clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Gluten-free crepes from The Happy Tart.
Gluten-free crepes from The Happy Tart.
The Happy Tart

Where to Eat Gluten-Free in D.C.

Find everything from baked goods to pasta and pizza

View as Map
Gluten-free crepes from The Happy Tart.
| The Happy Tart

While celiac disease is unfortunately common, America’s restaurant industry has now adapted and found ways to meet gluten-free needs and still maintain taste. D.C. dining is no exception. There are now countless options for gluten-free patrons.

In fact, most local restaurants offer at least a few gluten-free alternatives, making this condition almost a non-issue. Some eateries, however, go above and beyond for gluten-free diners, making cookies, cakes, pastries, barbecue, and even pasta and pizza, accessible to those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. For dishes that are free of gluten, but full of flavor, head to one of these essential gluten-free eateries in the D.C. area.

Updated by Eater Staff

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Lebanese Taverna (Multiple Locations)

Copy Link

This family-run chain of local restaurants makes many gluten-free offerings available on its mezze-rich menu, including assorted styles of hummus, seasonal soups, salads, and hearty entrees (grilled eggplant, lamb shanks).

The Happy Tart (Multiple Locations)

Copy Link

This homegrown bakery boasts a host of homemade goodies that are entirely gluten-free. Patrons can indulge in warm breads, cake pops, quiches, savory turnovers, and extravagant birthday cakes. The original Del Ray location is under renovation.

Sweetgreen (Multiple Locations)

Copy Link

This homegrown chain specializes in signature salads, protein-packed bowls, and seasonal specials that are naturally gluten-free. Top things off with over a dozen gluten-free dressings (from spicy cashew to cucumber-tahini) or fold in premium ingredients (roasted vegetables, shrimp, Parmesan crisps).

From farmer’s market favorite to fast-casual destination, Georgetown’s Chaia offers tacos that are both gluten- and meat-free. For $11, diners can choose three tacos including offerings like creamy kale and potato, charred green beans with queso fresco or zucchini with chipotle yogurt.

Open City

Copy Link

Known for its all-day breakfast and lively atmosphere, Open City also offers a menu that caters to gluten-free needs. From arepas Benedict, hash brown bowls, and pimento mac and cheese, to the option of requesting any of its eight pizzas to be prepared gluten-free, Open City requires little sacrifice from celiacs.

Tredici Enoteca

Copy Link

The new Tredici Enoteca has personal ties to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and touts a range of items for the gluten-free eater. Think gluten-free spaghetti and Moroccan spice pork ribs.

Official

Firefly

Copy Link

A longtime favorite of celiac diners, Firefly offers a full gluten-free menu — including breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and brunch — packed with risottos, lasagnas, and, yes, even a half-pound beef hamburger.

Rise Bakery

Copy Link

As D.C.’s (but not the region's) only gluten-free bakery, Rise Bakery in Adams Morgan is vital for celiacs. In fact, owner Mike Koritko is himself a celiac, opening Rise as an alternative for fans of baked goods who crave gluten-free options. From bagels and fruit pies, to muffins and gluten-free “Oreos,” this eatery meets the needs of both a sensitive stomach and the soul.

The Little Beet

Copy Link

Boasting a 100 percent gluten-free menu, The Little Beet has a lot of options for celiac diners. The food comes available in rolls (such as the salmon poké sushi burrito), bowls, and build-your-own plates with locally sourced proteins and veggies. It’s a healthy, fast-casual option for gluten-free on the go.

Wicked Waffle

Copy Link

Gluten-free no longer means waffle-free thanks to Wicked Waffle. This fast-casual, downtown restaurant spent two years perfecting its recipe for light, crispy and celiac-friendly waffles. Even better, the waffles are prepared on their own special iron to prevent cross-contamination.

Pete's New Haven Style Apizza (Mulitple Locations)

Copy Link

Pete’s offers a 12-inch gluten-free pizza crust, keeping celiac diners from having to cross thislocal favorite off their list. The pie is priced at $14 and comes with the diner’s choice of thirty different toppings.

ChurchKey

Copy Link

For beer enthusiasts, being diagnosed as celiac could be one of life’s cruelest curses. Enter ChurchKey, with a menu offering a dozen gluten-free brews covering nearly every style. Along with celiac-friendly cider options and small plates, this craft beer bar (as well as its sister restaurant, Birch & Barley) is a must.

Ocean Prime

Copy Link

Ocean Prime has dedicated gluten-free friendly menus at both lunch and dinner, including steaks, salads, and starters, like the surf-and-turf sea scallops and slow braised short ribs.

Official

&pizza [Multiple Locations]

Copy Link

&pizza has a gluten-free crust as an option for any of its pies, and its gluten-free Milk Bar "LIFE perfect 10 cookie" is made with with oats, almonds, mini chocolate chips, and sweetened with agave.

City Tap House

Copy Link

City Tap Penn Quarter just introduced a new summer menu complete with a separate gluten-friendly menu. Everything on the menu has been modified to fit a gluten-free diet, including mussels, roasted bone marrow, and dips.

City Tap House Official

Carmine's

Copy Link

Hailing originally from New York City, this family-style eatery offers an entire gluten-free menu for fans of Italian dishes. Once verboten for those with celiac disease, 14 different pasta dishes — featuring noodles made from cornmeal and water — are available here.

Official

Hill Country Barbecue Market

Copy Link

While Texas-style smoked meats and grill fare may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking dietary restrictions, the summer favorite has been made celiac-friendly by Hill Country Barbecue Market. Enjoy classic brisket and sides like corn pudding, bourbon sweet potato mash, and Texas black eyed pea caviar.

Eater

Busboys and Poets [Multiple Locations]

Copy Link

A D.C. classic when it comes to dietary restrictions, Busboys and Poets is a staple on any gluten-free list. From shrimp and grits, to fried chicken and hazelnut chocolate cake, nearly every section on the menu offers gluten-free alternatives that are far from bland.

Masseria

Copy Link

Chef Nick Stefanelli has made a name for himself with his gluten-free pastas. Sample them as part of Masseria's tasting menu.

Lebanese Taverna (Multiple Locations)

This family-run chain of local restaurants makes many gluten-free offerings available on its mezze-rich menu, including assorted styles of hummus, seasonal soups, salads, and hearty entrees (grilled eggplant, lamb shanks).

The Happy Tart (Multiple Locations)

This homegrown bakery boasts a host of homemade goodies that are entirely gluten-free. Patrons can indulge in warm breads, cake pops, quiches, savory turnovers, and extravagant birthday cakes. The original Del Ray location is under renovation.

Sweetgreen (Multiple Locations)

This homegrown chain specializes in signature salads, protein-packed bowls, and seasonal specials that are naturally gluten-free. Top things off with over a dozen gluten-free dressings (from spicy cashew to cucumber-tahini) or fold in premium ingredients (roasted vegetables, shrimp, Parmesan crisps).

Chaia

From farmer’s market favorite to fast-casual destination, Georgetown’s Chaia offers tacos that are both gluten- and meat-free. For $11, diners can choose three tacos including offerings like creamy kale and potato, charred green beans with queso fresco or zucchini with chipotle yogurt.

Open City

Known for its all-day breakfast and lively atmosphere, Open City also offers a menu that caters to gluten-free needs. From arepas Benedict, hash brown bowls, and pimento mac and cheese, to the option of requesting any of its eight pizzas to be prepared gluten-free, Open City requires little sacrifice from celiacs.

Tredici Enoteca

The new Tredici Enoteca has personal ties to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and touts a range of items for the gluten-free eater. Think gluten-free spaghetti and Moroccan spice pork ribs.

Official

Firefly

A longtime favorite of celiac diners, Firefly offers a full gluten-free menu — including breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and brunch — packed with risottos, lasagnas, and, yes, even a half-pound beef hamburger.

Rise Bakery

As D.C.’s (but not the region's) only gluten-free bakery, Rise Bakery in Adams Morgan is vital for celiacs. In fact, owner Mike Koritko is himself a celiac, opening Rise as an alternative for fans of baked goods who crave gluten-free options. From bagels and fruit pies, to muffins and gluten-free “Oreos,” this eatery meets the needs of both a sensitive stomach and the soul.

The Little Beet

Boasting a 100 percent gluten-free menu, The Little Beet has a lot of options for celiac diners. The food comes available in rolls (such as the salmon poké sushi burrito), bowls, and build-your-own plates with locally sourced proteins and veggies. It’s a healthy, fast-casual option for gluten-free on the go.

Wicked Waffle

Gluten-free no longer means waffle-free thanks to Wicked Waffle. This fast-casual, downtown restaurant spent two years perfecting its recipe for light, crispy and celiac-friendly waffles. Even better, the waffles are prepared on their own special iron to prevent cross-contamination.

Pete's New Haven Style Apizza (Mulitple Locations)

Pete’s offers a 12-inch gluten-free pizza crust, keeping celiac diners from having to cross thislocal favorite off their list. The pie is priced at $14 and comes with the diner’s choice of thirty different toppings.

ChurchKey

For beer enthusiasts, being diagnosed as celiac could be one of life’s cruelest curses. Enter ChurchKey, with a menu offering a dozen gluten-free brews covering nearly every style. Along with celiac-friendly cider options and small plates, this craft beer bar (as well as its sister restaurant, Birch & Barley) is a must.

Ocean Prime

Ocean Prime has dedicated gluten-free friendly menus at both lunch and dinner, including steaks, salads, and starters, like the surf-and-turf sea scallops and slow braised short ribs.

Official

&pizza [Multiple Locations]

&pizza has a gluten-free crust as an option for any of its pies, and its gluten-free Milk Bar "LIFE perfect 10 cookie" is made with with oats, almonds, mini chocolate chips, and sweetened with agave.

City Tap House

City Tap Penn Quarter just introduced a new summer menu complete with a separate gluten-friendly menu. Everything on the menu has been modified to fit a gluten-free diet, including mussels, roasted bone marrow, and dips.

City Tap House Official

Related Maps

Carmine's

Hailing originally from New York City, this family-style eatery offers an entire gluten-free menu for fans of Italian dishes. Once verboten for those with celiac disease, 14 different pasta dishes — featuring noodles made from cornmeal and water — are available here.

Official

Hill Country Barbecue Market

While Texas-style smoked meats and grill fare may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking dietary restrictions, the summer favorite has been made celiac-friendly by Hill Country Barbecue Market. Enjoy classic brisket and sides like corn pudding, bourbon sweet potato mash, and Texas black eyed pea caviar.

Eater

Busboys and Poets [Multiple Locations]

A D.C. classic when it comes to dietary restrictions, Busboys and Poets is a staple on any gluten-free list. From shrimp and grits, to fried chicken and hazelnut chocolate cake, nearly every section on the menu offers gluten-free alternatives that are far from bland.

Masseria

Chef Nick Stefanelli has made a name for himself with his gluten-free pastas. Sample them as part of Masseria's tasting menu.

Related Maps