Allergy-Friendly Restaurants in Tampa: Safe Dining Guide for Families 2025
Finding allergy-friendly restaurants in Tampa where your child can eat safely shouldn't be stressful. This comprehensive guide covers Tampa Bay's best restaurants for families managing food allergies, from peanut-free establishments to gluten-free havens, with detailed allergen information and safety protocols.
Understanding Food Allergies in Restaurants
Common childhood food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. When dining out with food-allergic children, families need restaurants with clear allergen labeling, staff training on cross-contamination, separate preparation areas, willingness to accommodate requests, and emergency protocols.
Top Allergy-Friendly Restaurant Chains in Tampa
1. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Multiple Tampa Locations
Best For: Gluten-free, dairy-free, customizable
Allergen Info: Detailed online allergen menu
Why It's Safe:
- Simple, whole ingredients
- Customizable bowls
- Gluten-free options (skip flour tortillas)
- Dairy-free options available
- Staff will change gloves upon request
- Transparent ingredient sourcing
Allergy-Friendly Options:
- Burrito bowls (no tortilla)
- Rice, beans, meat, veggies
- Guacamole (check for cross-contact)
- Chips (cooked in dedicated fryer)
Pro Tip: Order online to specify allergies and ensure fresh gloves/utensils.
2. First Watch
Multiple Tampa Locations
Best For: Breakfast/brunch, gluten-free, dairy-free
Allergen Info: Comprehensive allergen menu available
Allergy-Friendly Features:
- Gluten-free bread and pancakes
- Dairy-free milk alternatives
- Fresh, made-to-order food
- Knowledgeable staff
- Willing to modify dishes
Popular Safe Options:
- Fresh fruit bowls
- Egg dishes (specify no dairy)
- Gluten-free pancakes
- Avocado toast (GF bread available)
Allergen Menu: Available in-restaurant and online with top 8 allergens marked.
3. True Food Kitchen
Location: International Plaza, Tampa
Best For: Multiple allergies, health-conscious
Allergen Info: Detailed allergen matrix online
Why Families Love It:
- Anti-inflammatory menu
- Extensive gluten-free options
- Dairy-free alternatives
- Vegan options
- Organic ingredients
- Knowledgeable staff
Allergy-Friendly Dishes:
- Ancient grains bowl (customizable)
- Grass-fed burgers (GF bun available)
- Spaghetti squash casserole
- Fresh juices and smoothies
Special Feature: Allergen matrix shows all top 8 allergens for every menu item.
4. Seasons 52
Locations: International Plaza, SoHo District
Best For: Upscale dining, gluten-free
Allergen Info: Gluten-free menu available
Allergy Accommodations:
- Dedicated gluten-free menu
- Fresh, seasonal ingredients
- Made-to-order dishes
- Manager consultation available
- Staff allergen training
Kid-Friendly Options:
- Grilled chicken
- Fresh vegetables
- Gluten-free flatbreads
- Fresh fruit
5. BurgerFi
Multiple Tampa Locations
Best For: Gluten-free, dairy-free burgers
Allergen Info: Online allergen guide
Allergy-Friendly Features:
- Gluten-free buns
- Lettuce wrap option
- No antibiotics/hormones in beef
- Dedicated fryer for fries
- Customizable burgers
Safe Options:
- Burgers on GF buns or lettuce wrap
- French fries (dedicated fryer)
- Fresh vegetables
- Milkshakes (dairy-free options limited)
6. Graffiti Junktion
Multiple Tampa Locations
Best For: Extensive gluten-free menu
Allergen Info: Detailed GF menu
Why It's Great:
- Huge gluten-free menu
- GF buns for all burgers
- GF pizza available
- Separate fryer for GF items
- Staff training on allergies
Gluten-Free Options:
- Burgers with GF buns
- GF pizza
- GF chicken tenders
- Salads
- Most appetizers available GF
Note: Not safe for severe wheat allergies due to shared kitchen, but excellent for celiac-friendly dining.
7. Pei Wei Asian Kitchen
Multiple Tampa Locations
Best For: Gluten-free Asian cuisine
Allergen Info: Allergen menu online
Allergy Accommodations:
- Gluten-free soy sauce
- Customizable stir-fries
- Fresh vegetables
- Rice and rice noodles
- Allergen menu available
Safe Dishes:
- Pad Thai (GF version)
- Fried rice (specify GF)
- Lettuce wraps
- Edamame
Local Tampa Allergy-Friendly Restaurants
1. Green Lemon
Location: SoHo, Tampa
Best For: Health-conscious, multiple allergies
Allergen Info: Menu clearly marked
Features:
- Organic ingredients
- Gluten-free options marked
- Vegan options available
- Fresh juices and smoothies
- Açaí bowls
Safe Choices:
- Smoothie bowls
- Salads (customizable)
- Grain bowls
- Fresh juices
2. Ulele
Location: Tampa Heights
Best For: Upscale family dining, gluten-free
Allergen Info: Staff trained, GF menu
Allergy Accommodations:
- Gluten-free menu available
- Fresh, local ingredients
- Made-to-order dishes
- Staff allergen training
- Beautiful waterfront setting
Kid-Friendly GF Options:
- Grilled fish
- Roasted chicken
- Fresh vegetables
- GF desserts available
3. Ciccio Restaurant Group
Multiple Concepts/Locations
Best For: Italian, gluten-free pasta
Allergen Info: GF menu at all locations
Locations Include:
- Ciccio Cali
- Forbici Modern Italian
- Green Lemon
- Daily Eats
Allergy-Friendly Features:
- Gluten-free pasta at all locations
- GF pizza available
- Dairy-free options
- Fresh ingredients
- Consistent quality across locations
Restaurants by Allergy Type
Best for Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies
Safest Choices:
- First Watch - No nuts in kitchen
- Seasons 52 - Nut-free options clearly marked
- True Food Kitchen - Allergen matrix shows nut content
- Chipotle - Simple ingredients, no nuts in most items
Always: Inform staff of nut allergies and ask about cross-contamination.
Best for Gluten-Free/Celiac
Top Picks:
- Graffiti Junktion - Extensive GF menu, separate fryer
- BurgerFi - GF buns, dedicated fryer
- Ciccio Restaurant Group - GF pasta and pizza
- True Food Kitchen - Many naturally GF options
- Seasons 52 - Dedicated GF menu
Best for Dairy-Free
Excellent Options:
- Chipotle - Easy to avoid dairy
- True Food Kitchen - Dairy-free alternatives
- Green Lemon - Vegan options (dairy-free)
- First Watch - Dairy-free milk alternatives
- Pei Wei - Many dairy-free Asian dishes
Best for Egg Allergies
Safe Bets:
- Chipotle - No eggs in most menu items
- True Food Kitchen - Egg-free options marked
- Pei Wei - Asian cuisine (naturally egg-free options)
- Seasons 52 - Can accommodate egg allergies
Best for Multiple Allergies
Most Accommodating:
- True Food Kitchen - Comprehensive allergen info
- Seasons 52 - Willing to customize
- First Watch - Allergen menu covers top 8
- Chipotle - Simple, transparent ingredients
- Green Lemon - Health-conscious, clearly marked menu
Safety Tips for Dining Out with Allergies
Before You Go
Research:
- Check restaurant website for allergen menu
- Read reviews from allergy families
- Call ahead to discuss allergies
- Ask about cross-contamination protocols
Prepare:
- Bring allergy cards in English/Spanish
- Carry emergency medications (EpiPen, Benadryl)
- Have emergency plan ready
- Choose off-peak times for better service
At the Restaurant
Communication:
- Inform host/server immediately about allergies
- Ask to speak with manager or chef
- Request fresh gloves and clean surfaces
- Confirm ingredients in each dish
- Ask about preparation methods
Ordering:
- Choose simple dishes with fewer ingredients
- Avoid fried foods (shared fryers)
- Request plain preparations
- Skip sauces unless ingredients confirmed
- Order sides separately
Vigilance:
- Watch food preparation if possible
- Inspect food before child eats
- Start with small bites
- Stay at restaurant 30+ minutes after eating
- Have emergency medication accessible
Red Flags to Avoid
Warning Signs:
- Staff seems uncertain or dismissive
- Restaurant is too busy to accommodate
- Shared fryers for allergen-free items
- Unwilling to check ingredients
- No allergen information available
Allergy-Friendly Fast Casual Options
Quick & Safe
1. Chipotle - Customizable, transparent ingredients
2. Panera Bread - Allergen menu online, many GF options
3. Moe's Southwest Grill - Similar to Chipotle, customizable
4. Tijuana Flats - Allergen info available, customizable
5. Zoe's Kitchen - Mediterranean, many naturally GF/DF options
Creating Your Allergy-Friendly Restaurant List
Build Your Safe List
Start with:
- Chain restaurants with allergen menus
- Restaurants you've successfully visited
- Recommendations from allergy families
- Restaurants with online allergen info
Test Carefully:
- Visit during off-peak hours first
- Start with simple dishes
- Build relationship with staff
- Keep notes on safe dishes
Maintain:
- Update list as menus change
- Share experiences with allergy community
- Revisit favorites regularly
- Try new places cautiously
Allergy-Friendly Dining Resources
Tampa Allergy Support
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education)
- Online resources
- Allergy cards (printable)
- Restaurant guides
- Emergency action plans
Local Allergy Groups
- Tampa Bay Food Allergy Support Group (Facebook)
- Celiac Disease Foundation Tampa Chapter
- Local parent groups
Helpful Apps
AllergyEats - Restaurant ratings by allergy families
Spokin - Allergy-friendly restaurant finder
Find Me Gluten Free - GF restaurant locator
Yelp - Filter by dietary restrictions
Conclusion
Dining out with food allergies in Tampa doesn't have to be stressful. With proper preparation, clear communication, and knowledge of allergy-friendly restaurants, families can enjoy safe, delicious meals together. Start with the restaurants in this guide, build your safe list, and don't hesitate to advocate for your child's safety.
Remember: You are your child's best advocate. Never feel embarrassed to ask questions, request modifications, or leave a restaurant that doesn't take allergies seriously. Your child's safety always comes first!
Pro Tip: Create a laminated allergy card with your child's specific allergies in English and Spanish. Hand it to servers and ask them to show it to the chef. This ensures clear communication and reduces errors.
Looking for more Tampa family dining? Check out our guides to kid-friendly restaurants in Tampa and best family brunch spots in Tampa!
