Whether it’s a personal or health-related choice, a lot of people are looking to eat gluten free these days — and navigating a menu at the spur of the moment can be tricky.
We picked some Asheville restaurants to help you out as you craft your perfect plate. From pizza and pastries to barbecue and beyond, here are 30 local spots that skip on gluten, but not on flavor.
Fully gluten free
Eat More Bakery, 547 Elk Park Dr., #605
This bakery transitioned to wholesale operations last summer, but you can still find its loaves, buns, and flatbreads at French Broad Food Co-Op, selected Ingles locations, and more. Reader Kris W. said, “Beyond a doubt, the very best gluten-free breads, scones, cakes, and cookies come from Eat More Bakery. Their focaccia bread is better than any gluten-filled options.”
Posana Restaurant, 1 Biltmore Ave.
The contemporary American spot’s menu has remained gluten free and celiac-friendly since it opened in 2009. “Best overall and high-end with a 100% gluten-free and celiac-friendly kitchen,” reader Matthew F. said.
Gluten-free options + substitutions
Avenue M, 791 Merrimon Ave.
There’s plenty of hearty, gluten-free fare — from catfish and chips to chicken confit — on the menu.
Chestnut, 48 Biltmore Ave.
Treat yourself to creative craft eats like fried green tomatoes, lobster paella, or parmesan-crusted trout.
Copper Crown, 1011 Tunnel Rd., #100
Many plates are gluten free, like the roasted sunchokes or pan-seared scallops, but many can also be made gluten free, like crispy Brussel sprouts or burgers.
Corner Kitchen, 3 Boston Way
Dishes like bacon-wrapped scallops and massaman curry are gluten free, but others like Airline Chicken Panzanella can easily be made gluten free.
Wild Ginger Noodle Bar, 1950 Hendersonville Rd., Ste. 12
Slurp up a hot bowl of pho, or opt for one of the other gluten-free items, like vermicelli rice noodle salad, lemongrass beef satay, or miso-glazed salmon.
Gan Shan West, 285 Haywood Rd.
The rice bowl and all ramen dishes can be made for those who are gluten sensitive.
Mamacita’s Taco Temple, 132 Charlotte St.
These delicious tacos are wrapped up in gluten-free corn tortillas.
The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village, 10 Biltmore Pl.
With 10+ gluten-free menu items, you’ll have the tough choice between delicious dishes like chicken tinga enchiladas or a stuffed avocado.
Little Chango, 134 Coxe Ave.
The menu of Latin American-inspired dishes features plenty of arepas piled high with toppings.
Barbecue + burgers
12 Bones Smokehouse, Various locations
All the delicious smoked meats and sauces are gluten free — and so are plenty of the sides, like smoked potato salad and jalapeno cheese grits.
Farm Burger, Various locations
Build your own burger or opt for a blackboard burger sandwiched on a gluten-free bun.
Baby Bull, 1 Roberts St.
Enjoy the juicy double cheeseburger with pickles, Dukes mayo, and pickles on a gluten-free bun.
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Various locations
All the meats, sauces, and rubs are gluten free, and they pair perfectly with the gluten-free coleslaw and broccoli salad.
Veggie heavy
Dobra Tea, Various locations
All sandwiches and toasts from the tea room are gluten free and packed with flavor, like The Local Reuben with grilled tempeh, local lemon dill sauerkraut, local vegan cashew gouda cheese, and house-made thousand island dressing.
Green Sage Cafe, Various locations
From pancakes to bowls to soup + salad combos, there’s plenty for gluten-sensitive diners to enjoy (especially when you can substitute gluten-free bread on most items).
Nine Mile, Various locations
Gluten-free options abound, and they’re all clearly marked on this Caribbean-inspired menu — plus, you can substitute pasta for gluten-free fusilli, spiraled zucchini, or rice.
Plant, 165 Merrimon Ave.
The menu at the James Beard Award-nominated vegan restaurant is constantly being remade to showcase the freshest fare, but it’s always mostly gluten free.
Breakfast + brunch
All Day Darling, 102 Montford Ave.
You’ll be spoiled with gluten-free choices, from pancakes to quiche to a lox plate to a fried chicken bowl.
Another Broken Egg Cafe, 27 Schenck Pkwy.
This Biltmore Park breakfast spot is flipping gluten-friendly flapjacks. Reader Maggie R. rejoices that “they don’t taste grainy and gross.”
Biscuit Head, Various locations
Gluten-free and vegan biscuits are on the menu, with various other items that are or can be made gluten free.
Early Girl Eatery, Various locations
Whether you’re in the mood for chicken and waffles, fried fish, or lemon poundcake banana pudding, you can indulge in all these gluten-free items and more.
Tupelo Honey, Various locations
Make it a classic Southern brunch with shrimp and grits.
Well Bred Bakery, Various locations
After you finish the gluten-free spinach feta quiche, end brunch on a sweet note with a gluten-free brownie.
Pizza + pasta
Gemelli, 70 Westgate Pkwy.
Most of this menu is safe for gluten-sensitive diners or can be swapped for gluten-sensitive options, like pastas, pizza crusts, or fluffy focaccia.
Twisted Laurel, Various locations
Get your sandwich on a gluten-free bun and pizza on a gluten-free crust. Plus, reader Robin M. says it has “amazing gluten-free pasta.”
Strada, 27 Broadway St.
Most of the menu at this Italian restaurant is gluten free or can be made gluten free, right down to the house-made focaccia.
Desserts + baked goods
Stay Glazed Donuts, 22 S. Pack Square
Get your fill of gluten-free, vegan mochi in all sorts of flavors — everything from coconut lime to strawberry shortcake — then try a gluten-free, vegan French crueller.
Baked Pie Company, 4 Long Shoals Rd., Ste. A, Arden
New pies are added each week, but you can always order a vegan, gluten-free, or sugar-free specialty pie.
Old Europe Pastries, 18 Broadway St.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with carrot cake, vanilla cheesecake, tiramisu, and plenty more tasty treats you’d never know were sans gluten.
Gallivant Coffee, 126 Elkwood Ave., #102, Woodfin
All the pastry + food items are vegan, but plenty (like the bagels) are also gluten free.
