Dining out is an experience that should feel inclusive and indulgent, yet for those seeking non-alcoholic alternatives, pairing a great meal with an equally great drink can still be a challenge. While the pub/bar scene is increasingly catering to non-alcohol (NA) drinkers, restaurants are often lagging behind — particularly when it comes to offering sophisticated options like low or no-alcohol wine to accompany meals.
If you’re navigating this space as an AF diner, finding restaurants that go the extra mile can be difficult. But with a little strategy and the right tools, you can improve your chances of discovering venues that take their non-alcoholic offerings seriously.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks at Restaurants
Unlike bars, where drinks are the main attraction, restaurants focus primarily on food, and non-alcoholic drink options are often an afterthought. While some places may offer a decent range of beers or spirit-based drinks, finding a venue that serves a low or no-alcohol wine to pair with your meal is a rarity. This can be frustrating, as wine pairings are often seen as a hallmark of fine dining, and the absence of alcohol-free alternatives can leave AF diners feeling overlooked. Not to mention, good AF wine is still hard to find at all – though there are several good offerings available.
As a result, AF diners have to settle for options like beer or spirit-based drinks — choices that, while enjoyable, may not complement a meal in the same way a glass of wine would. This makes researching venues in advance all the more important.
Here are some of the most effective ways to identify restaurants that cater to non-alcoholic drinkers:
1. Check Menus Online
The simplest and most direct approach is to browse restaurant menus online. Many establishments include their drink offerings alongside their food options. Look for:
• Dedicated AF Sections: Restaurants that highlight their alcohol-free options often take them more seriously.
• Wine Pairing Alternatives: Keep an eye out for low or no-alcohol wines like the ones from brands such as Natureo.
• Signature Mocktails or Beers: While not wine, a creative mocktail or a flavorful alcohol-free beer can still elevate the dining experience.
Pro Tip: If the menu isn’t available online, don’t hesitate to call ahead and ask. A quick conversation can save you a disappointing evening.
2. Ask for Recommendations on Social Media
Social media and online communities can be effective for finding restaurants with great AF drinks. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Reddit host NA and AF communities who love sharing tips.
• Leverage Local Groups: Look for region-specific foodie or sober communities for targeted advice.
• Search Hashtags: Phrases like #AlcoholFreeDining, #NAWine, or #SoberCurious can uncover recommendations from other diners.
• Crowdsource Recommendations: Post in a group or on your own profile asking for suggestions. You might get responses from people who’ve already done the legwork.
3. Use the Lodown App
For a more streamlined search, the Lodown app is an invaluable resource. Designed to help AF drinkers find venues serving great non-alcoholic options, the app aggregates community discoveries other users who share your priorities.
Why It Works for Restaurants:
- Users can submit restaurants as they visit them, reporting what non-alcoholic options are available.
- You can filter the map results by venue type, helping you to see just restaurants in the area you want
- The app allows you to favourite restaurants with standout offerings, building a personalised directory over time.
Lodown is especially helpful for discovering hidden gems that might not advertise their non-alcoholic options widely.
Final Thoughts
Finding a restaurant that offers great non-alcoholic drinks is no longer impossible, but it does require a bit of planning. While online menus and tools like the Lodown app are essential resources, don’t ingore the power of social media or your own network to uncover hidden treasures. And while the availability of alcohol-free wines may still be rare, more venues are recognising the demand for sophisticated AF options, so the landscape is slowly improving.
By combining these strategies, you can ensure your next dining experience is just as delightful and memorable as it should be. Happy exploring!