Where an Allergy-Friendly Influencer Eats Out in Chicago, Illinois

lauren lace is an allergy-friendly food blogger and recipe creator. Les was diagnosed with allergies like gluten and dairy, and she’s created a long, diverse list of her favorite allergy-friendly spots in Chicago. “I look for restaurants that are allergy-friendly and have convertible options,” Low shares.

Eating with allergies is not always about enjoying delicious and nutritious food, but also about feeling safe and comfortable knowing that your dietary restrictions are being taken care of.

“It’s not as simple as removing an ingredient; people with food allergies have to be careful about cross-contamination in the kitchen or fryer and ingredients in recipes that other people might not think about, such as spices.”

What are the least safe alternatives for allergies? Don’t shy away from deliciousness, “Put lettuce bun on burger, remove cheese from dish, olive oil instead of dressing, no sauce, minimal spices or salt and pepper instead of seasoning mix!”

If you’re looking for allergy-friendly, healthy restaurants that don’t replace the yum factor in Chicago, check out Less’s top picks!

Lauren’s Healthy Restaurant Recommendations in Chicago

1. EMA

74 W Illinois St Chicago, IL 60654

type of food: Mediterranean

Why she likes it: “Emma’s is a Mediterranean restaurant that focuses on spreads, dips and small plates that are meant to be shared. I love Emma’s because the food is amazing and they are extremely allergy-friendly and accommodating.

Well-known orders: “I’m crazy about their roasted almonds and garlic dip. This is a must try! I also love their crispy potatoes (I have a dairy allergy so I remove the crema and cheese).”

2. beatrix

834 W Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607

type of food: comfort food

Why she likes it: “Beatrix serves comfort food with healthy flavors! Everything I’ve tried on their menu has been delicious and I loved the ambiance there. They’re also wonderful for food allergies.”

Well-known orders: “I basically always get their Prime burger with Kennebec fries. They add crisp lemon to their fries and they are amazing. If you’re going there for breakfast or brunch I also love their Coconut Chia Pudding!

3. Oromo Cafe

1912 N Western Ave Chicago, IL 60647

type of food: Coffee/Cafe

Why she likes it: “Oromo is a cute little café in Chicago that focuses on organic ingredients and they also make their own house-made nut milk. I love meeting friends there for coffee/tea!”

Well-known orders: “I always order their matcha with hazelnut milk. Their homemade hazelnut milk is amazing!

4. Summer House Santa Monica

1954 N Halsted Chicago, IL 60614

type of food: Inspired by California

Why she likes it: “The Summer House serves a California-inspired menu featuring simple ingredients. The summer atmosphere in the restaurant is also amazing!”

Well-known orders: “I love their sweet potato fries and they also make delicious salads. Before I developed food allergies, I was also able to try their cookies and they are amazing!

5. True Food Kitchen

1 W. Erie St. Chicago, IL 60654.

type of food: True Food serves delicious food made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Why she likes it: “I love that they have a seasonal menu.”

Well-known orders: “They have great turkey burgers! I also love their chopped salad (due to my allergies I get it with no cheese and no farro). They also recently added roasted fingerling potatoes and they are delicious!”

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