When you have to follow a restricted diet, ordering from a restaurant can seem challenging—but many establishments are well-prepared to cater to their guests' unique needs. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your next order is delicious and exactly the way you want it.

3 Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free Food From a Restaurant

1. Choose Carefully

When setting up a lunch date or debating where to order takeout from, see if your partner or friends will let you pick the restaurant. This way you can choose a venue with gluten-free options—and they might get the chance to explore something new.

2. Ask the Server for Guidance

Many experienced restaurant servers—or even those who take orders over the phone—will have encountered other diners who have similar food restrictions to yours. Ask them for advice about what on the menu might be most appropriate for you. They can often provide one or more menu suggestions that you might not have noticed immediately.  

3. Ask Questions

Ask pointed questions if you are uncertain about an item. Be polite, but firm. For example, question if the item contains croutons or other flour-based toppings. Make sure an item is not dusted with flour before being deep-fried. Ascertain if the soup or dressings contain thickeners that might have gluten.

Some "dairy" products are not actually dairy, but rather non-dairy substitutes that might contain ingredients you cannot or do not wish to eat. Most likely, the chef will be able to accommodate substitutions.

If you're seeking an exciting new favorite restaurant, try Buzzard Billy's in Lincoln, NE. They specialize in Cajun and soul food, as well as many American favorites. Check out their menu on their website. Read hundreds of enthusiastic customer reviews online. Call (402) 475-8822 with questions about their gluten-free selections.