Eat Out in NYC

Not much makes me giddier than learning a restaurant has a gluten free menu. Or seeing that all of the gluten free items on the regular-people menu are clearly marked. No having to ask the poor waiter six thousand questions only to find out I can only eat peeled grapes? Yes. Please.

This is a highly selective list – Selective meaning I have been to these fine New York City establishments many times, in some cases an embarrassing number of times, and the food/experience has been consistently outstanding.

Always looking for more recommendations (slash excuses to eat out in the name of research) so please drop some names in the comments!

What: Bistango

Where: Murray Hill (415 3^rd Ave b/w 29^th & 30^th St.)

Specialty GF Items: pizza, pasta, ravioli, bread, baked goods, beer

GF Menu: GF options marked

Comments: My go-to for a great Italian meal in Murray Hill. Classy but not too fussy white-tablecloth restaurant. Was an equally good atmosphere for a family dinner, a work dinner, and a night with friends. The owner is extremely helpful. Order the pasta or ravioli (over the pizza), extra gluten free French bread, and save room for dessert – the carrot cake is amazing.

What: Friedman’s Lunch

Where: inside Chelsea Market (9^th Ave b/w 15^th & 16^th St.)

Specialty GF Items: pancakes, French toast, beer, fried chicken, bread (for toast and sandwiches), waffles, pasta

GF Menu: GF options marked

Comments: Check out their menus online. Everything with a dot can be prepared gluten free. Do you SEE all those dots? I practically live here during brunching-hours on the weekend. Every single dish is phenomenal, the atmosphere is quaint, and it will even be a new favorite of your gluten-loving friends. Make sure you get the blueberry or strawberry butter with your toast! Unreal.

What: Otto

Where: West Village/Union Square (1 5^th Ave – entrance on 8^th St. b/w 5^th Ave & University)

Specialty GF Items: pasta

GF Menu: no

Comments: One of Mario Batali’s places, with a great atmosphere. The menu doesn’t mention gluten free pasta, but ask your server. All of the pasta dishes are great, and the cheese plates and a few of the communal sides are gluten free. Festive enough for a special occasion but priced well enough to go more frequently!


What: Alta
Where: West Village/Union Square (64 W. 10^th St. b/w 5^th and 6^th Ave)
Specialty GF Items: no
GF Menu: yes
Comments: If you haven't noticed, I'm big on atmosphere. And this place has it. Step through the inconspicuous door and you'll be transported to the Mediterranean. There are a huge array of options on the regular menu, and plenty on the gluten free menu. Order tapas and share - that way you get a taste of everything!

What: Pala Pizza

Where: Lower East Side (198 Allen St. b/w E. Houston St. and Stanton St.)

Specialty GF Items: pizza, pasta, arancini, crostini

GF Menu: yes

Comments: Easily the best gluten free pizza I've had yet. All pizzas are the same size, and there's a vast array of gourmet topping combinations (i.e. pork sausage, leeks, pink peppercorns, pancetta...). Low-lit, rustic atmosphere that's perfect for a date, special occasion, etc. Definitely dine-in.

What: Pie by the Pound

Where: Union Square (124 4^th Ave b/w 12^th & 13^th St.)

Specialty GF Items: pizza, beer, baked goods

GF Menu: GF options marked

Comments: Only one size option for the gluten free pizza. Serves 1 (maybe 2) and is pretty pricey at around $15 (depending on what toppings you get). BUT the crust is thin, crispy and delicious. Totally worth it to stave off a pizza craving.

What: Risotteria

Where: West Village (270 Bleecker St. b/w 6^th & 7^th Ave)

Specialty GF Items: pizza, breadsticks, baked goods, beer, pasta (on Tuesdays), meatballs, croutons, paninis

GF Menu: GF options marked

Comments: Extremely tiny inside so don’t plan to go for an elaborate meal. But the gluten free options can’t be beat – Get an order of breadsticks and some gluten free baked goods to go! They even have their own GF version of Twinkies and Oreo Cakesters!

What: Bloom’s Deli

Where: 124 E. 40^th St (entrance on Lexington Ave b/w 39^th & 40^th St.)

Specialty GF Items: pancakes, bread (for toast and sandwiches), French toast, burger buns

GF Menu: yes

Comments: Authentic diner experience with a vast gluten free menu. Bread is just average (tastes rice-y), but the chocolate chip pancakes are phenomenal.

What: Tulu’s Gluten Free Bakery

Where: East Village (338 E. 11^th St. b/w 1^st & 2^nd Ave)

Specialty GF Items: everything! cupcakes, cookies, brownies, muffins, bread, paninis, cakes, pies, granola, croutons

GF Menu: yes

Comments: Praying I don’t get struck by lightening by saying I favor this place over a competitor that starts with Baby and ends with Cakes. For Celiacs who are not vegan, dairy-free, sugar-free, etc. – Tulu’s leaves all that good stuff in there. (But still offers vegan/dairy-free/sugar-free options!) Pretty much everything is fantastic and all of the baked goods are extremely moist and flavorful, but I’m obsessed with the raspberry almond crumble muffin.

What: Spring Street Natural

Where: NoLita (62 Spring St. on the corner of Lafayette St.)

Specialty GF Items: no

GF Menu: GF items marked

Comments: Big yet somehow also adorable inside, with a pretty good amount of outdoor seating lining the sidewalks. I’ve been for lunch and dinner multiple times, and the menu is filled with exactly the type of food I love to eat – fresh ingredients, generally healthy, and interesting flavor combinations. All gluten free dishes are marked with a (g). (Not on the online, menu though. So you have to go!)

What: Bareburger

Where: multiple locations

Specialty GF Items: burgers, wraps

GF Menu: GF items marked

Comments: Not only does Bareburger dish out some of the best burgers I've had in the city, but they offer gluten free tapioca-flour buns for only 35 cents extra! They're proportional to the burger, and hold up from the first bite to the last. Now that your bun decision is made, good luck deciding between 12 different patty options (ranging from organic turkey to ostrich) and 14 specialty topping combinations. I always seem to go for The Original, but am dying to give The Roadhouse and The Pesto Red Pepper burgers a try.  

What: Rosa Mexicano

Where: Multiple Locations

Specialty GF Items: no

GF Menu: yes

Comments: Celiacs know Mexican is a pretty safe bet for plenty of gluten free options, but it’s nice to have a dedicated gluten free menu. I’ve never had a dish that wasn’t wonderful – but you HAVE to get the tableside guac. Only want a hint of jalapenos? No problem. Just tell the nice man who’s mixing it up for you. Great restaurant if friends are in from out of town. Make reservations!