I am keeping my finger on the pulse of all things gluten-free in New York City and I am excited to see so many completely gluten-free places continuing to open across the city.
Note: While these restaurants are no-gluten establishments, it is still very important to inform your server about your dietary restrictions! Also call ahead to make a reservation and confirm hours of operation.
Paris is the land of baguettes, pan au chocolat, croissants, and more gluten-filled bread products than the eye can see. Never in all of my travels and 34 years of living with celiac disease did I wish I could eat gluten as much as I did in Paris. But I NEVER cheat on my gluten-free diet so I did research on gluten-free instead. It isn’t worth the pain, agony, and days of recovery, not to mention all of the damage I would cause my body if I took even a bite of a regular baguette. But damn, that French bread looked good. Every corner has a boulangerie, patisserie, and épicerie, all places to buy delicious Parisian breads that are NOT gluten-free. Alas, this made the trip slightly frustrating.
But on the flip side, there are a few gluten-free bakeries in Paris where a celiac traveler can enjoy some delicious bread products. The French take their bread very seriously and this goes for their gluten-free bread too. There are also wonderful farmers markets and speciality shops that make gluten-free life in Paris a little easier.
As with every trip, I did a ton of research before I left. I am glad I put together a list of gluten-free bakeries, restaurants, and markets before I left for Paris. With my printed list and a really great map that I purchased at the top of the Arc de Triomphe, I was able to navigate and eat gluten-free across the city.
Helmut Newcake was a lunch destination on one of the very first days of our trip to Paris. It was Saturday so we each chose a plate from the small lunch menu (about 5 choices) and also dessert. I was thrilled to see baguettes so I ordered on of those too. The waiter gave me a slightly strange look and said “To eat alone?” and I said yes. I did share with my boyfriend Victor but I ate about 80% of it on my own. No shame! On Sundays, you can make reservations for brunch at this location of Helmut Newcake. It is a small restaurant, so definitely call ahead for a reservation! There is also a second location, although I never made it there.
Patisserie Helmut Newcake
Everything is gluten free paradise!
Gluten-free quiche
Baguette
Look at all of the choices!
Gluten-Free Baguettes make this Gluten-Free Globetrotter very happy
I went to Chambelland Boulangerie three times during my trip to Paris. Needless to say, this was my favorite gluten-free bakery in Paris! Chambelland has a beautiful display case full of pastries, cookies, and breads. The breads were so amazing, it is hard to believe they are gluten-free. Large beautiful loaves of bread lined the glass cases each day at Chambelland Boulangerie. Chambelland seems to bake just enough for the day and many days they sell out by late afternoon. My top suggestion is to go early and get your gluten-free bread for the day. Also, make sure you get one (or many) of their amazing desserts. My absolute favorite was the raspberry tartlette with some of the freshest raspberries I have ever eaten in my life. While eating lunch at Chambelland, I heard at least three people walk in and exclaim “I can eat everything here?!” If you have celiac, you would probably say the same thing! The prices here were very reasonable as compared to gluten-free baked goods at home. One of the flat loaves of bread was about 5 Euro which is cheaper than most loaves in the US.
Chambelland Boulangerie
Naturally gluten-free
Tuna salad sandwich
Poppy seeds for days
Inside Chambelland
Check out those loaves of bread
More bread, all gluten-free
Patchwork of beautiful gluten-free breads
Time for dessert
Which one should I choose?
Raspberry tartlette!
Apple crisp
Cookies
Brownie+Cookie=Brookie
Chocolat bread, yes please!
NoGlu
16 Passage des Panoramas, 75002 Paris, France
NoGlu was the place that was hyped up the most for me before my trip. Almost every celiac I know who went to Paris all said NoGlu was a must. Victor and I managed to get there the very last day of our trip. I guess we were too hungry to notice the bakery in the beautiful Passage des Panoramas when we arrived. (Seriously, this Passage was gorgeous and one of the things I loved about our trek to NoGlu.) We only saw the bakery/takeaway when we left and had just finished lunch at the restaurant. I didn’t buy anything at the bakery which was probably a mistake but the lunch at NoGlu was quite expensive and we skipped dessert. I actually wish we had eaten at the takeaway spot instead because we would have saved a LOT of money and also had room for dessert. NoGlu just opened a location in New York City, so I will have to go and try the pastries there. Of course it is not the same as eating them in Paris! But if the treats I tried last week at a NYC NoGlu baking event are any indication, the rest of the baked goods from NoGlu will be delicious.
This small shop was right near my Airbnb so I knew I had to go. It is open Wednesday-Sunday in a great part of the city. I was so happy to find them still open late on a Sunday afternoon. This place is like a gluten-free heaven in the middle of Paris. Everything in the store is 100% gluten-free and much of it (if not all) is imported from Italy. This place is a must, especially if you are feeling frustrated with not finding much gluten-free food in the markets of Paris. There is a small Italian restaurant just across the way from this shop and they will prepare you a gluten-free meal too. I think they have the same owners. I bought many food souvenirs from this shop which also helped me get through some hungry mornings in Paris. Definitely add Eat Gluten Free to your itinerary!
Eat Gluten Free
Doesn’t get much easier than this in France!
Huge selection of gluten-free food
Tons of gluten-free pasta
gluten-free baked goods
gluten-free meats
packaged pasta
Marché Popincourt
Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, between rue Oberkampf and Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud
Open Tuesday and Friday, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm
I love farmers markets; so when Victor and I stumbled across this one on the way to Chambelland, I was thrilled. The produce looked like some of the freshest I have ever seen. There were beautiful fruit, vegetables, eggs, cheeses, meats, and fish as far as the eye could see. There were also vendors selling housewares, clothing, shoes, and more. It was so fun to walk around and feel like a Parisian doing some daily shopping.
This place is GORGEOUS! Victor and I were strolling up Boulevard Beaumarchais. He was admiring the motorcycle shops and I was just window shopping. When I saw this place, I knew I had to go in. There is a little bit of everything in this store and restaurant combination and it is wonderful. If I could move into the basement of Maison Plisson, I would. Wine, chocolate, mustards, oils, spices, jams, even more wine, even more chocolate. It was like a epicurean heaven. While I didn’t see that many gluten-free options, there were a few on the shelves. Upstairs, there is a charcuterie counter, cheese counter, produce, and even a restaurant. For those of you who have been to Eataly in NYC, this is like a smaller more carefully curated destination market. I loved this beautiful market and would highly recommend a stop here for any foodie.
I didn’t shop here, but the sign in the window caught my eye. “No Gluten? YES!” Besides at the gluten-free bakeries and restaurants that I researched ahead of time, I didn’t see many references to gluten in Paris. This particular store (I forget what street we were on) had a small selection of gluten-free food. From the Naturalia website, it looks like they are quite aware of gluten-free at their stores and online shop.
Supermarkets
I went in to probably every supermarket I saw in Paris. I wanted to scope out the gluten-free scene. There were limited choices, but at least something in every store. I found familiar brands like Schar and new-to-me brands like Gerblé (Make sure you find the Sans Gluten!)*** Not all products were located in the same area of the store, so you might have to look around a bit to find gluten-free food.
Here are my suggestions for everyday groceries in Paris. Check each website for locations.
Marks and Spencer (They have their own Free From line which includes pre-made sandwiches)
I hope you find this bakery and grocery guide helpful. Stay tuned for the next part of my Paris adventures and where I ate during my time in France!
*** NOTE: I have been told that Gerblé Sans Gluten might not be safe for consumption. I have written to the company to inquire about production and ingredients and will report back their response as soon as possible. As with any recommendation I make on this website, it is ultimately up to you to research each product you eat and eery restaurant you are eating in.
When I travel, I always look for local produce markets, health food stores, and big chain supermarkets where I know I can find food just in case the local cuisine isn’t looking too safe for this gluten-free globetrotter. I bookmark the markets on my Google map just as I do the famous sites. This makes my life so much easier as I wander a new city hungry and desperate for food. Markets will always have fresh fruit, veggies, cheese, and yogurt which are gluten-free. If you are lucky, you will also find some gluten-free packaged food that suit your needs.
One of the questions I get most from readers is where the best place to buy gluten-free groceries is in New York City. Here are my suggestions for your gluten-free shopping needs in New York City.
Whole Foods Markets
With 7 Manhattan locations, Whole Foods Markets are a great place to stock up on produce, fresh food, and packaged gluten-free goods. Their shelves are usually clearly marked and they even offer occasional gluten-free cooking classes. With their conveniently located shops, you are bound to see a Whole Foods during your NYC adventures.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is my personal favorite shop. The employees are friendly, their prices are low, and they sell a number of gluten-free products. When you arrive at Trader Joe’s, ask the customer service desk for a list of gluten-free products in the store. Trader Joe’s has three locations in Manhattan and one awesome wine store near Union Square. $3.99 bottles of decent wine? Yes, please!
Fairway
Now with 4 locations in Manhattan, Fairway is making a name for itself in the Big Apple. Fairways is one of those markets I can get lost in, looking at all of the interesting domestic and imported goods. They have a decent section of gluten-free packaged foods, but be sure to always check the labels. Sometimes the stocking clerks get lazy and put gluten-filled foods in the gluten-free areas. They also have an impressive selection of meats, cheeses, and coffees.
Westerly Natural Market 913 8th Ave.
This tightly-packed market with floor to ceiling shelving is a great place to find gluten-free food in the Hells Kitchen area of Manhattan. They often put gluten-free items on sale so be sure to check the circular when you go into the store. The aisles are tight so ask the staff if you need help locating anything.
Greenmarket Farmers Markets
Fruits and veggies are naturally gluten-free and these Greenmarkets around the city bring the local produce right to you. Usually set up in parks and parking lots, these Greenmarkets are a wonderful way to support the local movement while buying naturally safe food direct from the source.
Chelsea Market 75 9th Ave.
This is more than a market, this is a destination! Chelsea Market is the home to close to 30 restaurants and retail shops including an awesome imported goods store as well as a huge produce market. It is also the home to the Food Network studios and there are often celebrity sightings in the building. Chelsea Market is also only one block from my favorite park in Manhattan, The Highline, so it makes for a fun afternoon in the Meatpacking District. Definitely add Chelsea Market to your NYC itinerary if you are a foodie!
This Portland post is way overdue. I have traveled to Portland twice since April due to work commitments. In my 30+ years of being gluten-free travel, I found Portland to be one of the most gluten-free friendly cities that I have ever been to. People don’t think it is weird when you ask for a gluten-free menu or gluten-free options. And even if they do think it is weird, so is Portland. See:
After my two visits to Portland, I have a long list of places I have been. My list of places I have yet to go is just as long! I have at least two more trips to Portland coming up in the next 4 months, so I will add to this list as I eat more gluten-free food in Portland.
Here are my top five places to eat gluten-free in Portland, so far:
New Cascadia Bakery http://www.newcascadiatraditional.com/ Gluten-free breads, cookies, pizza, baked goods, etc.
In a more industrial neighborhood of SE Portland, but definitely worth the trip to this 100% gluten-free bakery. New Cascadia Bakery also supplies many Portland restaurants with their bread for sandwiches but it was worth the trip there to load up on gluten-free baked goods.
Northwest Public House http://northwestpublichouse.com
The owner of this restaurant has Celiac and the GF menu is extensive. I gorged myself on gluten-free mac and cheese, pulled pork lettuce wraps, and deep-fried apple fritters. YES!!! DEEP FRIED GF DOUGH!! In a funky neighborhood that I want to explore more, I am definitely going back here on my next trip to Portland.
Mellow Mushroom http://www.mellowmushroom.com/portland
Gluten-free pizza
I don’t normally like chain restaurants, but this doesn’t have the “chain” feeling. From the first email to customer service at Mellow Mushroom, I felt comfortable eating their gluten-free pizza. It is delicious and the staff was really knowledgable about which toppings were safe for me to eat. I will definitely go back here!
Deschutes Brewery http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/
Gluten-free beer on tap and gluten-free menu
A popular brewery that brews their own GF beer. There is also a GF menu with bar food such as burgers, fries, and more. The waitstaff was extremely helpful and well-versed in gluten-free food.
Tula’s Bakery http://www.tulabaking.com/
100% GF bakery
I didn’t make it to the actual bakery, but a coworker brought me some delicious gluten-free treats for breakfast one morning. I was most impressed with the texture and the leftovers. These gluten-free baked good were still moist and soft the next day which is very unusual for gluten-free products.
Here are some other gluten-free friendly places I ate at while in Portland:
Theo’s Deli http://theosportland.com/
Gluten-free buns for sandwiches
Near my West Coast office, but in a random neighborhood.
The one place I haven’t been yet, but really want to go is Abby’s Table. This restaurant serves two family-style, gluten-free meals a week. I need to remember to make a reservation for my next trip to Portland. I can’t wait to try this and I love the idea of a family-style dinner while away on a business trip. What a great way to meet other gluten-free friends!
There is also a Whole Foods pretty centrally located in the middle of Portland. I went to buy cereal, yogurt, etc. which I ate for breakfast most days. I also happened upon a Trader Joe’s while walking back from the Northwest Public House, but I will need to find it again on my next trip out.
December 2013 update: Unfortunately, this guide is no longer available. If you are looking for gluten-free information for Delaware, download the Gluten-Free Philly app from iTunes which covers Pennsylvania, Delaware, and South New Jersey.
If you aren’t reading Gluten-Free Philly, you should be. My friend Michael impresses me each week with his extensive listings of gluten-free friendly restaurants throughout mid-Atlantic states including Philadelphia, south New Jersey, and beyond. He also gets to try the latest gluten-free products and share his reviews with his readers. Michael doesn’t have Celiac, but he is the very devoted father of an 11-year-old boy living with Celiac for more than 8 years. He’s an attorney, Business Advisory Board member for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, and a very member of the gluten-free online community. Needless to say, Gluten-Free Philly stays busy!
Just in time for summer, Gluten-Free Philly put together a gluten-free dining guide for Delaware. With miles of beaches and boardwalks, Delaware is a great location for a summer getaway. Michael’s new e-book will help you navigate your gluten-free vacation in Delaware and is available now in PDF format for only $3.99.
Gluten-Free Philly Delaware Dining Guide
The ‘Gluten Free Philly’ Delaware Dining Guide (PDF format) is a resource for diners with celiac disease and others on a gluten-free diet, providing hyperlinked listings for restaurants, bakeries, markets and attractions throughout the First State. Updated editions published within 30 days of initial purchase will be emailed to purchasers free of charge.
The ‘Gluten Free Philly’ Delaware Dining Guide (PDF format) is a resource for diners with celiac disease and others on a gluten-free diet, providing hyperlinked listings for restaurants, bakeries, markets and attractions throughout the First State. Updated editions published within 30 days of initial purchase will be emailed to purchasers free of charge.