[vc_row class=”bb-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Those of us keeping close watch on what goes in our bodies don’t have to feel like outsiders on the foodie scene. With a nod to those with dietary restrictions, these local establishments can truly provide something for everyone, without compromising flavor.
The Wedge Pizzeria
517 S Riverside Dr, Iowa City
Beloved fan-favorite for pizza by the pie (or slice), The Wedge is now the local favorite pizza for those with modified diets: They offer not only one, but two non-dairy cheese alternatives (rice cheese and a vegan cheese), and now supply gluten-free crusts for any of your favorite pies.
The Nutcracker is still a favorite if opting for the gluten-free crust, but if going dairy-free or cheese-free, we’d go with stronger flavors like sausage and pepperoni in a pie like The Dagobah. Of course, for our vegan and vegetarian friends, rest assured knowing that one-third of the pizza menu features a wide array of veggies as the star of the show.
New Pioneer Co-Op
3338 Center Point Rd NE, Cedar Rapids,
22 S Van Buren St, Iowa City,
1101 2nd St, Coralville
A perennial favorite and community standby that serves both the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City areas, New Pi’s unique strengths lie in its grab-and-go section where one can easily find a variety of flavorful salads and sides for those that subscribe to vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets. The desserts from Sweet Raw Joy—the wheat-free, vegan, raw bakery that showcases its work at New Pi—offer alternatives, like single-serving cheesecakes and cakes, that are creative, thoughtful and absolutely delicious. These desserts, along with the housemade almond macaroons (you can’t miss them, they’re the size of your palm), give hope to those of us who’ve gone gluten-free and thought we would never have sweets or cookies again.
If you’re looking for a unique snack, don’t miss the sweet-creamy-spicy jalapeño cashew dip. It’s made in-house and has been an absolute hit at every gathering we’ve brought it to.
Trumpet Blossom Cafe
310 E Prentiss St, Iowa City
Brunch can be a bit of a bummer if you’re going gluten-free or dairy-free, but Trumpet Blossom rescues our favorite weekend meal with options that satisfy diners of all proclivities. Their vegan florentine offers a delicious cashew sauce that almost makes you forget about Eggs Benedict, and there’s a variety of gluten-free substitutes throughout the menu. Grab a side of the “kids” pancake if you need something sweet, and make sure to try the red pepper aioli with your potatoes—it’s to die for, and, if we could, we’d eat it by the spoonful.
With a strong nod to seasonal options and well-crafted daily specials and drinks, Trumpet Blossom continues to be a local leader in providing a place for folks of all dietary needs to gather around a cozy table with thoughtful, well-crafted food.
Heirloom Salad Company
211 E Washington St, Iowa City
For those looking for a health-slanted lunch or dinner, Heirloom makes for an obvious choice. Use your healthy starting point − a heaping pile of greens—and do what you like; pile on the cheese, nuts and meat, or opt for the allergen-free route and pile on the veggies. Multiple options for fresh greens provide a base for the salad menu but the lengthy list of vegetables and add-ins also make it a breeze to concoct a salad of your own creation. Add what you want and leave out what you don’t.
The dressing choices here are the highlight of the whole situation and, really, the elevating piece that takes your salad from something you might make at home to something you’re willing to eat out. That, and the fact that they toss and chop your salad for you so you get dressing and toppings in every bite. Who knew something so simple would make all the difference?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row class=”bb-row bb-button-row”][vc_column][hcode_button button_style=”style3″ hcode_button_preview_image=”style3″ button_type=”large” hcode_column_animation_style=”pulse” button_text=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flittlevillagemag.com%2Fdining|title:Return%20to%20Bread%20%26%20Butter||”][hcode_button button_style=”style3″ hcode_button_preview_image=”style3″ button_type=”large” hcode_column_animation_style=”pulse” button_text=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fissuu.com%2Flittlevillage%2Fdocs%2Fbread-and-butter-2017|title:Bread%20%26%20Butter%20PDF%20Edition||”][hcode_button button_style=”style3″ hcode_button_preview_image=”style3″ button_type=”large” hcode_column_animation_style=”pulse” button_text=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flittlevillagemag.com%2Frestaurants%2F|title:A-Z%20Restaurant%20Index||”][hcode_space margin_setting=”1″ desktop_margin=”margin-three-all”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
