WOW. We did a lot of eating in 2023. 80+ restaurants = 800+ photos food on my camera roll from said restaurants. That means that my best gluten free restaurants Chicago list is now up to nearly 300 spots!! You can see that list here. We are SO fortunate to have such an incredible food city and community of hospitality workers and food lovers – and one that is accommodating for the GF / Celiac folks as well.
What restaurants are on the shortlist of the *very best* restaurants in Chicago that can accommodate for gluten-free diets / Celiac? Here are my top picks of 2023 for gluten free dining in Chicago.
As always, do what you need to do to feel comfortable dining out. Call ahead (preferably at a non-peak hour), kindly communicate your needs to your server and ask the questions you need to ask to feel safe (and always be sure to verify fryer status, preparation protocols, etc. – as things change)!
One last note – these picks below are not fully gluten-free restaurants. For the list of 100% DEDICATED gluten free restaurants Chicago, you can find that here.
The Gluten-Free Pearls 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ Hits
- Lula Cafe (Logan Square) – Great farm-to-table spot, veggie-forward and they prioritize local/organic produce. You absolutely can’t go wrong here and they do a great job accommodating for GF. So delicious. Book a res or be prepared to wait.
- Rose Mary (Fulton Market) – This was the hardest reservation of 2022 but thankfully it’s calmed down a bit and I want to go back. Great Italian-Croatian food and very gluten-free friendly. You won’t go wrong here. Everything was amazing and the vibes are strong.
- Swift & Sons (Fulton Market) – Modern steakhouse; great food; great with allergies. We like the vibe. Be prepared to spend your money. The fryer is GF!
- ROOH (West Loop) – Upscale Indian spot…it’s really good and colorful vibes inside. Very GF friendly (menu is labeled) and vegetarian friendly as well.
- KAI ZAN (West Town) – Sushi and omakase restaurant that does not disappoint. They were SO good about modifying the omakase for gluten-free and so detail oriented. 10/10 recommend for a special occasion.
- Webster’s Wine Bar (Logan Square) – Ok so this is probably my #1 most visited spot. The owner has a gluten sensitivity, so the fries are GF and fried in their own fryer, and they have a great burger with lettuce bun. Most of their dishes can be modified for GF. And of course the most amazing selection of wines. Webster’s is a GEM.
- Daisies – OKAYYY this is my #2 most visited spot, after Webster’s. The best GF pasta and bread, the best vibe, the best overall. + a Michelin Bib Gourmand. GF/Celiac friendly. Everything is incredible. Don’t sleep on their sandwiches during lunch but be sure that you relay a gluten allergy.
- Mi Tocaya Antojeria (Logan Square) – Wow. This place is phenomenal. Unassuming neighborhood Mexican restaurant but the food, drinks and wine are amazing – upscale food but a v casual environment on the corner of California and Logan. One caveat for my Celiac girlies: please order in here (but get a res or be prepared to wait) as the only time I’ve done takeout (during peak COVID where I couldn’t talk to anyone on the phone), I got glutened. BUT when you order in, they are so accommodating. CHIPS ARE GF!!!! (But of course, always verify the status of the fryer for your own safety!)
- Andros Taverna (Logan Square) – This place is great. The vibe has calmed down from its original opening and no longer feels like a River North scene. PHEW. It’s Greek, Mediterranean, deliciousness of all kinds whether you go for brunch or lunch. Super good about GF and allergens – there are quite a few entrees you can’t have, but you will not go hungry. The food holds up even without a GF pita or a dedicated fryer. Promise.
- Chef’s Special (Logan Square/Bucktown border) – OMG this is the place I have been searching for in the gluten-free Chinese food category. Seriously wow to everything going on here. So accommodating to GF and Celiac, so delicious. Fun cocktails, great for a date night. New favorite spot for sure.
I also want to pour one out for two amazing restaurants no longer with us – Split-Rail Chicago (home of the very best gluten-free fried chicken) and Funkenhausen.
And as always a shoutout to the Lettuce Entertain You group for being the most accommodating restaurant group … this year we ate at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, Ema, Aba, Beatrix, and newcomer The Oakville and they NEVER disappoint!
Am I missing any of your faves? LMK on instagram at @glutenfreepearls.
Until next time,
Kate
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