll admit it’s far from the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted, but probably the best you will find in this area.

One of the nice things about this restaurant is that they offer a buffet (Friday-Sunday) which is nice as most Indian restaurants got rid of their buffets following the pandemic. This type of food can really be pricey if you order everything a la carte and I love so many of the entrees that it is difficult for me to choose just one. Plus, if you are new to this type of food, it’s nice to try a bunch of different items to see which you like best before committing to a full purchase. The buffet runs from 11:30-2:30 on Fridays and Noon-3pm on Saturday and Sundays.

On one potential downside, the food here is insanely spicy! You need to be able to handle a lot of spice to dine here which could be a positive or negative depending on your personal preference. They offer numerous vegetarian dishes for lunch and dinner. I recommend the Palak Paneer and Aloo Gobi. For those not dining GF, they offer several different creative Naan breads including Masala and and Aloo Paratha – Naan stuffed with spiced potatoes.

Onion Bhaji is one of my favorite apps and it is both vegetarian and naturally GF as it is made with chickpea flour. And definitely try their Kheer (rice pudding) – this tasty dessert provides a much needed cool down after all that spice! It’s naturally gluten-free and so delicious!

3. Vivo Italian Kitchen

Where: Universal City Walk

What to try: Minestrone (vegetarian), Gnocchi (Vegetarian), Tuscana pizza (Vegetarian). Talk to the staff about GF options including bread and pasta.

The majority of chefs at Citywalk dining establishments are accustomed to providing options for guests with special dietary needs. One of my favorite restaurants I’ve dined at recently is Vivo Italian Kitchen, a wonderful Italian dining establishment which serves terrific food in a classy, modern setting. The design is contemporary and clean. It’s a great place to celebrate with the family after a long day out at the parks or even better yet on an off day so you can get dressed up and relax a bit.

The chefs were more than willing to accommodate our special needs diets and even prepared a few specialty dishes (the Gluten-free garlic bread is outstanding!). Simply request gluten-free bread. Also, many of the meat based dishes can be easily modified to not contain gluten and or dairy (try the Chicken Marsala!).

The menu is marked, although you can also note your allergy when making a reservation and/or speak with the chef in person before your meal.

4. CFS Coffee

Where: Multiple locations (I recommend the Dr. Phillips cafe at: 7535 W Sand Lake Rd)

What to try: Sweet Toast (vegan), Vanilla power parfait (vegetarian), Waffle Bono (GF)

I’ve tried out numerous coffeeshops in this city. The best (and most allergen friendly) local option in my experience is CFS. With 6 different locations, it’s easy to incorporate a breakfast visit into any itinerary. I usually hit this cafe first when planning a daytrip from Tampa. First off – the coffee. It’s 100% Columbian and 100% delicious! Their specialty drinks are amazing too! And the presentation in gorgeous mugs makes the experience even better.

As for the food, there are plenty of options for everyone. As for vegan options, I really love the Sweet Toast pictured above. This entrée includes 2 pieces of multigrain toast topped with almond or peanut butter, strawberries, bananas, almonds, hemp seeds, and coconut shreds. it’s extremely filling and delicious. I now make this for breakfast at home several days a week.

Smoothies, acai bowls, and a breakfast sandwich with a homemade lentil burgers are additional satisfying vegan options. Gluten-free options are marked as so on the menu. One interesting option is the Protein Pancakes. This “healthier” version of the breakfast staple includes oat flour, vegan chocolate protein powder, egg whites and almond milk. Or try a waffle made with Yucca flour and topped with fresh berries. You can opt for a traditional omelet or breakfast sandwich.

Although their regular coffee is delicious, a specialty drink is always fun on any vacation. I recommend the Mocha Frappe with any alternate milk of your choice. This drink was such a refreshing cool treat on a hot humid morning!

5. Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

Where: Disney Springs

How often do you come across a delicious bakery that offers treats completely free of all major allergens? Erin McKenna’s in Disney Springs does just that. We passed this place randomly one day and were amazed by the selection. These wonderful treats are free of all major allergens including gluten, dairy, egg, and soy. As an added health bonus, they are also free of refined sugar.

An assortment of tempting goodies including muffins, cookies, brownies, and cupcakes are available. Surprisingly, the prices are not that bad considering the use of specialty gluten-free based flours. A lot of places jack up the prices, but I found everything here about on par with a regular bakery.

The Disney Springs location is a very convenient option for tourists with multiple allergies. This is a nice location because several other restaurants in this complex (like Ragland mentioned earlier) also offer GF options. So you can enjoy dinner and then a dessert all in the same area. I wish they had some indoor seating though as our treats melted so fast in the hot sun!

On a side note, I recommend popping over next door to enjoy a specialty latte at Joffrey’s, the official specialty coffee of Walt Disney World. This coffee is so good and they can even prepare your latte with a bit of Disney magic for a small fee! They offer oat and almond milk for anyone who can’t tolerate dairy.

6. Mythos

Where: Islands of Adventure

What to try: Pad Thai (vegetarian available), Signature bread service (vegetarian), Honey Lemon Glazed Salmon (GF)

Mythos, located inside Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, has won numerous awards over the years including best theme park restaurant by Theme Park Insider on many different occasions. I really love the creative design theme and that you can see the park from the big windows. Mythos is the perfect place to take a refreshing break from the heat without feeling like you are leaving the theme park atmosphere.

Taking a longer break at a sit down versus picking up a quick snack at a counter service restaurant allows you to take that much needed break after being on your feet all day. I usually put in more than 25,000 steps a day, so it is nice to rest for a bit from all the craziness. I really love both parks, but sometimes I need a break from the heat, long queues, and head pounding motion simulators.

More importantly, the sit down restaurants are much more accommodating towards diners with special dietary requests. Mythos is a wonderful choice offering an abundance of gluten-free and vegetarian choices. Our waiter even brought out some special gluten-free rolls and olive oil so we didn’t feel left out from the rest of our party.

All menu items able to be prepared gluten-free are noted on the menu. If you have any further questions do not hesitate to ask your friendly & knowledgeable waiter.

The Pad Thai (can be made GF & vegan) was unique and delicious. Swap out the chicken and shrimp for extra veggies to make it vegetarian/vegan. This is one meal that everyone in your party will want to test out! We all loved it in my group!

Be sure to make reservations in advance as this restaurant is very popular and usually not open to walk ins. Check out more of my best tips for ensuring a smooth Universal park day.

7. Toasted

Where: Winter Park

What to try: Roasted vegetable grilled cheese (vegan), truffle cheese fries (vegan), roasted tomato soup (GF). GF bread and burger buns available.

Toasted is a very popular cafe in suburban Winter Park. I recommend dining here if you will be doing anything else in the area. My favorite attractions in this area to check out on an off theme park day include: the Winter Park Scenic Boat tour, Kraft Azalea park, and the Morse Museum featuring a huge collection of Louis Tiffany art.

This is a no-frills cafe serving regular grilled cheese, in addition to vegan and gluten-free varieties. The pricing is a bit high, however, if you are a fan of simple grilled cheese and french fries (a dedicated GF fryer ensures less a risk of cross contamination) and do not have the time for a fancy sit down, you may want to try it out. Their cheese consists of a pea protein/coconut oil mix and honestly I couldn’t taste much of a difference. The consistency was definitely right on target.

I do like that they offer a number of creative options including vegan roasted vegetable and truffle melt. They also offer vegan burgers (using a housemade veggie patty) and a number of fresh salads. They offer gluten-free bread and burger buns, so there are plenty of options. A few examples of recent GF varieties include: Pesto Chicken, Fig and Goat, and As Gouda as it Gets. They also use a dedicated fryer so there is less risk of cross contamination.

8. Hard Rock Cafe

Where: Universal Citywalk

What to try: Twisted Mac and Cheese (vegetarian), Margherita flatbread (vegetarian), Veggie Fajitas (vegetarian), Asian Noodle bowl (Vegan). They offer a separate GF menu which includes GF burgers, various salads, wings, and entrees like Grilled Salmon.

Despite being a touristy restaurant with dozens of locations around the world, Hard Rock actually serves up some pretty tasty dishes. This is one of my favorite vacation restaurants. I love the rock n’roll vibe and I can always find something delicious to eat (they have always been super accommodating to me). While the majority of the menu is off limits to those following a gluten-free diet, you will still be able to modify meals to create a dish without gluten. They offer a separate menu if you ask.

Staff is very accommodating to those with allergies. They also use a dedicated fryer which means you can enjoy the fantastic fries and potato skins! Most burgers, salads, and sandwiches can be prepared gluten-free (ask for the gluten-free bun).

Vegan options are a bit more limited, however, if you replace the cheese with avocados and extra veggies on one of the salads, you will have a nice filling meal. The salads are huge with tons of large, filling veggie toppings. Other options include a veggie burger or sandwich (minus the cheese), a new Asian noodle bowl, and nachos (minus the cheese).

Anyone dining vegetarian will definitely want to go with the amazing Twisted Mac and Cheese. I love the slightly spicy notes and creamy texture. They also offer a number of great sides including a veggie of the day and side house and caesar salads. Veggie fajitas, the amazing Legendary nachos, and flatbread are other great options. I really love the nachos with added guacamole! The best app ever was the spring rolls which they got rid of several years ago for some unknown crazy reason (note – we all want them back!).

9. Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar

Where: Milk district

What to try: Vegan biscuit, vegetarian burrito, Arepa (GF), gluten-free snickerdoodle, as well as various soups and pastries based on daily offerings

Drunken Monkey is an eclectic local coffee shop which offers a full coffee bar, a large selection of pastries, soups, and sandwiches. There is a little something for everyone including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. They offer specialty milks which you can swamp out for the dairy version as most coffeehouses do today.

Every day there are several soups to choose amongst: if you get a chance try the Broccoli “Cheeze” soup. This delicious vegan/gluten-free soup is so amazing: it’s so thick and creamy that it is truly hard to believe it is dairy-free! Who knew a dairy-free broccoli cheese soup could taste so delicious?! After my first time trying this soup, I came back the next day because it was so good. I now make a copycat recipe at home (basically using broccoli and nutritional yeast).

The treats are especially tempting – brownies, breads, cookies, etc. There are many vegan and gluten-free options, including a delicious GF/vegan brownie and a quinoa bar.

Overall, this was one of my favorite local coffeehouse finds in the city. It’s got that great neighborhood coffeehouse vibe where you can read a book, enjoy a hot drink while checking your email, socialize with friends, or enjoy a light lunch. Think like an old-school cafe like Central Perk on Friends.

10. Sanaa

Where: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

What to try: Indian Bread Service (It’s vegetarian, although a vegan and GF version is available), Veggie curry (vegetarian), Kheer (vegan and GF), Samosas (vegan). You can request a GF menu from your server.

Almost all Disney resort properties are fantastic when it comes to accommodating guests with allergies. WDW is one of the best vacation destination for those with allergies based on my experience. The Animal Kingdom Lodge offers some of the best restaurant choices as most of the cuisine offered (African and Indian) naturally contains many vegetarian and gluten-free ingredients.

One of my favorite restaurant experiences thus far has been dining at Sanaa. Separate allergen menus are available by request. Additionally, the chef personally came out to our table and ensured that our meal would be prepared gluten-free which was a nice gesture.

There are plenty of wonderful appetizers and entrees to choose amongst particularly the Indian Bread Service which includes Naan Bread and Falafel Chips (you can opt for the reg vegetarian vs or switch out for chips that are gluten-free and vegan) and a selection of mild to spicy sauces. I really, really loved this app: it’s probably the best I’ve ever tried in a restaurant in recent years.

The salad sampler sounds simple, although really it is amazing. Samosas are another great plant based appetizer.

As far as entrees go, the best I’ve tried here has been the Zanzibari Vegetable Curry, a wonderful veggie choice free of dairy. The menu changes frequently, so be sure to check with your server for current options.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere is simply amazing. Be sure to request a window seat so you can enjoy watching the zebras and giraffes roam around before your very eyes.

A few more allergy friendly restaurants and cafes throughout the city. I wouldn’t necessarily put these tops on your list, but it’s great to have more options.

Infusion Tea

Where: College park neighborhood

Infusion Tea is the best place for a relaxing tea experience. The large loose leaf tea menu features a wide assortment of black, green, white, red, and herbal tea options, many of which are organic. Tea is available in a single size serving mug or large tea pot to split amongst several tea drinkers.

A variety of snacks and meals to suit a gluten or dairy-free diet are offered. A few great vegan options on the lineup recently include: Tempeh Chili, Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos, and a Hummus and Veggie Wrap. Sandwiches can be made gluten-free by substituting the bread. In addition, a varied assortment of vegan pastries (such as cupcakes) are available to compliment your tea experience.

Whole Foods

If all else fails, Whole Foods offers a decent salad bar, plenty of vegan/GF soups, and a number of allergen friendly items on their hot food bar and deli lines. Everything is marked according to allergen, so you should have no problem finding at least a few things you can eat. If you are looking for a quick, simple meal and don’t mind the noisy grocery store atmosphere, it’s always there as a backup option.

Jason’s Deli

Jason’s Deli offers a big salad bar with lots of fresh toppings. I’ve been dining here a lot since moving to Florida where they are easily found. Aside from the salad bar, they offer a full menu of soups, sandwiches, and pastas. The soup and salad bar combo is a perfect choice for those avoiding gluten and/or dairy. The Organic Vegetarian Vegetable soup is a great compliment to the veggie based salad bar.  Vegetarian options include baked potatoes, pastas (request no meat), and a variety of sandwiches and wraps.

Gluten-free bread is available for the sandwiches. The salad bar is the best bang-for-your-buck, however, if you prefer to order a customized salad, you can choose from a variety of options including a Quinoa Shrimp and Mango Salad and a Black Bean Taco salad. Most dressings are also dairy and gluten-free. You can request an allergy menu to review your options.

P.F. Changs

The popular Asian chain restaurant offers a full page of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. What’s nice is that they use a special gluten-free soy sauce so guests with allergies can enjoy traditionally off limit foods like fried rice, which typically uses a wheat based soy sauce. A few great gluten-free options to consider include: Fried Rice, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Egg Drop soup, Coconut Curry Vegetables, and even a Flourless chocolate cake!

Vegan options include: Vegetarian Fried Rice, Vegetarian Egg Rolls, and Tofu based Lettuce Wraps. There are plenty of loose leaf teas to choose amongst to accompany your delicious Chinese meal. The atmosphere is also a bit more elegant and modern than most chains, making it the perfect date night destination! Personally, I loved the veggie fried rice, egg drop soup, and lettuce wraps.

Tips for special diet dining

• Always let your server know about your allergies before ordering. They will likely take extra measures to ensure no cross contamination if you let them know beforehand.
• Research the restaurant’s menu in advance so you can plan out your meal ahead of time.
• Avoid foods with the risk of cross contamination like anything fried (unless there is a dedicated fryer).
• Sign up for restaurant email lists. You may receive valuable coupons, especially for the chains listed above.
• Sign up to receive Groupon deals. It never hurts to check!
• Dole Whip is a delicious dairy-free alternative to ice cream served at Disney Parks. Find it at Aloha Isle in the Adventureland section.

Read more about special diets dining on the Walt Disney World website. You can also sort restaurants by dietary concerns.

Note: This post is aimed for guests avoiding dairy and gluten for personal reasons. Please talk to your doctor if you have a medical condition like Celiac or Crohn’s disease.