Xavier University
“If you have any allergies, you are able to find food safe for you at the delicious ‘Without’ station! The team is super accommodating and you can request food you want.”
Forno Osteria + Bar
“Very nice when I asked to double check with the chef about my order since I had never been there before. Normally Italian is very safe for tree-nuts and I was happy the server took the extra step for me to talk to the chef. Food was good, and I would definitely go again!”
Cherbourg Cyprus
“The only bakery where I can have everything! Everything is delicious—cozy environment! Definitely a must visit.”
The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar
“New restaurants can feel overwhelming sometimes, but it’s super important to just talk to the staff and hear what they have to say! This place was super cool, and I was able to have most things on the menu. Super cute patio seating perfect for summer, which is right around the corner! Getting the burger and chicken sandwich was ideal to try both. Super happy the whole meal was allergy safe and delicious. Never forget to mention if you or someone has allergies, because if you tell them before you order, it’s super easy to ask the kitchen and make a note with your order. Always better to be safe!”
Hoff Dining Hall
“Super lucky to go to a college that takes allergies so seriously! In the whole cafeteria, I am able to eat whatever I want because they are a nut-free campus! And if you have a number of allergies you can talk to the staff and they can help you navigate. There’s also an allergen-free area. One of the reasons I felt so comfortable with my choice of picking Xavier is because of how great the team has been with my allergies! Side note, the bakery items are all safe too and very delicious.”
Alcove by MadTree Brewing
“One of my favorite stops in Cincinnati! Alcove was such a hidden gem for me to find since I can have their burgers and fries, which can be hard if they use nut oils (I’m almost positive they have a nut-free area of the kitchen or is a total nut-free kitchen). Really great atmosphere, staff has always been diligent with my allergies and even without a revelation, I’ve been very confident eating here!”
Taste of Belgium – The Banks
“You cannot go wrong here. I mostly go for a breakfast platter, but they have great dinner and lunch options too. My first visit at Xavier I was really happy to find out my cousin, who also is allergic to nuts, is able to have waffles here! Taste of Belgium staff have always been really nice and helpful when asking to double-check safety and health concerns. Super yummy and there’s a ton of locations in the city.”
Agave & Rye
“10/10 go here if you need to avoid nuts and gluten. I always recommend this restaurant when I’m in a group, when someone is celiac, or when I want to have great food that is completely safe for me and my other friends! The menu is large and easy if there’s something you want they could make it gluten-free by substituting flour tortillas for corn. I’ve never had issues, and with my nut allergies, sometimes you have to be aware of different sauces with Mexican food, but the staff has always been helpful!”
The Bagelry
“One of my most frequent credit card charges. When you have food allergies, simple things like having a bagel with cream cheese is extra exciting. I was so happy to find a place where I’m able to order bagel sandwiches as well. Staff is always super nice, and they clean well, and it’s delicious.”
Young Buck Deli
“I always get the club, and the staff are awesome. I normally cannot eat homemade breads, let alone something special like focaccia bread, but since it’s made there without my allergens I can safely enjoy it!”
Gallagher Student Center
“In the student center, there are a few options for food. The All For One shop has packaged snacks and across from that is Victory Perk. Victory Perk is a coffee shop that has baked goods, grab-and-go food items, and lots of drink options. I personally love the tea shakers and almost always grab a muffin since it’s made by the dining hall which is all nut-free! You can go downstairs and choose from Jersey Mikes which is a great sub place and their allergens are the same as they would be at any location so I check online for changes and talk to the staff. Across from that is Absurd Bird – fried chicken and other foods – and then True Burger! All of the food places and the coffee shop are on a mobile app so you can order while in class or when passing by. True Burger and Absurd Bird have always been nut-free, and if you have other allergies to avoid, you can talk to the staff! I’m on the dining hall board here, and we are always working to have more options for students!”
Colette OTR • Mostly French Restaurant by Chef Danny Combs
“When it comes to French food, often the fries are fried and peanut oil, so I was super excited to find out I could have the fries here! I’ve met Chef Danny and he is fantastic with food allergies and being accommodating of everyone who comes into his restaurant. I’ve never had a bad experience here, and it’s my favorite place to eat in Cincinnati. I have just gone for dessert sometimes, but you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. Even if there’s something on the menu I couldn’t eat, he has told me that he would make it so I would be able to have it!! It’s a fun experience, and you really feel like you’re in a little European restaurant.”
Rhino’s Frozen Yogurt & Soft Serve
“Best soft serve in town! I love going here with friends because it’s open 24/7. As you can see from the second photo, there’s a little allergen list above every flavor, which makes it super easy to figure out what you can and cannot have. When it comes to toppings, I only get chocolate syrup since it’s in a bottle. If for some reason you have a question or wanna check the allergy listing for something, they have a big book full of all the ingredients! Soft serve is always my top pick since I can feel comfortable knowing they don’t have to go through the clean scoop or not clean scoop situation.”
