Ordering off a restaurant menu can be anxiety-producing for anyone, but especially for those with dietary restrictions. One of the most common alternative diets is gluten-free, which involves eliminating gluten (a substance in cereal grains like wheat) from your diet. While some people go gluten-free because they have celiac disease (which prevents their bodies from processing gluten) or a gluten sensitivity, others do it for the potential health benefits. Either way, it's often hard to find gluten-free options at your favorite restaurants.
Here are five restaurants in Chicago that have made it their mission to accommodate a gluten-free lifestyle:
1. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba
Chicago's go-to tapas bar offers more than just sangria and paella. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba features a wide selections of small plates perfect for sharing with friends or family members. The restaurant's separate gluten-free menu includes a Spanish tortilla, skewered chicken and sausage, paella and even a large selection of desserts.
2. Swirlz Cupcakes
Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, this bakery offers a wide variety of cupcakes to accommodate several dietary restrictions, including 14 gluten-free flavors and 6 vegan flavors. A few favorites are Banana Nutella and Molten Chocolate. You can also find Swirlz cupcakes at several Whole Foods Markets throughout Chicago.
3. Mon Ami Gabi
If you're looking for a nice restaurant to eat at with parents that also has gluten-free options, this is the place for you. Mon Ami Gabi is a classic French bistro located right in front of the Lincoln Park Zoo. While most French bistros provide a warm baguette with butter when you sit down, this one will quickly replace it with warm gluten-free bread upon request. There is a large gluten-free menu with classic dishes, including filet mignon, sea scallops and a chocolate mousse for dessert.
4. Lyfe Kitchen
Lyfe Kitchen is a great spot for both a quick lunch or a relaxed Sunday brunch with friends. All items on the menu are seasonal and designed to include a host of nutritious ingredients. While not all items on the menu are gluten-free, many of the dishes can be made without gluten—including the flatbreads and classic breakfast, which can be served up with a gluten-free muffin. There are many locations of Lyfe Kitchen throughout Chicago, including River North and Evanston.
5. Summer House Santa Monica
This is Chicago's staple restaurant for the now-infamous avocado toast, and while the majority of Instagram photos tagged here are of just that, the restaurant offers far more. Summer House Santa Monica has an entirely gluten-free menu for brunch, lunch and dinner. Menu items include a gluten-free version of the avocado toast, ahi tuna tostadas and a classic wood-grilled hamburger. This one should definitely be on your Chicago restaurant bucket list.
Whether or not you're gluten-free, sometimes it's a good idea to try out an alternative diet. These Chicago restaurants offer great gluten-free options without sacrificing on taste, which make them the perfect places for those who've adopted a gluten-free lifestyle or hope to accommodate friends with dietary restrictions.