Hi,
I have a lot of dietary restrictions - gluten free, dairy free, and I can’t even eat raw vegetables. I want my husband and daughter to enjoy the wonderful food in Paris and eat in places with great atmosphere etc, but I also have to be careful of my diet. Any suggestions for places that cater to dietary restrictions that are still fun places to eat? TIA.
I hope things have changed, but a few years ago we were planning a trip to France with someone who was gluten and dairy free. I emailed a local chef I know to see if he thought we would be able to ask for a special diet as we traveled through France. He said no! Most chefs will not change for diet restrictions. This was in the countryside, not in Paris, and a few years ago. Likely, things have changed, but you might look into it closely.
We ended up not taking that trip, but we were nervous about the food situation due to these restrictions.
A website offering a list of gluten-free restaurants in France:
https://glutenlibre.co/en/france/
Apart from considerations on the quality of the dishes offered, in France the display of allergenic substances present in dishes on the restaurant menu is mandatory (since 2015).
The list of possible allergens in the dishes can be requested from the restaurant owner if you do not see it mentioned in the menu
You might want to take a look at Hebe Restaurant located on Rue Frédéric Sauton in the Latin Quarter. Another thing you might want to do is try L'Avant Comptoir, one of my favorite wine bars in Paris (I was just there today). They have small plates and you should be able to find small plates that work for each of you. it is a bar not a restaurant so there are no tables -- just counter seating.
I am gluten free and have been since before it was cool (25+ years). In France, allergens are typically marked on the menu, but even if they are not, good restaurants will know what is in their food. My advice to you is to select something from the menu that fits your requirements. Do not expect them to modify a dish for you. Of course, they may offer to do so, but don't assume they will. Think of it like this - The chef has prepared a dish to be the best he can make it. If he changes it, he is not presenting his best to you. They prefer you to order something else.
I have some version of this conversation multiple times in restaurants in France:
"Is this gluten free?"
"No, the sauce has gluten."
"Can I get it without the sauce?"
"Order the steak. It's gluten free."
I don't mean this to dissuade you, just to have realistic expectations and roll with it. I've had some great surprises but I've also eaten a lot of steak.
Thanks everyone for the advice. I definitely understand that chefs won't want to modify their meals. I guess I am looking for restaurants that just seem more allergen friendly - notating their menus, etc.
David Lebovitz recommends stating your dietary restrictions when you make the reservations, not when you arrive at the restaurant. Many restaurants in Paris have asked us if we have any food allergies/dietary restrictions.
These may provide some useful suggestions.
