Whether it’s a personal choice or a requirement to handle Celiac Disease, a lot of people are looking to eat gluten-free these days – and navigating a menu on the spur of the moment can be tricky.
We paired our own research with reader suggestions to come up with this guide to gluten-free dishes from restaurants in Lakeland – so you can always be prepared to pick the perfect plate.
FYI, if you are eating gluten-free for a health requirement, we suggest you take an extra precaution. Reader Jack W. offered this #ProTip: “My wife has celiac disease and about four years ago we signed up for a Kickstarter called NIMA. They provide testers and a device that checks to make sure a meal is 100% gluten-free. The product to this day is a lifesaver.”
Black & Brew, 205 E. Main St.
You can substitute gluten-free bread for sandwiches + toast for just $1 more, or choose one of their seasonally rotated gluten-free pastries. Our suggestion: Avocado toast with gluten-free bread.
Red Door Lakeland, 733 E. Palmetto St.
The Red Door prides itself on catering to their patrons’ needs – offering both gluten-free items like their Buddha Bowl + gluten substitutes on many of their other dishes.
Tea Largo, 4634 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Tea Largo hopped on our IG post + informed us that all their bowls are gluten-free, as well as their granola line.
Fresco’s, 132 S. Kentucky Ave.
Thanks, Reader Hannah H. for suggesting the Roasted Veggie Bowl – various veggies on a nest of pasta and sundried tomato herb broth.
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi, 114 N. Tennessee Ave. #101
“Tsunami Sushi has gluten-free soy sauce they will use for their Hibachi, and most of their sushi is gluten-free.” – Reader Maegan C.
The Juice Box, 4295 Florida Ave. S.
All of the bowls listed on their menu are GF + as an added bonus, you can get the Chickpea Salad on GF bread or a Raw Wrap.
Mellow Mushroom, 3555 Lakeland Highlands Rd.
Mellow Mushroom offers gluten-free customers various GF pizza options like their Kosmic Karma, Veg Out, Mighty Meaty + House Special pizzas. If those options don’t appeal to you, you can also build your own Gluten-Free Pie.
Wendy’s, 1910 W. Memorial Blvd.
“Wendy’s chili.” – Reader Condit B. According to this site, Wendy’s offers several gluten-free items, including some of their salads, sides + frosties.
Palace Pizza, 114 S. Kentucky Ave.
“Gluten-free ravioli with alfredo sauce and their Caprese salad.” – Reader Maegan C.
Burger 21, 1601 Town Center Dr.
Take a look at Burger 21’s menu before heading in, as they offer several options for gluten-free meals upon request, such as The OMG burger: “Double-stacked 100% Certified Angus Beef® patties, 21 sauce, applewood smoked bacon, red onion, choice of cheese, lettuce, and vine-ripened tomatoes.”
No Guilt Baking Company, Various Locations
DIY your own gluten-free bread with this local entrepreneur’s mix or get it shipped to a friend.
Mission BBQ, 4014 Florida Ave. S.
Almost everything on the menu is gluten-free, and if you let them know about your allergy, they will take precautions not to cross-contaminate.
Il Forno, 3615 Florida Ave. S. STE 1310
This Italian restaurant offers items like gluten-free pasta + personal-sized gluten-free pizza. Top the pizza off with pepperoni, bacon or pour some vodka sauce on your GF penne.
The Purple Onion Deli & Grill, 1833 E. Edgewood Dr.
Two words: Dedicated fryer. So you can rest assured your tots won’t face any cross-contamination. Gluten-free bread is also offered for sandwiches for a couple of dollars more.
Thai Oishi, 1535 Town Center Dr.
According to readers, the Chicken Param can be prepared gluten-free by request.’
Patio 850, 850 S. Tennessee Ave.
Maybe one of their most popular dishes, we’ve heard a great gluten-free go-to is the Stone Perfect flatbread, ala gluten-free style for a crispier crust.
Grillsmith,1569 Town Center Dr.
The entire menu is outlined with a key to what is allergen-friendly + gluten-free. The staff recommended ordering the Oak Barrel Salmon.
Cafe Zuppina, 4417 Florida Ave. S.
According to the staff, most meals contain gluten, but they’re able to make a meal gluten-free if you let them know ahead of time. Suggestions from Cafe Zuppina include the Veggie Moussaka or some of their salads.
Spice Thai & Sushi, 3895 Florida Ave. S.
“Spice Thai’s any curry is one of my favorite [for eating gluten-free].” – Reader Jack W.
Nineteen61, 215 E. Main St.
“Risotto from Nineteen61 (Or anything from that place, they have a ton of Gluten-free options).” –
Reader Maegan C.
A special shout out to Reader Maegan C. for sending us her personalized guide to eating gluten-free in LAL. Way to go the extra mile, Maegan. 🥳
Did we leave out your favorite gluten-free spot or dish? Let us know by leaving a comment down below.
