University of Southern California
“USC accommodates food allergies very well, but it is definitely something you have to search for. When getting to school in August, I felt lost in the dining halls and on-campus cafes because the staff working does not usually know the ingredients in the food. I reached out to an on-campus nutritionist and that is where I began to feel safe eating at USC. She gave me a breakdown of what foods to avoid, and answered all of my specific questions. For example, I wanted to find safe protein options on campus that were tree nut and mustard-free, and she sent me the ingredients in every protein at one of USC’s dining options called Seeds. At USC, we also have a dining hall with Panda Express, a Mexican food station, pizza, and smoothies where students use dining dollars. It is very intimidating as a person with food allergies because you have to order on an iPad and can’t tell them dietary restrictions. The nutritionist informed me that the smoothie stand is very small and cross-contamination is almost inevitable, and told me to absolutely avoid it. She also informed me that there are no nuts at the taco place so I felt confident eating there. Overall, USC accommodates for food allergies, but to get sufficient help, you need to be proactive. ”
Cafe Dulce (USC Village)
“Dulce is one of USC Village’s cafes. It always has a long line, for good reason, because it is a delicious cafe with great drinks (matcha lattes and coffee) and great food too. Any time I’ve gone to Dulce and asked about a menu item, the staff knows exactly what is in each item. They also have pre-made salads with the ingredients, but most of them have nuts as labeled. I’d recommend their turkey sandwich and breakfast burrito. I always feel very safe eating there!”
Il Giardino Ristorante
“This Italian restaurant in USC Village is very accommodating with allergies. With few menu items, the staff knows their menu well and notify the chefs about allergies and make me feel very safe. I love their chicken Milanese, and their pasta is very good too. They have pesto on their menu, however they don’t have many other nuts on their menu. I’d highly recommend!”
Jon & Vinny’s Slauson
“Jon and Vinny’s is an amazing Italian restaurant that is both delicious and very accommodating with allergies. Every waiter I have come across is very knowledgeable about allergies and knows their menu front to back. I would recommend their spicy fusilli pasta, meatballs, chicken Parmesan, and their gem lettuce salad. They also have breakfast food which I have not tried, but I have heard it is delicious and also very accommodating with allergies. ”
Ministry of Coffee – USC
“Ministry of Coffee is my favorite cafe on campus. While I will say they have a lot of nuts in their bakery items, every barista and chef knows exactly what is in every item and I always feel safe eating there. It is a cafe where you order and they call your name when your food or drink is ready, but as long as you tell them your allergy they will accommodate!!”
Softies Burger – USC Village
“Softies is in USC Village and it is a great burger restaurant with salads and breakfast burritos as well. They are very good with allergies and they have a small menu, so their staff is very knowledgeable! They always make me feel safe and their food is great. I’d recommend their smash burger with cheese! ”
