We split every spot into two categories: 100% Dedicated Gluten-Free (no wheat ever enters the building — the safest option for celiac disease) and Extensive GF Menu (a shared kitchen with a real gluten-free menu and protocols, but cross-contact is possible). We always note what to watch for.
These places never touch wheat, barley, or rye — the lowest-risk category for celiac disease.
Started by a chef who has celiac disease herself, CheSa's serves a fully gluten-free menu of Creole and soul food — a rare find for GF Cajun cooking in the city.
Must-try: Creole-style entrées, Southern comfort classics, reimagined gluten-free.
A dedicated gluten-free bakery with a rotating weekly menu — sandwiches on house-made bread, custom cakes, and grab-and-go treats. Vegan and dairy-free options available too.
Must-try: Lemon bars, Red velvet cupcakes, Sandwiches on house-made bread, Seasonal pies.
A full-service, vegetable-forward restaurant that's 100% gluten-free — no separate "GF menu" needed because the whole menu is safe.
Must-try: Cauliflower hummus, Roasted shrimp & quinoa salad, Cobia crudo with sour orange.
A fully dedicated gluten-free bakery-cafe with an open kitchen so you can see for yourself. Counter service / carryout only, no dine-in.
Must-try: Blueberry Belgian waffles, Chicken gyro, Cheddar-chive biscuits, Orange-cranberry scones, Signature popover.
Not dedicated gluten-free facilities, but with real gluten-free menus, trained staff, and protocols worth knowing about. Always remind your server you have celiac disease, not just a preference.
A huge, clearly marked gluten-free tapas menu and a staff that's well-versed in celiac requests.
Must-try: All paella (naturally GF), Garlic potato salad, Chicken/chorizo kabob, Braised short rib, Moroccan chickpeas, Spanish potato tortilla, Flan, Chocolate cake.
Watch out: The sangria isn't safe (cross-contact in the shared shaker), and fried items share a fryer with breaded food. Tell your server "celiac disease," not just "gluten-free," and skip the fryer items.
A genuinely strong allergy protocol: your plate is prepared with dedicated tools, flagged by the server, and verified by a manager or chef before it leaves the kitchen.
Must-try: Gluten-free pizza, Gluten-free bread/buns, Seasonal soups, Seasonal GF desserts.
We're slowly working our way through the suburbs — here's what we've got so far, with more added as we visit.
A dedicated gluten-free menu across appetizers, salads, entrées, steaks, and desserts — and they bake their own gluten-free buns in-house.
Must-try: Seasonal Berries Crisp with GF oatmeal cookie crumble, Flourless Chocolate Cake with hot fudge.
We're always adding new suburbs — Naperville, Evanston, Oak Park, and beyond. Send us a tip on the contact page and we'll go check it out.
The Find Me Gluten Free app crowdsources celiac-specific reviews (not just "gluten-free friendly" reviews) and is a great second opinion before you go anywhere new.