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Boston's Best Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten Free Dining

If you have food allergies or sensitivities, you probably know the drill. Talk to the server, talk to the manager, talk to the chef, and try not to panic. For a growing number of people suffering from food allergies and sensitivities (more than 12 million in the U.S.), going out to eat can be a terrifying experience.

On the bright side, Massachusetts is leading the charge when it comes to awareness. A state law requires training and notices. Also, all menus and menu boards in food establishments must display the following: "Before placing your order, please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy."

What's even better than that is that a lot of restaurants go above and beyond. CBS Boston put together a list of a few local spots that receive good marks when it comes to dealing with food allergies.

blue ginger
(Photo Credit: Blue Ginger/Facebook)

The Gold Standard! As a parent of a child with food allergies, Chef Ming Tsai has been at the forefront when it comes to food allergy awareness. With its Asian-fusion entrees priced between $25 and $40, Blue Ginger is a pricey option, but it's also a sure bet when it comes to allergies.

wagamama
(Photo Credit: Wagamama/Facebook)

See Website for Boston locations

Wagamama is a much more casual and very reasonably-priced Asian-inspired noodle bar. The restaurant has a fantastic allergy friendly food guide right on its website, with options for about a dozen different allergies and food sensitivities.

10/17 - 2 broke girls - free on your birthday - NotYourAverageJoes - Molly Kerrigan
Photo Credit: Molly Kerrigan

Not Your Average Joes

Multiple locations
Website

Not Your Average Joes is billed by several food allergy sites as one of the most allergy-friendly restaurants in the area. They offer up all of your standard American fare and make all of their meals from scratch, so they are able accommodate a good number of special requests. Their chefs are all educated in how to deal with allergies and food sensitivities. Not Your Average Joes has a Gluten-free menu available.

Legal Sea Foods
(credit: Legal Sea Foods)

Legal Seafoods

Multiple locations
Website

Get this: a number of people with shellfish allergies have recommended Legal on different review websites. Customers with allergies rave about the knowledge and attention they get from staff. Legal offers a wheat and gluten free menu.

Myers and Chang
(credit: Myers & Chang)

Asian food seems to be a popular theme when it comes to allergy friendly. Myers and Chang offers up several alternative allergy menus that include options free of shellfish, nut, meat, and gluten.

A few allergy friendly chains:
Chili's (menu)
Chipotle (special diet info)
Bertucci's (website)
Qdoba Mexican Grill (allergy menu)

Know any other good allergy friendly restaurants in the area? Let us know about them in the comments section below.
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