What is your typical frequency of dining out or ordering food?

What are your primary motivations when choosing a restaurant? (Select all that apply)

Do you have any dietary restrictions, allergies, or strong food preferences? (Select all that apply)

How critical is it for you to adhere to these restrictions/preferences when dining out?

When you're looking for a restaurant, what is your typical process, step-by-step? Answer:

What tools or apps do you currently use most frequently for restaurant discovery? (Select all that apply)

How do you currently try to verify if a restaurant can accommodate your dietary restrictions or preferences? (Select all that apply)

What challenges or frustrations do you encounter when trying to find detailed menu information (ingredients, allergens, nutritional facts) or confirm dietary compliance on Google Maps or other pla...

Can you recall a specific instance where you struggled significantly to find suitable dining options due to lack of information? What was the outcome?

What is your ideal scenario for finding a restaurant that meets your dietary needs or preferences? Describe the perfect tool or feature.

What information would you ideally want to see about food items on a restaurant's digital menu? (Select all that apply)

How would specific, granular filters (e.g., "contains no dairy," "is keto-friendly," "nut-allergy safe") improve your experience?

What would it mean for you to feel confident about a restaurant's offerings before you even arrive or order? 

How much value would you place on a feature that guarantees accurate, real-time dietary information for menu items?

Taste;Convenience;Social gathering;Price/Value;Ambiance/Atmosphere;Location;

Other (please specify):;

Think of the kind of food I want. Check google reviews and location. Also check tik tok/instagram

Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Other (please specify):;Word-of-mouth;Google Maps;Restaurant-specific apps;

I feel like I usually can find all of these easily

Nutritional information (calories, macros);Preparation methods (e.g., fried, baked, steamed);Detailed descriptions of dishes;

Moderately valuable (nice to have)

Social gathering;Price/Value;Ambiance/Atmosphere;Location;Reviews/Recommendations;

Other (please specify):;

Slightly critical (prefer to adhere, but often flexible);

I check TikTok or ask friends.

Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);

Other (please specify):;

I don’t have dietary restrictions and do not have to confirm.

HG Supply is a great example. They have all the facts online and on the menu.

Images of dishes;Detailed descriptions of dishes;

Menu available online and pictures on social media

Slightly valuable (minor improvement)

Taste;Convenience;Reviews/Recommendations;Price/Value;Social gathering;Ambiance/Atmosphere;Location;

Other (please specify):;

I go to Google, look up restaurants near me, and pick based on reviews and photos. Also I use Tik Tok to get a better idea of what the restaurant is like.

Google Maps;Word-of-mouth;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Restaurant-specific apps;

Other (please specify):;

Sometimes, local restaurants don’t have nutrition facts available

I’d use Google or Tik Tok to find a restaurant that looks good

Nutritional information (calories, macros);Images of dishes;

It would be great to feel confident about a new restaurant before even trying it

Moderately valuable (nice to have)

Price/Value;Location;Dietary needs;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Check menu, check price, check reviews

Word-of-mouth;Google Maps;

Browse menu photos;

No icons or clear code meaning I have to read each dish’s ingredients in full

Door dash and uber eats are the worst for finding vegetarian food consistently…

Being able to click a button BEFORE looking at the menu and all that I cannot eat are REMOVED from my view; even if that only leaves a few options!!

Full ingredient list;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Preparation methods (e.g., fried, baked, steamed);Nutritional information (calories, macros);Images of dishes;Origin of ingredients;Oils, grease, and spices used;

Just a toggle would be nice

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Rarely (less than once a month)

Dietary needs;Convenience;Taste;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Decide what I want to eat. Then find/think of a restaurant that serves what I want to eat. Next I email or call (sometimes days ahead and not during busy service) the restaurant to ask a series of questions meant to determine if the restaurant can provide a celiac-safe meal. 99 out of 100 they cannot provide a safe meal.

Google Maps;Find me gluten free; gluten dude;

Call the restaurant directly;Ask staff upon arrival;Email;

Gluten free does NOT mean gluten free. Restaurants have no obligation (and almost none try) to prevent cross-contact with gluten so until someone invents a “celiac-safe” filter I will be eating at home or going to 100% gluten free establishments.

As a celiac, everyday is a struggle to find food outside of my own kitchen.

A visual indication that a restaurant is celiac safe: a window sticker; a small sign; a logo equivalent to GFCO but for dining;

Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);

Probably wouldn’t. having the specific filter, say, a celiac-safe filter, doesn’t magically make more restaurants actually celiac-safe i.e. can’t filter what doesn’t exist.

Feels fantastic. Going to Burtons Grill makes me feel human again.

Your last question hints to a problem: I cannot trust a filter to guarantee my dietary safety, which is always in the hands of the protocols, people and processes of the restaurant.

Moderately valuable (nice to have)

Location;Price/Value;Ambiance/Atmosphere;Dietary needs;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Check the Happy Cow website for a list of fully vegan restaurants. If nothing interesting is there, broaden the search.

TripAdvisor;Yelp;Happy Cow;Google Maps;

Look at the online menu;

Some places are not clear on the difference between vegan and vegetarian. Others mix gluten free options into the mix.

I find the information sufficient. More often is that restaurants do not have an attractive offer.

Rating the vegan menu or vegan options on originality, quality, and price.

Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Detailed descriptions of dishes;Preparation methods (e.g., fried, baked, steamed);

vegan and gluten unfriendly

In the end, I trust my own experience and tastes than that of others.

Slightly valuable (minor improvement)

Dietary needs;Taste;Convenience;Specific cuisine;Price/Value;

Vegan;Nut allergy;No red meat;Dairy-free;Vegetarian;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Search "food near me", then look at menus. Or look on Happy Cow app.

Google Maps;Happy Cow app;

Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Look at menu;

That the detailed menu info is nowhere to be found.

Not sure. It's okay as is. I wish that when I typed in vegan food, it would show restaurants with substantial options, not just a side salad.

Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Images of dishes;

That would be great!

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Taste;Specific cuisine;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

I search in vegan options/restaurants near me on Google and I look up happy cow as well.

Restaurant-specific apps;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Restaurant websites;Yelp;Google Maps;Happy Cow;

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);

Some places say they have vegan options, but they don't actually understand what vegan is, you have to go out of your way to find nutritional facts in a convoluted manner or even it's not available at all, options seem like they're vegan but end up having some kind of animal product in it

I just don't eat out and make do with what I have. If I'm traveling, I might either get something at the store or I just eat fries or something else typically.

Full ingredient list;Common allergens highlighted;Nutritional information (calories, macros);Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Detailed descriptions of dishes;Images of dishes;Origin of ingredients;

It would be very helpful

I'm significantly more likely to go somewhere that I'm confident has good options for me

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Taste;Convenience;Dietary needs;

Very critical (prefer to adhere, but some flexibility);

Check HappyCow or Google maps, look at menus for interesting vegan options.

Google Maps;Word-of-mouth;HappyCow;

Browse menu photos;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);

I basically always have to check the menu to ensure that vegan options not only exist but that they are worth eating.

Selecting restaurant for father's birthday, hard to find good vegan options with restaurants my family would also like.

Directly listing vegan menu options for different restaurants in a table.

Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Common allergens highlighted;Cross-contamination warnings;Images of dishes;

Easier to eat at places with friends.

I basically just have to know it is vegan and more than a salad.

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Is it vegan. Is it nearby

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Browse menu photos;Call the restaurant directly;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Ask staff upon arrival;Read reviews;

Full ingredient list;Nutritional information (calories, macros);Preparation methods (e.g., fried, baked, steamed);Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Images of dishes;Detailed descriptions of dishes;Origin of ingredients;

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Convenience;Dietary needs;Ambiance/Atmosphere;Location;Reviews/Recommendations;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

google it, read reviews

Google Maps;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);

if it's too old, not clear, not labeled

Full ingredient list;Common allergens highlighted;Nutritional information (calories, macros);Preparation methods (e.g., fried, baked, steamed);Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Detailed descriptions of dishes;Images of dishes;Origin of ingredients;

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Go to Google Maps, search vegan, sift through what shows up (often a frustrating process since a review that says "no vegan options" means Google will return that restaurant as a result; too bad I can search for restaurants that have indicated they are vegan)

Google Maps;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);

Check their official website;Read reviews;Look for specific categories/filters on apps;

Restaurants can indicate they are vegan restaurants on Google, but there isn't away to filter for that

Being able to filter for vegan restaurants and/or restaurants with vegan options, not just search the word vegan and see random restaurants that may not have vegan options

Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Detailed descriptions of dishes;Images of dishes;

Seeing what's vegan would let me know if I should order; obviously not ordering something if I can't tell it's vegan

I wouldn't order without feeling confident about their offerings

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Rarely (less than once a month)

Taste;Location;Dietary needs;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

1. Open the app called Happy Cow to locate vegan restaurants or restaurants with vegan options in my area.
2. Peruse the menus and options at the restaurants near me through the Happy Cow app and read reviews- ESPECIALLY reviews from restaurants that are not fully-vegan.
(3). Sometimes I will Google "vegan options [my city]" and see if there are any restaurants that come up on Google that are not on the Happy Cow app. (It is harder to find restaurants with vegan options through Google because there are no specific filters for this)
4. Make a decision on where to go or order from based on my current craving, how far away it is, the price, and Happy Cow reviews (and possibly Google reviews)

Google Maps;Restaurant-specific apps;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Call the restaurant directly;Check their official website;Ask staff upon arrival;

Google does not have a specific filter to find vegan restaurants. Many restaurants do not fully understand what the term vegan means and may have items mislabeled or possibly Google has mislabeled items - for example, I once went to a restaurant that said they can make a vegan risotto however they use animal based broth in the process which they only revealed when I specifically ask them about it. It can be very hard to trust that restaurants which are not fully-vegan will serve vegan food and have items labeled correctly. Also many chefs do not really care about cross-contamination and most of the time the same cooking surfaces and fryer buckets are shared between vegan and non vegan foods. For example, this is obvious when I order french fries from a non vegan restaurant but they still taste like chicken.

I was at a famous historical restaurant in my city and the staff were basically clueless about what veganism was. They said the salad was vegan however it came pre-dressed with a dressing that contained Parmesan cheese. They didn't know that butter was not vegan and they cooked there yucca in butter. I did not trust anything that came out of their kitchen and ended up not having anything to eat. It was awkward sitting at a table around a bunch of other people at a private party at this restaurant and more importantly, I was very hungry!

I like the app Happy Cow because it lists restaurants that are fully vegan. These restaurants I do not have to worry as much about whether or not they will serve me something that has animal products in it and I don't have to worry about cross-contamination from animal products. The only downside of this restaurant is that it appears that not all restaurants get uploaded to the app and also some restaurants that have close down are still on the app.

Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Detailed descriptions of dishes;Origin of ingredients;

I feel that having a specific filter for vegan options would improve my experience. However, I do worry that many people do not understand what vegan means and will mislabel items.

I need to know that they have vegan options. If I'm choosing the restaurant, they need to have multiple vegan options and not just an impossible or black bean burger or a just French fries. I could tolerate that if I were invited someplace by someone else but if I'm choosing where to spend my money, it will be a place that has high quality vegan options. If I'm going to a restaurant that is not fully vegan, I need to know that there are options that will not have cross-contamination e.g. I will not order french fries that have been in the same fryer as chicken wings 🤮

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Rarely (less than once a month)

Taste;Specific cuisine;Dietary needs;

Vegan;Dairy-free;Avoid spicy;Nut allergy;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Search the word vegan food. If no vegan restaurants, look for Asian. Look at the menu if available.

Google Maps;Happy Cow;

Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);

Can’t tell if everything has coconut. Vegans love coconut and I can’t have it.

All the time. I spend a long time choosing where to eat. I eat at home.

Something like Happy Cow or google maps where I could put in my restrictions ahead of time and it would bring g up suggestions.

Full ingredient list;Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);

Not gonna get poisoned. Easier for me to order too.

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Taste;Dietary needs;Price/Value;Location;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

happy cow;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);OpenTable;Google Maps;

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Call the restaurant directly;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Ask staff upon arrival;

Google search absolutely sucks and surfaces irrelevant restaurants that pay them. It didn't use to be like that, changed overnight a few years ago.

I think animals being slaughtered on farms struggle a lot more than I do when I have to spend an extra few minutes looking for food. Not a big deal. It's just horrible that Google maps has such a monopoly on real time location based search, and abuses its monopoly in the worst ways.

Full ingredient list;Preparation methods (e.g., fried, baked, steamed);Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Detailed descriptions of dishes;

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Rarely (less than once a month)

Taste;Convenience;Location;

Gluten-free;Dairy-free;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

I’ve completely given up on eating out at restaurants because even if they have gluten free and dairy free options, you still can’t trust the cooks and servers to not cross contaminate.

Restaurant websites;

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Call the restaurant directly;Check their official website;

Most restaurants dont list the nutritional facts of their food. Also some restaurants put butter on everything and they don’t say it anywhere in the menu.

I have given up on going out to eat. Most places have gluten free options and dairy free options but simultaneously gluten and dairy free is very rare

A filter that would show options that are both dairy and gluten free not just one or the other.

Full ingredient list;Common allergens highlighted;Nutritional information (calories, macros);Preparation methods (e.g., fried, baked, steamed);Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Detailed descriptions of dishes;Images of dishes;

Save a lot of time wading through all the items I can’t have at a restaurant

I don’t think I could be comfortable until I arrived or ordered. Also if they don’t have an open kitchen where you can see what the cooks are doing I would never be comfortable. I have been a cook for many years and after that have very little faith in other cooks.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Search on Find Me Gluten Free App then cross reference reviews on Google Maps. If not enough options on FMGF then I search cuisines that are typically gluten free on Google Maps, study the menu and usually call the restaurant to ask what precautions are taken. If reservations are made, I notate “wheat allergy” or “celiac disease/gluten free”

Google Maps;Find Me Gluten Free ;

Read reviews;Call the restaurant directly;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Ask staff upon arrival;

Lack of allergen markers on menus, lack of education or care/concern amongst front of house staff.

Visiting a city where restaurants close early, all of the previously researched restaurants closed early or staff could not instill confidence in their procedures upon questioning at the door. Had an emergency gluten free frozen pizza back at lodging.

Anything that would reduce the amount of steps in research and has more options

Common allergens highlighted;Preparation methods (e.g., fried, baked, steamed);Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);

It would be less stressful

It would reduce stress and anxiety around social gatherings that take place at restaurants. It would reduce the amount of hangry outbursts.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Yelp;Word-of-mouth;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Restaurant websites;

Read reviews;Check their official website;Ask staff upon arrival;Call the restaurant directly;

Information is often lacking online and staff is unhelpful over the phone.

There is always somewhere to eat but it’s frustrating when the information isn’t readily available for places I have not tried before.

Gluten free items clear on the menu and on yelp.

Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Detailed descriptions of dishes;Full ingredient list;

It would be easier to eat out.

I don’t go if I’m not confident I can eat there.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Dietary needs;Ambiance/Atmosphere;

Gluten-free;Nut allergy;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Word-of-mouth;Restaurant websites;

Check their official website;

While traveling. Just went hungry.

One that allows me to search for both gluten and nuts allergies

Common allergens highlighted;Full ingredient list;

Immense improvement

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Taste;Convenience;Specific cuisine;Dietary needs;Price/Value;Ambiance/Atmosphere;Location;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Browse menu photos;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);

Full ingredient list;Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Detailed descriptions of dishes;

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Price/Value;Dietary needs;Convenience;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Use Google maps to find restaurants
Look for vegan items on menu or reviews that mention if restaurant is vegan friendly
Look at prices of items

Google Maps;HappyCow;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Restaurant websites;

Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Ask staff upon arrival;

Many reviews confuse vegetarian and vegan options. Google maps doesn't have a flag for if the restaurant serves vegan options.

If I can't find a suitable vegan option by simply checking Google maps I usually just go somewhere else that I know has vegan options.

A simple "has vegan options" flag in Google maps would be nice.

Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);

I just need a "Vegan Friendly" filter and that would make searching easier.

I'd probably be more willing to go to New restaurants that I wasn't aware had vegan options.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Taste;Dietary needs;Ambiance/Atmosphere;Location;Reviews/Recommendations;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

I use the find me gf app or Google the city and look for a blog from someone who is also gf.

Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Restaurant-specific apps;Word-of-mouth;Google Maps;

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Read reviews;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Check their official website;

It’s hard to find it right away and I have to go through the menu or find it on an allergy app to know if it’s actually safe to eat.

Yes all the time, it really sucks and I end up just going out where everyone else does and not being able to eat.

It would be cool if there were features like grocery stores that filter out options based on dietary needs.

Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Detailed descriptions of dishes;Images of dishes;

Gluten free but also celiac safe would make it much easier to quickly find places.

Seeing multiple reviews from other people saying they ate safely and also a statement on the website/menu about their gluten free policy.

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Dietary needs;Social gathering;Price/Value;Specific cuisine;Taste;Reviews/Recommendations;

Gluten-free;Dairy-free;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);Very critical (prefer to adhere, but some flexibility);

Search for cuisine type in a specific neighborhood

Read a specific restaurant’s reviews and search for “gluten free”

Look at photos of the menu and the ambiance

Google Maps;Restaurant websites;Find Me gluten free;Word-of-mouth;

Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Ask staff upon arrival;

The places with reviews about gluten free are for American foods like gluten free pancakes, burgers, baked goods. It’s difficult to find gluten free options especially for Chinese food and other cultures’ cuisines

Yes, I gave up and decided to not go to that restaurant

It would be amazing if every restaurant could clearly label their menu with what items contain wheat and dairy. Then use AI to scan those menus and identify the menu items that are safe to eat

Common allergens highlighted;Images of dishes;Preparation methods (e.g., fried, baked, steamed);

It would help build confidence in ordering a menu item

I would be more likely to go to that restaurant

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Dietary needs;Location;Taste;

Gluten-free;Vegan;Prefer organic;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Cross check multiple apps so that I can determine it will be safe for gluten allergy/celiac and vegan. I use happy cow for vegan and find me gluten free.

Find me gluten free and happy cow;

Read reviews;Check their official website;Call the restaurant directly;Ask staff upon arrival;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);

Gluten free markings on menu do not usually indicate if food is or is able to be prepared with out cross contact/contamination in order to be suitable for gluten allergy/celiac

We usually just go to the same few places we know are safe but when traveling it can be hard. Options are eat a protein bar and skip the meal, go hungry, or take a risk and possibly get very sick for a few weeks from being “glutened” all of these have happened.

Restaurants should be transparent about what is in their food and how it is prepared and this information should be available and easy to find. It is never okay for a menu to not accurately communicate this information.

Cross-contamination warnings;Full ingredient list;

If this information was present and accurate this would be transformative in allowing dining out to be less stressful wondering if the food is actually able to be prepared gluten allergy/celiac safe and vegan

We generally do not arrive if we are not confident and we would simply not place an order if we did arrive and found out we cannot be accommodated; we would leave.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Dietary needs;Location;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

I typically use the happy cow app. First I filter for nearby, open now, only vegan + vegetarian. If I do not find good options I expand to restaurants with vegan options. For the top few (often just the nearest), I read reviews on happy cow and google maps, view the menu on the restaurant website, and I verify hours / whether it is open on Google maps.

Google Maps;Restaurant websites;Happy Cow app;

Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Check their official website;Ask staff upon arrival;Read reviews;

Many restaurants do not have menus available on their website, and photos of menus can be hard to read or sometimes out of date

Traveling in Nimes, France - we expected a vegan restaurant (Copper & Branch), but the location had recently closed. We struggled to find good options, and ended up cooking for ourselves many meals (fortunately we had rented an apartment), and eating at a few restaurants with very limited vegan options.

Happy Cow is pretty perfect. Normally it works very well, but sometimes, especially in smaller towns in Europe, information is out of date (restaurants have closed, or new restaurants have opened but aren’t on the app yet).

Full ingredient list;Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;

They wouldn’t. I only need to know if it is vegan or not.

I try to avoid restaurants where I don’t feel confident before I arrive. It would mean I would eat out more often.

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Multiple times a day to once in a half year, changes a lot

Taste;Specific cuisine;Dietary needs;Reviews/Recommendations;

Vegan;Prefer organic;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Look on happy cow app/google maps, look at the website, mainly the menu. Sometimes look at reviews if stars are low but seems nice anyways. Sometimes look at pictures.

Google Maps;Happy cow;Restaurant websites;

Browse menu photos;Read reviews;Check their official website;Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);

No or unclear labeling on menus. Unclear is for example: item has 'V' of a leaf or something behind it, but unclear if it is vegan or vegetarian. Or non-vegan restaurant labels item as vegan, but it has the name of animal product in description, without stating brand or alternative used (often with honey, or cheese).

On a holiday in Croatia, we arrived late, most places closed. A place said they had vegan options, but item under 'vegan' header had cheese on it. Other places here did not have any mention of vegan, so I wouldn't know if eg butter was used to cook vegetables.

Happy cow works well, but many places listed have no/unclear labeling. So this could be improved.

Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Detailed descriptions of dishes;Images of dishes;Origin of ingredients;Full ingredient list;

Slightly, however many little things are non-vegan, that aren't common allergens or something.

Clear labeling on menu. Menu mention brands/alternatives used (eg 'cashew cheese' instead of 'cheese', 'Planted chicken' instead of 'chicken', with just a green'V' behind it or whatever.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Specific cuisine;Dietary needs;Price/Value;Ambiance/Atmosphere;Location;

Gluten-free;Dairy-free;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Look for restaurant, find places, check menu, check reviews

Google Maps;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Word-of-mouth;

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Check their official website;

no allergens listed on menus, no information provided about preparation of food or availability of alternatives

I couldn't find anything on the card and the staff couldn't 100% verify the food was ok for me so I just had a drink and watched my friends eat

Detailed list of meals and their allergens

Full ingredient list;Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Detailed descriptions of dishes;Images of dishes;

it would be a lot easier to find food

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Dietary needs;Taste;Convenience;

Vegan;Vegetarian;Dairy-free;No red meat;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Go to veggiekarte.de and select the 'vegan friendly' 'vegetarian' and 'vegan' options. Check the menu of every 'vegan friendly' location to make sure they have something I want. Then pick one.

Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Browse menu photos;Check their official website;

I do not encounter many frustrations.

A website like vegiekarte or happycow

Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Full ingredient list;

A label like contains no dairy is good, however there are many more ingredients which would make something not vegan. So a granular filter like that wil never make we feel completely secure.

It means less stress, since I don't need to ask any questions or prepare multiple orders incase one doesn't fit my dietary needs.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Dietary needs;Price/Value;Taste;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

First I try google maps. Sometimes it’ll pull up a suggestion that I already know is ‘safe’ as in this restaurant hasn’t made me sick before (from gluten cross contamination). However, if it’s a new place I haven’t tried before, I will check on findmeglutenfree.com to see if others like me have gotten sick there before. It also has better info on how the staff as a whole treat food sensitivities. For instance it will have user reviews where people will say ‘they have a dedicated gluten free menu’ or ‘I ordered X gluten free and still got sick’

Google Maps;Findmeglutenfree.com;

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Read reviews;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);

Only enormous chain restaurants have detailed cross references for allergens in all their dishes. I’d prefer smaller mom’npop type restaurants. Some of them do have very detailed information available and I always make a point of thanking them for having that available.

lol. I ate gas station chips and jerky for dinner that night. Nowhere in walking distance has a dedicated gluten free menu. When I called a couple of places, they were honest and said they couldn’t guarantee no cross contamination (which I appreciate, I’ll take a shitty dinner over a weekend on toilet any day)

A single place (app website whatever), the ability to save favorites. THE ABILITY TO BLOCK RESTAURANTS FROM EVEN SHOWING UP IN SEARCH RESULTS, if they’ve made you sick before. There is nothing more important than avoiding foods that can damage my intestines and lead to cancer.

Common allergens highlighted;Nutritional information (calories, macros);Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;

That would be amazing and I’d love it on everything everywhere.

That would take such an enormous weight off of my mind. I only try new restaurants on Fridays. This is because if they DO make me sick, I won’t have to miss work. To KNOW that I’ll be okay would fulfill my feels of physicals safety surrounding food.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Find one in correct location, check for website with menu to see if they have vegan options, look at options to make sure it is sufficiently balanced.. keep looking till I find one that fits my needs. If it’s not on the menu, I look elsewhere.

Google Maps;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Word-of-mouth;Restaurant websites;

Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Ask staff upon arrival;Check their official website;Read reviews;Look for specific categories/filters on apps;

Often google maps shows incorrect or outdated information, or gives vegetarian results when I search vegan.

This weekend I could find nothing in perth CBD, after searching websites for hours. I ended up going to somewhere further away instead.

Search restaurants with vegan options in (suburb) find accurate up to date results where the options include more variety than chips or a green salad.

Full ingredient list;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Detailed descriptions of dishes;

I only really need a vegan filter, but the other tags would help other people I know who have other dietary requirements. I would like a whole food tag, but it’s probably unrealistic.

I would probably eat out more often if the choice of location wasn’t so stressful and time consuming. Sometimes I give up because it’s too hard and just eat at home.

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Specific cuisine;Dietary needs;Reviews/Recommendations;

Gluten-free;Dairy-free;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

In google maps app I search “Restaurant with gluten-free options.” Then I pick by factoring in the number of stars (i.e., restaurant rating) and the type of food I feel like eating. I’ll call ahead to check if things like french fries are fried in a dedicated gluten free frier. I make judgements of the person actually knows what they are talking about and can be trusted.

Browse menu photos;Call the restaurant directly;Ask staff upon arrival;Read reviews;

Old photos of menu’s may no longer be accurate.
Moat menu’s do not detail allergies or what can be made gluten free/dairy free.

Unknown if things like french fries get cooked in a shared frier with other gluten containing foods. i have to call for that.

It happens all the time. I usually call a restaurant to inquire and make judgements if the person telling me is knowledgeable and can be trusted.

Latest menu is on google maps and their own website with clearly labeled allergy information detailing what is glute free and dairy free or what can be modified to make it that way.

The chain restaurant “Red Robin” does the best job with their menu. On their website you can check boxes indication your allergies and it shows all the food and condiments that meet your dietary restrictions or can be modified to meet them.

Full ingredient list;Common allergens highlighted;Preparation methods (e.g., fried, baked, steamed);Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Images of dishes;

It would greatly improve the experience. Check out the “Red Robin” online menu to see a company that does a great job at this type of filtering.

It would relieve anxiety and stress and provide a much easier experience to dine out.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Rarely (less than once a month)

Price/Value;Reviews/Recommendations;Health, cost;

Vegan;Nut allergy;Avoid spicy;Shellfish allergy. I’m allergic to peanuts not other nits;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

I find somewhere that has good vegan options, including if it’s health conscious. Then I have to find out if they have adequate allergy procedures which is extremely difficult even if that have allergen information at all. Then I make sure it’s in the budget range I’m willing to pay

Rarely I’ll want something like a vegan cheeseburger or ice cream but not often.

Google Maps;TripAdvisor;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Word-of-mouth;Restaurant websites;Reddit posts about allergy process;

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Ask staff upon arrival;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Check their official website;Reddit posts on allergy subs;

If they even have allergen information it’s extremely difficult to find out how they avoid cross contamination. Usually you have to ask when you’re already in the restaurant. If they have an email and I ask that way they never respond. This is infinitely more of a problem with local restaurants. There are very few reviews that address allergen policy so I can’t even find out from others experiences

I went to a coffee shop in the hospital I work at and asked the cashier about allergen policy and what foods are free of things I can’t eat. She literally stared at me and said absolutely nothing. She literally said zero words the whole time I was there. I just got a black coffee but I was so hungry cause I wanted something to eat

Something like Happy Cow for allergens. Cross contamination is not a problem for me for animal products as long as they’re not an actual ingredient in the meal I’m ordering. So finding vegan stuff is easy, or even picking stuff off if it accidentally comes with cheese or bacon on top or something. But allergies I cannot have cross contamination. I want to have a place I can see reviews from others with actual allergies and what their experiences were, what they were told about the policy etc

Full ingredient list;Common allergens highlighted;Nutritional information (calories, macros);Cross-contamination warnings;

Differentiate nuts and peanuts. No one cares about something not containing peanuts, I care about if it’s cross contaminated when it “doesn’t contain” peanuts as a listed ingredient.

Or is my baked tofu cross contaminated by someone else’s lobster ravioli? I’m smart enough to not order foods that I’m allergic to, cross contamination is the issue.

For vegan food it’s important to have that as a filter because it’s not so easy to be sure something is actually vegan from the description

HAVE THE ALLERGEN POLICY AND PROCEDURES ON YOUR WEBSITE! It’s easier to read a list of ingredients or ask the server if something has peanuts. But having to ask a million questions about how things are separated and cleaned makes me just not go out to eat at all. If it was clearly available on the website I would go spend my money there in a heartbeat

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Convenience;Dietary needs;Taste;Price/Value;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

I would first find something nearby and then see if they have any vegan options, if not, move onto the next.

Google Maps;HappyCow;

Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Look for specific categories/filters on apps;

Sometimes when I search up ‘Vegan’, on Google Maps, it shows reviews saying vegetarian, which doesn’t help that much.

A feature that shows all restaurants that fit my needs as well as what food options that actually do.

Full ingredient list;Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);

It would improve my experience greatly, since now I won’t need to confirm with a waiter whether or not it’s vegan

It would mean a lot, because it’ll be a stress free experience.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Rarely (less than once a month)

Dietary needs;Price/Value;Taste;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Check websites with filter to find suitable vegan restaurants in my area. Then choose one that is both nearby and according to what cuisine they have

Google Maps;TripAdvisor;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Restaurant websites;Restaurant-specific apps;

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Browse menu photos;Read reviews;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);

Restaurants on websites often are marked as vegetarian/vegan instead of specific label of vegetarian or vegan since they're covering different demographic. I always have to double check the menus to see what options are available. "Vegan options available" more often than not are not true.

I have difficulty finding some restaurants' menus which means I'm not choosing that option. I skip the option that I can't verify as safe.

I want the restaurant to clearly indicate what dietary needs it meets. Menus should also have very clear indicators for vegan food and vegetarian food since too often those are marked with a leaf which is too vague.

Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Detailed descriptions of dishes;Common allergens highlighted;

It would allow for a more informed choice.

Having a good overall experience would ensure I come back again.

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

We exclusively use the app Happy Cow to find vegan restaurants. We check it occasionally for new restaurants that are all vegan. Then we might use Google Maps to navigate there. We try to eat only at all vegan restaurants, but I sometimes need to look through the menu and website of non-vegan locations some friends and family invite me to. It would be much easier to have menu options that meet dietary restrictions front and center instead of needing to dig or trust that there are "options" as reported on happy cow for mixed places.

Google Maps;Restaurant websites;Happy Cow App;

Browse menu photos;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);

Often if they don't do the bare minimum of marking items as vegan on the menu I just won't go. It isn't worth it. The restaurants probably wouldn't use any new Google feature either. Im frustrated in general that many restaurants don't care about veganism. When I do find a menu it's often a PDF I have to zoom in to see a vegan marking or scroll a long ordering menu for things marked vegan, only to not find them at all. Would love a marker that just says a restaurant isn't vegan friendly.

There was a restaurant in California that kind of had a vegetarian option that my family wanted to go to. I resigned to not eating much. When I got there the chef came out and said he could make me something, and I had to have a 10 minute conversation to understand if there was contamination. I know talking to chefs should be something to trust but you never know what their definitions are. It's much easier if they have some credibility somehow. Even marking it on the menu is dubious. I prefer the reviews from Happy Cow from real people trying out a meal and confirming it is vegan for me.

Ideally I could easily find vegan-only restaurants quickly, and ideally have a vegan options tag on locations that do have reputable vegan options.

Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;

"Contains no dairy" helps but doesn't say anything about eggs. Allergen lists work well because dairy and eggs are both covered. Meat is usually mentioned but it would help too. Some people do have meat allergies.

That the restaurant is all vegan or has a separate kitchen that does not handle meat. That the restaurant takes cross contamination seriously, and marks menu options with vegan and truly upholds that marker.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Dietary needs;Price/Value;Reviews/Recommendations;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Look at reviews and menu

Google Maps;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Restaurant websites;

Read reviews;Check their official website;Ask staff upon arrival;

Gf things are often not labeled

Cooking at home instead

Detailed filters on Google maps and specific menu information

Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Common allergens highlighted;

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Dietary needs;Taste;Specific cuisine;Location;Ambiance/Atmosphere;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Google vegan restaurants in google maps, dead reviews and check menus to confirm vegan options if it’s not a fully vegan restaurant

Google Maps;DoorDash/Uber Eats (for discovery, not just ordering);

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Read reviews;Check their official website;Check the menu for vegan or gf icons ;

Sometimes you google vegan and restaurants come up because someone said in a review it “doesn’t have vegan options”. But it has the word vegan so the search shows it. Also sometimes restaurants are excluded so I widen the search and check each individual website and menu

We were traveling and I had to call the restaurant to confirm and Hope they were being truthful

Open Google maps. Search for restaurants. Use filters to look for vegan only or vegan friendly

Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Detailed descriptions of dishes;Common allergens highlighted;

I like granular but sometimes it says dairy free and meat free but they use butter so having a larger vegan label is still preferred. But I have friends who have nut allergies or celiac so seeing those allergens are helpful.

I’d order it more and try more new places.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Rarely (less than once a month)

Dietary needs;Price/Value;Location;Taste;

Gluten-free;Nut allergy;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Google “gluten free near me” and read through menus/reviews. Checking the menu for peanuts/tree nuts to assess the risk of cross contact. Make sure it’s somewhere I can easily get to with public transit.

Google Maps;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Word-of-mouth;Restaurant websites;

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Ask staff upon arrival;

Sometimes it is not up to date or the risk of cross contact is not super clear. Everywhere (unless a dedicated X-free facility) is going to have a risk for cross contact with X, be more specific with precautions or lack thereof so I can make an educated choice. Sometimes the menu will have options I can probably eat and then when I show up and explain my allergies the server has no clue what I’m talking about or mixes up dietary needs (I am not vegan nor am I allergic to milk, corn, rice, or potatoes).

I went to a restaurant where their online menu listed a few gluten free options and they had no nuts on their menu. When I showed up, only one dish (a salad) was gluten free which was super frustrating. I ended up just eating the salad because there wasn’t anywhere else to go out and I was with other people, but it was annoying to be misled.

Filters for allergens/dietary need and then descriptions of cross-contact protocols (if applicable). Filtering from there based on distance and being able to read reviews from other people with similar dietary needs.

Full ingredient list;Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Cross-contact protocols;

Makes it easier to quickly glance at a menu and know what I can and cannot order without having to go through the menu one by one with a server. I still mention my allergies but it’s one less step.

Have up to date and accurate menus and be honest about the risk.

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Taste;Convenience;Specific cuisine;Dietary needs;Price/Value;Location;Reviews/Recommendations;

Gluten-free;Dairy-free;Keto;Low-carb;Vegetarian;Vegan;Avoid spicy;Prefer organic;

1. Be hungry 2. What's close? 3. What's cheap? 4. What's quick? 5. That one sounds ok I guess 6. Order food

Read reviews;Browse menu photos;Check their official website;

Say they have those options but really that option is just a side or dessert (not an actual meal or something with substance)

Ended up going to multiple restaurants to find food for whole group of people and eating not in any one establishment.

I type in the kind of restaurant or dietary restriction and it gives me a perfect answer that pleases me

Common allergens highlighted;Full ingredient list;Preparation methods (e.g., fried, baked, steamed);Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Detailed descriptions of dishes;Images of dishes;Certified [specific dietary friendly] by [third party];

It would make things more clear, theoretically, but if it's just the restaurant's understanding of that and not a third party that is an authority on the subject, then it would hold less weight and checking into it further would still be necessary.

.....the world? .....I don't know....

Moderately valuable (nice to have)

Convenience;Taste;Social gathering;Price/Value;Reviews/Recommendations;

What is good and convenientnear me that is affordable.

Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);DoorDash/Uber Eats (for discovery, not just ordering);Restaurant-specific apps;Word-of-mouth;

Browse menu photos;

n/a. for preferences just images of the food, if it looks good or not.

Images of dishes;Detailed descriptions of dishes;

No much since I dont have many restrictions.

not much, I enjoying reading through menus and seeing what is unique about the resturant, as often times I find myself ordering the "speacial of the day".

Moderately valuable (nice to have)

Price/Value;Specific cuisine;Reviews/Recommendations;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

google maps and reviews, resto recommendations from reddit, check out menu online to see what the options are. or by category on ubereats.

Google Maps;DoorDash/Uber Eats (for discovery, not just ordering);reddit;

Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);Look for specific categories/filters on apps;

Restaurants often have a very loose interpretation of what 'vegan' or 'vegetarian' means. There might be a V symbol but it doesn't explain. Would be great if menus listed specific allergens the way nutrition labels do. Dairy / butter is the most insidious.

Honestly just a search engine with official menus listed accurately

Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Full ingredient list;Detailed descriptions of dishes;

Contains no dairy would be an amazing filter and I would definitely use it.

it would mean I go to them more often than others.

Very valuable (a significant improvement)

Rarely (less than once a month)

Convenience;Taste;Price/Value;

Food that will accommodate the whole family- kids included.

Word-of-mouth;Google Maps;Yelp;

Check their official website;Read reviews;

sometimes nutritional facts can be challenging to find from one restaurant to another.

Something that shows what is around my location, promotions they might be running, and reviews.

Images of dishes;Nutritional information (calories, macros);

minimal due to not having food allergies

secure in the decision to dine knowing the offerings.

Moderately valuable (nice to have)

Every day when travelling

Convenience;Specific cuisine;Dietary needs;Price/Value;Ambiance/Atmosphere;Location;Taste;

Very critical (prefer to adhere, but some flexibility);Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Using google maps, then cross-check with Happy Cow and finally compiling a list in google maps of each resturant's location

Google Maps;TripAdvisor;DoorDash/Uber Eats (for discovery, not just ordering);Restaurant-specific apps;Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook);Word-of-mouth;Restaurant websites;

Look for specific categories/filters on apps;Read reviews;Check their official website;Cross-reference with another app/website (e.g., HappyCow, AllergyEats);

I want to save only vegan restaurants on Google Maps, but the "restaurants near you" suggests everything between steakhouses and cafes - no option to show only vegan places.

Especially when travelling in southern Europe such as Portugal or Spain; Happy Cow worked better than Google Maps.

Just a simple Google Maps search near my current position, with pre-set dietary information.

Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);

Makes navigating easier

Clear information on dietary options, using correct terminology and detail to effectively communicate understanding of dietary vs. allergy requirement, e.g. "vegan" vs "vegetarian" and "nut-allergy safe" vs "may contain traces of nuts/made in areas where nuts have been used"

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Very critical (prefer to adhere, but some flexibility);

I try to check out pictures of the restaurant to get a sense of if it has vegan food. When im in the restaurant all im searching for is something vegan. Most times there are just a couple of options

Browse menu photos;Check other pictures;

I got nothing and ate at home. I have also had chefs putting milk sauce on my food. Which I ate because I would not feel comfortable throwing it away. But still I was not really comfortable eating it

A filter for vegan restaurants. Maybe a filter for vegan friendly restaurants as well. Better labelling in general

Nutritional information (calories, macros);Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);

A label or the experience from another time

Extremely valuable (a must-have)

Dietary needs;Price/Value;

Extremely critical (strict adherence required);

Look up "gluten-free" on Google Maps, when that fails to give me anything informative, I turn to the Find Me GF app, but it is often outdated in Australia. I then have to scour Google Maps and look at individual restaurant menus to see if they accommodate Gluten-Free

Google Maps;DoorDash/Uber Eats (for discovery, not just ordering);Word-of-mouth;

Read reviews;Ask staff upon arrival;

Looking up "Gluten Free" on Google Maps and it suggests restaurants that are COMPLETELY irrelevant, such as a conventional takeaway with the highlighted review saying "the only downside is how good it is". Find Me GF is both lacking in information and can be very outdated at times

I had to travel a fair distance a number of times to find accommodating options, which left me wishing that I didn't need to eat ever again

A feature or tool that can automatically read uploaded menus and determine if they have GF options available. Even a filter for Google Maps would be good

Common allergens highlighted;Dietary tags (e.g., vegan, gluten-free);Cross-contamination warnings;Images of dishes;

Drastically, as I do not wish to become sick from accidental consumption of gluten

It makes things FAR easier, as I already have social anxiety

Extremely valuable (a must-have)