10 Great Allergy Friendly Restaurants in Orlando

9. Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar (Milk district of Orlando)

Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar in Orlando, Florida

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. 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?! Vegan or not – you must try this soup!

Drunken Monkey's Broccoli Cheez soup might just be the best you will ever taste! — Drunken Monkey’s Broccoli Cheeze soup might just be the best you will ever taste!

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.

Drunken Money is a great neighborhood coffeehouse whether you want to read a book, enjoy a hot drink while checking your email, socialize with friends, or enjoy a light lunch.

The cozy setting and unique design make it a perfect spot for a stress free lunch or coffee break.

10. Sanaa (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge)

Great views of the zebras at Sanaa - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Almost all Disney resort properties are fantastic when it comes to accommodating guests with allergies. In fact, Walt Disney World is regarded as one of the best vacation destinations for guests with strict allergies. 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.

Sanaa is one of the great options that gluten-free and vegetarian guests must check out. Separate allergen menus are available by request. Additionally, the chef will personally come out to your table to discuss options, ensure that your meal will be prepared allergen free, and take your order.

There are plenty of wonderful appetizers and entrees to choose amongst particularly the Indian Bread Service which includes Naan Bread and Falafel Chips (chips are gluten-free and vegan, a special GF bread is available) and a selection of mild to spicy sauces. The salad sampler sounds simple, although really it is amazing. Samosas are another great plant based appetizer. As far as entrees go, the Zanzibari Vegetable Curry is a wonderful veggie choice free of dairy.

The Indian Bread Service, available both gluten free and vegan, is the highlight of a meal at Sanaa!

There are a handful of delicious salads to choose amongst, most of which are both gluten-free and vegan. Be sure to order the appetizer plate which allows you to sample several dishes.

Veggie curry at Sanaa at Disney's Animal kingdom Lodge — The Zanzibari Vegetable Curry is a great choice for anyone needing a GF or vegan entree.

Kheer rice pudding at Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kheer is a wonderful coconut based rice pudding topped with cashew strudel. Perfect for GF and vegan diners!

Nothing rounds out a meal at Sanaa quite like a steaming hot pot of Roobios Tea! — Nothing rounds out a meal at Sanaa quite like a steaming hot pot of Rooibos Tea!

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 Orlando.

Infusion Tea (College Park neighborhood)

Infusion Tea is the best place for a relaxing tea experience in Orlando. 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.

Try the Shou Mei Organic White Tea: it's so smooth and delicious! — Try the Shou Mei Organic White Tea: it’s so smooth and delicious!

A variety of snacks and meals to suit a gluten or dairy-free diet are offered. A few great vegan options 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.

Toasted (Winter Park)

Cute cheese inspired table markers at Toasted in Winter Park, Florida

Toasted is a very popular Winter Park restaurant serving regular grilled cheese, in addition to vegan and gluten-free varieties. The vegan cheese was a bit bland and pricing was high, however, if you are a fan of simple grilled cheese and French fries (a dedicated GF fryer ensures no cross contamination) and do not have the time for a fancy sit down, you may like to try it out.

A gluten-free grilled cheese sandwich made with homemade vegan cheese.

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 back up option.

Jason’s Deli

Jason’s Deli offers a big salad bar with lots of fresh toppings. 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. PF Chang’s uses 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!

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.

Take digestive enzymes. It always helps in case of slight cross contamination.

Avoid foods with the risk of cross contamination like anything fried (unless there is a dedicated fryer).

Sign up to receive Orlando Groupon deals. Some of these restaurants have been on the site before. 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

Have you visited any of the restaurants listed above? What other allergy friendly restaurants would you recommend to Orlando visitors?