Casual Calgary Dining – Allergy-friendly Style

By Riley Turgeon
There’s something comforting about walking into a laid-back spot where the music is upbeat, the service is friendly, the aroma of good food fills the room, and the dress code is non-existent. Ambient lighting, perfect for group photos and plush booths inviting you to sit and chat for as long as you’d like, make you feel like you haven’t even left the comfort of your own home for a meal. Even better if the food you are looking for is inclusive for everyone. These casual dining restaurants in Calgary offer everyone this familiar vibe with dietary options!

Cactus Club strikes the perfect balance of casual meets chic. You’re greeted by pulsating house music and modern art, but as the customer, you can show up in jeans and sneakers, and as long as you bring your appetite, the experience will be like no other. The service is friendly and attentive, and the menu offers a wide range of inclusive dining selections from cuisines worldwide. Try their classic Chicken Wings ($20.5) as an appetizer. Choose between a salt and pepper rub or, if you crave spice the Louisiana hot may be more your style. The wings are available in a gluten-free option as well. If that wasn’t enough, the Gardenburger ($22.75) will assist in tackling your hunger. As you may have guessed, this is a vegetarian burger teeming with flavor. Aged cheddar, red relish, mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard on a brioche bun and served with a side of sea salted fries, which can be gluten-free, of course. The Zen Roll ($17.25) is one of Cactus Club’s signature sushi rolls and the only 100% plant-based option available. Packed with yuzu tamari, avocado, mango, and vegan mayo, this Japanese delicacy will surely delight your taste buds.

Masala Lounge & Grill is the ideal casual dining spot for any party but be ready to share food because having a plate for yourself will be tough. With an urban interior that matches the vibe of Calgary, the inviting atmosphere is evident as you enter this restaurant. With a diverse selection of Indian cuisine options, many inclusive of any dietary restriction, the Masala Lounge & Grill will become a part of your restaurant rotation in no time. Enjoy the 2-piece Masala Papadum as a starter. Fresh vegetables and spices are topped on a papadum; this appetizer is gluten- and dairy-free and vegetarian. The Creamy Chicken Tikka is another gluten-free menu item that will melt in your mouth. The chicken is marinated in a creamy yogurt to give it a rich taste unlike any other. With so many other fabulous dishes to choose from, Dum Ki Nalli should also be considered. AAlso gluten-free, this entree is a mouthwatering plate of lamb shanks draped in a warm tomato gravy and Indian spices. When ou're finished, there won’t be a single drop left on that plate.

Selia Bar is as vibrant and informal as it gets for a bar in Calgary. As you enter this 100% gluten-free establishment, you are greeted by enchanting smells, large windows, and an effervescent peacock painted on a wall. The staff are friendly and the menu even more so, with a wide selection of dining options for vegan, vegetarian, and dairy/egg-free as well. Get their Hummus ($15), which is vegan and vegetarian-friendly and contains no lactose or eggs. Served with gluten-free house chips, this dish is great for sharing or solo dipping. Check out the Selia Salad ($17), which is packed full of rich vegetables like pickled red onion, cherry tomatoes, and radish, among others. Smothered in a delicious Dijon dressing, the serving size is big enough for leftovers. The Portobello Burger ($20) is sure to cure the appetite of those who are never full. This vegetarian burger comes with marinated, sliced portobello, arugula, roasted red pepper, jalapeno jack cheese, glazed in balsamic vinegar. Served with fries or your choice of another side, this burger packs a punch of flavour and will have you leaving Selia satisfied.