Dining out can be a complicated task when there are dietary restrictions. Although restaurants are becoming more and more accommodating, those who suffer from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity often find themselves with only a handful of options. Fortunately, the following places offer plenty of gluten-free choices and go the extra mile in order to provide a stress-free experience. Note: Not all kitchens listed below are completely gluten-free so cross-contamination is still possible. It’s always a good idea to check with staff. Your health is worth more than any employee's sourness.
Read MoreWhere to Eat Gluten Free in Chicago
The options don’t have to be so limited
Arya Bhavan
Arya Bhavan is an all-vegan Indian restaurant in the heart of Devon Avenue. In addition to being meatless (and ghee-less), the whole menu is also gluten free. That means regardless of diet, everyone can enjoy staples like samosas, dosas, palak paneer, chana masala, and tofu tikka masala. Place orders for pickup or delivery here.
Defloured
No flour? No problem. This gluten-free bakery makes sweet treats that cater to all. Indulge in cakes, bars, cookies, whoopee pies, and more without worry. Online orders can be placed here and you can find their treats at many local coffee shops and grocery stores.
Spacca Napoli
One of the city’s finest pizzerias is able to make a gluten-free crust upon request. Diners won’t have to miss out on fantastic Neapolitan pizzas topped with traditional Italian ingredients, such as prosciutto di Parma, ‘nduja, and mozzarella di bufala. Order online here.
CheSa’s Bistro & Bar
Chesaree Rollins built up a following for her gluten-free fare with a food truck before opening CheSa’s Bistro & Bar in Avondale. The menu draws on Cajun and Creole flavors with dishes including crawfish cornbread, seafood gumbo and fried catfish with jambalaya. Mimosa flights and fried chicken with beignet waffles make brunch a big draw. Make a reservation through OpenTable.
Chicago Diner
Venerable Chicago Diner has been a popular vegetarian stalwart for decades. The restaurant also features gluten-free choices like a portabella truffle melt, grilled asparagus salad, quinoa chili, and various milkshakes. Order pickup here. A second outpost is located in Logan Square.
Wheat's End Cafe
Everything at Wheat’s End Cafe is gluten free, and the Lincoln Park bakery also offers plenty of vegan options. Start the day off right with pancakes, spicy chicken and waffles, smashed avocado toast, and more. And don’t forget to get a sweet treat, such as a doughnut or cinnamon roll, for dessert. There’s no seating, but you can order pickup or delivery here.
Common Decency
This new bar in Logan Square, in the former Lost Lake space, is helmed by chef Mark Steuer (Carriage House, Funkenhausen). There’s an ‘80s vibe and a fully gluten-free menu with dishes like dumpling cacio e pepe, a Cuban sandwich, skillet cornbread, and mushroom French dip.
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KFire Korean BBQ
This fast-casual Korean restaurant in Logan Square allows customers to build their own plates with kalbi, chicken, and even a vegan version of kalbi using Impossible products. However, recently co-owner Ben Kim and company made all of their barbecue plates gluten free. Kim has made the change under the radar; no customers have been able to tell the difference, he says. A second location opened in Old Town in October 2023. Order online here.
Paulie Gee's Logan Square
Paulie Gee’s can use gluten-free dough to make most of its indulgent Detroit-style “Logan Squares” like their U.S. Pizza Cup-winning pie loaded with pepperoni cups, housemade bacon jam, ricotta, basil, and Mike’s Hot Honey. Finish the meal with a gluten-free vegan brownie sundae.
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen
Former Carnivale chef Rudolfo Cuadros is changing expectations of vegan fare at Bloom Plant Based Kitchen. The entire menu is gluten free, featuring convincing cheese plates, hickory-smoked lion’s mane chateubriand and sun-dried tomato sashimi. Cuadros also shows off with monthly tasting menu dinners. Make a reservation through OpenTable.
Takito Kitchen
Takito Kitchen is entirely gluten free, using handmade popcorn tortillas as the basis for an a la carte menu of tacos including coffee-braised beef, lamb merguez and corn croquette. Gather a group to indulge with a margarita tower or come for brunch for bottomless mimosas. Make a reservation through OpenTable.
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LYFE Kitchen
With dishes that are both gluten-friendly and never include artificial ingredients, LYFE Kitchen is a fast-casual eatery that everyone can enjoy. Flatbreads, buffalo cauliflower tacos, and chicken and black bean burrito bowls are just a few of the healthy choices available. Add on a smoothie or iced tea. Online orders can be placed here.
Piccolo Sogno
Chicago’s preeminent destination for rustic Italian cuisine, Piccolo Sogno is also a haven for gluten-sensitive diners. More than half the menu is gluten free or can be made without gluten upon request. Guests have options like caprese salad, grilled octopus, gnocchi, pastas, grilled fish, and more. Pair the food with a glass of wine on the beautiful outdoor patio for a memorable experience. Carryout ordering is available here.
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Sunda
From nigiri and sashimi to entrees like pad Thai and chicken inasal, River North hotspot Sunda offers everything diners want for a delicious Pan-Asian meal. A second location opened in Fulton Market in February. Make a reservation through OpenTable.
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Aba
Lettuce Entertain You’s Aba offers an extensive selection of gluten-free Mediterranean-inspired dishes in its elegant tree-filled dining room and equally lush rooftop patio. Snack on hummus served with gluten-free crackers before a hearty meal of char-grilled lamb chops with garlic yogurt or shawarma-spiced skirt steak frites. Make a reservation through OpenTable.
Avli on the Park
Avli’s airy 13,000-square-foot flagship in Lakeshore East presents diners with lovely views and traditional dishes like avgolemono, kotopoulo souvlaki, and grilled lamb chops. Start with hummus and tzatziki served with gluten-free pita or crudite. Avli’s other outposts are in River North, Lincoln Park, the West Loop and Winnetka. Make a reservation through Tock.
Do-Rite Donuts and Chicken
There are plenty of doughnut shops in Chicago but few have gluten-free offerings like Do-Rite. Everyday flavors includes birthday cake, Valrhona chocolate glazed, and cinnamon and sugar. Pre-orders for pickup and delivery are available here. There are four Do-Rite locations around the city.
Monteverde
Sarah Grueneberg’s acclaimed Italian restaurant is always one of Chicago’s most popular spots. The James Beard Award winner offers a gluten-free menu so that everyone can experience her brand of cooking. Get the burrata and ham plate as a starter and follow it up with any of the excellent housemade pastas. A scoop of refreshing sorbet provides the perfect ending to every meal. Book a table through Resy.
Brightwok Kitchen
Healthy stir-fries fresh off the wok are the focus at this fast-casual eatery. Guests can build their own hot bowls with a host of gluten-friendly ingredients or opt for one of the pre-customized combinations, such as “Everyday Eat Right” (Thai basil, brown rice, carrots, broccoli, onions, peppers, choice of protein) and “Earth, Curry and Fire” (chili coconut curry, white rice, carrots, onions, peppers, kale, crispy egg, choice of protein). A second Brightwok outpost is in River North. Online ordering is available here.
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The Berghoff Restaurant
A Chicago institution that’s been around for more than a century, the Berghoff continues to serve traditional German fare to both locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is certified by Beyond Celiac and places a strong emphasis on providing gluten-free dishes. Diners can try sauerbraten, cedar plank salmon, barbecue chicken salad, and flourless chocolate cake. Make a reservation through OpenTable.
Tapas Valencia
Don’t settle for just one or two dishes when there are a variety of Spanish bites to sample. At this South Loop spot, diners have dozens of pintxos and tapas to choose from in order to build a satisfying feast. A large amount of options can be made gluten-free, such as garlic potato salad, grilled artichoke hearts, grilled tiger shrimp, and grilled beef tenderloins. The paellas are also standouts. Make a reservation through OpenTable.
The Tonk
Honky Tonk BBQ in Pilsen rebranded as The Tonk in 2023 but it still offers the same Memphis-style meats you can enjoy while listening to live roots, jazz and swing music. Dig into brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken topped with gluten-free Chicago Sweet or Tangy Memphis sauce. Carryout orders can be placed here.
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The Sit Down Cafe
Italian and Japanese cuisines collide to form an eclectic menu at this Hyde Park favorite. Prosciutto rolls and bruschetta on gluten-free bread are tasty appetizers, while gluten-friendly pizzas, sandwiches, and maki rolls round out the entrees. Make a reservation through OpenTable.
Majani
An oasis for vegans on the South Side, Majani is the brain child of chefs Tsadakeeyah and Nasya Emmanuel. The couple cook plant-based Southern cuisine and many of their creations are gluten-friendly, including barbecue cauliflower, black-eyed pea fritters, fried grits, and jerk tofu tacos. Online ordering is available here.