By Meredith Lamb
For people with food allergies, there’s always the big question of, “Will I be able to eat anything?” Finding food becomes a stressful task. It’s often difficult to find places that accommodate food allergies, especially in downtown Raleigh. But there are some food options in the area for most allergies if you look hard enough.
One option is the Veloce Italian Market, a small restaurant with a selection of pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and more. A handful of gluten-free options are helpfully marked on the menu, and pizzas and sandwiches can be ordered without cheese for a dairy allergy. There are also several vegetarian options. The prices and food quality are decent, making Veloce one of the best options.
Jimmy John’s is another popular choice, but food allergies are not a priority for them. A sandwich can be made on a lettuce wrap instead of bread for vegetarians and gluten allergies, but there is a high risk of cross-contamination for people with a sensitive gluten allergy. There are many dairy-free options, as long as you get a sandwich without cheese. None of the sandwiches contains tree nuts, but the chips are fried in peanut oil. There are also two vegan bread options available. Jimmy John’s is great on the go, but take caution with your order.
If fast food doesn’t strike your fancy, Sono Sushi is an excellent option. Gluten-free options, such as sashimi and avocado/cucumber rolls, are clearly marked on the menu, and gluten-free soy sauce is available upon request. For dairy-free, check whether your order contains cream cheese, specialty mayo sauces, or tempura batter. All food is nut-free, and many plant-based vegan options are available. You will walk out with a full stomach and an empty wallet.
Those with food allergies don’t need to stress out anymore about what in the world they will eat. There are several convenient places within walking distance, though I only mentioned three. There are options to explore!
