The Best Gluten-Free Restaurants In NYC
We're talking allergy-friendly pizza, pasta and breakfast sandwiches galore
Dining out with a food allergy isn't easy, but luckily for celiacs of the world, chefs and restaurants are making a serious effort to offer more gluten-free options to their guests. Even restaurants without an entirely GF menu have plenty of options available—all you have to do is ask. Pro tip: If you have a high sensitivity, it's a good idea to call ahead or stick to spots that advertise being a gluten-free or celiac-friendly facility.
Here is a list of the best gluten-free restaurants in NYC, straight from someone who lives a gluten-free lifestyle. (Most of the spots included serve both types of dishes, meaning you and your non-gluten-free friends can go to the same place, order what you want and be happy.)
① Rubirosa (Nolita)
This is hands down the best gluten-free pizza in the city. Even its specialty pies, like the sausage and broccoli rabe or bianca, are available gluten free. Also, many appetizers can be made gluten free, like the fried calamari, mini rice balls and mozzarella sticks. Just make sure to save room for the flourless chocolate cake.
② Colors (Lower East Side)
This restaurant is a certified gluten-free establishment, so if you have a high sensitivity or celiac disease, you can feel safe dining here. Hard-to-choose-among menu items range from crispy lamb breast to buttermilk fried chicken—so take a friend to divide and conquer.
③ Del Posto (Meatpacking District, Chelsea)
Whoever said there's no such thing as good gluten-free pasta hasn't been to Del Posto. Every pasta listed on the menu, including the orecchiette, gnocchi and ravioli, can be made gluten free. Mario Batali, you're our hero.
④ 99 Bank (West Village)
Guests looking to dine in the West Village will be excited to know about this recently opened upscale resto offering impressive menus for dinner, lunch and brunch, as well as extensive cocktail, wine, beer and cider (duh) lists. The 99 Bank Burger and duck bibimbap are favorites.
⑤ Senza Gluten (Greenwich Village)
No NYC gluten-free restaurant roundup would be complete without this Italian spot. It's a 100 percent gluten-free operation, so nothing on the menu is off-limits. It serves all the Italian dishes you know and love, like bruschetta, fried eggplant, veal Milanese and classic lasagna. The dessert menu is also impressive, featuring classics like tiramisu, biscotti and gelato.
⑥ Nom Wah Tea Parlor (Chinatown)
You no longer have to miss out on Dim Sum Sundays with your pals. Just make sure you head to Nom Wah, where the menu clearly labels which items are gluten free, like its fried sesame balls and rice rolls. It's worth noting, though, that the cooks use one fryer for all the food, so if you are a strict celiac, this is not the best option.
⑦ Divya's Kitchen (East Village)
If breakfast is your thing, get ready to be overcome with excitement: Almost everything on the brunch menu is naturally gluten free. Like its sweet waffles, which are made with house-milled basmati, amaranth and red lentil flours, and topped with a berry compote, cashew-vanilla cream and maple syrup. The restaurant also caters to other dietary restrictions for all you vegans and vegetarians out there.
⑧ Cosme (Flatiron)
Anyone living with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease knows that Mexican food is an oasis when it comes to dining out. With options like fresh guacamole, corn tortillas, and rice and beans, you can't go wrong. Chef Enrique Olvera has created an outstanding menu at this Flatiron spot, with an emphasis on elevated tacos.
⑨ Egg Shop (Little Italy, Nolita)
If breakfast sandwiches are your thing, then make your way over to Egg Shop for some of the best grub in town. Diners can make any sandwich gluten free by substituting a GF English muffin. Favorites include the avocado and egg sando, and the Egg Shop B.E.C.
⑩ Hu Kitchen (Union Square, Upper East Side)
With two locations, this fast-casual spot is perfect for both sit-down and grab-and-go breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu caters to those following a Paleo diet first and foremost, so naturally everything is gluten free, with options ranging from make-your-own bowls to soups to prepared foods, like almond-crusted chicken tenders.
Did we miss your favorite place? Let us know in the comments.