New York City is undoubtedly one of the most Celiac-friendly cities in the United States. With a plethora of 100% gluten-free establishments and a ton of other spots that are keenly aware of a Celiac’s needs, you can find something to eat in every neighborhood. I am so grateful that my sisters attends college in the city, so I have a really good excuse to go and eat some good eats every once in a while! Because I have visited the city quite often, I have tried a ton of different restaurants and bakeries, and I’m here to share them all with you!
Senza Gluten
Senza Gluten is not only one of my favorite restaurants in New York City, but one of my favorite restaurants ever. When you walk into this 100% gluten-free spot, you feel as though you have been instantly transported to a small town in Italy. Every member of the staff is ready and willing to make your gluten-free dream come true, and if you come as often as I do, they might even start to remember you! The menu features traditional Italian dishes, including delicious pizzas, pastas and sandwiches. Last year, Senza Gluten expanded its creations when it opened the Senza Gluten Cafe and Bakery, which is just down the street from their main shop. The bakery features even more delicious treats, such as fresh baguettes sold daily.
Posh Pop Bakeshop
Posh Pop Bakeshop is essentially a dream come true for anyone with Celiac Disease or gluten-intolerance. This 100% gluten-free bakery makes the most decadent desserts you can ever imagine, and they recently started selling waffles and paninis too! What I love about Posh Pop is that they don’t just make regular cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies – everything is over the top, stuffed, filled, and piled high with deliciousness. Some of my favorites include their MASSIVE stuffed cookies, their delicious cheesecakes, and their Twix Bar (yes, you read that right…they make homemade GF Twix and then bake them into a blondie-type bar). Posh Pop isn’t just good for gluten-free, it’s just GOOD. If you want to drool a little, go check out their amazing Instagram for pictures of their treats.
Hu Kitchen
You might recognize the name Hu Kitchen from the grocery store because this NYC spot also makes chocolate bars that are sold around the country. Hu Kitchen is all about unprocessed and real foods, and you can taste it in their products! They have a line where you can create your own bowl, as well as many packaged meals in a refrigerated case. I tried the side of sweet potatoes, which was seriously delicious. Hu Kitchen is definitely a good stop if you are looking for creative combos of whole and natural foods, and it is a perfect stop if you are on the go.
Erin Mckenna’s Bakery
Erin McKenna’s Bakery is a 100% gluten-free and VEGAN spot in the NYC with other locations in Los Angeles and Orlando. The bakery is adorably decorated on the inside, and the case is filled with AMAZING and delicious allergen free goodies. I had a cookie-flavored doughnut when I was there because doughnuts can be so hard to find GF, and it was really, really good. If you are in the city and have a sweet tooth, Erin McKenna’s is definitely a spot you have to hit.
Friedman’s
Friedman’s is hands down not only one of my favorite restaurants ever, but also one of the MOST gluten-free friendly restaurants in the country. They have tons of locations all over the city, so no matter where your travels take you, your probably near a Friedman’s. 99% of their menu can be made gluten-free, and no gluten enters their fryers so everything fried is safe for Celiacs…including their chicken and waffles! Their brunch menu features things like blueberry pancakes and huevos rancheros, and their dinner menu includes burgers, fries, and my personal favorite – artichoke spinach dip. Friedman’s tends to be busy, especially for brunch, so be prepared to possibly wait for a table. However, it is SO WORTH THE WAIT. If you are in NYC, Friedman’s is probably by #1 recommendation for dinner or brunch.
Cheska’s
Cheska’s is a 100% gluten-free pizza stand in NYC where you can get delicious pizza on either a cauliflower or sweet potato crust. You can build your own pizza or choose one of their creations, and they even have a dessert pizza with Nutella on it! They come in 12-inch and 6-inch sizes, which makes it easy to get a few and share with friends. The pizzas are very delicious, but are kind of messy due to the type of crusts. If you want a healthier pizza option while in NYC, Cheska’s is definitely your spot.
Juice Generation
Juice Generation is a NYC based smoothie and juice bar with multiple locations throughout the city. If you go on their website, you can see that the only thing they serve that contains gluten is their hemp granola (even their regular granola is GF!) so their smoothies and baked goods are safe. I have never been a huge smoothie lover, but I tried the Joyful Almond and it was SO GOOD. It was really thick and I could taste almond butter and the cacao nibs – so delicious. I also tried their chocolate doughnuts, which are gluten-free and have very simple ingredients that can be seen on their website. I was pleasantly surprised by my trip to Juice Generation, and I would definitely recommend it if you are in the city.
Keste Pizza
I don’t know how I went so many years without knowing about Keste Pizza in NYC…it is by far the best gluten-free pizza I have had in the United States. Keste has two locations in the city, but we ate at the Bleecker Street location, which does not take reservations. We had to wait about thirty minutes for a table, but it was so worth it. They have so many GF options on their menu, and they have a SEPARATE OVEN for their gluten-free pizzas! I know, I couldn’t believe it either. Not only is it Celiac-safe, but the pizza has real, doughy crust, not the thin and cripsy kind that is normally GF. I was so amazed with my meal and I finished every bite of the pizza I ordered. I cannot wait to go back to the city and go back to Keste because it was seriously some of the best pizza I have had since my diagnosis.
Modern Bread and Bagel
Last but not least, Modern Bread and Bagel. This bagel shop made my dreams come true because it is 100% GF and they serve freshly baked bagels and other delicious baked goods. Getting a warm bagel with thick cream cheese doesn’t really happen for people with Celiac Disease, but Modern Bread and Bagel changed that. My bagel was so delicious, and tasted like it had been made that morning (which it had). We got our bagels to-go, but you can also sit down and have a delicious brunch or dinner in their restaurant. I am very eager to get back to Modern Bread and Bagel to try basically everything on their menu because I already know it will be amazing.
Let me know if you guys have tried any of these places, or if you have any other favorites! I’m always looking for new spots to try in the city.
