I recently visited a restaurant in my neighborhood, hoping to start a conversation about inclusivity, sustainability, and plant-based options.
The staff was friendly, and I asked to speak with someone from management. A manager came out, and I introduced myself, mentioning my work around sustainability in hospitality and my interest in supporting restaurants with inclusive, plant-based menu development.
Her immediate reply:
“Oh, we have lots of vegan options — you just have to ask.”
What followed was a telling conversation. She assured me they had plenty of swaps and off-menu tweaks, even saying they’re one of the better spots in the city for vegan-friendly dining. But they intentionally don’t list these items or modifications on the menu. No icons, no footnotes, no mention.
The Disconnect
I asked why that was, and she said that they didn’t want to “clutter” the menu and that customers “in the know” would just ask. But that’s the problem: if diners don’t see a dish or an invitation to modify it, why would they assume the restaurant has considered them?
She cited similar logic for gluten-free offerings. And while she mentioned they’ve made items like vegan ricotta if they know someone’s coming, this opt-in model puts the burden on guests to ask for accommodations, rather than making those options visible and inviting from the start.
At one point, she pointed to the pasta section and said,
“You could just eat two plates of our pasta and you’d be really full.”
This lack of hospitality was pretty shocking. This place prides itself on seasonality, quality ingredients, and ambiance. Dining out, especially at nice restaurants, isn’t just about getting calories – it’s about experience, intention, and feeling welcome.
Lessons Learned
She also challenged my perspective, asking if I was speaking only for myself. I explained I’m part of a broader community of plant-based professionals and diners, and that what I was describing reflects common experiences and industry best practices, not just my own preferences.
In the end, I was referred to the general email. The exchange wasn’t hostile, but it was dismissive and defensive, and it revealed how much work still needs to be done. And it left me with some key takeaways:
The Takeaway
If a vegan option exists but isn’t mentioned, does it really exist for most people?
Visibility isn’t clutter. It’s hospitality. A simple menu key ought to be common practice.
Not every restaurant conversation will be smooth. But each one reveals where we can do better, and how even a single footnote on a menu can make someone feel seen, or uninvited.
If we want plant-based dining to thrive; if we want greater inclusion; if we want more sustainable dishes to be ordered – it needs to be visible, accessible, and proudly offered — not hidden behind “just ask.”