Zerno
Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
“Zerno was amazing with my food allergies. The waiter brought out someone from the kitchen who spoke English and was clearly knowledgeable about allergies. I handed him my Russian allergy translation card, which he took back to the kitchen. He came back to let me know he’d informed the team and suggested a dish he was confident would be safe: a salad with poached pears, grilled chicken, and a lemon juice dressing. It was simple, delicious, and most importantly, safe for me.”
Safran Restaurant
Location: Beyoğlu, Turkey
“I had a lovely dinner at Safran Restaurant in Istanbul and felt very well taken care of when it came to my food allergies.
The staff was kind and helpful, and the menu clearly lists the top allergens in each dish, which made ordering much easier and more reassuring.
I started with a shrimp and octopus salad that was absolutely amazing. If it’s safe for your allergies, I highly recommend it. I also had a salmon and avocado sushi roll, which was fresh and delicious.
Safran is fine dining, with beautiful views and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great option for travelers with food allergies who are looking for a stunning and delicious meal in Istanbul.
One small thing to be aware of if you have a wheat allergy: when I ordered sushi, the waitress brought over soy sauce. I double-checked and asked whether it contained wheat, and it did. It was a good reminder that even in allergy-aware restaurants, it’s always worth double-checking. It would have been easy to assume it was gluten-free tamari if I hadn’t asked.
Also, be aware that the outdoor area of the restaurant allows smoking. If you’re sensitive to smoke, this might not be the best fit. In general, if you’re traveling to Istanbul, it’s something to be cautious of. I noticed smoking in multiple places, including some indoor spaces.”
Chapelle Bistro Bar
Location: Beyoğlu, Turkey
“I visited Chapelle Restaurant at the Rixos Pera for drinks and had a great experience. I opted for a juice-based mocktail since I find that’s usually easier to navigate with my food allergies.
The waitress was attentive and very informed about the ingredients in the mocktails, which made me feel much more comfortable.
One important note for those with nut allergies: they serve a complimentary cup of mixed nuts with drinks. If you’re allergic to nuts, this might not be the best spot for you.”
Era Rooftop
Location: Beyoğlu, Turkey
“I had both dinner and breakfast at Era Rooftop during my stay at Rixos Pera Istanbul and was really impressed by the level of care and accommodation for food allergies.
For dinner, I initially had a small hiccup trying to order allergy-safe food in English, but once I used Google Translate, everything became easy.
The staff was well informed about food allergies and were able to modify dishes to make sure they were safe for me. I had the grilled calamari to start and a kebab for my main course. The calamari was so good, I actually double-checked that it was allergy-safe. The staff reassured me and answered all of my questions with patience and care.
The next morning, I returned for breakfast, which is normally a buffet. Typically, you are not allowed to order a separate meal, but when the chef heard about my food allergies, they went out of their way to prepare a special allergy-friendly plate just for me. It was delicious and made me feel very looked after.
On top of all this, the panoramic view from the rooftop is stunning. You can see across the Golden Horn and much of the city, which adds to the overall experience.
Era Rooftop went above and beyond to accommodate my allergies while still serving delicious food in a beautiful setting. I highly recommend it for anyone traveling with dietary needs.”
Rixos Pera İstanbul
Location: Beyoğlu, Turkey
“I had a wonderful experience at Rixos Pera Istanbul and was genuinely impressed by how allergy-aware and accommodating the hotel was during my stay.
At check-in, the guest information form included a section where I could list my allergies. It was a small detail, but it made a big difference in helping me feel safe and understood.
There was also a sign at the front desk encouraging guests with food allergies to contact their Guest Relations Executive. I really appreciated that clear communication and support.
In the room, the pillow menu was a thoughtful feature. It included several allergy-friendly options like silicone, memory foam, and cotton pillows. I thought it was a nice touch if you’re allergic or sensitive to down feathers.
The rooftop restaurant was beautiful and very willing to accommodate my food allergies. I had a lovely dinner, and the kitchen was able to tweak the meal I wanted so it would be safe for me. I recommend using Google Translate when discussing allergens. It helped me get clear answers to my questions.
Breakfast is buffet-style and typically doesn’t allow for individual orders, but when I informed the waiter about my food allergies, she spoke to the chef, and he made me a special allergy-friendly meal. That kind of flexibility and care really stood out.
I also visited the spa for a massage and Turkish bath. The masseuse was happy to answer my questions about the oils being used and was completely fine using my personal shampoo and conditioner during the bath, which made me feel much more comfortable.
Another detail that helped give me peace of mind is that there’s a public hospital only a 10-minute drive from the hotel:Taksim Egitim ve Arastirma Hospita. Knowing that emergency medical care was close by made me feel even more secure during my stay.
Between the thoughtful allergy accommodations, the charming atmosphere, the cleanliness, and the friendly staff, this hotel truly exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Rixos Pera Istanbul for anyone managing allergies while traveling.”
Cafe Amedros
Location: Fatih, Turkey
“Amedros Cafe is a cozy spot in the heart of Sultanahmet, just a short walk from major attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal while exploring the historic center of Istanbul.
The menu features a wide variety of traditional Turkish dishes, and the staff was knowledgeable about ingredients and food allergies, which made ordering feel much more relaxed. I had a salad with seafood on it: very simple but fresh and delicious. I also appreciated that they offered gluten-free bread (I didn’t try it, but it was nice to see it available).”
Seven Hills
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
“Seven Hills Restaurant in Istanbul was a standout experience, not just for the stunning views but also for how allergy-aware and transparent the staff and menu were.
The team was very informed about food allergies and took my questions seriously. The menu clearly labels the top allergens in each dish and even includes the main ingredients listed underneath, which made ordering so much less stressful.
I had the swordfish skewers, which were perfectly cooked and full of flavor. For dessert, I ordered their exceptional fresh fruit plate with a cup of Turkish tea. It was a simple and refreshing way to end the meal.
And the rooftop view is truly breathtaking. You get an uninterrupted panoramic look at the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus. It is worth visiting for the view alone, but the allergy-friendly approach makes it a must for travelers with dietary restrictions.”
