20+ Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Chicago, IL (2022)


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If you think eating gluten-free in Chicago is difficult, think again! With the growing number of restaurants now offering gluten-free options, your biggest issue is going to be figuring out which of them are the best gluten-free restaurants! But fear not, our list will take you only to the best gluten-free restaurants in Chicago, all the while letting you experience the cuisines the Windy City is known for. This means gluten-free deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, popcorn and delicious donuts. Chicago will definitely be a gluten-free treat!

Note: 100% gluten-free establishments are marked with a star (★).

Recommendation: If you like to travel make sure to check out our new gluten-free guidebook. It lists over 1000 dedicated gluten-free restaurants, bakeries, and stores around the world, including popular destinations like Italy, France, and even exotic places like Bali. Trust us, your life as a traveling celiac will never be the same. For more information about the ebook click here.

Table of Contents

Gluten-Free Map of Chicago

Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Chicago

Brightwok Kitchen ★

Searching for a gluten-free restaurant in the Loop where you can have a quick yet tasty meal? Go to Brightwok Kitchen. Brightwork is a great casual Asian restaurant serving high quality ingredients in their stir-fry bowls at an affordable price. Each bowl is carefully carved with a colorful array of veggies and locally sourced meat that’s generously topped with one of their delicious homemade sauces. My favorite is definitely the crunchy crave bowl that comes with broccoli, kale, brown rice, steak and my favorite sauce, Thai creamy cashew. Everything is 100% gluten, dairy and peanut-free. Brightwok also has another location in River North.

21 E Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603, USA | Visit Website

The Little Beet Table ★ (CLOSED)

If you’ve eaten your way through New York City, then chances are you’ve been to one of the many locations there, so you don’t need an introduction to this healthy yet delicious restaurant, The Little Beet Table. If not, no worries. Little Beet is a wholesome, veggie forward restaurant that’s not afraid to add some good quality meat to your meal. Everything is always fresh and tasty. My recommendation is to start with the chicken mole tostadas and go for one of the plates for the main like the jerk chicken. You can always go for the salad, burger or tacos if you want something different. Either way, they will not disappoint. With a handful of natural drinks, cocktails and a scrumptious 100% gluten-free menu, The Little Beet Table is one of the best gluten-free restaurants in Chicago to have brunch or dinner.

845 N State St Ste 101, Chicago, IL 60610, USA | Visit Website

Cassava ★

Awarded the “Award for Excellence in Gluten-Free Cuisine” by the Celiac Disease Center of the University of Chicago, this small cafe focuses on one ingredient, cassava! From that one ingredient they’ve created delish flaky empanadas and cheesy cheese bread to give you a small taste (pun intended) of Latin American cuisine. Though the menu is small, it packs quite a punch when it comes to flavor. From nutella, apple and cinnamon to steak and cheddar-filled empanadas, you will love every bite. Just make sure to buy more than one.

3929 N Central Park Ave Chicago, IL 60618 | Visit Website

Betty Bot Shop ★

South Shore is home to one of Chicago’s most underrated gluten-free bakeries, Betty Bot Shop.You don’t hear much about this bakery, but when you try any of their baked goodies or waffles, you won’t stop raving about them. Everything Betty makes is not only gluten, corn and nightshade-free, but also vegan, including the pizzas! Besides their baked goods, Betty Bot Shop also serves lunch specials and monthly dinner specials.

7100 S South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649, USA | Visit Website

Wells Street Popcorn ★

Wells Street Popcorn takes boring old popcorn and turns it into tasty goodness that deserves to be eaten all the time, not just when watching a movie. They pop popular flavors like caramel, cheese and kettle corn, but everyone’s favorite, mine included, is the Chicago mix with caramel and cheddar cheese! It’s a Chicago delight that shouldn’t be missed. Did I mention everything is gluten and nut free?!

2804 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA | Visit Website

Hi Vibe Organic Superfood Juicery ★

Okay, this isn’t a restaurant, but it’s definitely more than just an organic juice shop! Yes, they sell fantastic juices but they also serve nutrient-rich, great-for-your-body snacks and meals like epic acai bowls and the ever-so-popular bulletproof coffee. Another great item on the menu that won’t steer you wrong is the activated bone broth cup. It’s delicious, it’s healthy and it’s exactly what the doctor ordered! An added bonus is that everything on the menu is gluten, soy and processed sugar-free. Not to mention that the menu is labeled with Whole30, AIP compliant, keto, vegan and paleo labels!

160 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA | Visit Website

Flip Crepes

A celiac almost never walks into a crepe shop and finds that every single crepe is gluten-free, including the ingredients in the crepes…that would just be wishful thinking! So imagine my surprise when I found out Flip Crepes turned those wishful dreams into reality. From the savory crepes like smoked salmon and steak bistro to the savory Nutella-filled crepes, I was in heaven. Everything on the menu is gluten-free with the exception of the waffles (they are working on making those gluten-free too). Besides satisfying gluten-free crepes, they also sell breakfast bagel sandwiches and bean and egg bowls, all of which are also gluten-free!

131 N Clinton St #12, Chicago, IL 60661, United States | Visit Website

Ema

If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll love Ema. Ema’s extensive gluten-free menu is filled with spreads, dips and Mediterranean small plates that are perfect for sharing. Indulge in classic Mediterranean favorites like lamb and beef kefta (kebab), grilled seafood, lamb shakshuka, falafel and of course, hummus. Actually, there is an assorted array of spreads that comes with gluten-free crackers. If you’re like me and can’t make up your mind on what spread to choose, go for the sampler so you can taste at least three. My go-to choices are spicy hummus, labneh and the mushroom. Like all Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, Ema treats celiacs right, as the staff are trained and extremely helpful and cautious about avoiding cross-contamination.

74 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA | Visit Website

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba

In Lincoln Park you’ll discover an excellent Spanish tapas and pintxos restaurant with fantastic gluten-free options. Designed to be shared, the separate gluten-free menu has an array of cold and hot tapas, paellas and desserts. If you ask nicely they may be able to make some stuff off the regular menu gluten-free, but it’s not possible for all of their dishes. My to-die-for tapas choices are seared scallops with candied pumpkin seeds, braised short ribs and the chorizo sausage. As for the paella, whichever you choose will be the right choice, they’re all delicious. Did I mention the regular sangria is gluten-free? As for the staff of this Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, they are extremely helpful, trained and knowledgeable when it comes to serving customers with celiac disease.

2024 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA | Visit Website

The Berghoff Restaurant

This German restaurant which is popular among locals and tourists alike is the perfect gluten-free friendly restaurant in the Loop for dinner. Though both the lunch and dinner menus have clearly marked gluten-free dishes, the dinner menu has way more options! I highly recommend getting the classic German dish, sauerbraten with sweet and sour gravy and whipped mash potatoes. Oh, and make sure to save room for dessert because the salted caramel cheesecake is divine.

At The Berghoff you can rest assured that the staff are well-trained, well-versed on cross-contamination and take allergies seriously, as the owner’s daughter has celiac disease. This is also one of the few gluten-free restaurants that is certified by Beyond Celiac.

17 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603, USA | Visit Website

RPM Italian

If you are looking for an upscale Italian restaurant where you can enjoy safe food, look no further than RPM Italian. Here, the staff is well-versed on gluten and cross-contamination and takes celiac disease and other allergies seriously. As for the food. it’s phenomenal but pricey. The dedicated gluten-free menu has an abundance of options ranging from antipasto, salads and pastas to slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood and steak & chops. With an attentive staff and plenty of safe gluten-free options to choose from, RMP Italian is a great choice for a gluten-free dinner in the Loop.

If you like dining here, I highly recommend their sister restaurant, RPM Steak (which is also in Chicago). They focus on serving perfectly cooked, juicy steaks and chops. It’s definitely a treat!

52 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA | Visit Website

Sunda

Sunda is an upscale Asian fusion restaurant in River North offering an array of Southeast Asian cuisine with a modern twist. If you love sushi, you’re in luck as the dedicated gluten-free menu features colorful and fresh sushis with gluten-free soy sauce. They also serve classic Asian dishes like pad thai and panang chicken curry, as well as specialty cocktails. They even serve bento boxes for lunch, just like in Japan. With a knowledgeable staff, delicious sushi and beautifully presented dishes, Sunda is a wonderful restaurant for a gluten-free meal in Chicago.

110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA | Visit Website

Beatrix

From breakfast to dinner, you can expect plenty of tasty gluten-free dishes, iconic coffee, knowledgeable staff as well as procedures put in place to avoid cross-contamination. Like all Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, there is a large dedicated gluten-free menu with mouthwatering dishes. Our favorites for dinner have to be the Szechuan chicken and the chili & chocolate glazed salmon, they’re divine. But to be honest, it’s hard to be disappointed after a meal at Beatrix, as everything on the menu always hits the spot! With multiple locations in Chicago, including one in the Loop, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to this unforgettable gluten-free brunch spot in Chicago.

Various locations | Visit Website

Lyfe Kitchen

Lyfe focuses on creating modern comfort food that is fresh, scrumptious and healthy, but also craveable. As many items on the menu are gluten-free, including all the salads and flatbreads, there is no need for a seperate gluten-free menu. I recommend starting with the handmade chips and guacamole and following that with the fingerlicking good BBQ chicken flatbread or the fish taco with mahi mahi and chipotle aioli sauce. Whatever your choice, don’t forget to have one of their fresh juices or tonics.

Various locations | Visit Website

Mity Nice Grill

Craving a tasty burger on a crumb-free gluten-free bun or a to-die-for gluten-free popover? Then head to Mity Nice Grill and Bar and pull up a seat! If you’re not in the mood for a burger or a salad, I recommend getting the broiled lake superior whitefish or the cedar-planked salmon with caramelized maple dijon glaze, you won’t be disappointed. As you can expect with any Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant, they have a seperate gluten-free menu, knowledgeable staff and procedures put into place to avoid cross-contamination.

835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA | Visit Website

Big Bowl

If you are yearning for high-quality gluten-free Chinese or Thai food while exploring Chicago, don’t miss Big Bowl. This international chain has a gluten-free menu and many of Big Bowl’s popular dishes include lettuce wraps, pad thai, summer rolls and my favorites, kung pao and cashew chicken. Did I mention they have a stir-fry bar where you can create your own stir-fry with one of their delicious gluten-free sauces?! The options are endless and simply delicious. The food is cooked in a dedicated space and the staff are very knowledgeable about celiac disease.

Various locations | Visit Website

Quartino Ristorante

Quartino’s is not only known for its distinctive Italian small plates menu, but also for their ability to accommodate gluten-free diners. Though the huge gluten-free menu doesn’t offer pizza, it does feature some of Italy’s regional specialties like artisanal salumi, house-made pasta and seasonal dishes. Since they are known for their salumi, I recommend going for the cheese and salumi plates that are accompanied by gluten-free crackers.

626 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA | Visit Website

True Food Kitchen

With a menu that caters to an anti-inflammatory diet, there was no way True Food Kitchen wasn’t going to make our list of the best gluten-free restaurants in Chicago. It screams, “Celiacs, this is for you”! The seasonal menu celebrates real food ingredients and the idea that food should make you feel better, not worse. Be it the starters, bowls, entrees or desserts, there are always plenty of gluten-free options to choose from. Just make sure to let the waiter know you are gluten-free, as sometimes they can modify dishes to be gluten-free. If the dashi ramen or the Moroccan chicken are on the menu when you’re there, get them, they are excellent choices!

1 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA | Visit Website

Summer House Santa Monica

Summer House is another great restaurant for a delicious and safe gluten-free brunch in Chicago. The open-air, sunny and Cali-vibe restaurant boasts a long gluten-free menu with California-inspired dishes using seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Breakfast includes classics like buttermilk pancakes, omelets and hash browns while for lunch and dinner you can have delicious salads and juicy wood-grilled meats. And like any Cali restaurant, there are tacos and burgers to devour! As for how safe it is for celiacs, every gluten-free order comes with a special pink slip that requires two managers to sign off that it’s safe and then it’s served with an allergy toothpick! Lettuce Entertain You restaurants always treat celiacs right! Just make sure you mention you are a celiac.

1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA | Visit Website

Wildfire

When it comes to gluten-free, Wildfire does it right! First they bring gluten-free bread to the table, then they place their extensive gluten-free menu in front of you, where you’ll be spoiled for choice like I was. From gluten-free appetizers and salads with gluten-free croutons to steaks, seafood and even BBQ ribs, the possibilities are truly endless. If you happen to seek a peek at the regular menu and see something you want, they’ll try to make a gluten-free version if they can. Wildfire also makes their own gluten-free pizza dough, gluten-free bread and gluten-free buns. The staff is trained and extremely knowledgeable about celiac disease and cross-contamination.

159 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA | Visit Website

Da Luciano

Out in the suburbs of Chicago not too far from O’Hare Airport, you’ll find one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago for celiacs. Saying the owners and staff are knowledgeable about gluten and cross-contamination would be an understatement. This gluten-free Italian restaurant in Chicago is owned by a celiac family where four out of the seven kids have celiac disease. They have a separate kitchen where they prep and make gluten-free food. As for the food, it’s exceptional and the choices are vast. I am talking about gluten-free cannolis, chicken parm, pizza, fried calamari, bread and even gluten-free cream puffs! Da Luciano is without a doubt one of the best gluten-free restaurants in Chicago for celiacs in my opinion! Please, don’t miss this gem during your trip!

8343 Grand Ave, River Grove, IL 60171, USA | Visit Website

Best Gluten-Free Pizzas in Chicago

Being gluten-free in a pizza-loving city can be hard, especially if all you want to do is join in on the fun and grab your own slice. Don’t worry, the city of deep-dish pizza is also home to some of the best gluten-free pizzas in Chicago.

Chicago Pizza

Chicago Pizza, what should I say? Oh I know, GLUTEN-FREE DEEP-DISH PIZZA! Need I say more?! Actually, I should. Gluten-free calzones, gluten-free stuffed pizza, gluten-free thin crust pizza. Those alone should convince you to run and not walk to Chicago Pizza, especially since finding gluten-free deep dish pizza in Chicago is pretty rare. As for safety, the dough is prepared on dedicated equipment and cooked in a dedicated oven. The waiters are very aware and knowledgeable! Besides pizza, Chicago Pizza’s gluten-free menu has other Italian dishes like pasta, panini, focaccia and dessert! It goes without saying that Chicago Pizza is definitely a must-visit on your gluten-free Chicago trip. After all, Chicago is known for their deep dish pizzas!

Various locations | Visit Website

Spacca Napoli

If you are in search of the best gluten-free pizza in Chicago, you’ll find it at no other place than Spacca Napoli. The gluten-free pizzas aren’t small, they don’t taste like cardboard nor are they soggy, they’re just amazing! The crust is perfect, just the way the pizza gods intended it to be. You can also choose whatever pizza you want from the menu and they’ll make it gluten-free. Just be sure to tell them you’re celiac and to make it on a tray, as everything is cooked in the same oven.

1769 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, USA | Visit Website

Lou Malnati’s

Lou Malnati’s is famous among Chicagoans for serving up one of the best deep-dish pizzas in Chicago, and like any good chain wanting to make more money, they offer gluten-free deep-dish pizza. Unlike other pizzerias though, Lou Malnati’s makes a crustless gluten-free deep-dish pizza that’s made solely of Italian sausages. If you want to stick to traditional pizza, they have a gluten-free thin crust option too.

Various locations | Visit Website

Best Gluten-Free Bakeries in Chicago

Wheat’s End Cafe ★

Lakeview’s most popular gluten-free bakery and cafe is also 100% gluten and wheat-free, but what I appreciate the most is how strict they are about not allowing outside food in the cafe. Celiacs, do you feel the love? No, don’t feel it yet? How about a menu packed with classic breakfast favorites like chocolate chip pancakes, avocado toast, eggs Benedict on an English muffin and bagels with lox – all the things you probably never thought you would enjoy again.

The true star is actually their weekend menu. Banana chocolate chip Belgian waffles, cheddar chive biscuits, popovers, donuts, brownie ice cream sandwhiches and fingerlicking good short ribs! Don’t even get me started on their lamb goat cheese waffle burger, it’s out of this world. What’s not to love about this cafe?! For me, Wheat’s End is hands down one of the best gluten-free restaurants in Chicago for breakfast or brunch. Trust me, you won’t regret a visit here.

2873 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, USA | Visit Website

Defloured ★

One of Chicago’s best gluten-free bakeries has to be Defloured, because no matter what you choose to devour it’s always unbelievably good. You just can’t go wrong! Though they make killer classic baked goodies like cupcakes and cookies, they are not limited to it. From challah bread and cheddar and chive scones to lemon bars, red velvet whoopies and cream puffs, you won’t want to miss out on a chance to indulge in some of Chicago’s best gluten-free baked goods. P.S. Don’t pass up the chance to eat their chocolatey yet moist brownies or their chocolate chip cookies, they’re exceptional.

1477 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, USA | Visit Website

XO Marshmallow Cafe ★

If you are after a unique dessert experience while in Chicago, a visit to Chicago’s first marshmallow cafe is a must. Have you ever been to a place where you can eat marshmallow-filled waffle tacos and devour melty and gooey smores that are 100% gluten-free? I didn’t think so! With a menu that boasts only smores on gluten-free graham crackers, hot cocoa and an array of unique marshmallow flavors like cookies and cream, Kahlua and cookie dough, you’re bound to feel like you’re in marshmallow wonderland.

6977 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626, USA | Visit Website

Do-Rite

Donuts are becoming increasingly popular these days in Chicago and shops are popping up everywhere. Luckily one of those shops, Do-Rite, also makes the best gluten-free donuts in Chicago. They always stock three gluten-free flavors, usually cinnamon and sugar, birthday cake and my all-time favorite, Valrhona chocolate glaze! The only sucky part is that they always sell out very quickly. Make sure to order online and reserve them. That way you can guarantee you’ll get a bite out of those delicious gluten-free donuts before they’re gone. As for cross-contamination, they are made in the same kitchen as regular donuts, but they are fried (yup, fried not baked) in a dedicated fryer and stored separately. This donut shop makes for a perfect gluten-free snack while exploring the Loop.

Various locations | Visit Website

Swirlz Cupcake

Chicago’s original cupcake shop has been serving moist and delicious cupcakes and cakes since their opening in 2006. They are probably the best gluten-free cupcakes in Chicago. They truly exceed expectations. As for my favorites, well it’s hard to choose, but don’t miss out on cookie dough, red velvet and the surprise flavor cupcake; you’ll be in for a treat. They also sell gluten-free vegan cupcakes that are free of egg, dairy and wheat as well as nut-free options. Besides their killer cupcakes, they also have melt-in-your-mouth brownies, chocolate chip cookies and lemon bars. All gluten-free goodies are made using dedicated equipment to avoid cross-contamination.

705 W Belden Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA | Visit Website

Best Gluten-Free Food Options at the Ballpark

1. Gluten-Free Finds at Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)

  • Decade Diner – Decade Diner serves gluten-free hot dogs, burgers and chips. Their fries aren’t gluten-free. Gluten-free beer and cider is also available.
  • Marquee Concession Stand – They are now serving gluten-free hot dogs on gluten-free buns.
  • CheSa’s Food Truck ★ – CheSa is Chicago’s first dedicated gluten-free food truck. Unfortunately it doesn’t have a home, but it can often be spotted at Wrigley Field. To find out where they will be and when, check out their Facebook page.

2. Gluten-Free Finds at Guarantee Rate Field (Chicago White Sox)

Guarantee Rate Field is fairly gluten-free friendly, as you can find all the ballpark goodies like hot dogs, nachos and even pizza. Beggar’s Pizza Pub sells gluten-free pizza, while the Creamery has gluten-free desserts. For specifics on where to get hotdogs or burgers, check out the White Sox’s website.

Recommendation: If you like to travel make sure to check out our new gluten-free guidebook. It lists over 1000 dedicated gluten-free restaurants, bakeries, and stores around the world, including popular destinations like Italy, France, and even exotic places like Bali. Trust us, your life as a traveling celiac will never be the same. For more information about the ebook click here.

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