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Syrup being poured over a stack of pancakes.
Wheat’s End Cafe dedicates itself to gluten-free brunch and lunch plates.
Wheat’s End Cafe

Where to Eat Gluten Free in Chicago

The options don’t have to be so limited

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Wheat’s End Cafe dedicates itself to gluten-free brunch and lunch plates.
| Wheat’s End Cafe

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.

As of June 11, Chicago restaurants have fully reopened and the city has lifted restrictions on capacity, masking, and social distancing. For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following safety guidelines. The latest CDC guidance for vaccinated diners during the COVID-19 outbreak is available here; dining out still carries risks for unvaccinated diners and workers. Find a local vaccination site here.

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Arya Bhavan

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Ideal for health-conscious eaters, 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.

A dosa with chutneys.
Head to Arya Bhavan for Indian delights.
Arya Bhavan [Official Photo]

Defloured

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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.

A basket of rainbow cookies.
Defloured’s goodies are made with a special mix of gluten-friendly flours.
Defloured [Official Photo]

Spacca Napoli

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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. Spacca Napoli can also bake the pies in a separate oven to prevent cross-contamination.

Pizza, salad, wine, and other ingredients spread out on a counter.
Spacca Napoli offers a gluten-free crust for its pies.
Spacca Napoli [Official Photo]

Cassava

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This Irving Park caterer takes celiac disease very seriously and makes its signature empanadas with cassava — a tropical plant with an edible tuberous root— root starch. They’re stuffed with fillings like Angus steak, pulled pork, roasted chicken, smoked sausage, and roasted veggies. The chewy cassava cheese rolls are terrific too. For added convenience, all items can be shipped anywhere in the country. Local ordering for pickup and delivery is available through Grubhub and Uber Eats.

Three empanadas and bacon on a plate.
Cassava’s empanadas come in many flavors.
Cassava [Official Photo]

Chesa's Gluten Free

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Chef and owner Chesareè Rollins started a food truck business several years ago after adopting a gluten-free lifestyle. She has since expanded her operation to a brick-and-mortar location inside Avondale’s Food Pick-Up, a ghost kitchen on the Northwest Side. Customers can try items like a lobster belle sandwich served on gluten-free garlic bun, chicken wings, loaded nachos, jerk chicken salad, and more. Carryout and delivery ordering is available here.

Chicago Diner

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Venerable Chicago Diner has been a popular vegetarian stalwart for decades. The restaurant also features gluten-free choices like a portabella truffle melt, a chickpea salad sandwich, quinoa chili, and various milkshakes. Order pickup here. A second outpost is located in Logan Square.

Wheat's End Cafe

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A Lakeview go-to for brunch or lunch. Wheat’s End Cafe makes everything from scratch and is 100% gluten-free. 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. Order carryout here.

A stack of pancakes.
Every item at Wheat’s End Cafe is gluten-friendly.
Wheat’s End Cafe [Official Photo]

KFIRE Korean BBQ

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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.

LYFE Kitchen

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With dishes that are both gluten-friendly and less than 600 calories, 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. To finish, try a smoothie or gluten-free cookie. Online orders can be placed here.

Piccolo Sogno

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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.

A plate of squid ink spaghetti and seafood.
Piccolo Sogno’s pastas and wines are top notch.
Galdones Photography/Piccolo Sogno

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. Takeout orders can be placed here.

A platter of crispy rice sushi.
Sushi and Pan-Asian dishes are Sunda’s specialty.
Sunda [Official Photo]

Avli on the Park

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Rapidly-growing modern Greek restaurant Avli is now up to four locations. The latest addition is an airy 13,000-square-foot flagship in Lakeshore East that presents diners with lovely views and traditional dishes like avgolemono, kotopoulo souvlaki, Greek chicken, and grilled lamb chops. Avli’s other outposts are in River North, Lincoln Park, and Winnetka.

Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee

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There are plenty of doughnut shops in Chicago but few have gluten-free offerings like Do-Rite. These special sugary bites are prepared in a separate fryer and taste just as scrumptious as their regular counterparts. The everyday flavors includes birthday cake, Valrhona chocolate glazed, and cinnamon and sugar. Pre-orders for pickup and delivery are available here. There are multiple Do-Rite locations around the city.

Monteverde

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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. Online ordering is available here.

Brightwok Kitchen

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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.

The Berghoff Restaurant

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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 the Beyond Celiac research foundation and places a strong emphasis on providing gluten-free dishes. Diners can try sauerbraten, grilled salmon, lamb chops salad, and flourless chocolate cake. The Berghoff is scheduled to reopen on July 12.

Tapas Valencia

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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 are gluten-free, such as spicy potatoes with manchego cheese, grilled artichoke hearts, grilled tiger shrimp, and grilled beef tenderloins. The paellas are also standouts. Carryout ordering is available here.

A pan of paella.
Experience the best of Spain at Tapas Valencia.
Tapas Valencia [Official Photo]

Honky Tonk BBQ

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The spirit of the Wild West is on full display at this honky-tonk-themed joint in Pilsen. Dig into Memphis-style barbecued meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. Even two of the sauces are gluten-free. Carryout orders can be placed here.

A brisket sandwich.
Smoked meats take center stage at Honky Tonk BBQ.
Honky Tonk BBQ [Official Photo]

The Sit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar

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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. Order carryout or delivery here.

Betty Bot Shop

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Betty Alper has been a fixture at the 61st Street and Logan Square farmers markets for years, where shoppers have been impressed by her assortment of vegan and gluten-free cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and more. She opened a retail location in the South Shore in 2017, but the pandemic has forced it to close until further notice. However, Alper is still selling baked goods for pickup each week at the aforementioned markets. Pre-orders can be placed here. Custom cakes are also available by calling 773-495-4615. Also, find her at Logan Square and other farmer’s markets.

Vanilla-glazed mochi donuts.
Betty Bot Shop’s gluten-free products can be ordered online for pickup at local farmers markets.
Betty Bot Shop [Official Photo]

An oasis for vegans on the South Side, Majani is the brain child of chefs Tsadakeeyah Ben 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. Additional Majani outposts are located in the South Loop and One Eleven Food Hall.

Fried cheese grits with tomato sauce.
Majani puts a vegan spin on classic soul foods.
Majani [Official Photo]

Soul Veg City

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For 40 years, Soul Vegetarian has treated South Siders to creative vegan cuisine. Recently, the venerable restaurant rebranded to Soul Veg City with plenty of new options. Soul V doesn’t used grains, but customers should ask specifically about gluten-free options.

The owners of Soul Veg City.
Soul Veg City [Official Photo]

Arya Bhavan

Ideal for health-conscious eaters, 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.

A dosa with chutneys.
Head to Arya Bhavan for Indian delights.
Arya Bhavan [Official Photo]

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.

A basket of rainbow cookies.
Defloured’s goodies are made with a special mix of gluten-friendly flours.
Defloured [Official Photo]

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. Spacca Napoli can also bake the pies in a separate oven to prevent cross-contamination.

Pizza, salad, wine, and other ingredients spread out on a counter.
Spacca Napoli offers a gluten-free crust for its pies.
Spacca Napoli [Official Photo]

Cassava

This Irving Park caterer takes celiac disease very seriously and makes its signature empanadas with cassava — a tropical plant with an edible tuberous root— root starch. They’re stuffed with fillings like Angus steak, pulled pork, roasted chicken, smoked sausage, and roasted veggies. The chewy cassava cheese rolls are terrific too. For added convenience, all items can be shipped anywhere in the country. Local ordering for pickup and delivery is available through Grubhub and Uber Eats.

Three empanadas and bacon on a plate.
Cassava’s empanadas come in many flavors.
Cassava [Official Photo]

Chesa's Gluten Free

Chef and owner Chesareè Rollins started a food truck business several years ago after adopting a gluten-free lifestyle. She has since expanded her operation to a brick-and-mortar location inside Avondale’s Food Pick-Up, a ghost kitchen on the Northwest Side. Customers can try items like a lobster belle sandwich served on gluten-free garlic bun, chicken wings, loaded nachos, jerk chicken salad, and more. Carryout and delivery ordering is available here.

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, a chickpea salad sandwich, quinoa chili, and various milkshakes. Order pickup here. A second outpost is located in Logan Square.

Wheat's End Cafe

A Lakeview go-to for brunch or lunch. Wheat’s End Cafe makes everything from scratch and is 100% gluten-free. 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. Order carryout here.

A stack of pancakes.
Every item at Wheat’s End Cafe is gluten-friendly.
Wheat’s End Cafe [Official Photo]

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.

LYFE Kitchen

With dishes that are both gluten-friendly and less than 600 calories, 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. To finish, try a smoothie or gluten-free cookie. 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.

A plate of squid ink spaghetti and seafood.
Piccolo Sogno’s pastas and wines are top notch.
Galdones Photography/Piccolo Sogno

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. Takeout orders can be placed here.

A platter of crispy rice sushi.
Sushi and Pan-Asian dishes are Sunda’s specialty.
Sunda [Official Photo]

Avli on the Park

Rapidly-growing modern Greek restaurant Avli is now up to four locations. The latest addition is an airy 13,000-square-foot flagship in Lakeshore East that presents diners with lovely views and traditional dishes like avgolemono, kotopoulo souvlaki, Greek chicken, and grilled lamb chops. Avli’s other outposts are in River North, Lincoln Park, and Winnetka.

Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee

There are plenty of doughnut shops in Chicago but few have gluten-free offerings like Do-Rite. These special sugary bites are prepared in a separate fryer and taste just as scrumptious as their regular counterparts. The everyday flavors includes birthday cake, Valrhona chocolate glazed, and cinnamon and sugar. Pre-orders for pickup and delivery are available here. There are multiple 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. Online ordering is available here.

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.

Related Maps

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 the Beyond Celiac research foundation and places a strong emphasis on providing gluten-free dishes. Diners can try sauerbraten, grilled salmon, lamb chops salad, and flourless chocolate cake. The Berghoff is scheduled to reopen on July 12.

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 are gluten-free, such as spicy potatoes with manchego cheese, grilled artichoke hearts, grilled tiger shrimp, and grilled beef tenderloins. The paellas are also standouts. Carryout ordering is available here.

A pan of paella.
Experience the best of Spain at Tapas Valencia.
Tapas Valencia [Official Photo]

Honky Tonk BBQ

The spirit of the Wild West is on full display at this honky-tonk-themed joint in Pilsen. Dig into Memphis-style barbecued meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. Even two of the sauces are gluten-free. Carryout orders can be placed here.

A brisket sandwich.
Smoked meats take center stage at Honky Tonk BBQ.
Honky Tonk BBQ [Official Photo]

The Sit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar

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. Order carryout or delivery here.

Betty Bot Shop

Betty Alper has been a fixture at the 61st Street and Logan Square farmers markets for years, where shoppers have been impressed by her assortment of vegan and gluten-free cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and more. She opened a retail location in the South Shore in 2017, but the pandemic has forced it to close until further notice. However, Alper is still selling baked goods for pickup each week at the aforementioned markets. Pre-orders can be placed here. Custom cakes are also available by calling 773-495-4615. Also, find her at Logan Square and other farmer’s markets.

Vanilla-glazed mochi donuts.
Betty Bot Shop’s gluten-free products can be ordered online for pickup at local farmers markets.
Betty Bot Shop [Official Photo]

Majani

An oasis for vegans on the South Side, Majani is the brain child of chefs Tsadakeeyah Ben 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. Additional Majani outposts are located in the South Loop and One Eleven Food Hall.

Fried cheese grits with tomato sauce.
Majani puts a vegan spin on classic soul foods.
Majani [Official Photo]

Soul Veg City

For 40 years, Soul Vegetarian has treated South Siders to creative vegan cuisine. Recently, the venerable restaurant rebranded to Soul Veg City with plenty of new options. Soul V doesn’t used grains, but customers should ask specifically about gluten-free options.

The owners of Soul Veg City.
Soul Veg City [Official Photo]

Related Maps