When people inquire about my preferred gluten free travel spots in the United States, New York City is consistently among the top of the list, roughly equivalent to Portland, Oregon, as the most accommodating city in the United States for people with Celiac disease.
While that is accurate, the reasons for it are quite different.
- Nowhere: If choosing to stay in the southern part of the center near the canals, this is a good choice! Itβs a coffee shop with a very visually appealing design (featuring bright colors and stylized fonts) that freshly roasts single-origin coffee. They also offer good breakfast options if looking for food prior to exploring the area.
New York City differs in comparison. It does not have a low cost of living by any means. Instead, its strength comes from the immense number of diverse restaurants found throughout the city. It is truly astounding how one can walk along virtually any street and see eateries serving cuisine from around the globe lining the roads.
If you require eating gluten free in New York City, youβre set for a treat. Youβre going to have the opportunity to sample the finest gluten free bagels in the country, authentic Italian pizza and risotto, pastries straight out of Paris, gluten free fried chicken and waffles, and some excellent Mexican cuisine.
This guide, which was updated in May 2022 after our latest trip β a week spent in NYC eating our way through the city β will take you through our perspective on (and experience with) the best gluten free restaurants in New York City.
Weβll provide three different categories of gluten free restaurant: dedicated gluten free restaurants (where everything on the food menu is gluten free), dedicated gluten free bakeries (where all of the baked goods they make are gluten free), and Celiac-safe restaurants where weβre confident that, despite a mixed kitchen, they can serve you a safe gluten free meal.
Sound good? Letβs get to eating!
INFORMATION: Planning travel to NYC? Weβve compiled some other extremely detailed guides you may find beneficial. Check out our guide to organizing an incredible NYC itinerary for our take on EXACTLY how to spend a couple days in New York City, and our guide to where to reside in NYC for a in-depth breakdown of the best areas to stay for your trip to assist you choose the perfect one.
Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I earn a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you. It goes without saying that I would only recommend something I would use or do myself.
Gluten Free New York City: The Best Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in NYC
We will delve straight into this topic here. There are numerous outstanding gluten-free dining establishments in New York City, so this guide will be somewhat extensive as a result.
We do want to mention that weβve been to almost every single gluten free restaurant and bakery on this list.
If we havenβt reviewed a place, weβll mention it. Weβve done the work to inquire about things to watch out for, and have omitted a few locations that we ultimately didnβt believe consistently offer safe meals.
With things constantly changing, we do our best to keep these guides up-to-date. However, itβs nearly impossible to check on every single restaurant at any given moment, which is why we need YOUR assistance!
Do you have feedback β like a place that no longer has a dedicated gluten free fryer, or a new gluten free bakery that opened? Weβd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and weβll make sure to make updates.
Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in New York City
New York City contains A WEALTH OF dedicated gluten free dining establishments, which explains why we consider it atop the list of gluten free travel destinations in the USA. The sheer number of safe places to eat is striking.
The optimal part? A quantity of them are dedicated gluten free! Which is essentially heaven for gluten free foodies.
Modern Bread and Bagel
On our last trip to New York City, Modern Bread and Bagel opened literally a couple of days after we had left the city. It was truly disappointing.
After several years of seeing other individuals with Celiac disease express enthusiasm, we finally visited here on our most recent trip…and returned multiple times.
It is no exaggeration to declare that this represents the finest gluten free bagel Iβve ever sampled. Without a doubt. I paid additional transportation costs to transport bagels homeward on my return just so I could partake further.
And Alysha, who does not have Celiac Disease and sampled Northeastern bagels over a couple weeks, confirmed she likely could not distinguish their bagels as gluten free.
That passage discusses a couple topics regarding this subject.
First are the gluten free bagels, which you can get topped with various tasty toppings like different cream cheeses, tomatoes, pickled onions, smoked salmon, and more.
They offer a couple bagel varieties to choose from (weβre devoted to everything bagels around the clock), and a couple breakfast sandwiches too.
In our opinion, the plain bagel with cream cheese, tomatoes, pickled onions, and smoked salmon was considerably superior to the breakfast sandwich we had at the establishment.
Mainly because the sandwich was lacking heaps of cream cheese, which is essentially the key to happiness in life, weβre pretty sure.
Second are more lunch-like options like bowls and panini sandwiches. If you`ve been before, consider these something new. If you haven`t, we`d really encourage sticking to the bagels, which are absolutely fantastic.
Among the many excellent gluten free bakeries in New York City, Modern Bread and Bagel located just a few blocks north on the Upper West Side offers some unique products that are definitely worth trying. Gluten free bakeries like By the Way Bakery also have locations nearby.
For example, the chocolate-filled braided bread termed babka – filled in this case with chocolate – was novel and tasty. Common in Eastern European Jewish communities, here`s a recipe depicting it.
Or the rugelach, which is akin to a stuffed croissant (ish) and is equally delightful β they had chocolate and coconut raspberry when we were there. They also offer a variety of other baked goods, such as cupcakes, cookies, and banana bread, but we think those unique treats that weβve never seen at any other gluten free bakery are the highlight here.
The point is that you should definitely sample a bagel and cream cheese, along with some of their more unique pastry options (particularly those influenced by the Jewish community).
Want to get their bagels at home? Youβre in luck! Though shipping is mind-bogglingly expensive to the west coast, you CAN get their bagels vacuum packed and dispatched straight to your door. Or bread. Or pastries. Pretty much anything they create, really, aside from perishable items (no cream cheese).
Are their bagels expensive? Yes. It costs around $18 for a fully loaded bagel with cream cheese, tomatoes, pickled onions, and smoked salmon. Or $6 for only a bagel and cream cheese.
Is it worth it? Also yes. I can almost guarantee that theyβll be the best gluten free bagels youβve ever tasted, and that is worth paying a little extra for.
This cooking demonstration in Cartagena was one of two culinary classes we participated in Colombia (you read about the other one we did in MedellΓn), and it was fantastic.
A note on expansion: Modern is currently broadening its reach, within New York City and other US cities (hello, Los Angeles). It`s very exciting to allow more people with Celiac disease the chance to sample their incredible bagels, and I`ll provide an update when those new locations open.
Senza GlutenΒ
Interestingly, this dedicated gluten free Italian establishment in New York Cityβs Greenwich Village diverges somewhat from the typical backstories heard from owners of renowned gluten free eateries, breweries, and bakeries.
Typically the account goes something like this: βEither I or someone important to me, such as a daughter or spouse, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Prior to the diagnosis we enjoyed insert food or drink item but all the gluten free options available were unsatisfactory, so I created my own.β
We managed to stop by Originβs Langford location just before they concluded operations for the evening on a Saturday. It was a gluten-free paradise.
The chef, Jemiko Solo, is from Georgia, the nation, and does not have Celiac Disease or a close family member with the condition.
Instead, he opted to open the first 100% gluten free Italian restaurant in New York City… solely due to his goodwill?
Well, somewhat. This is where the story gets a bit similar to the usual one. He had friends with Celiac Disease who missed things like pasta and pizza, and started creating gluten free versions for them.
He directly observed the stress and anxiety that can come with dining out when a crumb of gluten can make you sick for days, and set out to create a welcoming, safe space for Celiacs to dine out.
Hereβs an interview he did thatβs worth reading, if you have a few extra minutes.
We visited this location previously for a birthday celebration, and enjoyed both the experience and the quality of the food offered. During this outing, we opted to dine in the cafe area, which I will comment on shortly, but if searching for an inviting Italian eatery serving gluten free meals, this should be at the top of your list.
Plus, order the tiramisu, which is divine!
Note of Importance: They solely accept cash and American Express, so come prepared!
Senza Gluten Cafe & Bakery
The owners of the famous completely gluten free Italian restaurant located just one block away, which opened in 2014, broadened their gluten free brand in Greenwich Village with a second location β Senza Gluten Cafe and Bakery.
We wouldnβt exactly consider it to be hidden, as it is quite accessible, but we think it rivals Banff and Jasper in natural beauty.
The standouts for us were, well, all the things we sampled.
The flatbread pizza is excellent, though weβd avoid the vegetarian flatbread, not because it wasnβt delicious, but because the vegetables make it a little soggy.
The βChefβs Favorite Cheese Breadβ β a recommendation from Erin at Gluten Free Globetrotter β was, essentially, chowder in a bread bowl. Except, instead of being filled with chowder, itβs filled with multiple different kinds of cheese. Like a cheese fondue bread bowl.
The proprietors hail from Georgia (the country, not the state), and this is a specialty of theirs that they wished to introduce to others. We can attest that it is, in fact, as delectable (and rich) as rumored.
We were so satiated by this point that my desire for baked goods had taken a serious hit, but we knew that the bomboloni β a filled Italian doughnut that we fell in love with in Italy β was basically a must-eat, so we got one to take home.
Note of Importance: They solely accept cash and American Express, so come prepared!
Nami Nori
Some places are enjoyable to dine at, and this is unquestionably one of those places. We ended up here after a personal recommendation from Erin over at Gluten Free Globetrotter, and Alysha took one look at the menu and said βwe have to go!β
Cabo Rojo sits on the western coast, just a 3-hour drive from San Juan. With mesmerizing beaches and reserves, the activities in Cabo Rojo attract beach lovers and surfers.
Itβs a well liked spot, so if you want to dine here, make sure to make a reservation!
The owners here have experience running upscale sushi restaurants, but the approach to sushi here is somewhat different and less…pretentious. Plus, itβs completely gluten free.
They invested considerable care and craftsmanship into their hand rolls, with the presentation being exquisite, albeit somewhat elaborate. Instructions on how to remove them from the wrappers appear on each table, which we found amusing.
Their rolls are presented in an unconventional fashion, with the top uncovered resembling a taco, permitting a novel way of consuming sushi.
They have a variety of appetizers and small dishes inspired by Japanese cuisine to start the meal β we enjoyed the fries topped with furikakΓ© sauce alongside the tomato tonkatsu β and the highlight is the temaki. Temaki is a style of sushi where a single serving is crafted as a hand roll rather than cutting a larger roll into smaller portions.
Rather than holding it with chopsticks, you lift it up completely and consume it like a taco (recall the golden principle of eating tacos here β you forever bring your mouth to the taco, not the other way around).
We split samplers from both their signature and vegan menus β though you can also customise your choices if youβre feeling adventurous. By far, our favourite was the coconut shrimp with green curry and lime. But the avo toast and the spicy sea bass were close behind.
They have places in both the West Village, where we ended up, and across the East River in Williamsburg. They now offer lunch and dinner at both areas as well!
Little Chocolate Apothecary
A dedicated gluten free area in Brooklyn, let`s address this primarily – this is not a chocolate retailer. It does, though, permit gluten free and vegan crepes to be obtained in a dedicated gluten free facility.
With so many delicious options on the menu, I was unsure which savory dish to select as everything looked appealing.
I inquired with staff members and they conferred amongst themselves through mostly nonverbal communication, exchanging only a few words, before offering a recommendation β the burrito wrap, supplied I was up for a meal (hint: I`m always ready to eat).
This place is plant-based, but Iβd scarcely have acknowledged that. The most fascinating part of that crepe is the coconut bacon, which doesnβt noise like it would employment (and, to be candid, if you go into it expecting genuine bacon, it probably doesnβt deliver) but I found that it included a pleasant sweetness that truly made the dish additional intriguing.
The other crepes that captured our attention were the BBQ pulled jackfruit crepe and the pizza crepe, along with the sweet versions, which offer a build-your-own style.
The other cool thing here is that they offer gluten free afternoon tea, which I only really learned about after visiting, otherwise Alysha would have certainly been interested in it.
Great happy hour as well, with 2-for-1 cider and gluten free beer (from Ghostfish from Seattle!).
Claro
We really enjoy Claro. Weβve been twice, and while itβs not the most affordable option on this list (it has a Michelin Star, if that tells you anything), it has been our favorite culinary experience on both of our last two trips.
Located in Brooklyn, Claro requires a somewhat lengthy commute from Manhattan but deserves two visits based on our experience.
The thing that makes Claro unique is that everything – from the stone ground corn to the cheese and sausage – is made in-house, allowing them complete control over what goes into everything served. It`s all gluten free!
The concept here is NYC meets Oaxaca, with more innovative takes on traditional Oaxacan food like the tlayuda, which is our favorite form of cooked masa. The chef β T.J. Steele β lived in Oaxaca, and built friendships and partnerships with local farmers, which is where he gets vital ingredients like corn to this day.
Their menu also extensively features mezcal. If youβve never tried mezcal or think it is only strongly smoky, I`d suggest asking your server to help you find one with more fruity or floral notes, something I never thought possible until our trips to Mexico City.
Their menu currently features a tasting menu with several courses. As one might expect, the menu changes throughout the year depending on the season, so what we enjoyed may differ from your experience.
The highlights, for us, were the aguachile de fresas (strawberry aguachile) which was equally sweet and spicy. You could have put the juice in a glass, added some tequila (and probably removed the fish, I hope), and served it to me as a beverage and I would have been happy.
The mushroom filled pastry and meat patties were also excellent choices from the second course, as were the churros with dulce de leche cream. Though the chocolate mole cake was truly spectacular based on a previous visit.
They also serve Ghostfish beer β my preferred gluten free brand from hometown Seattle β for testing quality gluten free beer.
Itβs reservation-only, so youβll want to make your reservation as soon as you know your dates for visiting New York. They do dinner throughout the week and brunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Brunch is a bit more affordable option if you want to sample their cuisine but were cautious of the dinner price tag.
If budget is a consideration, another good option is to stop by for drinks and snacks on their back patio during its open hours from Monday through Thursday afternoon and Friday through Sunday late afternoon and early evening.
Those hours may vary, so be sure to check here for their current schedule.
If you have an opportunity and the conditions are cooperative, check out their excellent back patio!
Risotteria Melotti
To be fully transparent, we have not visited the Risotteria Melotti location in New York City, but we HAVE visited their establishment based in the heart of Rome, which we enjoyed sufficiently to also recommend it here.
We spent more than a month in Italy last year, and became very familiar with the different regional cuisines (particularly in Rome, Tuscany, Sicily, and Emilia-Romagna).
The central focus here is on cuisine originating from northern Italy, which more commonly includes rice than other parts of the country, generally in the form of risotto. Their loved ones run an agricultural enterprise that grows rice in Verona β which is undoubtedly one of our favorite cities in all of Italy β so they know their rice well.
The menu offered at their New York City location is as extensive as what can be found in Rome, featuring their staple risottos alongside some appetizers and dessert options.
Itβs all gluten free, and weβd recommend the gorgonzola risotto (and, if they have it, the pistachio risotto). Please, do not under any circumstances order a burger or steak here β go for the risotto!
Little Beet
The Little Beet is a restaurant offering fast-casual dining with numerous places in NYC as well as some in New Jersey and even one in Washington D.C.. It provides something like Chipotle, but without the Mexican emphasis.
There are two ways to order β pick from one of their chef-designed bowls, or build your own bowl by choosing a base (rice, quinoa, greens), a protein (they have plenty of veggie options), and two vegetable sides. Plus, a sauce.
Itβs very healthy and wholesome (or at the very least, it seems like it is!), and I like this place as a quick and easy lunch option. Theyβve got locations near Bryant Park and Battery Park, which are good if youβre in New York City for work and need a swift option near the office / your meeting.
Important note: They also offer a more full-service location called Little Beet Table, which does not entirely exclude gluten (though it used at one time). Only the quick-service versions completely omit gluten.
Inday
Inday is an al fresco establishment with a couple of sites in New York City centered primarily around Midtown and the Times Square area. Which makes sense, because theyβre very much a midday spot that would be perfect if you work nearby.
We stopped by for an early evening meal one night, and took it to nearby Bryant Park to consume it in the warm New York sun β the first hint of spring that year!
Their menu is 100% free of gluten… except when itβs not? They have a location in Lower Manhattan that serves two items (including naan) with gluten, so Iβd fully avoid that location if possible.
For the cost, we genuinely enjoyed this place. We obtained the chicken tikka masala, which was excellent, and the beet salad was also a pleasant astonishment (be cautious β those serrano peppers will get you!).
Important caveat: While most of their locations are completely gluten free, they DO offer items that contain gluten at their place in Lower Manhattan. Stay with the areas in Midtown to prevent any possibility of cross-contact!
TAP NYC
If visitors to New York City have never sampled a tapioca crepe before, we highly recommend stopping at TAP for lunch.
This Brazilian specialty consists of tapioca balls that fuse together when cooked to form a crepe-like base which is then filled with various savory or sweet ingredients such as avocado, cheese or smoked salmon.
And if youβve never experienced the delight that is PΓ£o de Queijo β a Brazilian cheese bread made with tapioca and cheese β you should probably try that too while youβre there.
Most of their tapioca-based crepes are for savory tastes β while they do provide a couple of sweet variants β and they operate multiple spots in the city, such as on the Upper West Side, Midtown center, and Lower East Side.
Dedicated Gluten Free Bakeries in New York City
Weβve already discussed a couple cafe / bakery hybrids above β like Modern Bread and Bagel and Senza Gluten Cafe and Bakery β but here are even more gluten free bakeries in New York City to satisfy your sugar craving in NYC!
Posh Pop Bakeshop
Posh Pop Bakeshop is truly a sanctuary for those with Celiac disease who have a sweet tooth. The selection here is remarkable β cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cookie bars, and beyond. Itβs exceptionally decadent.
This establishment is the place to go for desserts, rather than the place to go for baked goods like bread and bagels. They excel in gluten free dessert creations, and are constantly developing all kinds of fun new recipes. We initially stopped by for a post-dinner treat and were overwhelmed by the variety of options. Typically in that situation, my impulse is to over-order, but the knowledgeable staff recommended we choose a S`mores cookie bar, essentially a graham cracker base, a chewy chocolate chip cookie layer, and marshmallow cream topping.
YUM.
They had pastries too, so we stopped by a second time to sample them. Naturally, for scientific purposes.
Unfortunately, the donuts werenβt the highlight here. In addition to our proclivity for gluten free donuts, we have an equal and opposite annoyance with gluten free donuts that are really just gluten free cake in a donut shape. Which these definitely were.Β
If you want the crunchy outside and fluffy inside style of donut, this isn`t it. However, I will say I really liked the chocolate frosted donut – the frosting was very chocolatey and the texture of the frosting is just about perfect.
By the Way Bakery
Additional Reading:All of Our Favorite Activities in Leavenworth, WA
What does the name mean? Something like this:
βThis [baked good here] is SO GOOD!β βGlad you like it! By the way, itβs gluten free!β
The founder and owner, Helene Godin, was a lawyer for 22 years before deciding to pursue a passion project and take on the challenge of creating amazing gluten free baked goods.
With minimal prior experience baking, she left her job and immersed herself in attempts to craft the finest gluten free bakery items around β and Iβd say sheβs well on her way to achieving that goal!
The entire facility is gluten free, and it is recommended by the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University.
By the Way offers a combination of smaller treats, like the βAmy Cakeβ pictured below (basically a mini bundt cake with frosting and sprinkles), along with a variety of muffins, scones, cookies, and pastries, as well as larger cakes for special events. Ideal for relaxing at home on a Tuesday evening.
They operate from four locations, with two in New York City situated on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side. This gluten free bakery located in NYC is a must visit for people with Celiac disease exploring gluten free options in New York City.
Noglu
Iβve visited the Noglu in Paris, but I actually was previously unaware they possessed a location in New York City. I vividly recall Noglu being one of the initial places abroad that reinforced the idea that gluten free food can be remarkable.
While planning my inaugural trip to NYC, I came across Noglu, and when I mapped out lodging, it happened to be just a few blocks from where I was staying on the Upper East Side. SOLD!
Itβs a dedicated gluten free bakery in NYCβs Upper East Side that makes everything from little apple tarts, to breads of all shapes and sizes, a range of cookies, muffins, cupcakes, scones, and… CROISSANTS.
Since discovering the joys of NoGlu in Paris 6 years ago ( 2022 Update: we spent an entire week in Paris last year β see our gluten free adventures chronicled here), I do not believe I have actually sampled a croissant. It is not that I dislike croissants, but more that I have never witnessed them being prepared in a gluten free manner.
Go for the croissants and pastries, stay for the cupcakes, tarts, baguettes, sandwiches, crepes, and toast, along with the other gluten free selections they offer. Well worth a trip out of the way β you can visit Noglu and By the Way in one (DELICIOUS) trip β theyβre located a short distance from each other.
Head to this gluten free bakery for breakfast or lunch, then visit the nearby Met, take a stroll through Central Park, or simply wander aimlessly.
Erin Mckennaβs Bakery
This establishment is not our favorite choice. We visited their bakery in Los Angeles, and it did not make a particularly good impression.
They are among the original gluten free bakeries in New York City, but they utilize oats in a high percentage of their baked goods (sourced from Bobβs Red Mill, which arenβt purity protocol), which presents some complexity.
Additionally, when I stopped by on my way through the Lower East Side, their ingredient listings didn`t correspond to the actual ingredients. I had asked about whether the savory scones contained oats, and the ingredients said no, but the baker who just made them said βyes.β
“We really need to update these lists” the person helping me remarked to their coworker.
Yes, yes you do.Β
In any case, the donuts no longer contain oats as of 2022, and I enjoy donuts. Therefore, I opted for a chocolate frosted donut. Initially, the texture was superb. I donβt believe they truly deep fry their donuts (which means theyβre more like cupcakes than real fried donuts, similar to Kaneβs in Boston), but this was about as good as it gets for baked donuts.
However, the flavoring was somewhat off. It tasted like they accidentally utilized the lemon batter in this batch, and frosted it with chocolate. It was really peculiar, and Iβm unsure if it was intentional.
Regretfully, I think you can find better options in New York City.
Other Celiac-Friendly Restaurants in New York City
Here are some other eateries in New York City that, while not entirely gluten-free, have systems and processes established to guarantee a risk-free meal for customers.
The regular warning about dining out gluten free applies here β itβs your responsibility to share your needs with the server and establishment, and your experience may differ than mine.
Letβs be honest, things are constantly changing in kitchens, and service largely depends on chance factors like which server or line cook you end up with that day, outside your control.
As always, dining out involves an inherent risk. You need to clearly communicate your needs to staff everywhere, but itβs especially important here. Be sure to:
- Be certain to notify the server that you have Celiac Disease and require gluten-free foods. Some indicate a “gluten allergy,” which seems to work as well, but places that do not comprehend “Celiac” likely do not have processes to minimize cross-contact either.
- Kindly ask them to assist you in determining what is safe for your diet.
- Confirm with the server upon the arrival of your food that your meal is verified to be gluten free.
KestΓ© Pizza & Vino
If youβre looking for authentic Neapolitan-style gluten free pizza in New York City, this is the place to go. Roberto Caporuscio moved from Italy to the Northeast in the early 2000βs, and opened KestΓ© in New York City in 2009 as a homage to Naples.
Now, I actually avoided this place for a long time because Iβm typically skeptical of pizza restaurants that offer both gluten free and gluten full pizza. There is simply no way to prevent cross-contact in a kitchen where flour is airborne.
Unless, of course, you have a completely separate kitchen and pizza oven area.
Fast forward to me picking up the phone and contacting the restaurant. Imagine my pleasure when I started posing the (very friendly and helpful) host all kinds of annoying queries like βdo you have a dedicated gluten free pizza oven?β and βare they prepared in the same space?β and the response was βwe have an entirely separate kitchen area to ready the gluten free pizzasβ.
Music to my ears!Β
Any pizza or handful of antipasti can be made gluten free. There is a $4 additional charge for gluten free pizza, which seems worthwhile given the care taken (remember: extra space and staff costs money!).
We really enjoyed their pizza, and the crust was airy like some of the pizzas we ate in Rome!
While not quite as effervescent as the gluten-filled versions seen by other diners, the pizza crust was still more enjoyable than 92% of other gluten free options. It certainly did not resemble a cracker with toppings merely placed on top.
Where does the pizza at KestΓ© rank in our book?
Somewhere between the finest gluten free pizzas we ate in Italy, and the two pizzas that are tied for best in our perspective β New Cascadia Traditional in Portland, and Little Nonna in Paris. In other words, theyβre near the pinnacle, and theyβre definitely worth a visit if youβre craving pizza.
Important notice: As soon as I saw this pizza, which is not a cracker-like crust, but is fluffy and airy, I knew they must use gluten free wheat starch. And I was correct. First of all, if you have a wheat allergy, you should not eat here. If youβre a Celiac, it gets a little murkier. Theoretically, itβs safe, but there are issues with testing. You can read about gluten free wheat starch here and here, and make a decision for yourself.
Cosme
Iβve now visited Cosme on two separate occasions, and both experiences from start to finish were fantastic.
Cosme is an Enrique Olvera restaurant in the Flatiron District of New York City that serves inventive fare employing a blend of local ingredients and traditional techniques from Mexico.
As of 2021, it was ranked as the #22 top restaurant globally. Therefore, dining there involves a sizeable cost, but it creates an ideal setting for a special occasion in New York City.
The most remarkable food experience we`ve ever had was at Pujol, the restaurant of Chef Enrique Olvera in Mexico City that consistently ranks among the top 20 restaurants globally (in 2021, it was number 9).
Exploring the winding paths and historically significant San Juan landmarks like El Morro, Paseo de la Princesa, and La Fortaleza offers an insightful yet affordable activity in this archipelago without forfeiting cultural or historical understanding.
One of the parts I enjoyed about the experience is it forced me, and I`m certain numerous others, to rethink how I conceived of Mexican cuisine, which to me is the sign of a remarkable artist.
The statement you likely had in your thoughts just now was what does any of this have to do with Cosme.
Cosme is Chef Olveraβs NYC outpost, serving up the same lovely inventive Mexican food that I remember from Pujol in Mexico City. This time, the entire menu is 100% gluten free (though some of the desserts are not), which makes it a great place for those of us with Celiac Disease to celebrate a special occasion in New York.
During my initial visit without Alysha, the menu highlights for me personally were the Cobia al pastor (fish with a delicious pineapple spread on the side to make tacos), and the Duck Carnitas served with tortillas and an assortment of salsas (ideal for sharing). The duck carnitas are a signature dish, serving as a specialty.
The second time, I had made a reservation as soon as we knew we were heading to NYC, because I knew my friend Alysha would love this place as much as I did. The second meal was equally tasty, and the tlayuda (a giant corn pizza, sort of) and the corn husk meringue were the highlights.
Specifically the corn husk meringue, which is a fusion of textures and flavors unlike anything weβve previously experienced β the sweet corn custard-ish topping is amazing.
While the entire menu was gluten free last time we were there, it does change and rotate with the seasons, so make sure you double check with the servers. Our server was more than happy to help, and knew exactly what I was asking as soon as I said βCeliac Disease.β
Bistango
Bistango was the second eating place on our list of three places that must be tried for gluten free meals in New York City.
While it`s not dedicated specifically to gluten free options, the establishment has a robust system for accommodating people with Celiac Disease β when I inquired if the gluten free bread to start would be toasted, the waiter promptly informed me that they actually have a separate appliance specifically for heating gluten free bread. I was quite surprised.
The entire menu can be made gluten free.
We sampled the flatbread, arancini (the first time I`ve had gluten free arancini in… ever?) and gluten free butternut squash ravioli. All of it was exceptional, and I nearly returned a second time later in the week, but wanted to ensure to experiment with something novel.
Situated at the Kimberly Hotel, it presents a perfect locale for an intimate supper with a special companion, or an informal gathering with friends.
Friedmanβs
Where to initiate with Friedmanβs? They check all the requirements when it comes to restaurants with combined kitchens serving Celiac-safe meals. It actually reminds me quite a bit of the way they do it in Italy at restaurants that are accredited by their Celiac Association.
When you sit down, the server will ask if you have any allergies / need to eat gluten free, which is your invitation to advocate for yourself and ask questions.
Then, when your meal arrives, it will have a small toothpick marking it as gluten free (if it doesnβt, be certain to double check and confirm with your server!).
In addition to those precautions, the quality of the food is high. The menu reflects standard American fare – essentially sandwiches, burgers, and brunch items like pancakes and French toast, with the signature combination of chicken served with waffles being the star attraction.
The most enjoyable part of the menu at this restaurant is that many items are naturally free of gluten like the pancakes, fried chicken, and waffles. They do not contain gluten ingredients. Bread can be made without gluten for a $2 additional fee.
They have nine distinct locations in New York City, with the original place at Chelsea Market being the most popular. There are numerous options in and around Midtown, and itβs a superb spot for a casual lunch or evening meal.
Get the chicken and waffles or the pastrami sandwich!
Caracas Arepa Bar
If youβve been following along on our travels over the past few years, thereβs one thing you definitely may have picked up on. We absolutely adore arepas.
Specifically, the kind from Venezuela, which are sliced horizontally and stuffed fully of delicious additions (unlike Colombian-style, where the toppings are placed on the exterior).
So when we discovered Caracas Arepa Bar over in Williamsburg, we were all interested!
Regrettably, one highlight we often look forward to at arepa eateries is fried sweet plantains. SINCE THERE IS NO DEDICATED FRYER, unfortunately those plantains (or other deep-fried foods) cannot be had here.
Still, what I do value about this place is the menu items are clearly labeled, and those labeled gluten free are also free of accidental cross-contamination (or as free as possible in a shared kitchen).
For instance, the arepas containing fried sweet plantains don`t state being gluten free, indicating they understand what that terminology entails.
Theyβre in Williamsburg, where they have a nice little area with a lovely back patio. We were on a tour-of-Williamsburg-gluten-free-cuisine, so we got it to-go and made a little picnic of it.
We genuinely enjoyed both arepas that we shared together β the Los Muchachos, which contains chorizo and cheese with spicy peppers, and the hot queen, which has pulled chicken with green sauce and avocado.
They also offer fun cocktails with a focus on rum.
Even MORE Safe Gluten Free Restaurants in NYC
Here are ADDITIONAL places to eat gluten free in NYC, but we didnβt make it to these.
Bogota Latin Bistro is a restaurant in Park Slope that specializes in Latin American cuisine with a focus on Colombian flavors and techniques. They offer arepas and have great drinks. Their menu clearly labels gluten-free options. They have two dedicated gluten-free fryers meaning fried sweet plantains are safe for people with Celiac disease. While some non-gluten free items like flour tortillas and empanadas are served, you need to double check with your server that everything is gluten-free and ask them to minimize potential cross-contact in the kitchen
Palenque: More arepas are offered! Only this time, theyβre Colombian-style, which means the toppings go atop, rather than inside the corn cake. They have arepas with various toppings, and larger plates, like the bandeja paisa, a traditional platter of meats and sides from MedellΓn (an excellent portion of any Colombia itinerary).
Coast and Valley: A small wine bar located in Greenpoint that focuses on wines from the western coast of North America, specifically. Their menu consists of light snacks and small plates that are all gluten-free, seeming intended to compliment the selection of wines rather than serve as a full dinner. If you`re not interested in wine, you may want to consider dining elsewhere
Bar Verde: Everything at this East Village Mexican eatery forgoes gluten and soy, vegetarian with some vegan options. We`re eager to sample the tlayuda (essentially a massive Mexican pizza) and cauliflower tacos al pastor.
Additional Northeast USA Travel Guides
If you find this guide helpful, you wonβt want to miss our other northeast travel guides!
New York City
- A Perfect Long Weekend in New York City: A 3-Day Itinerary
- Where to Lodge in New York City: The Best Neighborhoods and Accommodations
- Gluten Free Dining Options in New York City: Top Restaurants and Bakeries
Boston
- Spending a Weekend in Boston: A Model 2 Day Itinerary for the City
- Locations to Lodge in Boston: A Complete Guide to the Best Areas
- Gluten Free Options in Boston: A Thorough Guide for Celiacs
Philadelphia