Nearly all of our best foods, the ones universally beloved and savored over, have one microscopic thing in common: a complex combination of proteins colloquially known as gluten. Gluten is the thing that makes sourdough rise, develops the buttery layers of the best croissants, deepens the flavor of beer, and gives structure to everything from pasta to pizza dough to cookies and candy. But for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, this pesky little protein can wreak serious havoc.
Luckily, New York City is one of the best places in the world for eating gluten-free, Lower Manhattan especially. Here, we have fast-casual spots and fine-dining establishments alike that avoid wheat products without compromising taste. We’ve rounded up and sorted a dozen or so of them by their gluten-free-ness — from restaurants safe for those with celiac to eateries that just have some GF gems on the menu.
Celiac-Safe
The following establishments are either 100% gluten free, or have separate kitchens where they prepare food for people with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease.
Friedman’s
This family-owned New York City chain serves up American comfort food — think fluffy pancakes, gooey mac and cheese and sandwiches piled high with pastrami — from a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. Friedman’s co-founder Vanessa Phillips has celiac disease, so making delicious, allergy-safe food has been a priority since the spot first opened in Chelsea Market in 2009. (245 Murray St.)
Wei West
Sharing a space with Friedman’s in Battery Park City, Wei West’s entire Chinese and sushi menu can be prepared gluten-free in a separate kitchen. Ramen noodles, pan-fried dumplings and other classic take-out delights can be hard to come by sans gluten, so this spot fills a crucial gap in the celiac-safe market. (235 Murray St.)
Kesté Pizza e Vino
For 14 years, Kesté has been making authentic Neapolitan pizza and other Italian staples for the GF crowd. Order the gluten-free version of anything off of its extensive menu, and Kesté’s chefs will prepare it in a separate kitchen, which also has its own pizza oven. (77 Fulton St.)
Healthy Green Juice Bar
A tiny hidden gem on John Street, Healthy Green Juice Bar makes some of the freshest smoothies, acai bowls and juices in the neighborhood. Its menu is naturally gluten-free, with one minor exception: the bowls come topped with a GF granola that is made in a facility that processes wheat. Those who avoid cross contamination completely can ask the friendly, accommodating staff to hold the granola, or swap it for a different topping. (30 John St.)
Springbone Kitchen + Springy Burgers and Fries
A welcome addition to the bowl-forward, fast casual offerings downtown, Springbone Kitchen is committed to serving “simple, yet nourishing food” out of their 100% gluten-free kitchen. After 3 p.m. at its Pearl Street location, you can also order grass fed burgers and tallow fries from the Springy menu. (74 Pearl St.)
Twentyonegrains
When you go gluten-free (by necessity or choice), sometimes the smallest things are the ones you miss the most. Like a good wrap, for instance. At Twentyonegrains, choose from 11 hearty wraps, plus salads and grain bowls, all made without wheat. (100 Pearl St.)
Gluten-Free Friendly
The menus at these spots are largely gluten free, and are known to be accommodating to people with allergies
Café Jalu, Maison Passerelle, Salon Vert and the Red Room Bar at Printemps
Gregory Gourdet, a James Beard-award winning chef and Top Chef finalist, has done a great service to any GF folks looking for a fine dining experience in Lower Manhattan. Gourdet’s menus for the main restaurants in Printemps blend classic French cuisine with Haitian influences, and happen to be almost entirely gluten- (and dairy!) free.
At Café Jalu* on the first floor, you’ll find seasonally-flavored financiers made with almond flour, as well as GF banana bread. Upstairs at Salon Vert, skip the focaccia and order literally anything else on the menu — it’s all gluten-free. Red Room Bar offers a variety of GF bar snacks (plantain chips, crispy black eyed peas, spiced pecans) in addition to its main menu.
Finally, at Maison Passerelle, the department store’s culinary crown jewel, you can enjoy warm plantain bread, cane syrup glazed duck or Haitian coffee rub steak frites without fear of gluten exposure.
*Note: Café Jalu, the coffee shop on the first floor, serves products containing gluten that are made in a shared kitchen. (1 Wall St.)
Underground Pizza
Ben Davi has been serving pizza in Lower Manhattan since 1982, so he’s had some time to create the perfect slice. Not wanting to exclude anyone from enjoying a classic New York pizza, he’s started offering gluten-free pies. Davi makes GF dough in-house, but also has cauliflower crust handy. The shop doesn’t have a dedicated oven, but if you order gluten-free you can request an oven cleaning, and Davi and his team will happily comply. (3 Hanover Sq.)
Hole in the Wall
The Hole in the Wall location on Cliff Street is a charming spot for breakfast and lunch, with ample natural light and plenty of outdoor seating. Its Aussie-inspired fare runs the gamut from avocado toasts to meatball “sandos,” almost all of which can be prepared gluten-free. (15 Cliff St.)
Gluten-Optional
This category includes restaurants and cafes that do not bill themselves as being gluten-free, but that have some great GF options. These spots have a higher risk for cross-contamination, but are perfect for non-celiac folks who want a treat.
Cafe Patoro
At this sunny Brazilian cafe in the Seaport, you’ll find pão de queijo, or “cheese bread,” a naturally gluten-free delicacy traditionally made with cassava flour. You can order the bite-sized ones by the dozen, or opt for pão de queijo as your bread choice on several of Cafe Patoro’s sandwiches. For dessert, its rich, indulgent Brazilian truffles are a great GF option. (223 Front St.)
Luchadores
A small but mighty Mexican counter spot on South Street, Luchadores slings tacos on fresh corn tortillas made in-house. Though the staff also use flour tortillas in the kitchen, they will gladly change gloves, clean surfaces and even offer fresh toppings (untouched by utensils that may have been cross-contaminated) when requested. (87 South St.)
Suited
Lauded as one of Lower Manhattan’s best coffee shops, Suited’s stand-out menu item is actually hidden beneath its espresso offerings. Its delicious breakfast burrito packs scrambled eggs, house-made chorizo, avocado, potato, cheese and salsa inside of a gluten-free tortilla. (45 John St.)
Imm Thai
Thai food can be great for gluten-free eating, and Imm Thai on Nassau Street is no exception. Curries, rice dishes and rice noodle options, including classics like Pad Thai, can be made GF — just ask! (80 Nassau St.)
