From national restaurant chains to local cafés, you can enjoy burgers, pizza, Mexican food, seafood, salads, and desserts while following a gluten-free diet. However, it’s still important to ask about ingredients and cross-contact practices before ordering.
This guide covers some of the best gluten-free restaurants, what foods to order, dining tips, and frequently asked questions.
Quick Answer
Many restaurants now offer gluten-free options, including:
- Chick-fil-A
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Five Guys
- Red Robin
- Outback Steakhouse
- Bonefish Grill
- PF Chang’s
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill
- Olive Garden (limited options)
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Jersey Mike’s Subs
- MOD Pizza
- Mellow Mushroom
- Shake Shack
- Culver’s
- Texas Roadhouse (limited options)
Menu offerings vary by location, and cross-contact risks may differ between restaurants.
What Is a Gluten-Free Diet?
A gluten-free diet excludes foods containing gluten, a protein found in:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Triticale
People who follow a gluten-free diet often choose naturally gluten-free foods such as:
- Fresh fruits
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Fish
- Eggs
- Rice
- Corn
- Potatoes
- Beans
- Dairy products
Best Gluten-Free Restaurant Chains
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle is one of the easiest places to eat gluten-free.
Popular gluten-free choices include:
- Burrito bowls
- Salad bowls
- Rice
- Beans
- Chicken
- Steak
- Carnitas
- Fajita vegetables
- Guacamole
Avoid flour tortillas if you need to remain gluten-free.
Chick-fil-A
Many Chick-fil-A menu items are naturally gluten-free.
Options may include:
- Grilled chicken
- Waffle potato fries
- Fruit cup
- Side salad
- Gluten-free bun (at participating locations)
Always verify availability before ordering.
Five Guys
Five Guys offers several gluten-friendly options.
You can order:
- Bunless burgers
- Fresh-cut fries
- Hot dogs without the bun
- Milkshakes
Cross-contact is still possible in a shared kitchen.
Red Robin
Red Robin is popular among gluten-free diners because many locations offer:
- Gluten-free buns
- Gluten-free fries (at participating locations)
- Burgers
- Salads
Staff can often assist with allergen-friendly orders.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse provides a dedicated gluten-sensitive menu at many locations.
Popular choices include:
- Steaks
- Grilled chicken
- Seafood
- Baked potatoes
- Fresh vegetables
PF Chang’s
PF Chang’s offers one of the largest gluten-free menus among national restaurant chains.
Available items may include:
- Fried rice
- Mongolian beef
- Chicken dishes
- Lettuce wraps
- Rice noodles
Many gluten-free dishes are prepared separately when requested.
California Pizza Kitchen
Many locations offer gluten-free pizza crust.
Customers can also enjoy:
- Salads
- Soups (where applicable)
- Rice bowls
MOD Pizza
MOD Pizza allows customers to customize gluten-friendly pizzas using gluten-free crust.
Cross-contact precautions vary by location.
Gluten-Free Fast Food Restaurants
Several fast-food chains offer gluten-free options, including:
- Chipotle
- Five Guys
- Chick-fil-A
- Shake Shack
- Culver’s
- In-N-Out Burger (protein style)
- QDOBA Mexican Eats
Always ask staff about preparation methods.
Gluten-Free Pizza Restaurants
Popular pizza chains with gluten-free options include:
- MOD Pizza
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Mellow Mushroom
- Blaze Pizza
- Papa Murphy’s (take-and-bake gluten-free crust)
- Donatos Pizza (select locations)
Availability varies by restaurant.
Gluten-Free Breakfast Restaurants
Many breakfast restaurants offer gluten-free meals.
Common choices include:
- Eggs
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Fresh fruit
- Hash browns
- Gluten-free toast (participating locations)
Always ask whether pancakes or waffles are prepared separately if gluten-free versions are offered.
How to Eat Safely at Gluten-Free Restaurants
Before ordering:
- Inform your server about your gluten-free dietary needs.
- Ask whether gluten-free items are prepared separately.
- Confirm ingredients for sauces and dressings.
- Ask about shared fryers.
- Mention if you have celiac disease or a medically necessary gluten-free diet.
These steps can help reduce the risk of cross-contact.
Foods That Are Usually Gluten-Free
Many naturally gluten-free foods include:
- Fresh meat
- Chicken
- Fish
- Eggs
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Corn
- Fresh vegetables
- Fruit
- Beans
- Yogurt
- Cheese
Preparation methods and added ingredients can affect whether a dish remains gluten-free.
Foods to Avoid
Common gluten-containing foods include:
- Bread
- Pasta
- Flour tortillas
- Pizza crust
- Regular soy sauce
- Breaded chicken
- Beer
- Cakes
- Cookies
- Muffins
- Many gravies and sauces made with wheat flour
Tips for Dining Out Gluten-Free
To make eating out easier:
- Review the restaurant’s allergen menu before visiting.
- Call ahead if you have celiac disease.
- Visit during less busy hours when staff can better accommodate requests.
- Keep gluten-free snacks with you while traveling.
- Verify ingredients if menu items change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which restaurant has the best gluten-free menu?
Many diners consider PF Chang’s, Outback Steakhouse, Chipotle, and Red Robin among the best national chains for gluten-free options.
Are gluten-free fries always safe?
Not always. Fries may be cooked in shared fryers with breaded foods, increasing the risk of cross-contact.
Can people with celiac disease eat at restaurants?
Yes, but they should choose restaurants that understand gluten-free preparation and communicate their dietary needs clearly.
Is rice gluten-free?
Yes. Plain rice is naturally gluten-free.
Are potatoes gluten-free?
Yes. Plain potatoes are naturally gluten-free, but toppings and preparation methods should be checked.
Final Thoughts
Dining out while following a gluten-free diet is more convenient than ever. Many national restaurant chains now provide gluten-free menu options, allergen guides, and customizable meals to help guests make informed choices.
If you have celiac disease or a medically necessary gluten-free diet, always confirm how your meal is prepared and ask about cross-contact precautions. With a little planning, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious meals while staying gluten-free.
