Connecticut: Dairy-Free Dining in the Constitution State

Last Update in May 2023! We’ve created this ever-growing guide to restaurants, bakeries, cafes, ice cream shops, and stores in Connecticut: that are friendly to dairy-free diners. It’s a collection based on research and reader recommendations (send yours!) that’s divided into restaurants & shops by city (first) and major chains found throughout the state (second). And we’ve started a section for specialty dairy-free foods produced in this state.

We Update Continuously! You can ignore the original date on this post going forward. We update the information below whenever we’re alerted to a new recommendation, change, or closure.

Photo from By the Way Bakery. The owner greets with gluten-free, dairy-free muffins.

Dairy-Free Connecticut: Recommended Restaurants & Shops

Did you know America’s most infamous menu item, the hamburger, was invented in Connecticut? At least that’s what they say. Beyond burgers, seafood and dairy are staples in this New England state, and they often combine them. Butter drenched hot lobster rolls, steamed cheeseburgers, and white clam pizzas are just a few of Connecticut most iconic dishes. And for dessert, ice cream, of course!

It isn’t always easy to find dairy-free eats in Connecticut, but it’s definitely possible. We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city and then by the restaurant or shop name. For large chains with locations throughout the state, see the Major Restaurant & Grocery Chains section below. We have dedicated posts with dairy-free details for many of the big guys.

⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)

Avon

• Pure Love Bakery – Enjoy the vegan donuts, muffins, bagels with dairy-free cream cheese, granola, and more at this 100% gluten-free bakery. They also take custom cake orders.

Berlin

• Box Bistro ⭐️ – Their healthy to-go menu is labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo guests. They always have a good selection of dairy-free prepared meals, smoothies, acai bowls, snacks, and some baked goodies.
• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!

Bethel

• Boost Bowls – Build your own acai, pitaya, avocado, blue majik, or banana smoothie bowl at this local cafe. They also offer almond milk and coconut water smoothies and an array of juices. Their protein smoothies do use whey, but they have plant protein available. As for the food menu, it’s heavier in dairy, but they have a few dairy-free options and custom order options.
• Peachwave – If you’re craving something cool and creamy, pop into this froyo chain for some dairy-free Dole Whip or sorbet soft serve! They usually have a few flavors each day.

Branford

• G Zen – This sustainably-focused restaurant was deemed one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the country. Their entire, expansive menu is vegan, and they label for raw foods, organic, and other concerns.

Bridgeport

• Black Rock Social House – This is a purely gluten-free gastropub that’s conscious toward dairy-free guests. They serve small plates, charcuterie, salads, and some large plates.
• Bloodroot– This is a vegetarian “feminist” cafe and bookshop with a good selection of vegan menu items, including local dairy-free cheeses.
• Main Street Creamery – You can choose between scoops of vegan cookies and cream, vanilla, or sorbet. They also have Italian ices.

Bristol

• Pure Foods – This is a healthy cafe, smoothie and juice bar with dairy-free options throughout their menu. They even serve vegan mac and cheese and offer coconut whipped cream for lattes.
• Rich Farm Ice Cream – The flavors rotate, but they offer a couple of creamy dairy-free options daily. Flavors like Cookies & Cream and Black Raspberry appear often. They also serve Italian ice.

Brookfield

• Hummus & Pita Co ⭐️ – Almost all of their Mediterranean menu is, or can be ordered, dairy-free, and they have several impressive vegan options on the menu. Plus, they offer “Chickpea Chillers” – dairy-free and vegan milkshakes made with chickpeas! They’re indulgent but high protein.
• Maggie McFly’s – They label for gluten-free, not dairy-free, but this hip eatery and bar offers quite a few dairy-free options on their menu. Many of their items have a healthier spin, with salads, wraps, and burgers, and bowls available.
• Peachwave – If you’re craving something cool and creamy, pop into this froyo chain for some dairy-free Dole Whip or sorbet soft serve! They usually have a few flavors each day.
• Pieology – See our Dairy-Free Pieology Guide for full details.
• Rich Farm Ice Cream – The flavors rotate, but they offer a couple of creamy dairy-free options daily. Flavors like Cookies & Cream and Black Raspberry appear often. They also serve Italian ice.

Canton

• Flatbread Company – This gourmet flatbread pizza chain supports local and organic farming, and is special diet friendly. They offer dairy-free cheese, have vegan pizza on the menu, and can make many of their pizzas dairy free. They also offer a gluten-free vegan pizza crust, and we’ve been told that their regular house dough and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They also have build-your-own salad options.
• Make it GF – This is a dedicated gluten-free and nut-free bakery with local pick-up available (they don’t have a storefront). Most of their menu is dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan, too (just a few items contain dairy).

Cheshire

• Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream – They love to churn out dairy-free flavors at this classic ice creamery. They use either a soy-based ice cream mix (Tofutti) or an almond-based ice cream mix (Silk Almond Milk), depending on the flavor.

Colchester

• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!

Cos Cob

• Green & Tonic ⭐️ – They proudly proclaim to be dairy-free and plant-based, with many gluten-free options. Their menu is heavy with acai bowls and superfood smoothies, but they also offer many savory, like salads, wraps, tartines, and soups, and they have treats like donuts. This is a mostly vegan spot, but honey and collagen are offered.
• SoBol ⭐️ – They make dairy-free almond milk smoothies, coconut milk smoothies, smoothie bowls, acai bowls, overnight oats, and label their soups for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. Please note that they do offer both plant protein and whey protein as smoothie options, so dairy is used in their blenders.

Cos Cob

• Gofer Ice Cream – Thank you to Carolyn for letting us know that this shop scoops and swirls dairy-free ice cream! The options can vary by location, but they have coconut and oat milk hard-serve frozen dessert by the scoop and almond milk soft serve available. They also offer several sorbet flavors.

Danbury

• Peachwave – If you’re craving something cool and creamy, pop into this froyo chain for some dairy-free Dole Whip or sorbet soft serve! They usually have a few flavors each day.

Danielson

• Heirloom Food Company – This is a heavily vegan and gluten-free cafe and bakery, where almost everything can be ordered dairy free.

Darien

• Barvida ⭐️ – As you’ll note in these listings, Darien is fully of plant-based juice bars, like this vegan spot. They offer superfood smoothies and lattes, acai bowls, and a couple savory lunch bowls.
• Clean Juice – They make their own cold-pressed cashew milks and offer dairy-free acai bowls, smoothie bowls, smoothies, toasts, and some other eats. Please note that their flatbread wraps (the bread itself) contain dairy, but all other menu items can be ordered dairy-free by omitting the cheese or substituting vegan protein for the whey protein (in the proteins smoothies).
• Gofer Ice Cream – Thank you to Carolyn for letting us know that this shop scoops and swirls dairy-free ice cream! The options can vary by location, but they have coconut and oat milk hard-serve frozen dessert by the scoop and almond milk soft serve available. They also offer several sorbet flavors.
• Green & Tonic ⭐️ – They proudly proclaim to be dairy-free and plant-based, with many gluten-free options. Their menu is heavy with acai bowls and superfood smoothies, but they also offer many savory, like salads, wraps, tartines, and soups, and they have treats like donuts. This is a mostly vegan spot, but honey and collagen are offered.
• Juice Press ⭐️ – This purely plant-based and dairy-free juice chain blends healthy smoothies and protein shakes with almond milk, offers blue magic and acai bowls, and sells several vegan grab-and-go snacks.
• Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular localized ice cream chain sells their pints in grocery stores, but they also have scoop shops. They churn both classic dairy ice cream and a huge array of dairy-free flavors, which are made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk. They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or craft a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.

Ellington

• Kloter’s Ice Cream Barn ⭐️ – They offer a handful of dairy-free sorbet and coconut milk ice cream flavors that you can order in a cup, plain cone, sugar cone, or waffle cone. Plus, they have a separate cabinet, scoops, and dipping well for their dairy free options!

Fairfield

• Catch a Healthy Habit ⭐️ – This plant-based smoothie shop and cafe offers a big selection of almond milk smoothies and smoothie bowls, including acai and dragon fruit bowls, with an array of topping options. They also have a smattering of savory eats (like burgers, salads, and sandwiches), and a healthy dessert menu.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Green & Tonic ⭐️ – They proudly proclaim to be dairy-free and plant-based, with many gluten-free options. Their menu is heavy with acai bowls and superfood smoothies, but they also offer many savory, like salads, wraps, tartines, and soups, and they have treats like donuts. This is a mostly vegan spot, but honey and collagen are offered.
• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!
• The Stand Vegan Cafe ⭐️ – The diverse menu at this casual, all-vegan spot includes breakfast all day, sandwiches, wraps, salads, other entrees, some baked goods, juices, smoothies, and grab-and-go items like bagels with cashew cream cheese.
• Yalla Organic Hummus & Grill – This is a build-your-own bowl, salad, pita, or wrap place. All of their hummus bases and toppings are vegan, most of their sauces are vegan, and they have vegan and dairy-free proteins available.

Farmington

• P.F. Chang’s – See our P.F. Chang’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.

Glastonbury

• B. Good – With the help of their allergen chart, you can order crispy chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, veggie burgers, and fries, and custom order various burgers, salads, and bowls. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
• Dee’s One Smart Cookie – This sweet little bakery is 100% gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free. They are also dairy-free, except for the dairy cheese offered for some of their items. Most of their items are egg-free. Their daily menu includes a huge array of sweets and savories, from cinnamon rolls to gnocchi.
• Maggie McFly’s – They label for gluten-free, not dairy-free, but this hip eatery and bar offers quite a few dairy-free options on their menu. Many of their items have a healthier spin, with salads, wraps, and burgers, and bowls available.
• Rush Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain isn’t dairy-free, but they are happy to accommodate. They offer oat, almond, coconut, and soymilk options. Some menu items call for froyo, but you can sub banana for no charge, or acai for an additional charge. At last check, most of their toppers and all of their boosts (except for whey – they do have soy protein available) were made without dairy.

Greenwich

• By the Way Bakery ⭐️ – Everything at this old-fashioned bakery is hand-crafted, baked fresh, and just happens to be gluten-free and dairy-free. They are also certified kosher. They offer a daily selection of pastries and cakes, but they also take custom orders for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations.
• Gofer Ice Cream – Thank you to Carolyn for letting us know that this shop offers a few coconut-based vegan ice cream options. She says, “I don’t know how they are about cross contamination etc, as they do mostly serve dairy-based treats. But it’s been a huge deal for my FPIES child!” The options can vary by location, but they have coconut and oat milk hard-serve frozen dessert by the scoop and almond milk soft serve available. They also offer several sorbet flavors.
• Juice Press ⭐️ – This purely plant-based and dairy-free juice chain blends healthy smoothies and protein shakes with almond milk, offers blue magic and acai bowls, and sells several vegan grab-and-go snacks.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.
• Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular localized ice cream chain sells their pints in grocery stores, but they also have scoop shops. They churn both classic dairy ice cream and a huge array of dairy-free flavors, which are made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk. They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or craft a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.

Groton

• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!

Guilford

• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.
• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!
• Three Girls Vegan Creamery ⭐️ – This shop is Connecticut’s dairy-free answer to cheese. They make plant-based cheese alternatives that are naturally aged and fermented, including block cheeses, almond ricotta, cream cheese, cashew cheese wheels, and grated parmesan. They also make their own mock meats, and have a whole menu of veganized Italian favorites and desserts.

Hamden

• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!

Hartford

• Blue State Coffee – This New England coffee chain doesn’t charge extra for dairy-free milk (almond, oat, or soy) in their coffee drinks, and they have a good selection of eats on their petite food menu. Choices include bagels with some unique spread options, sandwiches (vegan cheese is available), oatmeal, and smoothies.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Fire-N-Spice ⭐️ – Enjoy Jamaican, African, and Indian flavors at this popular little vegan restaurant. They also serve smoothies.
• Rush Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain isn’t dairy-free, but they are happy to accommodate. They offer oat, almond, coconut, and soymilk options. Some menu items call for froyo, but you can sub banana for no charge, or acai for an additional charge. At last check, most of their toppers and all of their boosts (except for whey – they do have soy protein available) were made without dairy.

Madison

• Life Bowls – This quick-serve shop makes an array of dairy-free acai bowls, pitaya bowls, almond milk smoothies, toasts, oat bowls, and buddha bowls. Most of their menu is dairy-free (vegans take note that bee products are used), but they do offer whey protein as a dairy option in their blends.

Manchester

• Divine Treasures ⭐️ – This chocolate shop is runs a gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan facility! They have a big array of confections, and swirl nut milk soft serve in a variety of flavors. They also offer baked goods, house-made cheeses, and whip up Italian dinners for take out – like lasagna, pizza, and calzones.
• Indigo Indian Bistro ⭐️ – One of the owners proudly contacted us to share that they are allergy-friendly. They clearly label which menu items are dairy-free, gluten-free, and/or vegan, and are happy to assist customers with special diet requests.
• Maggie McFly’s – They label for gluten-free, not dairy-free, but this hip eatery and bar offers quite a few dairy-free options on their menu. Many of their items have a healthier spin, with salads, wraps, and burgers, and bowls available.

Middlebury

• Maggie McFly’s – They label for gluten-free, not dairy-free, but this hip eatery and bar offers quite a few dairy-free options on their menu. Many of their items have a healthier spin, with salads, wraps, and burgers, and bowls available.

Middletown

• B&B Wings and Things – They offer a vegan menu that mirrors their regular menu with vegan wings, sandwiches, and sides (like vegan biscuits and “honey” and dairy-free mac and cheeze). They also have regular wings, which can be made without dairy.
• ION Restaurant ⭐️ – They shortened their name, from It’s Only Natural to ION, but the cuisine behind this award-winning vegan restaurant remained the same. Their brunch, lunch, and dinner menus include creative Southern-style cuisine with a organic and plant-based innovation. They also have a full bar with unique cocktails, wines, and local beers and ciders.
• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!
• Soulfully Vegan ⭐️ – As the name implies, the menu is all-vegan at this burger, brats, and fries food truck.

Mystic

• Deviant Craft Coffee & Donuts – They have a new donut menu each week, typically with at least one vegan flavor. And they periodically have a vegan week, where all varieties are dairy- and egg-free.
• Pizzetta – They have a separate vegan menu at this pizzeria, complete with starters, salads, paninis, and pizza pies. Many additional menu items can be made dairy-free – they offer Daiya cheese. They have dairy-free classic crust and gluten-free crust options for their pizzas.

New Britain

• Vegan Bodega ⭐️ – They offer salads, sandwiches, plates, some brunch items, and mini pop tarts for dessert. They serve casual comfort food, but also  have cold-pressed juices and other healthy fare.

New Canaan

• Gofer Ice Cream – Thank you to Carolyn for letting us know that this shop scoops and swirls dairy-free ice cream! The options can vary by location, but they have coconut and oat milk hard-serve frozen dessert by the scoop and almond milk soft serve available. They also offer several sorbet flavors.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.

New Haven

• Blue State Coffee – This New England coffee chain doesn’t charge extra for dairy-free milk (almond, oat, or soy) in their coffee drinks, and they have a good selection of eats on their petite food menu. Choices include bagels with some unique spread options, sandwiches (vegan cheese is available), oatmeal, and smoothies.
• Claire’s Corner Copia ⭐️ – Claire’s menus are not only heart-healthy, vegetarian, and kosher, they’re also clearly labeled with gluten, dairy, and egg, to help diners with special diet needs. And the dairy-free options are abundant. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a big menu of sandwiches, salads, veggie burgers, Mexican cuisine, Italian food, and more. They also offer desserts, some of which are dairy-free and vegan, and custom cakes.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Dalegna X Nolo – Marie recommended this restaurant as a great dairy-free option. “They have an entire vegan pizza selection on their menu for dine-in or take-out.” They offer dairy-free mozzarella and have several faux vegan meats among their topping options.
• Edge of the Woods Market – This natural food store carries dairy-free products and has a bakery on-site with many vegan goodies. They bake many vegan cakes, cupcakes, cookies, muffins, and more. They also bake several types of dairy-free challah. Dairy-free pizzas (with Daiya – vegan pepperoni also available), hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and to-go entrees are also available.
• Fin and Scale – This kosher sushi house shuns dairy, which means even their Philadelphia roll is made with dairy-free cream cheese.
• House of Naan Indian Kitchen and Bar – Their lunch and dinner menus are labeled for vegan options, and thoughtfully include items in each category. They even offer a vegan roti as a naan options. Most of their meat menu items contain dairy, but you can build your own dairy-free plate with your choice of protein and with their non-cream sauces (three options).
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Life Bowls – This quick-serve shop makes an array of dairy-free acai bowls, pitaya bowls, almond milk smoothies, toasts, oat bowls, and buddha bowls. Most of their menu is dairy-free (vegans take note that bee products are used), but they do offer whey protein as a dairy option in their blends.
• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!
• SoBol ⭐️ – They make dairy-free almond milk smoothies, coconut milk smoothies, smoothie bowls, acai bowls, overnight oats, and label their soups for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. Please note that they do offer both plant protein and whey protein as smoothie options, so dairy is used in their blenders.

Newington

• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.

New London

• Right Path Organic Cafe ⭐️ – The focus is clean, healthy food at this plant-based restaurant. They serve an array of bowls, salads, sandwiches, soups, and snacks, along with juices and smoothies.

Newtown

• Boost Bowls – Build your own acai, pitaya, avocado, blue majik, or banana smoothie bowl at this local cafe. They also offer almond milk and coconut water smoothies and an array of juices. Their protein smoothies do use whey, but they have plant protein available. As for the food menu, it’s heavier in dairy, but they have a few dairy-free options and custom order options.
• Ferris Acres Creamery – They scoop dairy-free sorbets, and offer vegan creamy ice creams that are made with coconut milk. Flavors like Cappucino Fudge Swirl, Chocolate Pudding, Mint Chocolate Freckle, Raspberry Chocolate Krispy Rice, Goa Mango, and Toasted Coconut rotate in.

Noank

• Mothership Natural Kitchen & Marketplace ⭐️ – Their healthy menu is mostly dairy-free, with many vegan and gluten-free options, and includes a range of hot drinks, cold drinks, made-to-order sandwiches, entrees, and even desserts like cheezecake. They

Norwalk

• Crumb Together Bakery ⭐️ – This kosher bakery is dairy-free, nut-free, and on a mission. They train and employ adults with disabilities. Their staff bakes all types of breads, cookies, and pastries daily.
• Davinci’s – They offer no-cheese pizza and vegan cheese pizza options right on their main menu, and most of their pizzas can be custom ordered without dairy.
• Harbor Harvest – You’ll find dairy-free staples and local goodies at this specialty grocery shop, coffeehouse, and sandwich deli. They also freshly make Numilk in oat, almond, and cashew milk varieties that you can purchase by the bottle.
• Mr Frosty’s Ice Cream Shop – According to Marceline, this shop “has a fairly decent selection of dairy-free hard ice creams, mostly coconut based.” They also blend vegan shakes with almond milk.
• Nutty Bunny Ice Cream Shop ⭐️ – No worries about dairy cross-contaminated scoops here! This is a dairy-free, vegan, organic ice cream shop that sells by the scoop and pint. Their flavors are made with coconut milk, almond milk, and cashews.
• Peachwave – If you’re craving something cool and creamy, pop into this froyo chain for some dairy-free Dole Whip or sorbet soft serve! They usually have a few flavors each day.
• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!
• Stylish Spoon ⭐️ – This is a gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free bakery that focuses on plant-based ingredients. Their hearty menu includes oatmeal cups, cookie bites, donuts, breads, muffins, and more.

Norwich

• Flour Patch Bakery ⭐️ – Niki messaged to let us know about her licensed home bakery, with a dedicated dairy free kitchen. She bakes many options that are also gluten-free and/or vegan, with goodies like cookies, cupcakes, brownies, scones, candi

Oxford

• Peachwave – If you’re craving something cool and creamy, pop into this froyo chain for some dairy-free Dole Whip or sorbet soft serve! They usually have a few flavors each day.
• Rich Farm Ice Cream – The flavors rotate, but they offer a couple of creamy dairy-free options daily. Flavors like Cookies & Cream and Black Raspberry appear often. They also serve Italian ice.

Orange

• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.

Ridgefield

• Gofer Ice Cream – Thank you to Carolyn for letting us know that this shop scoops and swirls dairy-free ice cream! The options can vary by location, but they have coconut and oat milk hard-serve frozen dessert by the scoop and almond milk soft serve available. They also offer several sorbet flavors.
• Organika Kitchen ⭐️ – This is a healthy vegan and gluten-free restaurant and bakery that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have fresh-baked pastries and a big menu of smoothies and smoothie bowls.
• SoBol ⭐️ – They make dairy-free almond milk smoothies, coconut milk smoothies, smoothie bowls, acai bowls, overnight oats, and label their soups for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. Please note that they do offer both plant protein and whey protein as smoothie options, so dairy is used in their blenders.

Shelton

• Peachwave – If you’re craving something cool and creamy, pop into this froyo chain for some dairy-free Dole Whip or sorbet soft serve! They usually have a few flavors each day.
• The Common Bond Market ⭐️ – This is a natural food store, deli, and vegan bakery all in on! Their deli serves breakfast and sandwiches for lunch, with vegan labels on the menu. Many more items can be made dairy-free without cheese. They carry popular dairy-free brands as well as many local goodies.

Simsbury

• Brookside Bagels – Gabriela let us know this local shop now carries dairy-free cream cheese and gluten-free bagels. Naturally, many of their bagel varieties are dairy-free and vegan, too. They also offer jelly, hummus, and guacamole, and have a big menu of bagel sandwiches.
• Clean Juice – They make their own cold-pressed cashew milks and offer dairy-free acai bowls, smoothie bowls, smoothies, toasts, and some other eats. Please note that their flatbread wraps (the bread itself) contain dairy, but all other menu items can be ordered dairy-free by omitting the cheese or substituting vegan protein for the whey protein (in the proteins smoothies).
• Rush Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain isn’t dairy-free, but they are happy to accommodate. They offer oat, almond, coconut, and soymilk options. Some menu items call for froyo, but you can sub banana for no charge, or acai for an additional charge. At last check, most of their toppers and all of their boosts (except for whey – they do have soy protein available) were made without dairy.

Southbury

• Boost Bowls – Build your own acai, pitaya, avocado, blue majik, or banana smoothie bowl at this local cafe. They also offer almond milk and coconut water smoothies and an array of juices. Their protein smoothies do use whey, but they have plant protein available. As for the food menu, it’s heavier in dairy, but they have a few dairy-free options and custom order options.
• Maggie McFly’s – They label for gluten-free, not dairy-free, but this hip eatery and bar offers quite a few dairy-free options on their menu. Many of their items have a healthier spin, with salads, wraps, and burgers, and bowls available.

Southington

• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.
• Pure Alchemy Juice Bar ⭐️ – This is a dairy-free, refined sugar-free, plant-based cafe serving healthy wraps, salads, juices, smoothies, small bites, and even raw desserts. They’re mostly vegan but do use honey, and have paleo options available.

Southport

• Juice Press ⭐️ – This purely plant-based and dairy-free juice chain blends healthy smoothies and protein shakes with almond milk, offers blue magic and acai bowls, and sells several vegan grab-and-go snacks.
• Organika Kitchen ⭐️ – This is a healthy vegan and gluten-free restaurant and bakery that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have fresh-baked pastries and a big menu of smoothies and smoothie bowls.

South Windsor

• Burtons Grill – This upscale bar and grill boasts classic American dishes with fresh ingredients and a touch of global flair. Year after year, they’re top rated as an allergy-friendly restaurant. They follow strict allergy protocols, have well-trained staff, and even attentive to allergies with their online ordering and takeout.
• Flatbread Company – This gourmet flatbread pizza chain supports local and organic farming, and is special diet friendly. They offer dairy-free cheese, have vegan pizza on the menu, and can make many of their pizzas dairy free. They also offer a gluten-free vegan pizza crust, and we’ve been told that their regular house dough and most of their toppings are dairy-free. They also have build-your-own salad options.
• Ted’s Montana Grill – Founded by media mogul and rancher Ted Turner, this American chain serves a meat-heavy menu with lots of dairy-free options. See our Dairy-Free Guide for Ted’s Montana Grill for more details.

Stamford

• Bartaco – Their allergen menu is so detailed, that it states exactly what in the item contains the allergen. And their dairy-free options are abundant. Most of their tacos, rice bowls, other entrees, and sides are, or can be ordered, dairy-free. But the dessert and kids menus are heavy in dairy.
• Beldotti Bakeries – This kosher bakery does use dairy in some items, but most of their breads are parve (dairy-free), and they bake some parve cookies and other treats, too.
• California Tortilla – This build-your-own bowl or burrito chain offers a simple allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. They also have vegan options.
• Gofer Ice Cream – Thank you to Carolyn for letting us know that this shop scoops and swirls dairy-free ice cream! The options can vary by location, but they have coconut and oat milk hard-serve frozen dessert by the scoop and almond milk soft serve available. They also offer several sorbet flavors.
• Pieology – See our Dairy-Free Pieology Guide for full details.
• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!
• Six Thirteen ⭐️ – This is a glatt kosher restaurant, which means they serve meat, and no dairy. They offer a broad menu for dinner, dessert, and cocktails.

Storrs

• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.

Wallingford

• Arles & Boggs Vegan Eatery ⭐️ – Their menu includes a range of “sharables” and entrees that focus on American favorites with international influences.
• Colony Diner – They have a classic diner menu, but they also offer a HUGE vegan menu with breakfasts, lunch, and dinner entrees, and desserts – including milkshakes! Many additional menu items are, or can be made, dairy free. Gluten-free options area also available.
• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!
• Wild Alchemy Cafe ⭐️ – This is a dairy-free, refined sugar-free, plant-based cafe serving healthy wraps, salads, juices, smoothies, small bites, and even raw desserts. They’re mostly vegan but do use honey, and have paleo options available.

Westbrook

• Shayna B’s By The Sea ⭐️- This is a dedicated vegan and gluten-free cafe with house breakfast pastries, soups, salads, pizzas, bowls, and more. They also bake desserts and take custom cake orders.

West Hartford

• Bartaco – Their allergen menu is so detailed, that it states exactly what in the item contains the allergen. And their dairy-free options are abundant. Most of their tacos, rice bowls, other entrees, and sides are, or can be ordered, dairy-free. But the dessert and kids menus are heavy in dairy.
• Flora – This is a restaurant and juice bar with a lengthy and eclectic vegan menu. It includes a nut cheese plate, impossible burnt ends, “chicken parm,” risotto, and much more. They also have a “viable fauna” menu with sustainable meat options for omnivorous guests. There are dairy-free options on that menu too.
• G-Monkey Fast Food – Enjoy burgers, fries, bowls, salads, and handhelds at this all vegan restaurant. They also have a full menu of desserts.
• Harry’s Bishop’s Corner Pizza – They offer Daiya dairy-free cheese, gluten-free dairy-free pizza crust is available, and gluten-free guests will be happy that the gluten-free pizzas are made in a dedicates space.
• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.

West Haven

• Georgie’s Diner ⭐️ – Chrystal emailed to share this allergy-friendly restaurant. They are peanut-free and label all other top allergens right on the menu. Their staff is also well-educated on food allergies. Many of their menu items contain dairy, but they have a wonderful vegan breakfast menu, a good handful of dairy-free options, and can customize several items without dairy. And unlike classic diners, they source organic eggs and antibiotic-free, vegetarian-fed chicken, and serve hand-pressed juices.

Westport

• Bartaco – Their allergen menu is so detailed, that it states exactly what in the item contains the allergen. And their dairy-free options are abundant. Most of their tacos, rice bowls, other entrees, and sides are, or can be ordered, dairy-free. But the dessert and kids menus are heavy in dairy.
• Green & Tonic ⭐️ – They proudly proclaim to be dairy-free and plant-based, with many gluten-free options. Their menu is heavy with acai bowls and superfood smoothies, but they also offer many savory, like salads, wraps, tartines, and soups, and they have treats like donuts. This is a mostly vegan spot, but honey and collagen are offered.
• Little Beet – This is a local New York chain with one location in Garden City on Long Island. They have a fast casual build-your-own bowl style for lunch and dinner. The menu is gluten-free, and they clearly label for vegan, vegetarian, and top allergens. Most of their menu items and components are dairy free, including all of their grains, proteins, and sauces, at last check.
• Pizza Lyfe – Thank you to Marceline for letting us know this pizzeria offers “violife both on their pizza AND the violife feta on the greek salad.” They also offer a couple vegan menu salads.
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.

Wethersfield

• Main Street Creamery – They offer vegan ice cream flavors daily, with classics like vanilla, chocolate, oreo, and cookie dough, and more unique options, like coffee cake and black raspberry. They use either a coconut milk or oat milk base. They also offer sorbet and can make you a vegan ice cream pie!

Wilton

• Gofer Ice Cream – Thank you to Carolyn for letting us know that this shop scoops and swirls dairy-free ice cream! The options can vary by location, but they have coconut and oat milk hard-serve frozen dessert by the scoop and almond milk soft serve available. They also offer several sorbet flavors.
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.
• SoBol ⭐️ – They make dairy-free almond milk smoothies, coconut milk smoothies, smoothie bowls, acai bowls, overnight oats, and label their soups for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. Please note that they do offer both plant protein and whey protein as smoothie options, so dairy is used in their blenders.

Windsor

• Moneta Moments Bakery – This is a nut-free, peanut-free, pre-order bakery that takes allergies very seriously. They are happy to accommodate dairy-free and other special diet orders for cakes and many of their treats.

Windsor Locks

• Hot Head Burritos – Build your own dairy-free burrito, bowl, or tacos with their easy to follow allergen chart. They have abundant dairy-free options, including most proteins, bases, and toppings. But use caution; there are a few dairy surprises, like their fish, house sauce, and one of their salsas. But, at last check, the churros were made without milk!

Photo from Colony Diner – a stack of their vegan pancakes

Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout Connecticut

Some recommended restaurant and store chains are getting too big for our city listing britches. They have many locations, or are rapidly growing, and you might stumble across them in a number of towns in this state. Click on them for more dairy-free details.

None to report right now – all listings are in the section above!

Photo from Pokemoto

Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in Connecticut

These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in Connecticut. So you have a good chance of finding their products at grocery stores, restaurants, and/or other shops in this state. Keep an eye out!

• Bare Life – They make allergy-friendly, vegan, coconut-based hot cocoa.
• Divvies – This bakery was dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free long before it was trendy. They bake amazing cookies and cookie sandwiches that you can find in stores.
• Friends & Company Kitchen – This gluten-free, dairy-free bakery makes brownies, sweet bread loaves, and vegan cookies. They’re packaged and sold in many stores in CT and NY.
• Make it GF – Look for their gluten-free, vegan pastries and bread products in local stores.
• Nutty Bunny Ice Cream – This dairy-free ice cream shop also sells their pints in stores, markets, and restaurants in the area.

Photo from Nutty Bunny Ice Cream -Yes, everything shown really is dairy-free.

This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations

We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.

Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!

This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only

Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.

There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.

For More Dairy-Free Guidance, Get Go Dairy Free!