There are many places I would say are horrible destinations to travel to as a celiac, but New York City isn’t one of them. As a NYC local, I quickly learned that it’s one of the best places to live and travel to as a celiac. Why? Because the streets are filled with gluten-free restaurants. It’s a celiac’s haven. Pretty much anything a celiac would want, NYC has. From Chinese food and Korean BBQ to New York-style pizza and Italian food, the options are truly endless.
To make sure you don’t miss out on the gluten-free haven that is NYC, I compiled a list of all the gluten-free restaurants and bakeries in New York City.
The best thing about this gluten-free NYC guide is that all the restaurants and bakeries listed here are dedicated gluten-free establishments!!! Just like my gluten-free Paris guide. This means everything is 100% gluten-free and you can order any meal on the menu and not have to worry about getting sick during your trip.
So without further ado, here is your ultimate list for a worry-free and delicious gluten-free New York City trip!
Table of Contents:
- Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants in NYC
- Dedicated Gluten-Free Bakeries in NYC
- Permanently Closed Gluten-Free Restaurants in NYC
- Non-Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants in NYC
- Gluten-Free Hotels in NYC
- Gluten-Free Resources
Gluten-Free Restaurants in New York City
Hu Kitchen
Hu Kitchen is a healthy and wholesome canteen-style restaurant in the heart of Union Square. The set-up is more like a college cafeteria, as there are multiple stations where you can indulge in delicious and healthy food.
You can head to either the Mashbar for snacks like parfait, the Bowl Station to build your own bowl, or the Hot Line, which is where I usually find myself delving into their freshly prepared food (I love the rotisserie chicken, it’s so juicy!). As for the food, you can expect everything to have a short ingredients list with no preservatives, soy, or added sugar. Everything is wholesome, healthy, flavorful, paleo-friendly, and of course gluten-free, even the chocolate bars :)
Hu Kitchen has many vegetarian and dairy-free options as well.
78 5th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA | Website
Senza Gluten
You can’t Google gluten-free NYC without Senza Gluten coming up in the first few results. After all, it’s probably the highest rated dedicated gluten-free restaurant in the U.S. For celiacs, Senza Gluten is seriously a taste of Italy without actually visiting Italy. I am talking about gluten-free Italian everything! From the bread basket and fried calamari to the chicken parm and meatballs, everything is dangerously good and safe. Expect everything you eat to taste just like it would in Italy.
This traditional Italian restaurant also takes cross-contamination seriously (which is awesome for celiacs like us), as they have a strict no outside food and drink policy to keep the gluten out and to keep us well! So clearly, Senza Gluten is a must-visit on your trip to NYC, you won’t regret it.
Please note: Senza Gluten may not be suitable for those with a corn allergy, as most food items are made with corn. They do however accommodate other dietary restrictions such as soy, dairy, egg, nuts, and peanut. Also note, they only take cash or Amex.
206 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012, USA | Website
Springbone
As a celiac, one of my go to meals when I am feeling crappy or trying to recover from being glutened is bone broth soup! It does wonders for me and my immune system. So you can imagine how deep my love for Springbone is (deeper than the bone) as they specialize in rich, flavorful, healthy bone broths. My favorites include the classic beef and the immunity broth. Though Springbone specializes in bone broths they also serve food you can actually chew, such as burgers, salads, meatballs, and avocado toast. Did I mention that Springbone is only 2 short blocks from the Museum of Natural History? So if you are looking for a healthy gluten-free snack near the Museum of Natural History, this is it!
Vegans, vegetarians, and celiacs with dairy allergies can also sip on many of Springbone’s broths.
90 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012, USA | Website
Risotteria Melotti NYC
Located in the trendy East Village of NYC is the Italian restaurant that specializes in rice dishes, specifically risotto! Though I personally haven’t had the pleasure of eating at Risotteria Melotti NYC, I very much enjoyed their delicious risotto and wines at their Verona and Rome locations in Italy.
As for the menu, pretty much everything is made from rice, even the dessert! They have over ten different risottos, as well as other Italian meals and appetizers. Regardless of the risotto you chose, it’s going to be tasty, but my favorites are the duck breast, black truffle, mushroom, and the black risotto with various seafoods in it. Risotteria Melotti is a different kind of Italian eating experience you shouldn’t miss while exploring the Big Apple.
309 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003, USA | Website
Brodo Broth
Who needs coffee when you can grab a cup of delicious bone broth from Brodo Broth’s teeny takeaway shop. Served from a small window in a paper coffee cup is the boost my immune system needs or the warmth my body usually craves on a cold day in NYC. With so many delicious broths to choose from, I find my favorite to be the popular Hearth Broth which is rich, flavorful, and filled with chicken, turkey, and beef. I highly recommend Brodo Broth if you want savory yet healthy gluten-free takeout in New York City.
At Brodo Broth you can also find vegetarian and dairy-free broths.
Various locations in NYC | Website
The Little Beet
The Little Beet is a great eatery to grab a quick yet healthy meal before catching a Broadway show in the theater district. If you’re not in the theater district, no-worries, you can also pop in to one of their other locations scattered throughout Manhattan and Long Island.
At the Little Beet you kind of have the opportunity to be your own chef as you get to design your own bowl. Chose a combination of gluten-free grains, greens, veggies, and proteins like salmon, braised pork, or beet falafel to make the perfect bowl. You’ll finish it off with a delicious sauce and a garnish topping of either seeds, pickled ginger/onions, or almonds. When it comes to delicious, healthy, and guilt-free food, this farm-to-table eatery knows just how to please a celiac like myself.
Besides the other locations in NYC, the Little Beet also has additional locations in Washington D.C. and Virginia.
135 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020, USA | Website
The Little Beet Table
Just minutes from Madison Square Park and the famous Flatiron Building, you’ll find the restaurant spin-off to the fast food eatery chain, “The Little Beet”, called The Little Beet Table.
The seasonal menu is filled with healthy, yet mouthwatering dishes that focus more on veggies.
You can devour dishes like crispy spirulina rice, chipotle pork tacos, a beets burger, and even cauliflower hummus. I think it’s safe to say that with the motto “to serve real food deliciously”, you can expect every dish to be healthy and unique while every bite is exquisite.
The Little Beet Table also has another location in Chicago.
333 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10010, USA | Website
Tali Restaurant (CLOSED)
Compared to most gluten-free restaurants in New York City, Tali is actually an affordable and delicious restaurant in Kips Bay. It’s not one of those uppity restaurants either, as it’s totally causal with no table service, plus, you can easily have a three-course meal for $30. As for their menu, it’s somewhat slim and Italian-based, with everything from pastas to paninis.
At Tali’s, I usually go for things I can’t normally get gluten-free, like a panini or the mozzarella sticks rather than a pasta dish. I love the Italian dip roast beef panini, the pear gorgonzola salad, the meatballs, and of course the mozzarella sticks, they’re to die for! Oh, and their happy hour has plenty of gluten-free beer, cider, and cocktail options so you can truly enjoy a happy hour. Vegetarian options are also available.
77 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA | Website
“Wild” Park Slope
This chic farm-to-table eatery in Brooklyn is exactly where you need to be if you’re in search of the best gluten-free pizza in NYC. All the pizzas, well actually everything on their menu, is handmade daily with real and fresh ingredients from their farm. There are no additives, hormones, or pesticides in sight. Just real food.
Go wild and sink your teeth into the pear gorgonzola pizza that’s topped with fresh pear, gorgonzola, and mozzarella with raspberry or better yet the Mediterranean pizza which is served with lamb sausage, roasted onions, and red peppers. Whatever you choose, your taste buds will thank you! If you’re not in the mood for pizza, you can also enjoy any of their signature salads or comfort food dishes like the penne or pan-seared salmon.
Besides their second location in West Village, Wild has another location in Guatemala City, Guatemala! Wild also accommodates vegans!
148 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA | Website
Tap NYC
If you are looking to be transported back to Brazil or just want to indulge in some scrumptious Brazilian street food, head over to Tap NYC. The Brazilian street food eatery specializes in tapioca crepes, which you can fill up on until your heart’s content.
You can go savory with filling options like chicken, avocado, prosciutto, or goat cheese, or go the sweet route with dark chocolate, peanut butter, or even banana fillings. These things are addictive, so chances of getting another are very likely. Other Brazilian goodies on the menu include açaí bowls, Brazilian cheese balls, and salads.
If it’s a beautiful day outside, I highly recommend taking your meal to go and heading to nearby Central Park to enjoy a gluten-free picnic.
267 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA | Website
Guadalupe INN
Though not advertised as being 100% gluten-free, everything in this Mexican restaurant is gluten-free, even the beer-battered fish tacos and churros. Everything on the menu is organic and the meat is grass-fed.
If you are wondering just what you should get from their appetizing menu, I’ll tell you (since they’re my favorites) the must-haves are the Trompito al Pastor i.e make your own al pastor tacos, the sharable, GF beer-battered squash blossoms with plum sauce, and the to die for churros that are filled with goat milk caramel. Oh man, mouth watering good!
Besides having awesome Mexican food and great mezcal and tequila, Guadalupe INN also has nightly live performances in the dining room that include burlesque shows and jazz. So if you are looking for a fun and delicious gluten-free dinner in Brooklyn, Guadalupe is screaming your name.
Celiac Note: A reader informed me that Guadalupe Inn uses gluten-removed beer for their batter, so I would advise to double check with them and if so avoid eating their beer-batter if you can’t tolerate gluten-removed beer.
1 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237, USA | Website
Inday
Just a few blocks from the must-visit Empire State Building, you’ll find a great build-your-own-bowl-style eatery called Inday. This Indian-based fast food cafe gives you the option to “eat yourself clean” with one of their signature bowls, or you can make your own creation. They have a wide variety of options to choose from. Be it their popular cauliflower rice, baked falafel, or their delicious coconut tahini sauce, you’ll definitely enjoy their healthy choices that are filled with exotic Indian flavors and spices.
1133 Broadway, New York, NY 10010, USA | Website
Gluten-Free Bakeries in NYC
Erin McKenna’s Bakery
Since before it was cool, Erin McKenna’s Bakery, formerly known as Baby Cakes, has been pumping out gluten-free goodies that have been satisfying my sweet tooth for over a decade. This small, Lower East Side gem is not only 100% gluten-free, but it’s also 100% vegan, kosher, and soy/refined sugar-free.
But don’t let the lack of ingredients fool you because in a battle between Baby Cakes’ baked goods (especially the donuts and cupcakes) and their gluten-filled counterparts, Baby Cakes wins every time! Well, at least that’s what my non-celiac partner tells me! I think it’s safe to say once you try one of their goodies you’ll know exactly why I consider it one of the best gluten-free bakeries in New York City!
Erin McKenna’s Bakery also has one location in LA and another in Orlando.
248 Broome St, New York, NY 10002, USA | Website
By The Way Bakery
By The Way Bakery is another celiac haven in Upper East Side Manhattan that’s just a few minutes walk from The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET). It’s the perfect bakery to pick up a delicious snack for a little picnic at the nearby Central Park, or to munch on while exploring the MET Museum. I recommend the almond cookies, blueberry/poppy seed muffins, or any of their cakes. By the way, those awesome cookies and cakes are 100% gluten-free, kosher, and dairy-free, and they’re still scrumptious.
Various Locations in NYC | Website
Tali Dolce
Tali Dolce is the new kid on the block compared to the other bakeries on this list. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a spot with some of the greatest. This take-out bakery is an extension of the Tali Restaurant (which is next door), and it’s filled with muffins, ice cream, coffee, and other pastries. Beside the ice cream, my go to options are the muffins or the hot chocolate chip cookie sundae.
77 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA | Website
Tu-Lu’s Bakery
What Tu-Lu’s Bakery lacks in size, it makes up for in taste and selection. This small bakery in East Village has a wide selection of gluten-free baked goodies, specifically cupcakes, cookies, and donuts. Any of their mini sized cupcakes are a must, especially since you can get 3 for $3.50. Their sunflower/pumpkin loaf is definitely something to brag about, hence why I have to recommend taking a loaf home. It’s also worth it to try one of their paninis! If you have other allergies, Tu-Lu’s also has dairy and egg-free options as well as vegan goodies.
Tu-Lu’s Bakery also has a location in Dallas, Texas.
338 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003, USA | Website
Noglu NY
Noglu NY is actually the sister bakery of the restaurant/bakery of the same name in Paris, which I thoroughly enjoyed on my many gluten-free trips to Paris. Paris is the only place I think truly perfected the art of gluten-free baking. This is exactly why not visiting Noglu, both in Paris and in NYC, is a celiac sin in my opinion. If you are craving delicious french pastries like crepes, eclairs, madeleines, cream puffs, or even baguettes that are to die for, you seriously need to stop by Noglu. Noglu also has a restaurant upstairs where you can enjoy even more French cuisine such as quiche, croque monsieur, and more, making this place a perfect spot to enjoy a nice gluten-free brunch in New York City. Fair warning, it’s a bit pricey.
1266 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA | Website
Jennifer’s Way Bakery (CLOSED)
Celiac actress Jennifer Esposito opened her 100% gluten-free bakery with two things in mind: “Food should be enjoyed and not feared” and to become “the celiac standard requiring only the purest, healthiest, organic, non gmo” goodies. And both are evident in all of her goodies, as everything is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and egg-free. But understand that you pay the price for this, as this gluten-free bakery is expensive. Nonetheless, some of my favorites goodies are the bagels, cinnamon rolls, and pies.
263 E 10th St, New York, NY 10009, USA | Website
Everybody Eats
If you’re wondering where you can indulge in blissful bites of the best gluten-free breads in NYC, then look no further than Everybody Eats. This gluten and nut-free bakery in Brooklyn specializes in almost all variety of gluten-free breads. From bagels to hot dog buns, they got it all. Their breads are so good that popular restaurants like Senza Gluten and Bistango sell their delicious products.
Though Everybody Eats is not a storefront bakery, you can stop by their location to meet the wonderful owner Pedro and grab some of their must-have breads. Popular favorites are the bagels, challah bread, multigrain bread, and the cinnamon buns. But I am sure whatever you chose, you won’t be disappointed.
Besides being a nut-free facility, Everybody Eats also has many dairy-free options!
294 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA | Website
Permanently Closed Gluten-Free Restaurants in NYC
Unfortunately the gluten-free restaurant industry has a high turnover rate, especially in New York City. Businesses close down just as fast as they open :( To save you the trouble of going to a closed restaurant expecting gluten-free foods, I listed them below. I will try to keep this list as updated as possible.
- Rockin’ Raw
- G-Freeway/G-Free NYC (Supermarket)
- Oca
- Indie Fresh
- Madison Square Tavern
- Burlap Sack Potato Eatery
- Gingersnaps Organic
- Colors
Non-Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants in NYC
Okay, I know I said that I was going to make this gluten-free New York City guide with only dedicated restaurants, but I have some favorites that though they are not 100% gluten-free, they deserve some recognition, especially since they are celiac-friendly and serve some amazing food.
S’mac
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, mac and cheese, you have to hit up the specialist, S’mac. All their mac and cheeses can be made gluten-free, as their bechamel sauce no longer contains wheat flour and their breadcrumbs are made of gf cornflakes. They are also very aware of cross-contamination as their non-gluten items (pastas and desserts) are made with dedicated utensils in dedicated pots.
97 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003, USA | Website
Bareburger
My favorite gluten-free burger joint in New York City is hands down Bareburger. Their fries are to die for, and so are their milkshakes. Now that I think about it, everything on their menu that’s gluten-free is to die for. If you dare, try the ostrich or the bison burgers, they’re dangerously good. Burgers are served on non-crumbling, delicious, gluten-free buns, and their fries are made in a dedicated fryer. There is also a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free options.
Various locations in the US and NYC | Website
Grom NYC
Grom NYC is part of the 100% gluten-free Italian gelato chain that serves heavenly gelato. Though this shop is not 100% gluten-free, they are well-versed in celiac disease and cross-contamination. When you mention that you are a celiac, the employees will put on gloves, change spoons, and remove the top bin of the ice cream flavor to access another bin that is solely for celiacs. It’s a celiac haven. The Grom is right across from the World Trade Center (WTC) and it makes for a delicious gluten-free ice-cream treat after visiting this historic site.
Various Locations | Website
Lilli And Loo
It’s not everyday that you’ll find an Asian restaurant with gluten-free options, let alone one with a seperate gluten-free menu with a wide variety of options. Though I am not crazy about their service, their food is good and deliciously unhealthy. Oh, and they also have gluten-free sushi options, as well as other popular Asian dishes. Lilli and Loo has a second restaurant, Lilli’s 57 on 57th Street near the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).
792 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA | Website
Friedman’s Lunch
Friedman’s Lunch is a great restaurant to have a nice gluten-free brunch in NYC. Almost everything on their menu can be made gluten-free and to avoid mix-ups with non-gf foods, all their gluten-free dishes are marked with a flag. P.S. their b.l.a.t. sandwich is absolutely divine.
Various Locations | Website
Bistango
This popular celiac-friendly restaurant right near the Flatiron Building serves traditional Italian cuisine. Everything on the menu can be made gluten-free, after all they’ve been serving celiac-safe gluten-free food for almost two decades. They understand that us celiacs like everything, not just a bland salad. My favorites are the gluten-free bread (yup, it’s that good), homemade ravioli, and the flourless chocolate cake. Actually, their amazing bread comes from the Everybody Eats bakery in Brooklyn. Bistango is also very accommodating to customers with a dairy allergy.
415 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA | Website
The Green Street LIC
Green Street is a hidden gem that doesn’t get much love from foreign travelers, but it should. They serve healthy versions of Korean staple food like bibimbap and kimchi. Their best-seller and my favorite is the gluten-free table-side Korean BBQ. With the exception of the sandwiches, everything on the menu is gluten-free, including the Korean fried chicken. They use Tamari gluten-free sauce, almond flour, and tapioca flour instead of wheat. Green Street LIC is also very paleo and vegan-friendly.
10-39 47th Rd, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA | Website
Le Botaniste
Le Botaniste is a 100% plant-based / 99% organic eatery with a delicious natural wine bar. Vegans and celiacs can rejoice, as nothing in this almost entirely gluten-free cafe has animal products. Their bowls, which are referred to as medicine (referring to their motto “let food be thy medicine”), are flavorful, healthy, and without fake, imitation meat. Le Botaniste has a second location in NYC and another location in Ghent, Belgium.
833 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA | Website
Gluten-Free Hotels in NYC
Kimberly Hotel
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Kimberly Hotel is minutes away from popular locations like Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Grand Central Station. It is also home to the popular celiac-friendly Italian restaurant Bistango as well as the beautiful and sophisticated rooftop bar, “Upstairs”.
Hotel Elysee by Library Hotel Collection
This elegant boutique is a charming oasis in the concrete jungle that is NYC. It’s walking distance from MoMA and Central Park. The friendly staff will go out of their way to make sure you have plenty of options for breakfast as well as provide great recommendations for gluten-free dining (not that you need them since you’ve got this awesome guide)! They also have a great complimentary cocktail hour (for three hours).
NoMad Hotel
If you are looking for a luxurious getaway weekend in NYC, you’ll want to stay at NoMad. Depending on your room, you can have a great view of the Empire State Building from your window. At the NoMad’s restaurant you’ll find that the majority of their dishes are gluten-free, and whatever isn’t gluten-free can be made gluten-free. Did I mention they also get their bread from the awesome Everybody Eats Bakery?
Airbnb
There is nothing better than feeling at home when you’re not at home, and an Airbnb rental can give you that feeling. With an Airbnb rental you can have your own kitchen and make safe, gluten-free meals while avoiding high hotel prices. If you want $40 off your Airbnb rental in NYC, click here.
Gluten-Free Resources
Well there you have it, your very own gluten-free blueprint to exploring and indulging in all the gluten-free restaurants in New York City. What are you waiting for? Go take a bite out of the Big Apple already, after all, it is gluten-free ;)
Guadalupe Inn uses gluten-removed beer in their beer battered items the last time I asked. I believe they use Daura Damm which is not gluten-free but gluten removed.