Last Updated May 2021! 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.
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.
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.
Bristol
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
Cos Cob
- 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.
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.
- 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
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.
Granby
- The Sweet Beet ⭐️ – This is a small grab & go market that’s 100% vegan, gluten free, soy-free, peanut free, and organic. They offer a selection of deli items, and also have a full bakery on site making pastries and custom cakes.
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.
Guilford
- 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.
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
- 21 Oak ⭐️ – According to the owners, this plant-based restaurant is dairy-free, and serves seasonal dishes made from local ingredients. They have indoor and patio dining, where you can enjoy veggie burgers, salads, and a small global array of other entrees. They also offer take out and have a full juice bar.
- 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.
Mystic
- 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 Haven
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Savor Healthy Pizza ⭐️ – This isn’t your ordinary pizza joint. They offer whole grain and gluten-free crusts, and top pizzas with healthier ingredients. They have housemade dairy-free cheese, and the also offer dairy-free and vegan smoothies, desserts, lasagna, and soups.
Oxford
- 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.
Ridgefield
- 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
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
Southport
- 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.
Wallingford
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
Wilton
- 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.
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.
- Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!
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.
- Vic’s Guac Shop – They not only make fresh, clean, local guacamole, they also make chocolate avocado pudding with almond milk.
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!
