If you thought being the peanut-free kid that had to bring their own cake to birthday parties was annoying, try being a travel-addicted adult with anaphylactic allergies in foreign countries. The unfamiliar can be frightening to those of us with allergies, but it does not need to stop us from seeing new places. With a little research and the right resources, finding allergen-free food while traveling can be a far less distressful experience for our dining choice-challenged community.
With that being said, whether you are visiting Canada’s Tournament Capital for a sports competition, are in town for the weekend to tour vineyards along the wine trail, or simply spending time in the beautiful Thompson Okanagan Region, I welcome you to your allergy-friendly guide to Kamloops, British Columbia. My name is Estelle, a member of the peanut, fish, shellfish, soy, and lentil-free community, and I will be your virtual guide through this allergy-friendly tour of Kamloops.
Following Food Allergy Canada’s Priority food allergens -Eggs, Milk, Mustard, Peanuts, Crustaceans and mollusk’s, Fish, Sesame seeds, Soy, Sulphites, Tree Nuts, and Wheat and triticale- this post will help you safely navigate the Kamloops dining scene by providing you with allergen-related information about a few of my favorite allergy-friendly restaurants the area.
Preparation and Pre-Travel Tips:
Before we begin with the Kamloops-specific content, here are a few tips on how to prepare for an allergy-friendly trip.
- Research the restaurants in the area and review online menus.
- Read online resources, such as this post, for destination-specific information.
- Create your own allergy translation cards or use an app, like Allergy FT: Food Allergy App, to ensure that your allergies are effectively communicated to the chef.
- Consider downloading other allergy apps, such as the many useful ones mentioned in 6 Food Allergy Apps to Help You Shop and Eat Out Safely (verywellhealth.com) and Best Allergy Apps of 2020 (healthline.com), to help in the hunt for allergen-free food.
Allergy-Accommodating Restaurants in Kamloops
Disclaimer: Restaurants can almost never guarantee that there are no traces nor any cross-contamination between allergens and their food. Bearing this in mind, the restaurants included in this post were chosen based on their ability to accommodate allergies. After communicating with a staff member from each of these restaurants about their allergy policies and procedures, these are -in my opinion- some of the allergy-friendliest restaurants in Kamloops. I recommend using this guide as part of your pre-travel research and advise you contact the restaurants directly to discuss your specific dietary restrictions with a staff member.
Hello Toast
Hello Toast – Funky, bustling Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant
428 Victoria St, Kamloops BC V2C 2A7
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday – 7:30AM to 2:30PM, Sundays – 8AM to 2:30PM
Hello Toast [@hellotoast]. “Pleasure Toast with warm berry compote,”* Instagram, 14 January 2021, https://www.instagram.com/p/CKCY5a-hihp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link.
This cozy and conveniently located brunch spot in downtown Kamloops is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast with friends or family. Whether you have a preference for sweet or savory, this trendy eatery’s extensive menu will most definitely make your wildest breakfast dreams come true.
Allergen info: With a wide variety of choices, if you can’t find anything on the menu, Hello Toast can accommodate your allergies.
Menu info: Hello Toast – Funky, bustling Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant
Contact: 250-372-9322
Hello Toast (@hellotoast) • Instagram photos and videos
The Noble Pig Brewhouse
The Noble Pig | Inspired food. Unique brew.
650 Victoria St, Kamloops BC V2C 2B4
Opening Hours: Sundays – 3PM to 11PM, Monday – Saturday 11:30AM-11PM // Kitchen until 10PM daily.
![The Noble Pig Brewhouse[@thenoblepigbrew]. “We’re ready to spice things up this weekend with our Enchilada Lasagna feature! ”* Instagram, 13 May 2021, https://www.instagram.com/p/CO0i9EMBdu0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link](https://travelmedia.trubox.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/566/2021/12/Noble-Pig-Brewhouse-1.png)
The Noble Pig Brewhouse[@thenoblepigbrew]. “We’re ready to spice things up this weekend with our Enchilada Lasagna feature! ”* Instagram, 13 May 2021, https://www.instagram.com/p/CO0i9EMBdu0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
One of The 10 Best Restaurants In Kamloops, Canada (theculturetrip.com), the Noble Pig is Kamloops’ first and only microbrewery. What does that mean? That this warm and welcoming downtown eatery is the place to be if you’re in the mood for a brewed craft beer with your delicious meal.
Allergen info: With the managing staff being well acquainted with dietary restrictions, the Noble Pig Brewhouse has full allergy charts and well trained staff that take the matter very seriously. Furthermore, almost everything on their menu is made from scratch in their kitchen, so they are fully aware of the ingredients in that they food they are serving their beloved customers.
Menu info: Our Menu | The Noble Pig
Contact: 778-471-5999
The Noble Pig Brewhouse (@thenoblepigbrew) • Instagram photos and videos
The Noble Pig Brewhouse | Facebook
Earls
Earls Kamloops | Earls Kamloops, BC Restaurants
1210 Summit Dr Suite 800, Kamloops, BC V2C 6M1
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday – 11AM to 11PM, Fridays – 11AM to 12AM,
Saturdays – 10AM to 12AM, Sundays – 10AM to 11PM.
Earls Kamloops [@earlskamloops]. “We are offering Brunch tomorrow from open-2pm, Happy Hour Brunch from open-noon.”* Instagram, 10 November 2021, https://www.instagram.com/p/CWHHGyLhl0B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link.
With various locations across North America, you have likely already heard of this upscale casual dining chain. With that being said, each Earl’s location has a menu that’s carefully selected and tailored to them, so don’t be fooled by thinking that the Earls you’ve previously ate at in another province will provide you with the same dining experience as the Earls in Kamloops!
Allergen info: When your allergies are communicated with the server, your food will be prepared in a clean area and on fresh cutting boards.
Allergen Menu: earls_allergy_sept2021.pdf (storage.googleapis.com)
Menu info: Earls Kitchen + Bar Restaurants
Contact: 250-372-3275
Earls Kamloops (@earlskamloops) • Instagram photos and videos
Moxies
Open for Dining, Delivery and Pick-up | Kamloops | Moxies
225 Lorne St, Kamloops BC V2C 1W2
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday – 8AM to 10PM, Friday – Saturday – 8AM to 11PM
Moxies [@moxies]. “Your favourite bowl of happiness is back..”* Instagram, 7 December 2021, https://www.instagram.com/p/CXM37oFsqtz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link.
Allergen info: Moxie’s goes above and beyond when it comes to accommodating allergies. After informing your server of your allergies, a Moxie’s manager will come to your table and go through your allergies with you before communicating them to the chef. Afterwards, the manager will be the one to bring you your allergy-friendly dish.
Menu info: Food Menu | Moxies
Contact: 250-852-6710
Moxies (@moxies) • Instagram photos and videos
Moxie’s Grill & Bar | Facebook
Contact any of our restaurants for an immediate reply | Moxies
Red Beard Café
Home | Red Beard (wixsite.com)
449 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, BC V2B 3G9, Canada
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Friday – 11AM to 10PM, Saturdays – 10AM to 10PM,
Sundays – 10AM to 4PM, Currently closed on Monday/Tuesday
Red Beard [@redbeardcafe]. “Fully loaded potato croquettes – cornflake crusted..”* Instagram, 28 October, https://www.instagram.com/p/CVlPSO7vD9U/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link.
From coffee to craft beer, this charming morning to night café-pub hybrid has been a Kamloops gem since its opening in 2012. Located a little further from town -on our lovely North Shore- the meals made from scratch at this local brunch and dinner spot are well worth the trek.
Allergen info: Although their kitchen is small and they only have one grill and one fryer, Red Beard Café will make all efforts to accommodate allergies, such as sanitizing all relevant surfaces and excluding ingredients when necessary.
Menu info: Brunch menu Microsoft Word – Fall Menu Red Beard (filesusr.com)
Dinner menu Microsoft Word – Fall Menu Red Beard (filesusr.com)
Contact: Red Beard (@redbeardcafe) • Instagram photos and videos
Red Collar Brewing
Red Collar Brewing & Distilling Co.
355 Lansdowne St, Kamloops BC V2C 1X9
Opening Hours: Tuesday -Thursday – 1PM to 9PM, Friday – Saturday – 1PM to 10PM,
Sundays – 1PM to 6PM, Currently closed on Mondays
Red Collar Brewing Company [@redcollarbrewing]. “SURPRISE.”* Instagram, 12 November 2021, https://www.instagram.com/p/CWL7O88P_ea/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link.
Allergen info: Red Collar Brewing does not have a full kitchen and its small menu is mostly snack foods at the moment (PEANUTS ARE ON THE MENU.) However, as this homey brewery allows its customers to bring in food from exterior eateries, be sure to BFOAFF (Bring Your Own Allergy-Friendly Food.)
Menu info: Menu — Red Collar Brewing & Distilling Co.
Contact: 778-471-0174
Red Collar Brewing Company (@redcollarbrewing) • Instagram photos and videos
Mittz Kitchen
227 Victoria St., Kamloops BC V2C 2A1
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday – 11AM to 9PM
Mittz Kitchen [@mittzkitchen]. “Brisket is back for another week !! BBQ smokes brisket with smoked cheddar mac n cheese and flash fried brussels.”* Instagram, 6 May 2020, https://www.instagram.com/p/B_3SiVahAWv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link.
Another one of The 10 Best Restaurants In Kamloops, Canada (theculturetrip.com), Mittz is a delightful little casual dining experience located in downtown Kamloops. Their menu offers customers with many Canadian cuisine options, such as their house burger or house meatloaf.
Allergen info: With their meal’s ingredients being listed on the extensive menu (except for sauces,) it is fairly simple to find an allergy-friendly option at this popular downtown eatery. Furthermore, most options on their menu can be altered to accommodate your allergies.
Menu info: Menu | Mittz Kitchen
Contact: 778-471-5050
Mittz Kitchen (@mittzkitchen) • Instagram photos and videos
Red Robins
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews | Kamloops in Kamloops, BC
B-101 1180 Columbia ST W, Kamloops BC V2C 6R6
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday – 11AM to 9PM, Friday – Saturday – 11AM to 9:30PM
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers [@redrobinburgers]. “#BlackFriday Fuel from 📷 @aericaish Who’s hitting the stores today?.”* Instagram, 25 November 2021, https://www.instagram.com/p/CWtgn_aJJEF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link.
Allergen info: An industry leading example of an allergy-accommodating restaurant, Red Robins goes the extra mile and even uses a different fryer and grill to make sure your food is allergy-friendly and safe.
Allergen Menu: Allergy-Friendly Menu – Red Robin
Menu info: What’s New – Menu – Red Robin
Contact: 250-374-3313
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (@redrobinburgers) • Instagram photos and videos
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers | Facebook
If you found this guide helpful be sure to check out my TikTok video for this blog post: https://www.tiktok.com/@allergiesabroad/video/7040029603208891653?is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=7039868386301707782
