One of the most common questions I get from readers is where they can grab a quick bite of gluten-free food in New York City. I really try to avoid traditional fast food restaurants, but I understand that when you are busy sightseeing you don’t always want to sit down for a leisurely lunch. There are many local chains in Manhattan that have options for those of us who are gluten-free. When I worked in midtown Manhattan, I frequented some of these locations often.
It is important to remember that New York City is a very busy place and lunchtime is no joke. Thousands of workers have a limited time to grab lunch so you might find lunch to be a bit intimidating. I recommend going slightly off hours if you are nervous about ordering during a busy time!
Here are my suggestions for the most gluten-free friendly fast food in New York City
Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner
78 Fifth Avenue (@ 14th Street)
1536 Third Avenue Avenue (@ 86th Street) closed
Juices, smoothies, organic Coffee and tea, organic wine, organic kombucha; customizable plant-based puddings, creams and toppings snack bar; build your own bowls, food by the pound, grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free baked goods.
Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner
135 West 50th Street (btwn 6th and 7th Avenues)
320 Park Avenue (south side of 51st Street; closed on weekends)
1140 Broadway (@ 26th Street)
2 Penn Plaza Food Hall
Farm-to-table, gluten-free, create your own plate, hot dishes, sides, soups, sides, build-a-bowl, and cold-pressed juices. Menu varies by location.
14 locations throughout Manhattan; Days and times vary by location
Seasonal, healthy food options, build your own plate. Note, not all dishes are gluten-free. Be sure to tell the staff you need to eat gluten-free and ask them to help you choose the right dishes.
14 locations throughout Manhattan; Days and times vary by location
Breakfast including GF bagels, eggs, and GF pancakes in some locations, grain bowls, sandwiches, paninis, salads, vegan options, fresh juices, desserts. Note, not all dishes are gluten-free. Ask staff to change gloves and prepare all gluten-free sandwiches separately.
Multiple locations throughout Manhattan; Days and times vary by location
Salads, soups, and sandwiches. Please note, this is a very gluten-heavy restaurant but they do have gluten-free options including bread, quinoa bowls, and salads. If you are super sensitive to airborne gluten, I would avoid LPQ.
8 locations all in midtown Manhattan
Salads, quinoa bowls in some locations, yogurts, fruit, juice, omelettes. Not my top choice due to limited options, but good in a pinch.
Multiple locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island
International chain with assembly-line style Mexican food. Make sure to tell your server that you require a change of gloves and careful preparation of bowls!!
Please note: all of the above are recommendations. Ask lots of questions and eat at your own risk!
Hu Kitchen (100% gluten-free)
The Little Beet (100% gluten-free)
Dig Inn
Fresh & Co
Le Pain Quotidien
Pax Wholesome Food
