Think back to the best meals of your life – chances are they weren’t the solitary meals eaten in front of the television, they were the meals enjoyed with others, filled with the sounds of laughter and the warmth of companionship. No matter your path in life, the dinner table can be a place of community, where you chat about life, love, and everything in between.

Unfortunately for some of us, eating out together can be like playing Russian roulette; you drop the ball on the table and watch the wheel spin, wondering where it will land and what it will mean for you at the end of the day. This is why walking into a restaurant where the staff are knowledgeable about your restrictions can take the stress out of eating out. And is there anything more exciting than scanning a menu and knowing you won’t need to have a 10-minute conversation with your server before ordering?

Ditch the stress and savour a meal at any of these 9 restaurants specializing in vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free (and sometimes all three!). You can enjoy a meal out with friends again (and again, and again).

Nourished

27 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden

As if the name wasn’t indicator enough, this is the place to go to fill your belly and your spirit at the same time. Enjoy gourmet meals that everyone can eat (yes, even you) that will nourish you from the inside out. Probiotic-rich beverages, locally obtained, nutrient dense, low sugar ingredients will make every meal a good-for-you adventure.

Known for: Vegan, gluten-free, organic, whole foods.
Go for: Their menu is always changing depending on what’s in season, but they tend to have a consistent menu items of soup, stew, or curry over rice, and noodle-based dishes.

Hook, Line & Sinker

128 Haliburton St., Haliburton

When you’re gluten free, you give up a lot of comfort foods, but the good ol’ fish and chips standby can be back on the menu at Hook, Line & Sinker . They make their fish and chips with a gluten-free breading (and with a dedicated fryer!), so everyone can enjoy this delicious comfort meal. Please note they are closed from October to March.

Known for: Gluten-free, sustainably sourced seafood.
Go for: Their fish and chips meals are a must, hand-battered in their own gluten-wise house batter. They use the term gluten-wise instead of gluten-free because they do have wheat on premises.

Michael’s Table

110 Gore St. E., Perth

A meal here will fill you up with good, old-fashioned homestyle comfort food. They have plenty of gluten-free options, and vegetarians won’t go away hungry, either. This restaurant also has the ultimate of gluten-free designations – a dedicated fryer. This means Celiacs can enjoy French fries, too!

Known for: Gluten-free.
Go for: A must try is their loaded potato chips which are served like nachos, and are perfect for the gluten-free and corn intolerant.

Castle Antiques & Café

223 Highland St, Haliburton

If you are always on the run and need vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, this can be your go-to for a light meal on the go. You won’t need to worry about cross contamination or picking through what to order – here, everything is vegan and gluten free! Their soup of the day is always changing, and worth the drive.

Known for: Vegan, gluten-free.
Go for: Try one of their hardy salads that are so filling you won’t necessarily need a baked good afterwards, but it will still hit the spot.

The Good Food Co.

31 Bridge St., Carleton Place

This longstanding local favourite in downtown Carleton Place is focused on both natural and locally sourced ingredients. Gluten-free items are noted on the menu, and there are plenty of vegetarian selections, too. Get there early – the restaurant is only open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, and seating is limited.

Known for: Gluten-free, vegetarian, locally sourced.
Go for: Their pressed sandwiches are loaded with savoury goodness and pressed between a rich and yeasty sourdough bread.

The Muse Gallery & Café

23 Bridge St., Bancroft

Combine a love of art with a love of food in one fun spot at this cute café in Bancroft. The café also does pick-ups (call ahead to place your order) so this is the perfect spot for a breakfast or lunch on the go. Or you can sit down and breathe in the artistic ambiance instead.

Known for: Vegetarian, vegan.
Go for: Their daily soups are made from scratch, and so delicious! Try a protein smoothie to perk up your daily protein intake.

Cardinal Café + Shop

14153 Road 38, Sharbot Lake

Life is better #InFrontenac, and this is particularly true at Sharbot Lake’s cute Cardinal Café + Shop. Check out their beautifully renovated church location and enjoy a spiritual relationship with food and drink. The café features two gluten-free options daily, and vegetarians don’t need to feel left out – there’s something for everyone on the menu.

Known for: Gluten-free, vegetarian.
Go for: Their soup of the day is a must try. Vegans will rejoice in the option for almond or soy milk alternatives.

Picnic

1865 Rogers Rd, Perth

You’ll love the funky, hipster vibe in this eatery that specializes in simple, wholesome, and fresh menu options. The café has a cafeteria-style, open-concept feel that you’ll love for eat-in, or pick up something for a lunch on the go. The café is open from Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Known for: Vegetarian, gluten free.
Go for: Their Chicken Satay Bowl, Golden Curry Bowl, or Mezze Bowl must be experienced to understand how awesome they are, packed full of deliciousness and hearty good-for-you ingredients.

Gather

This cozy nook in heritage Perth is only open for lunch so book a reservation in advance to guarantee a spot as it is super popular right now. Everything that's served here is made from scratch and the chef loves to be creative! They are open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Known for: Vegetarian, gluten free.
Go for: Any of their soups are totally worth the drive! If you are lucky the Chef will be serving his famous dill pickle soup (and yes, it's amazing). 

Maximillian Restaurant

Can you have your (gluten-free, vegan cake) and eat it too? You can if that "cake" is German-inspired schnitzel and other traditional foodstuffs at Maximilian's Restaurant in Perth. These folks go that extra mile to make sure you are able to eat, safely. 

Known for: Vegetarian, gluten free.
Go for: Their garlic mashed potatoes are a must try!