Allergy-free eats
Leave your food anxieties at home – these restaurants make it easy to dine with an overly dramatic immune system.
WHILE VENUES AROUND town have grown more accepting and accommodating for people with food allergies, it can still be a fraught experience trying to find somewhere that doesn’t just think you’re being picky. Feast easy, allergy pals – here’s where to find a feed that’s allergen-friendly.
Want cheese but it doesn’t want you? Go to Smith and Daughters ( 175 Brunswick St, Fitzroy) where everything is plant-based and the “cheese” is cow-free. Eat ricotta-topped meatballs, cacio e pepe and even tiramisu without fearing a reaction. You’ll also want to make friends with Red Sparrow Pizza ( 406 Smith St, Collingwood). All pizzas are dairy and egg free, with gluten-free options available too.
It can feel like a minefield navigating Asian cuisine with a nut allergy. Vietnamese restaurant Mama’s Bưởi ( Shop G25 Postal Ln, Melbourne) makes sure that your allergy is recognised and accommodated, from ordering to eating. If you make your allergy clear to waitstaff at pan-asian restaurant Lucy Liu ( 23 Oliver Ln, Melbourne), they’ll provide a menu highlighting allergens and notify the manager. Feeling fancy? The Supernormal ( 180 Flinders Ln, Melbourne) team really take it upon themselves to cater for food allergies while preserving the flavours of the dish. You can also find the same attentiveness to allergies at Andrew Mcconnell’s other ventures ( Cumulus Inc, Builders Arms Hotel). At Mister Nice Guy’s Bakeshop ( 151 Union Rd, Ascot Vale) all the baked goodies are free from dairy and egg. But wait, there’s more. The bakery also offers gluten-free, wheat-free, nut-free products (they’re baked on the same premises, so may contain traces of allergens, though they take steps to mitigate this). Allergens are clearly marked when ordering online too. Earl Canteen ( various locations, Melbourne CBD) is a fuss-free sanga or salad option for lunch, with an allergy matrix provided online. Those unable to eat egg or dairy could also give vegan patisserie Weirdoughs ( 241 Flinders Ln, Melbourne) a shot, though many products are not safe for those allergic to nuts.
Finally, if you’re a coeliac desperately seeking carbs you’ve got a few options in the city. Melbourne’s bastion of all-hours Greek food Stalactites ( 177/183 Lonsdale St, Melbourne) and its little sister Hella Good (7 Elizabeth St, Melbourne) are the first Greek restaurants in Australia to be accredited by Coeliac Australia. Nearly all dishes are gluten free, with gluten-free menus available on request. Stalactites has a downloadable list that highlights the allergens present in all menu items. Also try Shop 225 ( 225 Melville Rd, Pascoe Vale South) where you can get gluten-free pizzas – it’s also Coeliac Australia accredited.
Please note that while we’ve researched every venue to confirm their allergy policies, always let staff know of your allergy and carry medication if required.