Restaurant Guide MN
I thought this would be helpful for those struggling to find reputable gluten free restaurants, because it's proven to be pretty tough! I also hope it can make it a little easier for anyone planning an outing with guests that are gluten free. Many restaurants say they are gluten-free friendly, until you later find that they do not have a dedicated gluten free fryer, or they cook on the same surface as they cook other foods, rice in the same pot as they cook noodles in... etc. I have included a short personal review of local spots I have been to and linked them here as well so that you can access that directly from this page.
*at all of these places I have told my server that I am Celiac and that it is important that it's gluten-free, so make sure you do this too, as they'll put an allergy note with your order/meal all the way until it reaches you!
Punch Bowl Social
I love Punch Bowl Social! They have a dedicated fryer and lots of labeled gluten-free options available. I have eaten here without any reaction.
Favorites: Rosemary Fries, Cocoa Dusted Carnitas Tacos, Chips & Guac
Check out their menu.
Benedict’s
A spectacular brunch spot located in Wayzata right next to Lake Minnetonka! So many spots nearby, and you could go on a walk next the lake after brunch for a fun weekend morning.
I spoke with a staff member here who actually has Celiac, she gave me the complete lowdown. Unfortunately they do not have a dedicated GF fryer. However, they have a ton of GF options. The granola (Yogurt & Granola) they use is made with certified GF oats, the pancakes are made with Cup4Cup GF flour on a separate surface. While the breakfast potatoes, tots, or fries aren’t safe, you can sub the hash browns as they are not made in the fryer! A fav brunch spot for sure. Check them out!
Favorites: Steak & Eggs, Chicken Pesto Hash, Elvis Pancakes, Blueberry Pancakes, Pomegranate Marg
Main Street Farmer Eatery
The cool part about this place (only location is in St. Micheal) is that they label the menu with what is NOT gluten free. What?!!? I was so excited when I first read through their menu and saw that. I tried street tacos and a burger, both delicious and I had no Celiac issues. Come see for yourself!
Pizza Luce
Yeah, there is a pizza place that does GF and does it well. BOO-YAH! They have 9 locations in MN. They also have GF beer and cider on tap, but I have not tried. Linked here is their menu.
Favorites: Artichoke Dip, The Classic Pizza, The Wrangler Pizza, Elote Pizza
A fellow GF blogger disclosed that her Pizza Luce from the Twin's Stadium did test for gluten in the Nima sensor, so I would not recommend it from the that location.
Bar La Grassa
Truly one of my top 5 favorite celiac-safe restaurants!!! THE best pasta I have ever had, gluten-free or not. They make their pasta in house, and they have one option of noodle style for their gluten-free noodles. They do gluten-free extremely well and I have yet to get sick dinging here.
Favorites: Ziti with Shrimp & vin Santo Cream, Torchio and Pea Shoots (pictured), Crispy Insalata, Caesar Salad, Gjetost Cheesecake (INSANE with an almond cocoa crust) Check out their allergy menu here.
Nautical Bowls
Fresh, superfood smoothie bowls that are flippin' delish! It says online that all of their ingredients were gluten free, though they have granola as a topping option and I forgot to ask if even that was gluten free (I didn't get it on mine). Either way, the beauty is that they make it all fresh, based off of what you order so if the granola is not GF, the chances of cross-contamination are slim to none (plus, you watch them make it). Here is their website, which includes their menu.
Crisp & Green
This is the perfect fast-food that is healthy and a safe bet! Many meal options here are naturally gluten free-- plus you watch them make the dish. If you are celiac, beware of them putting a slice of bread in your bowl at the end... it's the one of the only things in the facility that contains gluten. I always just speak up before the end of the line and ask for no bread. Here is their menu. Many vegan options as well.
Favorites: Squash Goals (seasonal), No Prob Cobb, Crispy Teriyaki (without the crispy rice)
Agra Culture
Located in Edina and St. Paul. They are not a 100% GF kitchen but they do a fantastic job and their customer service is remarkable. It's fast-casual, and they have options for mostly every dietary restriction. My whole family loves to eat here, just remember to let the cashier know that you are GF so they can mark it as an "allergy" to ensure it's safety while it's made.
Favorites: Chicken Stir Fry, GF margherita flatbread, Agra Hash
Here is their menu.
Chick-fil-A
I was so pleasantly surprised that Chick-fil-A has GF options for when I am out and about and need a bite to eat! While the fried nuggets and crispy chicken sandwiches are not GF, they have options. The grilled nuggets, the grilled chicken sandwiches, and salads with grilled chicken are great options. They do have GF buns for an up-charge that are not bad, however I prefer to order it without and toast my own favorite one at home if I have time. Otherwise, lettuce-wrapped is another option! While they do not have a gluten-free fryer for their chicken, they do have one specifically for their fries— making the waffle fries Celiac-safe!!! Bonus is that the sauces except for sweet sriracha are gluten-free, so get saucy! Full menu here
Favorites: Grilled Club Sandwich meal with Diet Lemonade and Chick-fil-A sauce
Rojo
This is definitely a go-to spot for me, especially for a happy hour! They have a fryer solely dedicated to their GF corn chips aka you can safely enjoy chips & salsa... Celiac heaven! Their queso is also gluten-free and is unreal!
Favorites: Rojo Guac (pictured), Chips & Queso, Cotija Grilled Corn, Fish Tacos, and of course the Margaritas! I get the strawberry jalapeño one on the rocks. Cheers!
Check out what else they have here.
Market at Malcolm Yards
This food and drink hall is HUGE and so much fun! They have something for everybody, and the atmosphere is energizing. They have seltzers, ciders, wine, cocktails, as well as beer and non-GF beverages thus accommodating everyone in a group. Vendors with GF options to my knowledge: Wrecktangle Pizza, Bebe Zito (pictured is the GF lucky charms ice cream), Moma Dosa, Del Sur. Give this place a try for a Sunday Funday with a group of loved ones!
Young Joni
This is a popular spot in Northeast Minneapolis, and I was pleasantly surprised by their attention to GF! They use a lot of regular flour in the facility, so definitely be mindful and make your own call. They did assure me that they use a separate prep area and separate cooking surface for their pizzas and other dishes. I did take a gluten-away pill (as I do with every restaurant that is not 100% GF. If you need a restock my discount code is CELIACSWEETIE) to be extra cautious. I did not get sick and my food was delicious! Honestly the best gluten-free pizza I have ever had.
Favorites: Tavern Pie, Chili Glazed Prawns
Hawaii Poke Bowl
I am OBSESSED! Everything on the menu has an icon deciphering what is GF. Plus, their whole menu is dairy-free!
You can order a signature bowl with modifications to make it GF, but I usually make my own. Their smoothies are all GF, as well as their corn chips. The chips & dip on the menu is not GF with what is pre-set to go on them, but if you tell them you have an allergy they will let you sub for GF options.
My regular order: (base) half white rice/half mixed greens; (protein) 2 scoops spicy salmon, 1 scoop regular salmon; (mix-ins) cucumber, mango, pineapple, jalapeño, cilantro, ponzu mix-in sauce; (toppings) ginger, spicy mayo, rice pearls, and coconut flakes. SO good!
Hola Arepa
My FAV MN brunch spot! I love all of their food, but the brunch is especially delish. This is a 100% gluten-free restaurant! The liberation of being able to order anything as someone with Celiac is indescribable! A must check out if you reside here or visit.
Brunch Favorites: Silver Dollar Cachapas (corn flour cakes with bacon, corn, cotija, jalapeño, and chipotle maple syrup…), Argentinian Steak & Egg Arepa, Fried Yuca Hash
Lunch/Dinner Favorites: Yuca Fries, Chimichurri Chicken Arepa, Pork & Sweet Potato Arepa, Shredded Beef & Sweet Plantain Arepa
Located in Minneapolis, check out their menus here.
Hai Hai
This is Hola Arepa’s sister restaurant, presenting delicious Southeast Asian cuisine. It is not 100% gluten-free like Hola Arepa, however they have very strict protocols and many menu items are gluten-free. We love the spring rolls! I have heard that the Balinese Chicken Thigh is amazing, but I have yet to try it. It is a busy atmosphere with lots of customers, but in our experience they get people in and out very efficiently so we did not have to wait long. Here is Hai Hai’s menu.
Auntie M’s Food Truck
You NEED Auntie M’s in your life!!! It’s 100% gluten-free, and they travel to different venues around the twin cities— check out their website to see where they will be next. They have also been vendors at the MN state fair for the past few years, and the line is beyond worth the wait. Here is me in the summer of 2023 enjoying a GF corn dog and cheese curds with sriracha ranch! Seriously to die for I wanted to buy extra to freeze for later, lol.
Favorites: EVERYTHING!
Andiamo Italian Ristorante
This spot is located in Eagan and has amazing Italian cuisine! Somebody that I know who has Celiac actually helped develop their GF menu options, so you know it was taken seriously!
The GF options all come out with this ‘gluten free’ sticker! They have an asterisk* next to everything on their menu that can be made gluten-free. If you ask they also can bring out GF toasted bread so that you can enjoy some bread with oil and vinegar like everybody else! I had the carbonara and it was tasty, but would probably try something else next time. They have GF pizza as well!
Mizu
Located in White Bear Lake. Everything was DELICIOUS and the staff was knowledgeable about Celiac. They put Tamari on ALL of the tables instead of soy sauce! The staff told me they can make almost anything GF; the tempura shrimp they sub grilled shrimp if you are ordering a roll that has tempura shrimp. And of course anything with noodles or dumplings is a no-go.
Favorites: Spicy Habañero Roll, WBL Roll, Edamame, Chili Shrimp (spicy!), and Blood Orange Margarita. Browse the rest of their menu.
Owamni
This spot is 100% gluten & dairy-free! They showcase indigenous foods, and their alcoholic options come from BIPOC and woman producers. So many mocktail options, as well! Love what this cool spot stands for, plus everything was delicious. It changes by the season, but I will list the items we enjoyed at the time we went: Shaved Bison Picanha, Superior White Fish Cakes, Elk Beans, Sweet Potato, Paw Paw Custard. The shaved bison (pictured) and sweet potato were our favs! Here is Owamni’s website.
Pajarito
Where are my fellow spicy marg lovers? Pajarito has one of the best ones in MN! More importantly, the Edina location has a gluten-free fryer for their chips!!! Their Birria Tacos are a must-try. Perfect happy hour spot off of 50th and France! The menu has a lot of GF options, however their fryer for meal items is no longer GF :-( Again, the chips at the Edina location ARE made in a dedicated fryer. Unfortunately, the St. Paul location does not have a big enough kitchen to accommodate a separate fryer for the chips or other fried items.
Favorites: Birria Tacos, Fire Roasted Squash Tacos, Habañero Cilantro Margarita
Where’s The Flour
This gem is located in the Eden Prairie mall. It is 100% gluten free “fast food” type of restaurant. This is Crispy Hot Honey Sandwich, which is the best thing I have tried there for sure. They have fried pickles, French fries, poutine, and more! Check out their full menu.
Favorites: Cheese Curds, Crispy Hot Honey Sandwich
Hold The Wheat
BEST gluten-free sweets i’ve ever had. Another 100% gluten-free spot! The Spencer Cakes are so (forgive me) moist and decadent, I always go all out when I visit this place. They are located in St Louis Park and are a lovely small business. Their menu is always changing aside from a core group of staples, they are always right on with the trends and I have never tried anything I didn’t like. Here is their website.
MN Nice Cream
An ice cream shop that has GF and V options! This is even a GF waffle cone! The perfect summer stop.
Colita
Another 100% GF spot!!! One of my all-time favorites. It’s mostly small plates- expensive, small portions, but SO SO SO good. They even have GF churros with dulce de leche. It is seriously beyond! If you are in the area, it’s a must!
Favorites: Charred Eggplant Tostadas, Seared Scallops, Tempura Fried Shrimp Tacos, Churros
RH Rooftop
Not a dedicated GF restaurant, but they DO have a dedicated GF fryer. A little on the pricier side, but the vibes are magical and the food/drink is so good! Full menu here.
Favorites: Truffle Fries, Crispy Artichokes, Caesar Salad with Chicken
Wok in the Park
They do GF so well! Located in St. Louis Park. They are not dedicated gluten-free, so use your regular precautions as usual and be clear with the staff. If you order ahead, make sure to call and explain your situation. They do NOT have a gluten-free fryer, so you can’t have the egg rolls or anything else that is fried if Celiac or highly allergic/sensitive to gluten.
Favorites: Lettuce Wraps, Pad Thai, Fried Rice
Macanda
This is a sister restaurant of Colita! It is not completely gluten-free, but they do it very well and have a plethora of GF options; there are only a couple menu items they cannot make GF. And they have a dedicated fryer! I do recommend going before dark and sitting on the patio (reserve in advance).
Favorites: Chips + Salsa con Queso, Short Rib Tacos, and Corn Esquites
Here is Macanda’s menu.
Inver Grove Brewing
Yet another spot with a dedicated GF fryer! I have visited this spot twice now. It’s titled a brewery so they of course have plenty of beer… but for us with Celiac they have so many other options for cocktails, mocktails, and wine! They have a a small patio with a fire table and cute cafe lights and lots of parking available. Here is their website.
Favorites: Burger Fries (pictured), Fire Roasted Cauliflower
By Category:
American Cuisine
Buffalo Tap (dedicated fryer)
Lakeville Brewing (dedicated fryer)
Benedict’s
RH Rooftop (dedicated fryer for fries)
Where’s the Flour
Main Street Farmer Eatery
Inver Grove Brewing (dedicated fryer)
Asian Cuisine
Wok In The Park
Agra Culture
Mizu
Hai Hai
Leann Chin
Brunch
Benedict’s
Hola Arepa
People’s Organic
Pizza Luce (bfast pizza!!!)
Rojo
Punch Bowl Social (dedicated fryer)
Fast Food
Hawaii Poke Bowl
Crisp & Green
Sweet Green
Where’s the Flour (100% GF)
Wok in The Park
Leann Chin (Bourbon Chicken, white rice)
Nautical Bowls
Chick Fil A (dedicated fryer for fries)
Starbucks- sous vide egg bites
Happy Hour Bites
Pajarito (dedicated fryer just for chips, EDINA location only)
Rojo (dedicated fryer for chips)
Punch Bowl Social
Hola Arepa
RH Rooftop (dedicated fryer for fries)
Tavern 23 (dedicated fryer for chips. Tamari for sushi)
Pizza Luce
Market at Malcolm Yards
Mexican Cuisine
Rojo (dedicated fryer for Chips)
Colita
Macanda
Latin Cuisine
Hola Arepa
Italian Cuisine
Andiamo
Bar La Grassa
Josefina
Young Joni
Pizza
Pizza Luce
Young Joni
Wrecktangle Pizza
Steakhouses
Gianni’s
6Smith
Sweets
Hold The Wheat
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nomemade Bakery
MN Nice Cream
Fav Date Night Spots
Bar La Grassa
Colita
Gianni’s
Macanda
Pajarito
Hola Arepa
Places I have heard of being great at doing GF but have not yet tried...
Sassy Spoon (100% GF and they have GF beer on tap)
Spoon & Stable
P.F. Chang's (to be honest I am nervous to try here because there is obviously a lot of gluten in the restaurant with all the soy sauce etc., BUT I have heard good things!)
Foxy Falafel
Biaggi's
Zelo
Places that I avoid...
Buffalo Wild Wing's- no separate fryer, everything is grilled on the same surface, many of the sauces contain gluten
Yogurt Lab- they have flavors that they indicate are free of gluten, however I tried one of them and did not get any toppings to be safe... I got sick pretty quick after eating it unfortunately
Redstone- have been here a couple times since my diagnosis, and the most recent time I thankfully had my Nima sensor to test my food. I tested our gluten free starter (from their gluten-free menu): chicken lettuce wraps. Gluten was found in that dish. It was taken back and removed from our bill and they notified the chef. My gluten free salad also tested positive for gluten, unfortunately.
Red Cow- One visit, I ordered the *gluten free chips and French onion dip and thankfully had my Nima sensor with me. The server assured me that they use a dedicated fryer and that they are completely safe for someone with Celiac. The Nima result was "gluten found." Here is their menu, which indicates what can be made gluten free upon request, though if you have Celiac I would not personally recommend Red Cow based on my experiences.
Would love to know if you have tried any of the above places and didn't get sick :-)
*I will update this post as I try more & more restaurants. Hope this can be a good resource! xo, Celiac Sweetie