Merit Vegetarian Restaurant

I love merit. I get spicy deluxe pretty often and they're very confident about gluten free. The staff isn't super great at English so don't try to order anything that you need customized too much beyond "gluten free".

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

— Not 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

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering

Menu is clearly marked for gf options. You may want to clarify when ordering as well, to be extra safe. Staff is the most friendly you’ll ever find at any restaurant.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Lots of GF items on the menu, or items that can be made to be GF. Staff had no problems taking my order but didn't appear to be too comfortable with English, so asking detailed questions might be challenging. Good food, would go back.

Edit: Went back again and got glutened on supposedly “gluten free protein” - be very careful on what you order here! Came back a second time and ordered a dish with their GF protein - got glutened unfortunately.

Celiac friendly?

No

First off I have no idea what the negative reviews are all about. I am literally obsessed with this place. I don't have celiac but I am VERY sensitive and easily get glutened when dining out. This place is my safe haven! There are TONs of choices on the menu, those they can make GF and I have never had one problem at all. In fact I eat here when I'm recovering from getting glutened bc my stomach is so sensitive. This place is always busy and it's clear to see why. Get the curry vermicelli noodles. That's my go to dish.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I was initially excited they had a clearly marked menu, I don’t have celiacs but I often get sick from gluten, and I prefer vegetarian. I noticed the gluten options were very limited at Merit, I ordered my dish despite not being excited about it. I am not sure if Merit is related to the Loving Hut chain? The food tasted very similar (and Loving Hut is not safe).

I got very sick from this dining experience.

Celiac friendly?

No

Original 4 star review below. Came back and ordered the same pho, got glutened and was one of the worst episodes I’ve had in a long time. Would give no stars this time around if possible.

Gluten free items are clearly marked however items that are marked “gluten free option” may not be. No dedicated fryer and some pre-prepped food may not be completely gluten free as they are made in the same pan as the non-gf versions of the same dish. That being said, only one waitstaff was knowledgeable however our waiter referred to him for help for any questions. I had the tofu pho, best veggie pho I’ve ever had, thus the four stars. I was hoping to try the vegan flan which is gf but didn’t have enough room for dessert. Overall, worth checking out and going back to, especially with vegetarian folks.

Celiac friendly?

No

We liked this and appreciated the menu labeled things gluten free. However when we first got there - right before the dinner shift came in- we had a waitress who was extremely nervous about gf and didn't understand what that meant ( we said that celiac is a gluten allergy to explain). She totally stressed us or saying she didn't think our daughter could eat anything etc. The next shift came along with the owner who assured us what we got was 100percent gluten free ( but with no guarantee). My daughter seems fine and the food was good vegan Chinese but the stress wasn't worth it.

Very good food spicy and tasty. No reaction that I can tell

This place is a true find for those of us needing to be gluten and dairy-free! The restaurant name suggests vegetarian, but the menu is vegan. They get the freshest vegetables (organic when possible) and I did confirm the tofu is organic. Their dishes on the menu will have the following designations:* Gluten Free (GF)* Can be made Gluten Free (GF OPT)* Contains Nut (NUT)* Can be made Nut Free (NUT FREE OPT) I ordered the tofu dish with bell peppers and onions. They were able to make it not so spicy for me since it is a regularly spicy dish. I will be coming back for more!

Celiac friendly?

Yes