St. John Fisher College
“This school has a dedicated gluten-free/allergen section equipped with appliances to eliminate cross-contamination. The executive chef is more than happy to help accommodate any dietary needs, including preparing a special dish, preparing food in a safe location, offering glove changes, and always taking food requests for what to keep in the allergen refrigerator. This refrigerator is stocked with four non-dairy milk alternatives, dairy-free cream cheese, cheese or butter, and dairy-free yogurt. There is also an assortment of gluten-free breads, waffles, bagels, muffins, donuts, and cookies. There is always something new and fun here, whether that be English muffins or cinnamon raisin bread. Each item throughout the rest of the dining hall is also labeled if it is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or vegetarian. There is even a hot section in the allergen station featuring a 100% gluten-free dish that changes daily.
The Hikari Wok station is a hibachi-style station that is allergen-safe with no gluten or dairy contact. There is also a separate station to prepare meals in the event of a seafood allergy! Here, they offer both gluten-free and soy-free tamari, teriyaki, sweet chili, and soy sauce. This is a great option, and I have always felt safe eating here.
Outside of the dining hall, there are various takeaway locations, including a Mexican-inspired station, a sub shop, and a café. At these locations, you can select which allergens to avoid in the app or at a kiosk. This includes contact precautions. They offer gluten-free bread, bagels, and cookies at these locations. The cafés offer Starbucks products, including dairy-free milks such as coconut, oat, almond, and soy milk.
As a college student with food allergies, St. John Fisher makes eating in the dining hall incredibly safe, comfortable, and convenient.”
Neutral Ground Coffeehouse – Pittsford
“Best coffee shop in Pittsford and right on the canal! This is my favorite place to get fun flavored coffee or lemonades. With flavors like lavender and pumpkin this shop is a must! They have many dairy free milk alternatives, have an educated staff, and have gluten-free options! The vibes are great and the coffee is delicious!”
The Playhouse // Swillburger
“Swillburger is a hidden gem in the south wedge of Rochester! This bar/burger place/arcade is family friendly until 10pm and are 21+. In terms of food, they offer gluten-free buns and a dedicated gluten-free fryer making their French fries and tots gluten-free. Everything can be accommodated vegan and they have a delicious veggie burger. The bar also features gluten-free ciders for those 21+. I had a great and safe experience here.”
Aladdin’s Natural Eatery
“Aladdin’s Natural Eatery is Mediterranean heaven located on the Pittsford canal. The menu is well labeled for gluten-free and vegan and the staff is very accommodating and educated about allergies. They offer gluten-free penne and can adjust many of their dishes to fit your dietary needs. A beautiful view matched with a delicious meal!”
Village Bakery & Cafe, Pittsford NY
“This bakery and cafe is amazing! They are very knowledgeable about allergies, have many dairy-free milk alternatives and even have gluten-free products like cookies (individually wrapped)!”
Blu Wolf Bistro
“Blu Wolf is a college town staple with elevated dining, cocktails, and karaoke! They have a proactive staff and can cater to your dietary needs. While there are not many options their salads are very delicious (I would go here just for the salads even if there were more options)! It is a great place to go with friends located on Park ave, the center of nightlife in the city! “
The Red Fern
“The best vegan restaurant in the Rochester region! The menu is perfectly labeled highlighting any all allergens present in each item! They have many gluten-free options and constantly have new items or pastries in rotation to align with seasonal events. Everything is vegan, most items are gluten-free or can be made gluten-free. The menus are very clear about the allergens present, including soy and nuts.”
Pittsford Farms Dairy
“Pittsford dairy is a staple when visiting the Rochester area and is one of my favorite places to go as a student at St John Fisher. They have a freezer of pre packed ice cream pints with detailed labels explaining the ingredients and allergens present. This includes many dairy-free sorbets and dairy alternative ice creams. They also have 2-4 dairy-free flavors on rotation that can be scooped. They have gluten-free cones and gluten-free pastries as well!”
Core Nutrition & Energy
“Today I visited core nutrition in Rochester! I got the lavender lemonade power tea and loved it! Keep in mind that the shakes do use soy protein and many have gluten in them. The protein balls also use that protein powder, oats, peanut butter, and the staff had difficulty differentiating allergens. However they were willing listen as I explained what I can and can’t have! And even showed me the boxes to the ingredients to check for cross contamination. Overall this place is great but definitely be cautious!”
Pittsford Pub & Grille
“Pittsford Pub offers delicious salads and entrees that can be made gluten-free. The staff is very well informed and will assist you with any allergy. I have been here many times and have never had a problem. Great casual dining close to both Nazareth University and St John Fisher University.”
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
“Dinosaur BBQ is a must visit if you are coming to the Rochester area! They offer delicious gluten-free BBQ offering very educated staff and consistent menu and they serve your food on a red plate signifying an allergy to eliminate cross contact or confusion! Dinosaur BBQ is a staple in Rochester cuisine! They offer a menu that specifies each item and every allergen it contains from nuts to eggs to soy. This helps make the experience more comfortable and more enjoyable! I highly recommend the ribs!”
Get Caked Bakery Inc
“Get Caked is a bakery with accommodations for all allergies. Every item is properly labeled with gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, soy-free etc. You can even order a cake with specifications for any allergy. Each shelf in the display case is special to each allergen so they aren’t touching one another with only a few containing nuts located at the very bottom. The staff is extremely educated on allergies and will help you have a safe and delicious experience! The cakes, cupcakes, and cookies are also so so delicious! I highly recommend!”
Olives
“I had a wonderful experience at Olives Greek Taverna. Olives is located right next door to the Pittsford canal offering fine Mediterranean Greek dining. The menu is consciously labeled gluten-free noting the ability to accommodate any diet. Our server was very knowledgeable about celiac disease and allergies. Not many options are naturally gluten-free but many can be adjusted to fit allergy specific diets.”
Winter Swan Coffee
“The cutest cafe meets plant shop you’ll ever find! They have the most delicious lattes and a variety of plant based milks! The staff is very educated on allergens and will help make your experience safe enjoyable! I got the sunkiss latte: oat milk, brown sugar, and orange!”
Poké Sushi
“I had a great time at Poke Sushi! The waitstaff was very educated on celiac disease and allergies and guided me through the menu on what was safe and what wasn’t. They were able to specially design rolls based around my allergies and ensured a safe work space and thorough communication with the chef. They even had gluten-free soy sauce! It was a wonderful meal!”
