Gluten-free diets have been all the rage lately, and we're pretty happy about it, but not for the reasons that you think.
Sure, we hate those trendy dieters who mention that they're gluten-free, causing a big stink about there being a crouton in their salad right before chowing down on a big ole' plate of doughnuts as a "treat."
But the fact of the matter is, this food trend has caused many people in the food industry to learn to cater to those people who medically cannot eat gluten, such as those with Celiacs disease or real gluten allergies.
For people who have Celiacs or gluten allergies, it's a nice change to be able to eat at a restaurant without having to fear that their health will be compromised.
We gathered up some of our favorite restaurants and bakeries who go above and beyond to maintain the health of those people who are restricted to gluten-free diets.
Whether or not you're forced to eat sans gluten, you'll certainly enjoy these spots.
1. Senza Gluten (206 Sullivan Street)
This entirely gluten-free Italian restaurant is a must for anyone who suffers from Celiacs or gluten allergies. Because their menu is 100% gluten-free, you won't have that gnawing envy when your non-celiac friends order exactly what you wish you could have, but can't.
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Do you miss lasagna or pasta? You don't have to. Senza Gluten offers a classic lasagna made with layers of bolognese and cheese. They also offer plenty of pasta dishes, mains, and desserts for you to enjoy in all of their gluten-free glory.
2. WILD (various locations)
xiaxiavier I'm crying tears of happiness into this #glutenfree #brunch #pizza with ricotta, wild mushrooms, truffle oil, and fried eggs 😍 #eatdrinkwild #organic #vegetarian #NYC
One of the most precious foods to New Yorkers is pizza, so it's lucky for those that are gluten-free that many joints are catching on to the needs of people with Celiacs or gluten allergies. WILD uses only organic, gluten-free flours and tomato sauces, along with hormone free-cheeses and meats.
We highly recommend the pear, fig, and gorgonzola pizza with fresh rosemary. We're also loving the "skinny bitch" pizza with grilled zucchini, eggplant, cherry tomato, pesto, and marinara.
But if your friends just have to have their gluten, tell them to order the daily ravioli, which is made in a separate kitchen to eliminate any chance of cross-contamination.
3. AWOL Eatery (336 Graham Avenue - Brooklyn)
AWOL Eatery (or All Walks of Life Eatery), is another great option for those who are forced to cut gluten from their diets. It's a farm-to-fork restaurant, meaning that the food comes fresh from the farm to their kitchens.
With 28 gluten-free items on their menu, there's something for everyone. Plus, you can ask for certain things (like the burgers/sliders) to be made gluten-free (i.e. sans bun). We recommend the short rib mac & cheese made with rice macaroni, kale sprouts, and smoked cheeses.
4. Tompkins Square Bagels (165 Avenue A)
raimelee There are only two eras in my life that I am aware of: life before Tompkins Square Bagels and life afterwards. #tompkinssquarebagels #glutenfreebagel #RaimeLeeinNYC #NYC #EastVillage
When you're gluten-free due to Celiacs or allergies, it hurts your soul to realize that you cannot eat certain things... like bagels for instance.
Thankfully, Tompkins Square Bagels recognizes the struggle, and has a gluten-free bagel and gluten-free pancakes that don't taste like cardboard. Now you can have your baconeggandcheese like a real New Yorker, and nobody will know the difference.
5. Erin McKenna's Bakery (248 Broome Street)
joanneadirim Snacks @erinMcKennasbakery. First yummy vegan vanilla cupcake, coffee cupcake, cinnamon sugar donut and choc dipped donut. #pastries # vegan #bakery #larchmont #babycakesnyc
This little gluten-free, vegan, kosher bakery may make you a bit hesitant to try. We mean, come on, how many things can you cut out of a baked good and still expect it to taste delicious?
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We're going to let you in on a little secret. Erin McKenna's Bakery is pretty much the only spot we'd trust going to and still feel like we're eating a deviously flavorful guilty pleasure. If you're missing your sweets, you need to try Erin McKenna's. Better yet? Buy her vegan, gluten-free cookbook, BabyCakes.
,6. S'MAC (various locations)
technigal #GlutenFree Cajun Nosh and #GF beer to boot! #Yum @leylaoleyla they can also use a #DairyFree sauce. #NYC #NYCFood #MurrayHill #MacandCheese
It's cold out there, New Yorkers, and we're really in the mood for some deliciously fattening comfort foods without messing with our gluten-free dietary restrictions. Enter S'MAC, where all of their mac and cheese options can be made with regular, multi-grain or gluten-free elbow macaroni.
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We're seriously digging the "Parisienne" mac and cheese with brie, roasted figs, shiitake mushrooms, and fresh rosemary. If you don't like any of the menu items, you can even build your own. Seriously, you cannot go wrong with S'MAC.
7. Bistango (various locations)
veggieventuresnyc Butternut Squash Ricotta Ravioli with brown butter & sage sauce! Tag a friend who would love this 😋
For a restaurant that has been ranked by USA Today as one of the city's best Italian restaurants, you wouldn't think that they would be so worried about catering to gluten-free diets. However, that's entirely not the case with Bistango.
Any of their pastas can be made with organic, gluten-free penne pasta. If you're looking for something a bit more filling, try their freshly stuffed gluten-free pastas like their butternut squash ricotta ravioli. Better still, all but one of their desserts are gluten-free.
8. Candle Cafe (various locations)
nobread Where is everyone having #BRUNCH today?? You need to try this #VEGAN #omelette from #CandleCafeEast on the #UpperEastSide! Made from #chickpea and #quinoa flour so it's #glutenfree! #nobread #homefries #spinach #veggies #nodairy #nogluten #dairyfree #eeeeeats #nycbrunch #eatingnyc #eatingfortheinsta #newforkcity #zagat #howisummer #thirdave #candlecafenyc. FULL GF MENU UP ON NOBREADNYC.COM!
Unlike most spots who simply put a little "G" next to an item to note gluten-free options, Candle Cafe has an entire menu for those who require gluten-free items. That way, there's no mistaking a non-gluten-free item and suffering the medical consequences for the mistake.
Plus, the gluten-free menu is pretty extensive. We're diggin' the Chipotle black bean burger that is served on gluten-free bread, or the ginger-miso stir fry with veggies, tofu, brown rice, and ginger-miso sauce.
9. Pala (198 Allen Street)
rdpizza_club Pala pizza #tbt #les #nyc #Manhattan #pizza #glutenfree #glutenfull #woodtable #pizzaclub #pizzapizza #rdapproved
This spot has some really incredible menu items. Pala allows you to choose your type of gluten-free pasta, with corn and quinoa spaghetti, brown rice flour fusilli, or rice, potato, and soy flour penne. We haven't seen many spots offer more than one type of gluten-free pasta.
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Their pizza is bangin', and we mean both regular and gluten-free. We're obsessed with the "Arrabbiata Bufala," or pizza with Bufala mozzarella cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, hot pepper, and garlic. We also love their "Acetaia," with butternut squash puree, 25 year-old balsamic, parmigiano, and mozzarella.
10. Zengo (622 Third Avenue)
A lot of people don't recognize that soy sauce contains gluten, ruining the option for them to have their favorite sushi dinner date. Luckily, many places are adding gluten-free soy sauce options to their menus. But not many will go as far as to have a separate gluten-free menu like Zengo.
This swanky restaurant joint is perfect for the a gluten-free celebration dinner with a Latin American/Asian flair. We recommend the "Thai Shrimp Lettuce Wraps" with chorizo, peanut, cilantro, and tamarind chutney and the "Chipotle Miso Glazed Black Cod," with lemon togarashi aioli.
Check out 8 Best NYC Winter Comfort Foods and Where to Find Them.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]