Eating out with allergies

[custardpies]

Hi, I have nieces coming to visit and they suffer from multiple allergies (namely dairy, eggs, nuts, soya and cocoa). We would like to take them out to restaurants / cafes to eat. However, I am not sure of many places to take them except maybe McDonald's (I am not keen) or Nandos.

I would really appreciate it if you could share your favourite places to eat whilst coping with allergies. I have read that Pizza Express is a good option but wouldn't the pizza base have dairy in it?

Zizzi's is great as they have an allergy menu listing dairy free, nut free, soy free. When I was on a restricted diet they made something to order for me. Brilliant service.

You can usually get voucher offers on line for them too.

We don't eat out much, because it's too scary and too much hassle. However, McDonalds is really good for allergies. Everything is cooked on seperate machines, and there is allergy information available on the reverse side of every tray liner. (Obviously I do understand your concerns, but an unhealthy meal full of crappy fat, salt and sugar won't kill them if it is just an occasional thing while they are staying with you.)

With those allergies, I think they could eat hamburger happy meals or fishfinger happy meals (but not 100% sure about soya so check that).

Have heard that Nandos are good, but never tried them because DS has other allergies which would make it difficult...

Some posters on these boards take their children for pizzas without cheese, which might work for you - but I'd say the risk of cross-contamination was high.

To be honest, in your position, I'd go for quality time at home instead. Home-made food that they feel safe with and can help to choose, with snuggly films and home-made popcorn they can help to make. If you go out, you can always take picnics.

I have some of those allergies and there is hardly anything I can eat at McDonald's.

Nandos is good for allergies, but check yet can have the success.

pizza express are great. You can check the allergy information online. At the restaurant, if you tell them someone has an allergy they are good at cooking things separately, washing hands etc.

wagamamas is another good place, they have an allergy menu and will use separate pans etc (worth reminding them).

Other than that, independent places can be good. In my experience, if you can find the manager and explain they are normally excellent.

Sorry. .. for Nandos, I meant to write check they can eat the sauces!

Thank you all for your replies. Really good suggestions there. I think I will check out the websites of some of those places mentioned. Meanwhile, if you have any more suggestions, I would love to hear it.

Think I saw an allergy menu at bella pasta.

I was surprised to find some prepped chicken had soya in! Leave our food alone!!