Finding places to eat that are gluten free can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, there are plenty of options. Fortunately, if you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy, you can enjoy it too. I’ve compiled a list of some top spots where you can savor gluten-free meals without worry. You’ll find everything from traditional Creole to modern dishes that keep gluten at bay. The acclaimed chef has brought some more pizza to the gluten-free scene. This should have been an easy task since this movement started blossoming, but then again, better late than never. I’ve had my fair share of good eats here, and I’m delighted to share my picks for must-try gluten-free eats in New Orleans.
What Does Gluten Free Really Mean?
Before we get into specific recommendations about restaurants, understanding what “gluten-free” actually means is really important.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale
If you have celiac disease, even gluten-free foods can make you sick. Many restaurants these days say they’ve got gluten-free menus or options, but it’s still easy for dishes to get contaminated. The best places separate all their supplies for gluten-free cooking, using different prep areas and fryers. Whenever you eat out, it’s very important to tell the server what you can eat before they prepare your food. Knowing this is very important when eating out in New Orleans. It’s something I wish places paid more attention to because it’s a real worry every time I go out to eat.
Best Gluten Free Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Starting your day with a bang isn’t as simple as folks imagine. I believe checking out these breakfast and brunch places could be worth your while if you’re looking for GF-friendly options.
Bearcat Cafe
Bearcat Cafe in the CBD and Uptown became my favorite place for gluten-free options. The menu clearly lists gluten-free items and staff members, Emily in particular, make simple GF dishes like hearty omelets and fluffy pancakes. The cozy atmosphere is great, and I appreciate that the servers remember my order.
- Mushroom Soft Scramble
- Shrimp & Grits (GF version available)
- Gluten Free Pancakes in Plain, Blueberry and Chai flavors
The Daily Beet
And it is worth visiting. This cafe is all about fresh, organic ingredients that are good for you. They offer gluten-free choices too.
- Breakfast Tacos on corn tortillas
- Superfood Acai Bowls
- Fresh Salads and Grain Bowls
Bearcat Cafe and the Daily Beet are both solid spots if you’re looking for gluten-free breakfast. Or, visit them for a hearty meal that will keep you going while you explore what the city has to offer.
Lunch and Dinner: Gluten Free NOLA Classics and Beyond
Later on, if you’re around, New Orleans is packed with restaurants showing off a gluten-free twist on its classic dishes, as well as some modern, internationally inspired meals. It’s truly impressive how many options there are. It’s become easier to eat out without worrying about gluten.
Meals From the Heart Cafe
Meals From the Sea offers gluten-free Creole food. It offers New Orleans favorites such as Seafood Gumbo, Crab Cakes and more. These are available both in regular and gluten free versions. Other dishes are also worth trying. It’s amazing that you can eat such high-quality food so close to your home without even noticing it if you don’t look closely.
- Shrimp & Grits
- Gluten Free Po’Boys
- Crab Cake Benedict on GF English Muffins
- Vegan and GF Beignets
The cafe is very open to different dietary needs while they still serve large New Orleans flavors.
Casamento’s
The company, Casamentos has been in business for more than a century, and they cater well to those who are gluten-free. All their fried fish is made with corn flour, and not wheat flour as most restaurants do. There’s even a special fryer for gluten-free food. There are plenty of Gulf shrimp and oysters on the menu. Trust me, you should try them.
- Gluten Free “Oyster Loaf” (like an oyster po’boy)
- Shrimp and Catfish Platters
- Seafood Gumbo
- Grilled Crab Claws
Casamentos might not have the fanciest décor, but I think it’s the tasty gluten-free options that make it stand out in New Orleans.
Carmo
If you’re looking for some great gluten-free cuisine, you should give Carmo a try in the Warehouse District. The restaurant draws its inspiration from various places like the Caribbean, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and West Africa. It brings together a unique menu with a lot of gluten-free options to choose from. The idea behind some of the dishes comes from a blend of cultures that results in an exciting dining experience. It’s not your typical New
- Traditional and Vegan Gumbo
- Signature Carmo Salad with Avocado and Pineapple
- “Rico” Bowls with Grilled Plantain, Beans and More
- Raw Tuna “Shima Sashimi” and Peruvian-Style Ceviche
Carmo focuses on fresh and healthy ingredients. A lot of the menu is naturally gluten-free, which is good for those who need to eat that.
Gluten Free Pizza and Italian Fare
Every now and then, you just have to have some pizza, even if you’re supposed to avoid gluten. Luckily for those who can’t have gluten, there are pizzerias in New York City where you can enjoy it without having to worry about it.
Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza
Theo’s is a trustworthy place for gluten-free pizza in NOLA, with several spots to choose from. You can either create your own pizza on a GF crust or order one. They have salads too and some gluten-free pasta choices. Theo’s is reliable for gluten-free pizza, especially if you need options. You can’t beat the convenience of being able to pick any of these dishes from their menu.
The Original Italian Pie
This local spot dishes out some unique pizzas and Italian food. They’ve even got a gluten-free crust if you need it. You probably want to avoid the pasta and appetizers, though.
Casual GF Eats Around NOLA
New Orleans offers, besides the sit-down places I mentioned earlier, options for those in a rush:
- City Greens – They have a great selection of salads, warm bowls, and smoothies; just remember to ask them to skip the croutons.
- Seed – Vegan cafe with many innately GF dishes
- Tal’s Hummus – Mediterranean “pick-your-protein” plates with GF sides
- Green Goddess Cafe – Coffee shop with GF baked goods
Even some New Orleans food places are gluten-free. Cafe du Monde – The coffee and hot chocolate are gluten-free, but skip the beignets.
Lucky Dog – You can get gluten-free buns with the hot dogs upon asking.
Hansen’s Sno Bliz – An iconic place with snowballs that don’t have gluten (or dairy).
Tips for Gluten Free Dining in New Orleans
To go over it again, here’s what you should do if you have celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten. First, always ask a server or chef about gluten-free options.
- Research restaurants in advance and look for GF marks on menus
- Don’t be shy – inform your server about your dietary needs
- Ask questions about ingredients and cross-contamination risks
- Seek out spots with dedicated GF prep areas and fryers
- When in doubt, opt for simply prepared proteins and veggies
- Look for “hidden” GF gems at classic NOLA eateries
Gumbo, you see, usually gets thickened with wheat flour; don’t ever assume otherwise.
Branch out and try global cuisines that are naturally low in gluten
Pack some gluten-free snacks just in case—you never know when you’ll need them. Trust me, you don’t want to be caught without something to help with that. Don’t shy away from discovering and having fun, though. New Orleans is absolutely a place where you can enjoy yourself without gluten.
Summary of Top Gluten Free Restaurants in New Orleans
I’ve put together a list of the top gluten-free places to eat in New Orleans. There are a few places really worth checking out.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Must-Try GF Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| Bearcat Cafe | Breakfast & Brunch | Mushroom Soft Scramble, GF Pancakes |
| The Daily Beet | Healthy/Organic | Breakfast Tacos, Acai Bowls |
| Meals From The Heart Cafe | Creole/Cajun | Crab Cakes, Gumbo, Beignets |
| Casamento’s | Classic Seafood | Fried Seafood, Oyster Loaf |
| Carmo | Tropical/Global | Rico Bowls, Salads, Ceviche |
| Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza | Pizza & Italian | GF Pizza Crust |
Whether I woke up craving spicy curry or all the famous dishes New Orleans is known for, it’s nice to know I can enjoy gluten-free meals here in the Big Easy. There are restaurants where GF ingredients meet gluten-free guidelines, and that makes finding a meal I can actually eat a whole lot easier. It’s always a pleasure to find spots that are not just aware of GF needs but also cater to those cravings for global flavors.
A Note on Cross-Contamination
I always try to be careful when dining out, especially at places claiming to offer gluten-free foods. You never know how gluten-free meals are made. Celiacs need to be cautious of cross-contamination risks. It really is annoying, but for those who are very sensitive, it might be best to stick with 100% gluten-free spots. Maybe even just whip up a meal at home instead.
The Future of Gluten Free in NOLA
Over time, the gluten-free trend has really taken off around New Orleans. With the rising awareness of celiac disease and growing gluten intolerance, more local restaurants have added safe, clearly marked GF options to their menus. In a city where po’boys, fried seafood, and roux-based gumbos are everywhere, New Orleans has risen to the challenge, reimagining signature dishes without gluten. You’ll even spot gluten-free takes on classics like Bananas Foster and pecan pie at several places. One can’t overlook that bakeries now specialize in GF breads, pastries, and king cakes (essential during Mardi Gras and Easter). For local diners, these new offerings are becoming a part of everyday life.
As the idea of eating gluten-free keeps getting more popular, more folks with celiac are going to New Orleans. It makes sense that more places to eat will start featuring gluten-free dishes. This city is known for being welcoming and having amazing food; having options for gluten-free people is just a smart move.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, New Orleans is a city that offers an incredible culinary experience, even for those navigating the challenges of gluten-free dining. With a little preparation, research, and communication, you can indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Big Easy while staying true to your dietary needs. From dedicated gluten-free bakeries to thoughtfully reimagined local classics, the options continue to grow, making this city a welcoming destination for gluten-free food lovers. So go ahead, explore, and savor the magic of New Orleans—gluten-free style!