Dairy-Free in Ohio: Recommended Restaurants by City

Last Update in January 2022! When it comes to dairy-free ice cream and other vegan eats, Cleveland does rock. But so do Columbus, Cincinnati, and various other Ohio cities. That’s why we’ve been able to create this ever-growing guide to restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and ice cream shops in Ohio 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.

Gyros at Harmony Plant Fare

Dairy-Free Ohio: Recommended Restaurants & Shops

Ohio might be on the edge of dairy country, but many of their local dishes are typically dairy free. Look for Cincinnati-style chili served on spaghetti or hot dogs, Barberton Chicken (fried in lard), and clam bakes. These dishes are often prepared without any milk-based ingredients. And of course, check out the restaurants below for more options. We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city, and then by the restaurant or shop name.

⭐️ = 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.)

Akron

Melt Bar & Grilled – This local restaurant chain has an entire vegan menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and more. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
Ms. Julie’s Kitchen ⭐️ – This downhome country kitchen is purely vegan. They have a selection of savory comfort food dishes, and daily vegan donuts, cakes, and cupcakes.
Mustard Seed Market & Cafe ⭐️ – This locally owned grocery store has two locations and a cafe at each site. The menu is extensive, with icons for dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan. They serve starters, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. They also whip up dairy-free smoothies and have some vegan desserts available.
Old Carolina Barbecue Company – They’re a local chain that cares about special diet diners. They have a gluten-free menu and a full allergen chart with an impressive array of dairy-free options. Their meats are slow-cooked for 14 hours, but the food comes out quickly at this counter-serve restaurant. In addition to their pulled pork, ribs, smokehouse chicken, coleslaws, beans, and French fries, dairy-free customers can order hush puppies and Boardwalk Bites, which are basically donut holes with tossed in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Upper Crust Pizza – This local pizza chain offers several vegan crusts, including gluten-free, dairy-free cheese alternative, and several sauce and topping options.

Alliance

Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Athens

Avalanche Pizza – There are no ordinary pies on the menu at this local pizzeria. Their toppings are quite creative. They do offer dairy-free cheese alternative, and have a cheeseless vegan pizza right on the menu, with their housemade spelt crust and marinara, and loads of flavorful vegetables.
Fluff – Vegan and gluten-free options are clearly labeled on their lunch and bakery menus. The vegan options include rice bowls, salad, cookies, and vanilla cupcakes. Additional items are dairy-free or can be made dairy-free on request.
Village Bakery & Cafe – You can order vegan empanadas, pizzas, and various other dairy-free baked goods from this local shop. They also sell pantry items and wines.
Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Avon

Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.

Beachwood

Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.

Beavercreek

BD’s Mongolian Grill – They offer a very complete allergen chart with many milk-free options. In fact, at last check, their entire stir fry menu was dairy-free, aside from one of the sauces (and they have many sauces). They do serve other types of food, some of which does contain milk.

Boardman

Ely’s to Go ⭐️ – They have some seating, but everything at this vegan restaurant is packaged ready to go. Their daily menu includes soups, salads, spring rolls, rotating sandwiches, muffins, cookies, and scones.

Canton

Country Cones – They offer Oreo vegan ice cream and have soft serve dairy-free Dole Whip available.
Melt Bar & Grilled – This local restaurant chain has an entire vegan menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and more. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Cincinnati

Bean Sprouts Cafe – Bean Sprouts plants cafés inside family destinations across the country. This one is inside the Cincinnati Museum Center. Their playful yet healthy menu is allergy-friendly, and boasts a few different dairy-free breakfast and lunch options for kids and adults.
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This is a popular regional chain that offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! In fact, their classic pizza crust and sauce are vegan, and they can make any veggie pizza vegan. Their gluten-free pizza dough is also dairy-free, but it contains egg. They also have a fantastic allergen list. It tells you the specific items with dairy AND the items that contain dairy even when you hold the cheese.
Bub’s Pizza Bar – If you have a late night pizza craving, Bub’s has got your covered. They offer vegan pizza, and most pizzas can be ordered dairy-free with a cheese swap.
Buzzed Bull Creamery – This create-your-own ice cream chain uses nitrogen to instantly freeze your chosen flavor. You can order it unbuzzed or buzzed (with alcohol), for those over 21. They have a dairy-free sorbet base and a dairy-free almond milk base. They also have guides to the dairy-free and vegan mix-ins on request, and can blend a custom milkshake just for you.
Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
Fond: Lunch & Deli – They’re also open for breakfast, and tout themselves as “allergy aware.” They offer vegan breakfast with house-made plant-based meat (they sell their vegan deli meats, too), tacos, sandwiches, deli salads, artisan hummus, and more. They have many additional dairy-free menu items using house-made meats and other local ingredients.
For Goodness Shakes and Juicery – You can enjoy unique smoothies, rice bowls, and “baglettes” at this local shop. Most of their menu is dairy-free, and they serve many vegan items. They do offer dairy creamer, a couple cheeses, and a few other items, so check carefully. Nonetheless, they have their own fruit and avocado “no-gurt” bowls, and coconut and rice milks for all of your dairy-free beverage needs.
Happy Chicks Bakery ⭐️ – This quirky bake shop and cafe is completely vegan. They serve a savory menu of sandwiches, salads, soups, and sides for lunch, and offer many items to go, like empanadas, quiches, croissants, and savory scones. On the sweet side, they bake daily cakes, cupcakes, cookies, breakfast pastries, and more. They also take custom cake orders for any occasion, including weddings.
Harmony Plant Fare ⭐️ – This is Cincinnati’s vegan “butcher” and “cheese” shop. They handcraft faux meats and dairy-free cheese alternatives and have a full deli of prepared items, like sandwiches, mac ‘n cheese, and dips. They also sell goods from other local vegan companies.
High Horse Vegan Pizza Co. ⭐️ – If you’re looking for greens and superfoods, move on. But if you’re craving indulgent vegan pizza and wings, then this is your spot. They even have vegan “blue cheese” for dipping!
Holtman’s Donut Shop – This donut shop offers a small selection of vegan donuts daily. They are usually cake-style donuts.
I Love Juice Bar ⭐️ – They blend dairy-free smoothies, acai bowls, and smoothie bowls, offer a range of juices and healthy shots, have overnight oats, and also serve vegan-friendly soups.
Joella’s ⭐️ – They offer allergen lists to help customers order. The dairy-free options include all of their chicken (grilled, fried, and vegan) in all heat levels, fries, and several other sides (many of which are vegan friendly). Their grilled tenders are also gluten-free.
Juice Bar ⭐️ – This rising dairy-free and mostly vegan chain (they do use bee products) serves juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, and savory soups.
Loving Hut ⭐️ – You can read more about this all-vegan fast food chain on our Loving Hut post.
Oliver’s Desserts – You can get an array of vegan baked treats, like cupcakes and brownies, at this local bake shop. They also take custom cake orders.
Pies & Pints – They offer Daiya cheese alternative for their pizzas and sandwiches. At last check, their pizza crust was vegan-friendly, and they also had dairy-free bread options available, so several items can be ordered without dairy.
Rooted Juicery & Kitchen ⭐️ – This dairy-free and mostly vegan (they do use honey) cafe serves a healthy menu of smoothie bowls, savory meal bowls, desserts, and more. They have four locations in Cincinnati.
Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
Seasons 52 – See our Seasons 52 Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Simply Rolled Ice Cream – Ohio’s “original rolled ice cream shop” is on trend with two vegan ice cream bases: vanilla and chocolate. Both are made with cashew milk and coconut cream, which can be blended with various dairy-free mix-ins and garnished with various dairy-free toppings.
Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.
Vinaigrette Salad Kitchen ⭐️ – Their healthy bowl menu is labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The dairy-free options include a few salads / wraps, a couple grain bowls, white chicken chili, and house lemonades. Some more items can be custom ordered without dairy.

Cleveland

BD’s Mongolian Grill – They offer a very complete allergen chart with many milk-free options. In fact, at last check, their entire stir fry menu was dairy-free, aside from one of the sauces (and they have many sauces). They do serve other types of food, some of which does contain milk.
Café Avalaun – This certified gluten-free cafe and bakery has a varied menu for breakfast and lunch. As is, most of the menu items contain dairy, but they have options to make most dishes dairy-free. For example, they have two dairy-free crepe batter options for their popular crepes. Sandwiches can also be made dairy-free, and they usually have a vegan soup on hand. The bakery side is filled with dairy-free cookies, bars, muffins, donuts, cakes, and breads. Some paleo treats are also available.
Chocolate Emporium ⭐️ – This kosher pareve chocolatier has been on our top dairy-free chocolate lists for years! They have a shop where you can pop in and get all types of confections.
Floressa Bakery – This made-to-order gluten-free bakery also bakes an array of dairy-free and vegan baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, cookies, and lemon bars. They do bake custom cakes, too. They don’t have a retail storefront, but you can order and pick up.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – See our Jeni’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Melt Bar & Grilled – A grilled cheese sandwich shop might send you running in the opposite direction, but this local restaurant chain has a huge vegan menu. They offer both dairy-free mozzarella and dairy-free cheddar cheese alternatives, for an additional charge. Their menu also includes an array of faux vegan meats, and of course, they have fresh-baked vegan bread and buns. They also offer several sides and salad options, and some additional menu items can be made “just dairy free” on request. Gluten-free options are also available. They have five locations in Cleveland, at last count.
Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – In addition to sorbets, they scoop creamy dairy-free flavors daily at this local chain. At last check, their staples were Vegan Chocolate and Vegan Salted Caramel Pecan, each made with coconut milk and organic sugar. But they sometimes craft new or seasonal vegan flavors. Additional vegan items include: sugar cones, cake cones, chocolate sauce (not the hot fudge), peanut butter, raspberry, strawberry, peanuts, cherries, and rainbow sprinkles.
SomethinGood ⭐️ – Out of a hard year, comes SomethinGood. This all-vegan restaurant serves a simple menu of burgers, dairy-free shakes, and fries. They also offer chickpea nuggets, mac and “cheese,” and a few other savory items.
Sweetie Candy Company – In addition to candy, they offer dairy-free Dole Whip and have a soy-based vanilla ice cream flavor too. You can order dairy-free sodas and floats!

Cleveland Heights

Tommy’s – This local institution is happy to accommodate most dietary needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. They offer Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative as an option for cheesy menu items, and have Tofutti milk shakes and vegan cookies. They do use butter to cook many of their items, which can be omitted, but they also reportedly have some non-grilled options.
Unger’s Kosher Bakery & Food – This is a great spot for dairy-free donuts and and all types of baked goodies. They also have a grocery on site with various kosher specialty foods.

Clintonville

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Columbus

Alchemy Cafe – This modern counter-serve cafe is mostly dairy-free, and serves many vegan and gluten-free items as labeled on their healthy all-day menu. They focus on sandwiches, toasts, smoothies, and smoothie bowls. They also have a unique coffee drink menu that uses oat milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, and almond milk for making various beverages and superfood lattes.
Alchemy Kitchen – This casual spot serves most of the same smoothies, smoothie bowls, toasts, sandwiches, and beverages that you can find at their Cafe location. But they also serve a small menu of burgers, burritos, and bowls for lunch and dinner, and have a more extensive breakfast menu. Many dishes are dairy-free, or can be made dairy-free, and vegan and gluten-free items are clearly labeled.
BD’s Mongolian Grill – They offer a very complete allergen chart with many milk-free options. In fact, at last check, their entire stir fry menu was dairy-free, aside from one of the sauces (and they have many sauces). They do serve other types of food, some of which does contain milk.
Bean Sprouts Cafe – Bean Sprouts plants cafés inside family destinations across the country. This one is inside the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). Their playful yet healthy menu is allergy-friendly, and boasts a few different dairy-free breakfast and lunch options for kids and adults.
Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
CRMD – You can order a scoop or two of the vegan vanilla nut swirl, vegan double chocolate, or one of their dairy-free sorbets. They use coconut cream to make the creamy varieties.
Destination Donuts – Located inside the North Market, this all-natural donut purveyor bakes fresh throughout the day. They typically have at least a couple of vegan donut varieties available each day. The selection rotates, but they could include Butterscotch Sea Salt, Cookies & Cream, Dueling Vanilla, or Blueberry Lemon. Sometimes they also bake vegan cinnamon rolls in fun flavors like maple or citrus.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – See our Jeni’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
LemonShark Poke – They have an interactive allergen menu online, and it brings good news for dairy-free guests. All of their sauces and poke bowl ingredients are dairy-free. The only items that contained dairy at our time of review were the tempura, coconut shrimp, and katsu.
Matt’s Bakery ⭐️ – This husband and wife run bakery is a kosher and dairy-free establishment (they do use eggs). Their baked goods are also nut-free, with the exception of pecan pie, which he says is baked separately. Their selection includes tons of breads, cookies, pies, pastries, and more. They also bake custom cakes for weddings and other celebrations.
Melt Bar & Grilled – This local restaurant chain has an entire vegan menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and more. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
Pattycake Bakery ⭐️ – All of the handcrafted sweets at this quaint little bake shop are vegan. They bake cupcakes, cakes, cookies, whoopie pies, muffins and more daily. They also serve gluten-free baked goods, and take custom orders for celebration cakes and cupcakes.
Paulie Gee’s – This small-time pizza chain has a full vegan menu with a range of cheese alternatives. Consequently, most of their menu can be made dairy-free.
Pies & Pints – They offer Daiya cheese alternative for their pizzas and sandwiches. At last check, their pizza crust was vegan-friendly, and they also had dairy-free bread options available, so several items can be ordered without dairy.
Portia’s Cafe ⭐️ – Thank you to Tiffany for recommending this vegan deli and breakfast spot. They have a full coffee bar, smoothies, popular deli-style salads, and a variety of breakfast wraps, waffles, and more.
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.
Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
Simply Rolled Ice Cream – Ohio’s “original rolled ice cream shop” is on trend with two vegan ice cream bases: vanilla and chocolate. Both are made with cashew milk and coconut cream, which can be blended with various dairy-free mix-ins and garnished with various dairy-free toppings.
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.
The Old Bag of Nails Pub – A reader recommended this Irish-American restaurant. “Spoke to the kitchen manager before hand to see if it was safe. They were INCREDIBLY accommodating! The manager personally checked ingredients for the breads, buns, and rolls for any dairy so I could have a sandwich. He advised to stay away from anything breaded because they use the same fryers for dairy products. I can’t say enough how nice it was to finally go to a sit down restaurant!”
True Food Kitchen – See our True Food Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Woodhouse Vegan Cafe + Space ⭐️ – Their modern menus for lunch and dinner offer healthier versions of traditional favorites. They also run a full bakery and take custom orders for cakes, pies, cookies, and other pastries.
Yats ⭐️ – Their Cajun-Creole menu is labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. They offer a handful of dairy-free dishes, like drunken chicken red beans and sausage, jambalaya, and chilis.
Zesty Juice Co. ⭐️ – I like not worrying about blenders at this dairy-free spot. In fact, everything on their menu appears to be vegan, aside from honey. They offer smoothies, juices, house-made cashew milk, bowls, and light entrees like avocado toast with vegan parmesan.

Dayton

Melt Bar & Grilled – This local restaurant chain has an entire vegan menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and more. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
Pies & Pints – They offer Daiya cheese alternative for their pizzas and sandwiches. At last check, their pizza crust was vegan-friendly, and they also had dairy-free bread options available, so several items can be ordered without dairy.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill – This national Italian-American restaurant chain has one location in this city. See our Uno Dairy-Free Menu Guide for details.
Wheat Penny Oven & Bar – Their menu is quite cheesy, but they offer Follow Your Heart cheese alternative (no extra charge!) and House-Made Cashew Ricotta that you can substitute on their Eggplant Parmesan or Pizzas. They also have a vegan pizza with pesto right on the menu.

Delaware

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Dublin

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – See our Jeni’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Zesty Juice Co. ⭐️ – I like not worrying about blenders at this dairy-free spot. In fact, everything on their menu appears to be vegan, aside from honey. They offer smoothies, juices, house-made cashew milk, bowls, and light entrees like avocado toast with vegan parmesan.

Gahanna

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Hilliard

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Howard

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Indepencence

Naf Naf Grill ⭐️ – The menu at this quick serve Middle Eastern grill is completely dairy-free with the exception of one of their packaged baklavas (the other two are made without dairy!). They offer a full menu of favorites, from falafel to shawarma, and have a handy allergen guide.

Johnstown

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Lakewood

Cleveland Vegan⭐️ – Located in a suburb of Cleveland, this organic, from-scratch bakery and cafe serves exclusively vegan food. Their plant-forward menu is extensive with hot food, cold food, lattes, and smoothies. Their bakery make all types of treats, ranging from croissants to wedding cakes.
Ice Cream Joy – The owner said to us, “I love my vegan ones sometimes more than my regular ice creams.” You can tell! Their menu now has more creamy dairy-free vegan flavors than dairy ones, and they have vegan options for everything on the menu. You can order a vegan scoop, sundae, float, or milkshake.
The Vegan Doughnut Company ⭐️ – This little shop serves only dairy-free, egg-free doughnuts, but they come in an array of enticing flavors with a rotating monthly menu. They make raised, cake, filled, square, and round dougnuts.
Upper Crust Pizza – This local pizza chain offers several vegan crusts, including gluten-free, dairy-free cheese alternative, and several sauce and topping options.

Lancaster

Happy Goat – They run a dedicated gluten-free bakery, but also rotate in many dairy-free treats throughout the week. These items can also be special ordered, and so can custom dairy-free, vegan, or keto cakes.
The Well – At this gathering place, they roast their own direct trade coffee beans, source local and organic foods whenever possible, and have a wholesome menu filled with special diet options. Almond milk is on hand for drinks, their dairy-free smoothie options are expansive, and they’re always baking vegan and gluten-free desserts. You can even enjoy them a la mode with coconut ice cream. On the savory side, they serve breakfast and lunch with an array of fresh dishes with house-made sauces. Many of the options are dairy-free, gluten-free, and/or vegan.

Lebanon

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Maineville

Roll On In / Buzzed Bull Creamery – This create-your-own ice cream chain uses nitrogen to instantly freeze your chosen flavor. You can order it unbuzzed or buzzed (with alcohol), for those over 21. They have a dairy-free sorbet base and a dairy-free almond milk base. They also have guides to the dairy-free and vegan mix-ins on request, and can blend a custom milkshake just for you.

Mason

Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
Joella’s ⭐️ – They offer allergen lists to help customers order. The dairy-free options include all of their chicken (grilled, fried, and vegan) in all heat levels, fries, and several other sides (many of which are vegan friendly). Their grilled tenders are also gluten-free.
NoBaked Cookie Dough ⭐️ – This “scoop shop” offers two dairy-free flavors (birthday cake and brownie batter), and one that is dairy-free and vegan (cookies and cream).

Massillon

Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.
The Root Vegan & Gluten free Cafe ⭐️ – As the name implies, everything at this restaurant is gluten-free and vegan. And their menu isn’t dainty. It includes a hearty selection of comfort foods, and they offer fresh baked goods to go and desserts, too. Their hours are limited. They’re open midday and at last check, just four days per week.

Medina

Partake Kitchen – This is a meal prep service that take special diets seriously. You choose your meals each week, which often include dairy-free options. But they also have an an AIP (auto-immune protocol) option for every dinner, which is dairy-free, gluten-free, and more.

Mentor

Bakers Square – This is a homestyle bakery and cafe, with milk and butter galore (sorry, all of their pies contain milk!). But they offer a very detailed allergen menu that lets you custom order omelettes, egg breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches (most of their breads are dairy-free). They also have a few dairy-free entrees, like chicken tenders. They also have a “gluten sensitive” menu for gluten-free guests.

Mount Vernon

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

New Albany

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

North Olmsted

Upper Crust Pizza – This local pizza chain offers several vegan crusts, including gluten-free, dairy-free cheese alternative, and several sauce and topping options.

Ontario

Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Orrville

Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Oxford

Moon Co-op – This natural food store sells locally produced dairy-free foods, and also has their own deli and smoothie bar with vegan options clearly labeled.

Parma

Naf Naf Grill ⭐️ – The menu at this quick serve Middle Eastern grill is completely dairy-free with the exception of one of their packaged baklavas (the other two are made without dairy!). They offer a full menu of favorites, from falafel to shawarma, and have a handy allergen guide.

Parma Heights

Bakers Square – This is a homestyle bakery and cafe, with milk and butter galore (sorry, all of their pies contain milk!). But they offer a very detailed allergen menu that lets you custom order omelettes, egg breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches (most of their breads are dairy-free). They also have a few dairy-free entrees, like chicken tenders. They also have a “gluten sensitive” menu for gluten-free guests.

Pataskala

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Perrysburg

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).

Reynoldsburg

Loving Hut ⭐️ – You can read more about this all-vegan fast food chain on our Loving Hut post.

Rocky River

GO Buddha ⭐️ – This is a plant-based eatery that also offers a vegan meal prep service. They make bowls, burgers and sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.
Sofie Lynn Bakery ⭐️ – This is a home-based bakery offering gluten-free and dairy-free cookies, cakes and pies on order.

Sandusky

Cedar Point – The allergy program at this amusement park is still in it’s infancy (so be patient!), but they are working hard to train on-site staff. They encourage allergic guests to contact the park ahead via foodallergy@cedarpoint.com. When at the park, ask for a chef when ordering. They have chefs available who are very well-versed in allergy preparation and menu options, and they are on call at different locations. Of the eateries on site, Wild Turnip has the most dairy-free options.

Shaker Heights

Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.
Upper Crust Pizza – This local pizza chain offers several vegan crusts, including gluten-free, dairy-free cheese alternative, and several sauce and topping options.

Solon

Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.

Stow

Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Strongsville

Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details. They have two locations in Strongsville.
Old Carolina Barbecue Company – This is a local Ohio chain. See the details in the Akron Listing above.

Sunbury

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Tiffin

B.E.S.T. Taco Shop and Breakfast Spot – Their menu includes vegan tacos, burritos, and skillets, for late breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have vegan cheese, eggs, and jackfruit “meat,” and can make many more items on their menu dairy free.

Toledo

BD’s Mongolian Grill – They offer a very complete allergen chart with many milk-free options. In fact, at last check, their entire stir fry menu was dairy-free, aside from one of the sauces (and they have many sauces). They do serve other types of food, some of which does contain milk.
Cafe Donuts – This bakery offers a full selection of vegan donuts with filled, glazed, and frosted options. They also offer soymilk and oatmilk for making dairy-free coffee drinks, and are adding savory items to their menu. They reportedly serve bagels, too.

Washington Township

Sinfully Gluten Free – We have been told that they offer dairy-free cheese for their pizzas, and their gluten-free baking can make dairy-free or vegan chocolate and vanilla cakes and cupcakes.

West Chester Township

Craft Cream Works – Most of their scoops are made with dairy, but this little shop hand churns several vegan flavors! You might spot Red Velvet, Thin Mint, Butter Pecan, Cookies & Cream or other decadent flavors. They use various bases, like coconut milk or oat milk, and usually have gluten-free options too.

Westerville

Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
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).
Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.
Zesty Juice Co. ⭐️ – I like not worrying about blenders at this dairy-free spot. In fact, everything on their menu appears to be vegan, aside from honey. They offer smoothies, juices, house-made cashew milk, bowls, and light entrees like avocado toast with vegan parmesan.

Westlake

Bahia Bowls Acai Café – Their range of super fruit bowls and smoothies contain no dairy as is, but note that they do offer whey protein (and two types of plant protein), so dairy is used in the blenders. Make sure to ask for a new, clean, or dedicated blender. Their eats include some dairy-free bites (not all though!), and they offer oatmeal bowls, salads, wraps, and toasts, several of which can be ordered without dairy.
Blue Sushi & Sake Grill – This sustainable Japanese restaurant makes innovative maki and nigiri. They have a full vegan menu, complete with tempura maki, and of course most of their menu is naturally dairy free.
Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream – Local chain scoops dairy-free coconut milk ice cream daily. See the Cleveland Listing for full details.

Willoughby

The Sweets Geek – This local baker makes exclusively gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan baked goods. They’ve sold mostly at local markets, but are opening a retail shop.

Worthington

Pies & Pints – They offer Daiya cheese alternative for their pizzas and sandwiches. At last check, their pizza crust was vegan-friendly, and they also had dairy-free bread options available, so several items can be ordered without dairy.

Wyoming

Cowboy Cones – This local ice cream shop churns several dairy-free, soy-based ice cream flavors and also offers sorbets. You can enjoy them in a cup or vegan sugar cone.

Zanesville

Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

House made dairy-free cheeses and local vegan pastries at Harmony Plant Fare

Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout Ohio

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.

Bareburger – See our Bareburger Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Ben & Jerry’s – See our Ben & Jerry’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
Bibibop – Thank you to Shawn for sending this recommendation, “A build-your-own bowl Asian fusion fast food place. Most of the menu is dairy free. They even have a coconut milk mango pudding that is dairy free!” They also provide full allergen information to make ordering easy, keep their kitchens peanut-free, and source higher quality ingredients.
Blaze Pizza – See our Blaze Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
LaRosa’s Pizza – They offer vegan cheese and have a plant-based pizza on the menu. Many additional items and pizzas can be ordered dairy free.
Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
MOD Pizza – See our MOD Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.

Photo: Old Caroline Barbecue Company Hush Puppies – an Ohio chain.

Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in Ohio

These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in Ohio. 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!

Minus G – You won’t find their unique gluten-free and vegan baking mixes outside of the state, since they fall under cottage baking laws. But you might see them locally and can order them online to an Ohio address.
The Dairy Free Co. – They make cashew spreads (like cream cheese, but with flavors) and dips, which are dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Look for them in stores throughout Ohio.

Photo from Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream

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.