Eating safe, eating out

31 Dec

Tips for Dining Out with Dietary Restrictions: Making It Easy and Enjoyable

Dining out can be one of life’s great pleasures, but for those who have dietary restrictions, it can sometimes feel like a dangerous challenge to overcome. Whether you're managing food allergies, intolerances, or any specific dietary preferences, enjoying a meal at a restaurant requires a bit of planning and good communication. To help make the experience smoother, we talked with several restaurant owners and staff. Here are some friendly tips to help you get the most out of your dining experience while taking care of your health.

1. Plan Ahead: Make a Reservation

Getting ready for a great dining experience starts with preparation. When you make a reservation, share as much information as you can about your dietary needs. Restaurant chefs and owners want to provide a great meal for everyone, and they appreciate knowing in advance what adjustments might be necessary.

Including details about any special ingredients or changes you need in your reservation notes, gives the kitchen time to plan. This allows them to prepare a safe and tasty meal for you, whether it's sourcing specific ingredients or ensuring safe prep areas. While going out on a whim can be fun, a little planning can make your experience smoother and build a good relationship with the restaurant staff.

2. Clearly Communicate Your Needs

When you confirm your reservation, it’s important to clarify your dietary situation. If you have allergies or specific needs, make sure to explain them to your server when you order. This helps the kitchen prepare accordingly. It’s also perfectly fine to double-check your meal when it arrives to ensure it meets your needs.

3. Be Patient with the Process

When you place an order, keep in mind that your server might need to take a bit of extra time to check in with the chef about your specific requirements. If it feels like your server isn’t quite informed, remember they're just doing their job to make sure your needs are met. A little patience during this process can help ensure that your meal is both safe and enjoyable.

4. Be Aware of Possible Limitations

Though restaurants strive to provide great service, sometimes they may not be able to accommodate your request. Ingredients can change due to supplier issues or safety recalls, and these factors can affect what's available on the menu. By giving the restaurant advance notice of your dietary needs, they can be better prepared and might have a backup plan in place for your meal. If your needs can’t be met during a particular visit, don’t take it to heart. Remember that the restaurant staff is dealing with many moving parts, and they truly want to make your experience safe.

5. Reaffirm Your Needs Every Time You Visit

Even if you’re a regular at a restaurant, don’t assume that staff will remember your dietary restrictions. Restaurant employees can get busy, and new staff members may not recognize you or your specific needs. Each time you visit, take a moment to restate what you require to ensure everyone is on the same page.

6. Practice Safety at Self-Service Outlets

If you're dining at a buffet or another self-service option, be proactive about your health. Ask for clean tongs or request that a plate be prepared for you in the kitchen. This small step can greatly reduce the risk of cross-contamination and help you enjoy your meal with more confidence.

7. Be prepared!

No one likes to think they will have an adverse reaction to a meal they have been looking forward to, but it does happen. If you are susceptible to anaphylaxis or other serious medical reaction, make sure you have a first aid plan in place. Carry your Epi Pen, most restaurants do not have them on site. There may be limited access to a defibrillator. Ensure that your fellow diners know what to do in case of emergency and that they know when to act. If you are dining alone, ensure you speak to the waiter and let them know. This way if something does go wrong there are no delays in getting you care.

8. Remember, Restaurants Want You to Enjoy Your Meal

It’s important to keep in mind that restaurants are dedicated to helping you have a great dining experience. Working with them can make it easier for both you and the kitchen to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable meal.

Dining out with dietary restrictions doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips and communicating openly with restaurant staff, you can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. So take a deep breath, enjoy the outing, and know that with just a little planning, you can savor every delicious moment!

Tammara Lowdell