Tag: New York City

general, New York, USA

A Taste of Greece in Astoria, NY

Erin Smith

I have been living in Astoria, NY for over 6 years and I absolutely love it here. The diversity of this section of Northwest Queens is utterly amazing and makes this the most culturally-rich neighborhood I have ever lived in. With immigrants from Greece, Columbia, Croatia, Egypt, India, and beyond, this makes Astoria one of the most diverse neighborhoods in all of the United States. As a matter of fact, even National Geographic was so impressed with the diversity of Astoria that they kicked off a genealogical study at a local street fair.

One of the most populous ethnic groups in Astoria, NY is Greek. According to Wikipedia and various NYTimes articles, Astoria has the largest Greek population outside of Greece. You know what this means?? Some of the most delicious Greek food anywhere in the world!!

Ovelia Psistaria in Astoria, NY is one of the most delicious and authentic Greek meals I’ve had in Astoria since I moved here. I was lucky enough to be invited to a bloggers dinner and this meal was beyond delicious. The staff and the chef went out of their way to make a perfect gluten-free Greek meal for me. So many Greek dishes are naturally gluten-free, but Chef Peter went out of his way to make sure I could enjoy all of his dishes safely. He even let me bring in my own gluten-free BBQ sauce to enjoy some of their “Rock n’ Ribs” Wednesdays.

If you are looking for a taste of the Mediterranean only a short subway ride from Manhattan, check out Ovelia.

Ovelia Psistaria
Gluten-free Greek Food at Ovelia Psistaria

Ovelia Psistaria
34-01 30th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11103

New York

Gluten-Free in Times Square NYC

Erin Smith

I am often asked for recommendations for restaurants near Times Square. Here are two of my favorites!

Heartland Brewery Midtown West
625 8th Avenue, between 40th and 41st Streets
Subway: A/C/E to Port Authority-42nd St.
http://www.heartlandbrewery.com/

Conveniently located at the Port Authority Bus Terminal and just steps from Times Square and Bryant Park, Heartland Brewery Midtown West is an awesome option for both commuters and tourists. In conjunction with GFRAP, Heartland Brewery-Midtown West launched their gluten-free menu in the summer of 2010. Nachos, chicken wings, BBQ shrimp, and mussels are just a few of the gluten-free options on this lively brewery’s menu. The label clearly identifies all of the gluten-free items and the servers are happy to answer all of your questions. Currently, the Heartland Brewery Midtown West sells the gluten-free Bard’s Tale Beer to accompany your lunch or dinner.

Tip: At this time only the Midtown West location of the Heartland Brewery offers the gluten-free menu. Don’t get confused with the other six locations in Manhattan!

Nizza NYC
630 9th Avenue, between 44th and 45th Streets
(212) 956-1800, Reservations recommended
Subway: A/C/E to Port Authority-42nd St.
http://www.nizzanyc.com/

Located within walking distance of Broadway, Nizza NYC is a great pre- or post-show restaurant. Nizza’s food is inspired by both French and Italian cuisine and offers lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner menus. Nizza is a member of GFRAP so the entire staff of Nizza NYC is well-versed in gluten-free dining. As soon as you mention you are gluten-free, you will be given a gluten-free menu and delicious gluten-free breadsticks with your own dipping oil. The signature dish at Nizza NYC is socca, a crispy, naturally gluten-free, chickpea pancake cooked in a brick oven. It is the cross between a really thick pancake and a pizza and is delicious. Nizza NYC also offers La Veneziane corn pasta for their pasta dishes. Ask about the gluten-free desserts which tend to rotate on the menu.

New York, USA

Gluten-Free (Friendly) Map of New York City

Erin Smith

Last update: 5/27/2014

This is the most comprehensive map of gluten-free friendly restaurants, bars, and grocery stores in New York City. If you are traveling to Manhattan, please be sure to bookmark this map. I update it regularly but when planning your trip to New York please be sure to call ahead for hours and reservations. Restaurants in New York City turn over quickly at times, so it is always best to call before you head out.

In the United States, there is a program called the Gluten-Free Restaurant Program (GFRAP) that certifies restaurants as safe for gluten-free diners.* Many of the restaurants on this map are part of the GFRAP program.

If you have been to a restaurant in New York City that serves gluten-free food and it is not on this map, please send me an email!

 

To see the complete list of gluten-free friendly options, please click here.

 

* Sadly, as of 2014, the GFRAP program no longer exists!