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.
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.
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.
Fresh Kitchen
, 4520 S. Florida Ave.
Create your own bowls without fear — every ingredient on the menu is gluten-free.
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.
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.
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.