Whether it’s a personal choice or a health requirement, 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. That’s why we asked our readers for their favorite gluten-free restaurants and menu items to try.
Abuelo’s, 3700 Lakeside Village Blvd.
This Mexican restaurant has a separate menu with gluten-sensitive options like fajitas and tamales.
Switch up your bread for an easy gluten-free sandwich.
Photo by @axcaliber
Ax-Caliber, 204 E. Orange St., Ste. 102
There are plenty of gluten-free menu options here. Switch to gluten-free bread for any sandwich or flatbread, enjoy a dip like Buffalo chicken with gluten-free tortillas, or load up on the Lumberjack tater tots.
Make a sandwich gluten-free by switching out your bread at Black & Brew.
Photo by @adventurethegreatwidesomewhere
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro, locations vary
Swap out the bread on your favorite sandwiches for a gluten-free bite.
Blue Dog Craft Barbecue, 640 E. Main St.
Fill up on the freshly smoked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork at Blue Dog’s stall in The Joinery.
Burger 21, 1601 Town Center Dr.
Sometimes you just need a classic hamburger. You can sub your bun here for a gluten-free option, and many of the burgers can be made gluten-friendly.
Cafe Zuppina, 4417 S. Florida Ave.
Reader Joan M. sent in this pro tip: Ask the helpful staff here to accommodate your dietary needs. Joan also suggests the veggie plate or lamb dishes.
Fish City Grill, 1485 Town Center Dr., Ste. D112
This spot’s gluten-friendly menu includes many seafood favorites, like salmon and peel-and-eat shrimp.
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar, 132 S. Kentucky Ave.
Stop here for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner for delicious gluten-free eats. Our Instagram follower @michelle_maracz praised their clearly marked menu.
All of the ingredients at Fresh Kitchen will be gluten-free.
Photo by @eatfreshkitchen
Fresh Kitchen, 4520 S. Florida Ave.
Although this new eatery hasn’t opened its doors yet, we’re ready to create our own bowls filled with gluten-free ingredients.
From Beverly Bakery, locations vary
Find this bakery at a local pop-up or order online for allergy-friendly cakes in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, carrot, and white chocolate strawberry.
J. Burns’ Pizza Shop, locations vary
Create your own pie on gluten-free or cauliflower crust with your choice of toppings.
Order your salad and platter with grilled chicken instead of fried.
Photo by LALtoday
LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken, 2101 S. Florida Ave.
Order the grilled chicken without bread, and add one of the many sides like bourbon baked beans.
Mellow Mushroom, 3555 Lakeland Highlands Rd.
Several of this pizza joint’s most popular pies can be made to order gluten-free.
Mission BBQ, 4014 S. Florida Ave.
Carnivores rejoice. This barbecue joint has a full menu for guests eating gluten-free, including brisket, ribs, classic sides, and more.
New Moon Sushi, 4231 S. Florida Ave.
According to Reader April T., “They bend over backwards to make sure you have a gluten-free and enjoyable meal. They even have gluten-free soy sauce and not all sushi places do.”
Nothing Bundt Cakes, 4754 S. Florida Ave.
Reader Donald B. recommends stopping here for a dessert — the chocolate chip cookie cake is made without gluten.
Palace Pizza, 114 S. Kentucky Ave.
Head downtown to build your perfect personal pizza with toppings like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and more.
Patio 850, 850 S. Tennessee Ave.
Order one of this restaurant’s popular flat-breads or pizzas made with gluten-free dough.
Sabu Ramen, 640 E. Main St.
This stall in The Joinery makes it easy to go without gluten — just swap the wheat noodles in your ramen for rice noodles.
Saigon Bistro, 1554 Town Center Dr. W.
Reader April T. also recommends the shrimp stir fry at this Vietnamese restaurant.
Scarpa’s Italian, 1833 E. Edgewood Dr.
Try your favorite pasta dishes with a gluten-free twist.
So Fresh, 4756 S. Florida Ave.
The menu here is clearly marked, so you always know if you’re ordering within your preference or not.
The Juice Box, 4295 S. Florida Ave.
There’s no extra charge to order a sandwich, toast, or wrap gluten-free here.
Tea Largo, 4634 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Many of the smoothies, teas, and bowls here are gluten-free, including the granola.
Did we miss your go-to gluten-free eatery? Let us know which restaurants and menu items we should check out next.
