When I first cut gluten out of my life almost four years ago, I mourned the loss of all the items on restaurant menus that were now forbidden. Pizza, sandwiches, pasta, cakes, pies, most Chinese food, and on and on. I slowly accepted that there were just a lot of restaurants that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy anymore. My husband and I have always loved Mexican food, so we were both happy that we could continue to enjoy the fabulous Mexican restaurants around Chicago. Mexican food is corn rather than wheat based, and we’ve eaten more than our share of corn chips, tortillas, enchiladas, tostadas, and rice and beans these last few years.
Rose’s Bakery
But as a couple who loves to try new restaurants in this wonderful city of ours we wanted to go beyond Mexican. And as I started to look around for other gluten free options, I’ve realized that I’ve become gluten free at a really good time. I’d like to share a list of some of some quality Chicago establishments that make gluten free eating a delight:
- Rose’s Bakery in Evanston: this is the only completely gluten free bakery and restaurant in the Chicago area. A gluten free diner’s heaven.
- Lou Malnati’s: my husband and I used to order their deep dish pizza at least once a month. I’ve missed pizza more than almost anything else. I’ve tried many gluten free pizzas that are sorely disappointing. I’m happy to announce that less than a year ago, Lou Malnati’s started offering a gluten free pizza that is truly delicious. They’re still the best!
- Da Luciano in River Grove: this is a tiny little Italian restaurant owned by a man who has four children with Celiac disease. In addition to his regular menu he offers a full gluten free menu with food prepared in a separate kitchen. Totally worth the trip to the burbs.
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![Little Goat Diner]()
Little Goat Diner
Little Goat Diner: this is Chicago chef Stephanie Izard’s newest restaurant, across the street from her Girl and the Goat. When my husband and I went for breakfast last week I assumed that I would just have to order some eggs and potatoes. I was pleased to find that they have a huge gluten free menu, including items like sourdough pancakes and muffins!
- Sit Down Café: this lovely little spot is in walking distance from our Hyde Park home and also offers a separate gluten free menu with items such as sushi, pizza, and sandwiches.
- Francesa’s on Taylor: I took my aunt here recently and enjoyed a delicious pasta dinner selected from their gluten free menu. They can make most of their pasta dishes gluten free.
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![Senza]()
Senza
Senza: I haven’t been here yet, but sure hope to soon. It’s the first entirely gluten free fine dining restaurant in Chicago. Have you tried it? Let us know what you think!
And if you’re tired of eating out and want to have an Italian meal in, take our Gluten Free Pasta Workshop on May 20 and learn how to make your own pasta!