I promised you a lil’ sneak peak at my favorite Manhattan Gluten-Free hot spot restaurants where I love to dine n’ enjoy a safe n’ tasty meal in a fun, relaxed G-Free environment.

Well, here they are… not in any special order.

Whether you’re livin’ in The Big Apple or visiting for work or vacation, these spots are sure to please your taste buds and keep your belly happy with their gluten-free offerings. Plus, they’re sure to get you out of the ‘touristy’ Manhattan areas and into the true culture and vibe that our delicious city has to offer.

And so, I leave you to dig into the menus of my Manhattan Gluten-Free Favorites.

Bon Appetit.

Candle 79

An Upper East Side vegan restaurant offering a delicious, clean menu.

Lilli and Loo

A gluten-free pan-Asian menu offers shrimp tempura and dumplings along with it’s sister restaurant Lilis 57.

Lilis57

An adorable Asian and sushi spot that serves up an amazing Gluten-Free Menu anytime of the day.

Friedman’s

With 2 locations, one downtown on the East side and the other in Chelsea Market on the West side, this cozy space offers tasty gluten-free comfort food such as spaghetti n’ meatballs, waffles, fish and chips and fried chicken.

Bistango

Right across the street from my old apartment down near Gramercy, this corner spot offers yummy gluten-free pasta, raviolis and bread that’s hard to beat.

Keste Pizzeria

This pizzeria offers gluten-free pizza Mondays and Tuesdays.

Luigi‘s

You surely can’t get enough of pizza when in NYC, here’s another hot spot for Gluten Free slices.

Mozzarelli’s

Known for their Gluten Free pizza pies, Mozzarelli’s is a tasty spot for a slice of pizza.

S’mac Macaroni & Cheese

A great spot to enjoy a dish of their famous mac n’ cheese.

ShakeShack

A famous Manhattan landmark, these ‘shacks’ have popped up throughout the city. Be sure to get there with enough time to spare as you’ll be waiting on their famous long line before you get to eat some grub.

Babycakes Bakery

This well-known hot spot has an offering of gluten-free baked goods, which are delicious and perfect for a birthday treat or a dessert nibble anytime of the day.

Risotteria

Down on my favorite street, Bleeker, this corner spot is always bustling and busy with Gluten Free folks loving their risotto and other tasty Gluten Free menu items including desserts.

Nizza

I recently dined at Nizza, which has a great ambiance and is right in the heart of the Theater District for those of you coming into town to see a Broadway show or exploring the Times Square area.

Otto

Mario Batalli never goes wrong and this spot has some delicious Gluten Free pizzas and tasty wines as well as a superb Gluten-Free pasta.

Lula’s Sweet Apothecary

Introduced to me by my best gal pal, Kerri, who adores this cute little spot for vegan ice cream.  They even have vegan soft serve; yum and yum. Need I say more?

And a few honorable mentions… I’m a huge fan of the beautiful markets of Agata & Valentina on the Upper East Side, Citarella which are located throughout town in various neighborhoods, Dean & Deluca, Marche Madison and of course, The Plaza Food Hall… all of these markets are full of fun, fresh gluten-free fare that I love.. .everything from fish to vegetables and chicken to fruits… I simply love walking the aisles of these stores. They make me smile, whether I purchase a $10 meatball or a $5 cup o’ tea… it’s worth the experience.

Do you have a favorite dining spot in NYC that you’ve found has a great Gluten-Free offering? If so, I’d love to hear from you.

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24 comments

  1. also the pie place listed above has gluten intolerance and shares the process of keeping things seperated

  2. I am so envious of your access to fresh GF dining! There isn’t even a Whole Foods in my area (but soon!), and certainly not a GF bakery or cafe. I actually eat more packaged food since being diagnosed celiac (rice cakes & chips, dehydrated vegetables, dried fruits) because I can’t just pick up a muffin or another quick snack…. And I bake and cook for other people, not so much for myself. I believe a couple of places now serve GF pizza, but I am afraid to eat in a non-GF kitchen –with celiac I do not trust the employees to understand cross-contamination (having been a vegan for many years, I have seen the spoon from the meat-filled salad hovering over my “vegan” choice…). Could you explain your approach to eating in non-GF restaurants? I realize you are gluten-intolerant, not celiac — Does tolerance vary, where some people’s reactions may allow them to choose to eat some gluten (like lactose)? Or are NYers just better informed and respectful about food intolerances?! Thanks.

    1. Michele,
      I always call ahead or tell my server before my meal of my food allergies so that the kitchen is aware. If they are not comfortable with the allergies they will let you know and you can choose another restaurant but most restaurants are well-versed and understand food allergies here in NYC if you ask.

  3. Hi Amie,

    My husband and I are going to NYC in 2 weeks. He has celiac disease and I was a little worried about finding places to eat that were gluten free. Thank you so much for providing a list. With yours and a few other sites, I think we are set and plan on having a great time.

    Dorothy from Ottawa, Canada

  4. Do you know if any of these places are informed about handling gluten free for celiac & allergy? I’ve run into many pizza & pasta places that offer the option but cook it in with the wheat versions. I know Lilli & Loo are careful & informed, but the others I’m not familiar with.

    1. Rachel,
      My best advise is to Always call ahead because you never know what chefs are working when you’ll be there and you don’t know who is on kitchen duty at restaurants. So, I always call ahead and explain your allergy. That’s what I always do.
      Have a great week!

  5. Thanks for this comprehensive list! Not being very familiar with NYC, are any of the establishments outlined on your list near Morningside Heights? It seems so difficult to find an establishment that provides gluten-free meals in that area.

    1. Thanks Marsha; great to hear from you! I wish I knew of some near Morningside Heights but I have never been there. If I do find one out there I will let you know. Thanks so much; enjoy your Labor Day!

  6. Great information, thank you.
    I am new to gluten free food/diet and I need all the help that I can get.
    Any news on new places to visit on the upper East side would be greatly appreciated.
    THANK YOU THANK YOU!

    1. Awe; thank you so much Sally! You are so kind.Thanks for your comment. I just visited a new spot Pip’s Place which is gluten-free bakery on the UES.Check it out; they’re so nice there. Let me know what you think!
      Have a great night!

  7. Must put on there Emporio. I think they have the best GF pizza I’ve ever tasted. Rubirosa is a close second-GF Chicken Parm!

    1. Thanks so much Ashley; I will be sure to check this out in the next few weeks.
      Thanks again for the recommendation; have a great night!

  8. Hi,
    I kindlly would like to ask if you could recommend a gluten free peach/apricot preserve which is made with truvia stevia or similar natural sweeteners rather than spenda?
    Thank you..
    Burta

    1. Thank you for your comment but I don’t know of any preserves made with Stevia. I will keep you posted if I find one! Thank you and have a great day!

      1. Just wondering why peaches and apricots, already loaded with fructose, need a sweetener of any kind for preserves.

      2. What recipe are you referring to Ariel? Happy to help! If they are sweet enough and purchased in season then you probably don’t need any sweetener!

    1. Thanks Britt; great to hear from you. I miss you darling and hope all is well. xoxo Hope to see you soon. Come play in Manhattan!

  9. New York City has so many great options! I like Pure Food & Wine near Union Square, or their casual outpost in Chelsea Market, called One Lucky Duck. It’s raw food and allergy friendly.

    1. I love Chelsea Market…it’s my favorite spot to visit over the weekends…such a great foodie hot spot! And Pure Food & Wine and One Lucky Duck are amazing; love their juices and desserts…so delish. Thank you for sharing; have a great day…