A Local’s Guide to Gluten-Free Dining in NYC

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New York City is a food lover’s dream, no matter your dietary needs. Many of the city's best restaurants now offer dedicated gluten-free menus, often inspired by the high-quality gluten-free bakeries that have popped up across the city. Whether you’re looking for a great meal or a sweet treat, NYC has something to satisfy every craving. Plus, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best gluten-free pizza spots. Just a heads-up: while most places in the guide are fully gluten-free, a few are not, so be sure to let your server know about any concerns.

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Ok … On to the list

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Where Gluten-Free Foodies in NYC Should Eat

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Senza Gluten

Located in Greenwich Village, Senza Gluten is a fully gluten-free Italian restaurant that has earned a devoted following since its opening in 2014. With a charming, romantic atmosphere perfect for date nights or solo dining, it offers an extensive menu of Italian favorites made entirely gluten-free. Guests can enjoy dishes like bruschetta and indulgent pasta with mushroom, speck, and truffle oil, all without worry of cross-contamination. This cozy spot is a standout in a city known for its Italian food even without the gluten.

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Thyme and Tonic / Modern Bread & Bagel

Thyme & Tonic is a gluten-free and mostly vegan restaurant in NYC, offering a diverse and flavorful menu that caters to both gluten-free diners and their non-gluten-free companions. The restaurant features inventive dishes like kung pao cauliflower rice bowls and the popular Old School Burger, a beet and black bean patty with non-dairy cheese. Adjacent to Thyme & Tonic is Modern Bread & Bagel, a fully gluten-free bakery known for its delicious New York-style bagels, alongside an assortment of other baked goods, brunch items, and treats like French toast sticks and latke tots. This combination of restaurant and bakery makes it a must-visit for gluten-free food lovers.

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Risotteria Melotti

Risotteria Melotti in the East Village is a fully gluten-free restaurant specializing in risotto and other rice-based dishes, made with rice from the Melotti family's Verona farm. With a menu that includes gluten-free bread, pasta, and indulgent desserts like tiramisu and profiteroles, the restaurant offers an authentic taste of Italy. The Melotti family’s dedication to their craft has made their risottos a local favorite, with Amarone wines from northern Italy adding a unique touch to each meal.

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Friedman's

Friedman’s, with multiple locations in NYC, is a top spot for gluten-free breakfast and comfort food. Known for its extensive gluten-free menu and careful cross-contamination procedures, the restaurant serves a variety of dishes including mac and cheese, B.L.A.T sandwiches, and gluten-free pancakes. Breakfast options like fried chicken and waffles make it a standout for morning meals, while their menu also includes delicious comfort food for lunch and dinner. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, diners can enjoy a wide range of options, all prepared with attention to dietary needs.

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Nami Nori / Postcard

Nami Nori, known for its taco-shaped handrolls, offers a unique sushi experience in the West Village. With a fully gluten-free menu, it serves a variety of handrolls in sections like Signature, Primo, and Vegan, all priced between $5 and $8. The restaurant’s straightforward approach ensures satisfying and simple meals without reinventing the wheel. Next door, Postcard serves gluten-free Japanese Sandos and baked goods such as miso shortbread and raspberry mochi doughnuts, offering a delicious range of sweet and savory treats like chicken katsu and egg sandwiches. Everything at both locations is gluten-free, making it a perfect spot for those with dietary restrictions.

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TAP NYC

TAP NYC specializes in gluten-free tapioca crepes, utilizing tapioca starch, a Brazilian superfood, as the base for their menu. Offering both sweet and savory options, the café serves up creative fillings like housemade pulled pork with pineapple chutney or Nutella with banana, catering to meat eaters and plant-based diners alike. In addition to crepes, they offer acai bowls, salads, and coffee drinks in a cozy Upper West Side setting. Known for its gluten-free, fat-free crepes, TAP NYC is perfect for a late breakfast or a casual meal between attractions.

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Top Gluten-Free Pizza Spots

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Keste Pizzeria / Don Antonio

‍Keste Pizzeria and Don Antonio, owned by the same guy, are renowned for their Neapolitan-style gluten-free pizzas, regarded as some of the best in the city. With separate prep areas and dedicated fryers for gluten-free options, these Michelin Guide-featured pizzerias prioritize coeliac safety. Their menus also include arancini and other tasty Italian dishes, ensuring a satisfying meal for all diners. Though they don’t take reservations, wait times are usually short, and takeaway is always an option.

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Rubirosa Ristorante

Rubirosa Ristorante, located in Little Italy, is famous for its thin-crust pizzas topped with vodka sauce, including a gluten-free version. Owned by members of the family behind Staten Island's Joe & Pat’s, the restaurant offers a full gluten-free menu, featuring items like cacio e pepe and mozzarella sticks. Its classic Italian comfort food and red-sauce vibe keep the line out the door with loyal fans, so it’s worth making reservations in advance.

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