Paul Wilson, 38, of Helperby, had an allergic reaction to a takeaway from the Indian Garden in Easingwold, North Yorkshire, on 30 January 2014.
Mohammed Khalique Zaman, 52, from York, did not enter a plea at Northallerton Magistrates' Court on Friday.
The case was adjourned to Teesside Crown Court on 8 May.
Mr Zaman spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.
He has been further charged with perverting the course of justice and an employment offence under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
North Yorkshire Trading Standards has served summonses on Mr Zaman for six offences under food regulations, the court was told.
A restaurant owner has appeared in court accused of the manslaughter of a customer with a peanut allergy, who died from anaphylactic shock.