Banyan Bar + Refuge

Incredibly disappointed at the options here. Without the fryer you’re left with the salads and 2 noodle dishes. Food was ok

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

We loved this restaurant, though I have to edit this review after my partner believes he might have had some cross contamination. The server was very mindful about my partner's celiac and always checked with the kitchen when we had questions about certain dishes, though we think that the Salt & Pepper Shrimp or the Dan Dan Noodles might have been the cause.

Many dishes are marked GF or GF Option Available, though we learned that some of these markings may not be accurate. We got the Lobster Bao Buns (GF option served in a crunchy lettuce wrap, was very good), Salt & Pepper Shrimp (GF, but was fried), the Dan Dan Noodles (GFO), the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl (GF) and the Sesame Ginger Bok Choy (GF). We tried to order the Bulgogi Short Rib entree (which was marked GFO) but was told that the short rib was marinated in soy sauce and the honey butter potatoes were not safe for celiac. The food and drinks were all very tasty in the moment, though my partner was definitely glutened by something we ate there.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

Great little gem. Knowledgeable server, manager brought out the dishes. Food was delish, drinks were interesting. We were celebrating my birthday so we ordered everything GF/celiac. Coconut calamari and salt/pepper shrimp were delishish. We shared two yummy Dan Dan’s and that was plenty for the four of us. Highly recommend for a special occasion.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

No more gf fryer as of the last time I went (August 2023.) still lots of good, safe options though!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Extremely knowledgeable staff. Explained their process and also how they offered fried options. The calamari was excellent and they used rice noodles for the dan dan noodles. I ate everything with no issues. Looking forward to going back.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Incredibly kind and knowledgeable staff, and a wide selection of food available. They confirmed the food was celiac safe while serving.

Shared the sweet and spicy tofu and the gf dan dan noodles, would recommend both!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good vegetarian options
• Offers outdoor seating

trendy place with great cocktails. The waitress was super knowledgeable when I said celiac. We got the coconut calamari , Brussels, and tuna poke bowl. My friends’ food was marked gf on the menu but when it was brought out she reminded me do not eat theirs bc it was not flagged to be prepared separately for cross contact (as my dishes were). Felt very safe and cared for can’t wait to come back!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

There's a large amount of menu items that either already are or can be made gluten free. The staff was very knowledgable and reassuring about cross contamination - there is a separate gluten free fryer. I had the coconut calamari, smashed cucumbers, and tuna poke bowl that were all great.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good with other allergies
• Reservations recommended

Staff was extremely knowledgeable about celiac disease and let me know what options would work for me. They asked me about allergies before I even mentioned my celiac. They also verbally confirmed that they were giving me the gluten free version of a meal when they served it to me. I wasn’t too hungry so I just got the fried rice but it was delicious and I had no problems.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

This is my new favorite place it’s so good and super inexpensive. They’re very accommodating w celiac allergies and mark it on the menu! I had their coconut calamari it was the first time in years 😍 and was so amazing! Also for dessert try their stoners delight!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

Service and food was amazing. I'm Celiac and very sensitive and didn't get sick or even get the slightest inkling that I might get sick once. Made a res for one by accident (should've been for two) and it was no problem at all when we checked in. Very aware of allergies, bartender even asked if I was ok with almond before mixing my drink. Food is delicious, although the spicy food is not for the faint of heart. Will definitely be back.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I called ahead and the manager instilled a tremendous amount of confidence in me that I could safety eat here. The waiter pointed out things that are GF or can be made GF. When I ordered the waiter seemed confused I ordered a sandwhich as a lettuce wrap instead of with bread even though we had just discussed this change which was her idea. The runner obviously had no idea I had CD. Food was good. Service was poor. Our waiter never checked on us again.

Celiac friendly?

Yes