Allergen-Friendly Eats on Cape Cod
By Allie Provost
For people with food allergies and dietary restrictions, dining out can quickly turn into a nightmare. Folks with these restrictions should be able to enjoy new cuisines and traveling, but it’s not always easy. Thankfully, Cape Cod is home to a growing number of restaurants and eateries that prioritize meeting their customers’ different needs. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or vegetarian, explore this guide of allergen-friendly spots on the Cape where you can savor a meal with peace of mind.
Please remember to always your allergies or restrictions to the waitstaff at any establishment you dine at. It is important to still share these things, even to very accommodating restaurants, simply to avoid cross-contamination or miscommunication.
Siena
Mashpee
Siena claims to be a place where you can vivere bene, mangiare bene, socializare; live well, eat well, and be social - and they’re not wrong! Located in Mashpee Commons, Siena is the perfect spot for date night. The Italian vibes and Tuscan flair is immaculate. Gluten-free diners can enjoy a drink from their extensive cocktail and beverage menus without worrying about limited options; all menu items are tagged with ‘GF’ if they are gluten-free and tagged ‘GFM’ if they can be modified into a gluten-free meal. Siena will work with you to accommodate all dietary restrictions.
Pizza Barbone
Hyannis
Another Italian-style restaurant called Pizza Barbone has the potential to steal dairy-free and gluten-free diners’ hearts. You can’t go wrong with a wood fired pizza! They offer gluten-free pizza crust, homemade vegan cashew mozzarella, and even a vegan coconut milk gelato for dessert. This is an amazing spot to expand your view on pizza, especially for those who may not be able to on a normal basis.
Sunbird Cape Cod
Orleans
The Sunbird Cape Cod cafe is the perfect spot to grab breakfast or lunch on a sunny day. Each menu item is clearly labeled whether or not it is allergen-friendly. From breakfast tacos, loaded burgers for lunch, and an extensive coffee and tea menu, there is something for everyone. Bonus points to the team at Sunbird for being especially eco-friendly, too.
J. Bar
Harwich Port
J. Bar in Harwich Port prides itself on its dedication to being the healthiest place to eat. All menu items are made with high-quality organic ingredients. Their menu is entirely vegan, offering sandwiches, power bowls, salads, and beverages like coffees, smoothies, and juices. If you’re looking for a healthy and refreshing bite to eat, J. Bar fits the bill.
Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster
Chatham
If you’re on Cape Cod, chances are that you’re looking for a delicious seafood fix. If you eat a gluten-free diet, you can’t miss Mac’s! All of their fried classic dishes are prepared naturally gluten-free, which you don’t come by very often. You’ll regret it if you don’t get some GF fish and chips or fried clams while you’re on Cape Cod!
3 Fools
Orleans
Many folks claim that 3 Fools is the ultimate takeout spot on Cape Cod. Most importantly, all their subs and sandwiches can be made gluten-free. There are a variety of other gluten-free options too; can you decide between ordering GF chicken parm, falafel wrap, wings, or pizza? Check out 3 Fools on a cozy evening in or a sunset picnic in the sand.
The Lobster Pot
Provincetown
It may look small and narrow, but The Lobster Pot in Provincetown offers dining with a view of the water and a classic Cape Cod seafood menu. The best part is that they have an entire gluten-free menu! Shrimp scampi, squid, oysters, mussels, tuna sashimi, and, of course, lobster, all prepared without gluten to make sure the whole party can enjoy their time at dinner. Time spent in P-town isn’t top-tier until you’ve tried The Lobster Pot.
Sweet Izzy
Harwich Port
Last but not least, you can’t visit Cape Cod without getting a post-dinner ice cream treat! Sweet Izzy serves ice cream made with no gluten, soy, dairy, and completely vegan. Don’t worry, they don’t offer boring flavors; they offer scoops of cookies ‘n’ cream, coffee oreo, chocolate fudge brownie, and more! You can even order a whipped cold brew or a milkshake if you prefer.
As you explore the picturesque and memorable areas of Cape Cod, you can now do so with the confidence that a safe and satisfying meal is not far away. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these allergen-friendly establishments invite you to relax and indulge in the flavors of Cape Cod. So dine with ease knowing that there are many places that are dedicated to making your experience both memorable and safe.
A Guide to Cape Cod’s 2024 Farmer's Markets
By Kaitlyn McLaughlin
Right on the coast, Cape Cod is one of the best places to find locally grown, locally caught, and locally made products. Not only will you be able to support small businesses, but farmers markets are a great opportunity to meet like minded individuals as you browse through each shop. Each market has a unique array of organic fresh produce, artisanal handmade art, baked goods, flowers, homegoods, and much more to discover. For information on the specific vendors, keep an eye on each market's social media, as many of them will post a weekly list of who to expect. From Sandwich to Provincetown, below is a list of when and where you can shop locally across the cape this summer.
Sandwich Farmers Market
Open Tuesdays 9am-2pm. The first market will be on June 18th and will continue through October 15th
Location: 1131 S Sandwich Rd, Sagamore, MA 02360
Falmouth Farmers Market
Open Thursdays 12-5pm starting on May 30th 2024
Location: 180 Scranton Ave Falmouth, MA 02540 at Marine Park
Bass River Farmers Market
Open Thursdays and Saturdays 9am-1pm from June 13th- September 7th
Location: 311 Old Main St. South Yarmouth, MA 0266
Osterville Farmers Market
Open every Friday 9am-1pm. Their season has started and runs through October
Location: 155 West Bay Road Osterville, MA 02655 at the Osterville Historical Museum
Chatham Farmers Market
Open every Tuesday in the Summer from 3-6. Opening day for the 2024 season is May 14th
Location: 60 Meetinghouse Rd. South Chatham, MA 02659 at Our Lady of Grace Church
Orleans Farmers Market
Open every Saturday 8am-12pm. They have already began for the 2024 season and will be running until September
Location: 19 Old Colony Way, Orleans MA 02653
Open Saturdays 9am-1pm from May 18th to October 26th 2024
Location: Ryder St. Provincetown 02657
Mashpee Farmers Market
Open Sundays 11am-3pm from Memorial Day through October 13.
Location: Naukabout Garden Party, Mashpee Commons Village Green at 4 Job’s Fishing Road
Wellfleet Farmers Market
Open Wednesdays 8am-12pm. The first market of the season will be on May 22nd 2024
Location: 200 Main St. Wellfleet MA 02667
Harwich Farmers Market
This beloved farmers market is sadly taking a break for the 2024 season
Truro Educational Farmers Market
Open on Monday’s 8am-12pm. The first market of the 2024 season is on June 3rd
Location: 20 Truro Center Road Eastham MA, 02642
Provincetown Educational Farmers Market
Whether you're a local seeking the freshest ingredients for tonight's dinner or a visitor eager to experience the Cape’s delights, a trip to one of these farmers markets promises a memorable experience. Support local growers, savor the flavors of the season, and immerse yourself in the vibrant community that makes Cape Cod truly special.