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.
Note: Gluten sensitivities differ, and so do kitchens. It’s best to check with restaurants directly to see if their dishes meet your needs.
Blue Dog Craft Barbecue
Fill up on the freshly smoked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork at Blue Dog’s stall in The Joinery.
Mimi’s Italian Ice
The menu here is always changing with new additions, but you can trust that every sweet treat is made gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
Abuelo’s
This Mexican restaurant at Lakeside Village 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
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.
Scarpa’s Italian
Just let the chef know your dietary needs and try your favorite pasta dishes with a gluten-free twist during your next romantic dinner.
Burger 21
Sometimes you just need a classic hamburger. Sub your bun for a gluten-free option on any sandwich, or order a gluten-friendly burger, fries, and a shake.
Make a sandwich gluten-free by switching out your bread at Black & Brew.
Photo by @adventurethegreatwidesomewhere
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro
Swap out the bread on your favorite sandwiches or tartines for a gluten-free bite — the dark chocolate brownies are also made sans gluten.
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar
Stop here for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner for home-style, gluten-free eats. Our Instagram follower @michelle_maracz praised their clearly marked menu.
LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken
Order the grilled chicken without bread, and add one of the many gluten-free sides. Our favorite is the bourbon baked beans.
All of the ingredients at Fresh Kitchen will be gluten-free.
Photo by @eatfreshkitchen
Fresh Kitchen
Create your own bowls without fear — every ingredient on the menu is gluten-free, from the almond baked chicken to the sweet potato noodles.
J. Burns’ Pizza Shop
“Gluten-free options are a big part of our business,” says this pizzeria’s website. Order a pie on gluten-free or cauliflower crust with your choice of toppings.
Mission BBQ
Carnivores rejoice. This barbecue joint has a full menu for guests eating gluten-free, including brisket, ribs, french fries, and sauces.
New Moon Sushi
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.”
Fish City Grill
This spot’s gluten-friendly menu includes many seafood favorites, like salmon and peel-and-eat shrimp. We’ll take a bowl of clam chowder, too.
Palace Pizza
Head downtown to build your perfect personal pizza on a gluten-free crust — the toppings are up to you.
Saigon Bistro
Reader April T. also recommends the flavorful shrimp stir fry that’s made to order at this Vietnamese restaurant.
Sabu Ramen
This stall in The Joinery makes it easy to go without gluten — just swap the wheat noodles in your ramen for rice noodles.
Metro Diner
Stop by for gluten-free breakfast favorites like omelets + sandwiches, available all day long — there’s also a lunch and dinner menu with plenty of options.
Tea Largo
Many of the smoothies, teas, and bowls here are made with gluten-free ingredients, including the granola sprinkled on acai bowls.
You know it’s fresh when it’s from So Fresh
Photo by @south_tampa_life
So Fresh
The menu here is clearly marked, so you always know if the ingredients in your bowl or wrap fit your preferences.
Mellow Mushroom
Several of this pizza joint’s most popular pies can be made to order on a gluten-free crust.
The Juice Box
There’s no extra charge to order a sandwich, toast, or wrap gluten-free from this all-organic spot.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Reader Donald B. recommends stopping here for a dessert — the chocolate chip cookie and lemon raspberry cakes are made without gluten. You can even order a Bundlet-sized cake just for you to enjoy.
Did we miss your go-to gluten-free eatery? Let us know which restaurants and menu items we should check out next.
