Gluten Free Restaurants NYC: A Guide to Eating Gluten Free in New York City

Gluten free in New York City? Well, you’ve come to the right place. The gluten free restaurants NYC scene is truly a mecca. Actually, NYC is the first place I traveled to when I originally had to go gluten free back in 2012. Since then, the gluten free scene has grown exponentially, just as awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance has grown too.

I remember that first trip to NYC vividly – I’d only been gluten free for about six months (filled with many cross contact experiences and a lot of sickness and frustration). I was living on bland salads at my college’s dining hall and dreading travel to a new location.

Then I arrived in New York City to a huge array of high standard gluten free restaurants serving safe food that tasted… GOOD. This completely changed my life. It gave me the confidence to travel further afield, discovering gluten free restaurants in places like Vancouver, London, Detroit, and even further afield like Prague, Morocco, and Nepal.

Now, years later, I have been back to NYC countless times –  visiting both best friends and family who live there. Each time I love revisiting my old favorites, and exploring new gluten free restaurants.

So, this guide has been in the making for as long as I have been gluten free myself – nearly a decade. I decided it’s time to share that knowledge! Below you will find my favorite gluten free restaurants in NYC.

This guide includes:

  • 100% gluten free New York City restaurants
  • 100% gluten free New York City bakeries
  • Non-dedicated restaurants with gluten free options (rated on risk of cross contact)
  • Where to find gluten free bagels in NYC
  • Places to shop for gluten free food
  • My downloadable gluten free restaurants NYC map!
New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc

100% Gluten Free Restaurants NYC

All of the following restaurants are dedicated gluten free establishments. I have eaten at ALL of them myself so I can personally vouch for them.

Risotteria Melotti

To me, this is the queen of gluten free restaurants in NYC. It’s the first 100% gluten free NYC restaurant I ate at, back in 2012 (and it’s still going strong as of 2020!).

I really fell in love with gluten free travel thanks to Risotteria Melotti…it all came down to the moment they gave us complimentary gluten free breadsticks!

As you may have deduced, they make most of their products from naturally gluten free risotto. They also serve fresh pasta and cakes. I really recommend a visit here.

Address: 309 East 5th Street, Manhattan

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
Risotteria Melotti is a 100% gluten free restaurant in NYC. It’s one of my very favorites! Photo credit: courtesy of Risotteria Melotti Facebook page.

Senza Gluten

Senza Gluten is another powerhouse of the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, and has been around for a long time.

They serve 100% gluten free Italian food that is absolutely delicious and the best you’ll find (of the gluten free variety) outside of Italy (and dare I say, even better than some of the gluten free food I had in Italy).

It is a bit pricy but if you are looking for a fancy sit down meal this is your place.

Address: 206 Sullivan Street, Manhattan

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
One of the most loved gluten free restaurants in NYC: Senza Gluten! Here you can grab 100% GF fresh pasta and Italian food.

Inday

Inday is a fast-casual dedicated gluten free restaurant with three locations. They take a definite New Yorker twist on Indian dishes.

We went to Inday GoGo (sadly this location is now closed but see below for the many other locations to visit) which was an Urban Space 570, basically a little indoor market with lots of unique food vendors. It was perfect for what we wanted, and although my friend and I both ate at Inday GoGo, this would have be an ideal place to take non-gluten free traveling companions as they get more choice.

Honestly I love Inday and would eat here again and again. Next time I’ll try a new location from the list!

Address: Multiple locations! Find the full list here.

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
Inday is a 100% gluten free fast casual restaurant with their own New York spin on Indian food.

The Little Beet & The Little Beet Table

I want to profusely thank the Endless Distances reader who recommended The Little Beet to me via Facebook! The Little Beet Table is a 100% gluten free, sit down restaurant.

There are also five The Little Beet locations across the city, which are fast-casual grab and go places. I was walking down the street when I passed The Little Beet close to Rockefeller Centre. We were hungry so we just popped in! Other gluten free travelers know how rare this experience is… not having to hunt around for an appropriate restaurant!

Anyway, the food here is stunningly healthy. There are so many yummy options it was hard to choose, but I went with a beet-based falafel bowl which was crispy and perfect.

Address: Multiple locations! Find the full list here.

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
The Little Beet Table is another 100% gluten free fast casual restaurant with a few locations across NYC.

Other 100% gluten free New York City restaurants

Like I’ve mentioned, the gluten free NYC scene is on fire. There are even more 100% gluten free restaurants that I haven’t been to myself.

Here are all the other dedicated restaurants that I’m aware of:

  • Modern Bread & Bagel – 100% gluten free bagel shop that serves brunch all day! I go into further depth about this amazing restaurant further down in my ‘gluten free bagels NYC’ section. Read on for that!
  • Arba Restaurant – The sister restaurant of Modern Bread & Bagel, this is a 100% gluten free and kosher mediterranean restaurant.
  • Claro Brooklyn – An Oaxacan style restaurant in Brooklyn. It’s 100% gluten free although it doesn’t overly market this fact!
  • La Esquina – 100% gluten free Mexican restaurant with multiple locations.
  • Springbone Kitchen – 100% gluten free restaurant with food based on bone broth.
  • Le Botaniste – 100% gluten free, plant-based and organic food.
  • Brodo – 100% gluten free restaurant, everything is based on bone broth (there are some vegetarian options)
  • Nami Nori – A 100% gluten free fast casual sushi restaurant. Sushi is served in the temoki (or open) style.
  • Tap NYC – A fast casual, 100% gluten free NYC Brazilian style restaurant
  • Santina – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
  • The Village Den – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
  • Hu Kitchen – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
  • ROLLN – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
  • Manchi – PERMANENTLY CLOSED

100% Gluten Free Bakeries NYC

Bakeries are perhaps the most exciting thing to find as dedicated gluten free. You know, flour flying around and all.

There are a few standout gluten free bakeries in NYC that I can personally recommend!

Erin McKenna’s Bakery

I’m obsessed with this ultra pink hole-in-the-wall gluten free bakery, located in lower Manhattan. They are also vegan and kosher!

Erin McKenna’s is a dedicated gluten free bakery that offers a huge array of baked goods from donuts to cookies to muffins and so much more. Both times I’ve visited have been in the afternoon, and they’ve just given me free baked goods as the day is ending. Free gluten free cookies? YES PLEASE.

Personally, I recommend getting a box and stocking up for your NYC trip. The donuts are all amazing. The chocolate chip cookies look unassuming but they will make your mouth water until you eat three in one go. Not speaking from personal experience or anything… *cough*

Address: 248 Broome Street, Manhattan

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
A gluten free cupcake from Erin McKenna’s – my favorite gluten free bakery in NYC!

NoGlu

NoGlu is another dedicated gluten free bakery, and is actually under the same brand as the famous Parisian gluten free bakery of the same name (which I’ve also been to, and also LOVED).

The NYC location is on the west side of Central Park. You can purchase a wide array of gluten free pastries and breads, all with a special French twist. The gluten free eclairs are life-giving, FYI.

Address: 1260 Madison Avenue, Manhattan

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
NoGlu NY is an incredible 100% gluten free bakery! Photo is courtesy of their Facebook page, as I ran into the classic problem of eating before photographing… that’s how you know it’s good!

Senza Gluten Cafe & Bakery

I mentioned Senza Gluten in the 100% gluten free restaurants section, but they also have the Senza Gluten Cafe & Bakery!

This is a more casual (and less expensive) setting, where you can either sit down or grab some pastries to go. I’m a sucker for eclairs so obviously that’s my pick, but you can also get fresh bread, muffins, cakes, danishes, and so much more.

Address: 171 Sullivan Street, Manhattan

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
Another eating before photographing incident… this photo is courtesy of the Senza Gluten Cafe & Bakery Facebook page, of their delicious eclairs!!

Dana’s Bakery

Dana’s Bakery is a 100% gluten free NJ bakery (formerly had location in New York) but it’s not your typical bakery.

They specialize in macarons! Macarons on steroids though – think massive macaron sandwiches, cake balls, and so much more.

Address: 69 Wesley St, NJ

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
A gooey and mouthwatering gluten free macaron at Dana’s Bakery! Photo courtesy of their Facebook page.

By the Way Bakery

I haven’t made it to By the Way Bakery yet, but I had to include it here as it is the fifth and final 100% gluten free bakery in NYC!

The bakery has two locations – the upper east and upper west side. It is old fashioned and everything is hand made, including by the founder Helene Goodwin who is the genius behind the whole operation.

You can pop in to see what’s available that morning, or order online. They specialize in fancy pre-ordered cakes, so this is definitely the place to shop if you’re in the market for that.

Address: Multiple Locations! Find the full list here.

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
By The Way Bakery is the fifth 100% gluten free bakery in NYC! I haven’t made it here yet myself but it’s high on my list!

Gluten Free Restaurants NYC (Not Dedicated Gluten Free)

There are a lot of restaurants in NYC that cater to gluten free diners, yet aren’t actually 100% gluten free. These are some of the best – I’ve noted the few where celiacs should take precaution.

Friedman’s (very Celiac friendly)

Without a doubt, Friedman’s needs to be on your list if you are celiac or gluten intolerant in NYC. Although Friedman’s is not 100% gluten free, they do a fabulous job of preventing cross contamination.

From using separate kitchen space and fryers, to marking all the gluten free options with little tags, they are so careful. AND, most of the menu can be made gluten free, including all sandwiches and yes, even fried chicken and waffles (my fave… it’s hard to resist)!

Friedman’s has seven locations in NYC and serve brunch, lunch, and dinner. I recommend testing out each meal 😉

Note: The matzah ball soup is NOT gluten free and cannot be made gluten free. I read a review in a gluten free Facebook group about someone getting glutened at Friedman’s because of that 🙁 I’ve never had a negative experience here and that’s the only negative review I’ve seen, but beware, as always!

Address: Multiple locations! Find the full list here.

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
The iconic, the legendary, the GLUTEN FREE fried chicken and waffle at Friedman’s!

Bloom’s Deli (very Celiac friendly) – PERMANENTLY CLOSED

I am absolutely devastated to update this post that Bloom’s Deli is now closed. This was my favorite diner in NYC where you could get safe gluten free french toast, pancakes, you name it. It was cheap, good, and classic.

Many fond memories here! Unfortunately it does not look like they have plans to reopen but I will keep this post updated as I get more information.

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
Don’t go to Bloom’s Deli – it’s closed 🙁 I’ll keep this updated in case they reopen.

Bistango (very Celiac friendly)

Bistango is one of the few NYC restaurants with gluten free options that I haven’t made it to yet… it’s high on my list for my next New York visit, though, as it has rave reviews within the celiac community.

Focusing on Italian fare, this place is super special as they offer gluten free versions of more unusual pastas, including ravioli. They also serve fresh gluten free bread, pizza, and beer.

he staff is thoroughly trained, there is a dedicated toaster, and the restaurant boasts “no cross contamination concerns” (although I still recommend asking your wait staff, as always!).

The location on 29th Street is permanently closed but Kimberley Hotel location is still open.

Address: 145 East 50th Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue, Manhattan

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
Grab some of NYC’s best gluten free Italian food at Bistango!

Melt Shop (possible cross contamination risk)

Melt Shop is a grilled cheese emporium. Take your pick of a dozen or so gourmet grilled cheeses, top it off with a milkshake and tater tots, and you’re a few steps closer to heaven (thanks to both cholesterol and your taste buds).

They do provide gluten free options such as gluten free bread for the sandwiches and a separate fryer for the tater tots (yay!).

However I will say, especially to celiacs and sensitive gluten intolerants, to act with caution. Question your server and ensure they use separate prep surfaces and clean the blender etc.

Luckily I had very knowledgable staff when I visited Melt Shop, although I have read reviews of poor experiences due to cross contamination. As ever, proceed with caution!

Address: Multiple locations! Find the full list here.

Butcher’s Daughter (possible cross contamination risk)

Butcher’s Daughter is a super trendy, kinda hipster, and ultra instagrammable cafe is known for brunch, but also stays open later for dinner.

There are a wide array of gluten free options, from gluten free bread to pasta and pizza bases, too. Personally, I will say tread with caution and make sure to question your waiter here about cross contamination if you are celiac or sensitive.

They seem to cater more toward those who are gluten intolerant with low sensitivity, and don’t have quite as much awareness of safe preparation.

Nevertheless, I did eat here twice without issue, although the second time I requested a new waiter because my first one wasn’t knowledgeable about their cross contamination practices.

Address: Multiple locations! Find the full list here.

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
A very scrummy gluten free veggie pizza at Butcher’s Daughter in West Village. No reaction!

Sweetgreen (possible cross contamination risk)

Sweetgreen is a healthy chain restaurant that specializes in serving salad bowls. The menu marks all gluten free items and you can find locations across the city.

However, due to being a chain you also have to be aware that different locations will have different standards of cross contamination awareness. Also, be aware that it is a buffet-type set up (similar to Chipotle), which increases risk of contamination.

I was not satisfied with my server’s knowledge on the gluten free options when we went (she was brand new and hadn’t been trained yet), so ended up getting some help from the manager.

I ended up having a really great salad bowl and no reaction! So ultimately I had a good experience, but if you go just don’t be shy to question your server, as always.

Address: So many locations! See the full list here. I’ve eaten at the Brooklyn and Columbia locations.

New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene, including 100% gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and more. #glutenfree #glutenfreetravel #glutenfreenyc
Sweetgreens is a fast casual chain restaurant specializing in salad bowls. It is not a dedicated gluten free restaurant but there are many gluten free options.

Other non-dedicated gluten free restaurants in NYC

Below are a selection of other NYC gluten free restaurants (non-dedicated) that based on my research through their websites, Find Me Gluten Free, and TripAdvisor that I think are worth checking out.

Unfortunately, I haven’t had an opportunity to eat at these myself so I cannot vouch for them personally. However, they are all on my list to try next time!

  • Egg Shop – a trendy brunch restaurant with multiple locations. Has gluten free bread.
  • Abracadabra Brooklyn – A Turkish restaurant with gluten free options.
  • Dekalb Market Hall – A market in Brooklyn with gluten free options.
  • Rubirosa – Gluten free options include pizza and pasta at this Italian restaurant.
  • Dirt Candy – Plant-based restaurant with gluten free options.
  • Rosemary’s – Seasonal Italian dishes with local herbs, many gluten free options.
  • Lilli and Loo – Chinese restaurant with gluten free menu.
  • Del Posto – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
100% gluten free bakery in NYC: Erin McKenna's.
A box of love from Erin McKenna’s gluten free bakery, from my last trip to NYC… You can bet these were gone within 48 hours!

Gluten Free Bagels NYC

Per your requests, I am updating this gluten free New York guide with an entire section dedicated to… you guessed it, gluten free bagels in NYC!

Bagels are a New York specialty, and you shouldn’t be left out just because you have celiac disease. To be completely honest, I am not confident in the cross contact procedures at most of these places (besides Modern Bread & Bagel), but I’ll go into further detail below!

Modern Bread & Bagel

Modern Bread & Bagel is a 100% gluten free restaurant in NYC… you read that right!

They specialize in the classic New York bagel, and you can eat here without a single worry about cross contact. Sounds like heaven, right? Well, it gets even better.

Modern Bread & Bagel serves brunch all day… I’m talking gluten free cinnamon french toast, lemon ricotta pancakes, fresh brioche, shakshuka, bruschetta, you name it.

Modern Bread & Bagel opened last year, right after my last visit to NYC. So sadly I have not eaten here yet, but you can bet it’s going to be my FIRST stop on my next visit! If you go, please comment below what I should order!

Address: 472 Columbus Ave, New York

The best gluten free bagels NYC can be found at 100% GF Modern Bread and Bagel.
Can you believe these bagels are 100% gluten free?! Modern Bread & Bagel is a MUST STOP for any celiac or gluten intolerant in NYC.

Murray’s Bagels (definite cross contamination)

Murray’s Bagels is another place that serves gluten free bagels in NYC. It’s on some of the ‘gluten free New York’ lists circulating on the internet, but I really want to warn you NOT to eat here if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

I contacted the owners and was told:

“I’m sorry but we do not have a gluten-free environment and we would not advise someone with any gluten issues to dine in our store as we can never guarantee any type of cross-contamination.”

This begs the question, in my opinion, why even offer gluten free bagels, then? But that is a larger issue and a discussion for another day, my friends!

Tompkin’s Square Bagels (cross contamination risk)

I went to Tompkin’s Square Bagels last year on a craving for a New York bagel. They advertise and make a big deal out of offering gluten free bagels, which you can get a massive variety of toppings for.

However, they are really lacking in the cross contact department. They do not have a separate prep space, although they do clean the prep space and switch gloves if you notify them you are celiac or “have an allergy.”

The prep space is open so you can watch them prepare, which is nice. However they use the same toaster as the gluten-containing bagels!! This is just a no-go.

I ended up having an un-toasted bagel, which was still good, but not great. I would only recommend coming to Tompkin’s Square Bagels if you are A) not sensitive or celiac, or B) really really want a bagel and don’t care if it’s un-toasted.

Address: 184 2nd Avenue, New York and 165 Avenue A, New York

Gluten free bagels in NYC - find some at Tompkin's Bagels, but beware of cross contact.

Gluten Free Grocery Stores in NYC

If you are staying in NYC for any extended period of time, you are probably going to do some grocery shopping. Nowadays you can find gluten free options at most grocery stores.

However, these are my two favorite grocery stores in the US (and both are popular in NYC) for gluten free shopping.

Whole Foods

Tons of gluten free options here including many of the popular brands. You can also pick up a quick meal here.

If you have Amazon Prime you can get a discount, too! Check Whole Foods NYC locations here.

Trader Joe’s

Another healthy grocery store with many gluten free options. I really like the Trader Joe’s brand gluten free items (the chocolate chip cookies are so good! So is the cauliflower gnocchi, and their gluten free everything bagels… yum!). 

Check Trader Joe’s NYC locations here.

A gluten free donut in NYC from Erin McKenna's.
The fancy shmancy coconut chocolate gluten free donut from Erin McKenna’s Bakery

Gluten Free Restaurants NYC Map…

This is a map I’ve been working on for two (two!!!) years. Here, you can find all the gluten free restaurants listed above, as well as some of my favorite shops and tourist destinations in the city. Use this map on your phone (works without data), and easily find the closest gluten free restaurant to your location.

I truly hope this guide helps you on your next trip to NYC! It really is one of the best cities in the world to visit if you are celiac, gluten intolerant, or otherwise avoiding gluten.

And as long as this guide is, there are always new gluten free restaurants popping up. I will do my best to keep this gluten free restaurants NYC guide updated – hopefully with new reviews after my next trip to NYC!

In the meantime, let me know your favorite gluten free restaurants in NYC in the comments! Did I miss any?

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New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your ultimate guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene and more.
New York City is a gluten free mecca. This is your ultimate guide to the gluten free restaurants NYC scene and more.

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for this! I’m in NYC a few times a year to visit family and sometimes struggle to find places to eat. While I don’t have celiac disease, I am allergic to wheat which poses a very similar problem. Can’t wait to give a few of these a try next time I’m in town.

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