As we become more and more aware of what we are putting in our bodies, more people are turning to a gluten-free lifestyle. While the effects of a gluten-free diet can make you feel amazing, it can be very challenging dining outside of your home.
If you have celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, then you possess a constant worry that your food might contain gluten, which makes eating at restaurants and cafes very difficult.
However, in Springfield’s well-developed restaurant scene, there is an unspoken commitment to providing safe and delicious options for gluten-free customers.
To decide where your next meal out is going to be, we have compiled a list of the seven best gluten-free restaurants in Springfield, to help you dine out as a gluten-free patron with ease and confidence!
Image Source: Cafe Cusco
Many people believe that gluten-free food is boring and bland, however, Café Cusco proves that this is far from the truth. Serving up fresh, tasty, and flavorful Peruvian-style cuisine, Café Cusco is beloved by locals all across town.
Due to the nature of the food, most of the menu is naturally gluten-free, giving those who want to avoid gluten plenty of options when dining here. From the deliciously rich Chicharon plate to the fresh Mango Olive Trout, gluten-free patrons can explore an exciting and different style of cuisine without leaving Springfield.
This restaurant is perfect for both a casual date night and a fun meal out with the family. No wonder it is so many people’s go-to restaurant on a Friday night! Make sure you book well in advance to ensure you get a table.
Image Source: Van Gogh's Eeterie
Another fantastic restaurant in Springfield that caters to gluten-free customers is Van Gogh's Eeterie, located in the historic district of town. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch, or meeting friends for a happy hour drink and some nibbles, Van Gogh’s Eeterie is the perfect place.
The entire menu is derived from traditional Dutch food, soups, fried morsels, and even popular Dutch curries. Dutch cuisine is quite hard to come by outside of the Netherlands, so it is awesome that the people of Springfield get to experience such tasty treats! Furthermore, a good portion of the menu is gluten-free, and these dishes are clearly marked.
Those who can’t eat gluten will be spoiled for choice here - the hard part will be narrowing down the dishes to figuring out which one to order! A top tip from locals is that this restaurant also does amazing cocktails, making this the ideal spot for drinks as well as food!
Image Source: Basilico Italian Cafe
Located in the heart of the historic “C” street in Springfield is one of the city’s best restaurants - Basilico Italian Cafe. This casual eatery serves authentic and delicious Italian cuisine that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Most people associate Italian food with gluten-heavy ingredients such as bread and pasta, which is normally the case. However, Basilico Italian Cafe goes the extra mile for its customers and offers an entire range of gluten-free bread and pasta to ensure that no one misses out on their stellar menu.
A favorite amongst patrons is their gluten-free spaghetti marinara, which packs a serious punch on the taste buds. A quick peek at their reviews will tell you that this is one of the best gluten-free restaurants in town, with customers highlighting that they notice the extra safety measures the restaurant puts in place to ensure gluten-free food stays uncontaminated.
If you are particularly vigilant about your gluten-free lifestyle and want a dining option that will make you feel safe and catered for, we cannot recommend Basilico Italian Cafe enough.
Image Source: The Grotto West Coast Grill
If you want a relaxed and casual meal, but don’t want to skip out on quality, you can’t go past the Grotto West Coast Grill. Located in the Battlefield Plaza, this eatery is popular among locals for a no-frills bite to eat.
The menu contains all your favorite dishes, and the best part is that many of them are gluten-free. The salads, in particular, are a great gluten-free option here, as they are packed with fresh vegetables, perfectly grilled meats, and delicious toppings, all without gluten.
Customers also love gluten-free mains such as grilled salmon or grilled chicken breast. These mains come with your choice of two sides - most of which are completely free from gluten.
Grotto West Coast Grill is dedicated to providing a safe environment for gluten-free eaters, so you can rest assured that they will do everything in their power to ensure your meal is not cross-contaminated with gluten. If you don’t know where to take your family on your next dinner outing, give the Grotto West Coast Grill a go!
Image Source: Gilardi's
Sometimes, there is nothing quite like enjoying a fancy meal out. Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone, or trying to impress on a first date, an upscale meal is always a good choice.
One of Springfields' best and most established high-end restaurants is Gilardi’s - an italian restaurant that has been a mainstay in the local restaurant scene for many years. Located in a gorgeously renovated 19th-century villa, the menu at Gilardi’s is small but curated to perfection.
While there are no designated gluten-free dishes on the menu, if you let your server know that you can’t eat gluten, they will be able to request that the kitchen makes something just for you! This means that no one has to miss out when dining at Gilardi’s, as they strive to cater to everyone.
What makes this restaurant so unique is its urban garden, in which they try to grow as much of their fresh produce on site! If you want an upscale and delicious meal that will cater to your gluten-free needs, Gilardi’s should be high on your list of places to try.
Image Source: Gailey's Breakfast Cafe
Many different nations around the world battle for the title of best breakfast. From a French-style pastry breakfast to the classic cooked English breakfast, the options are endless.
However, we believe that nothing tops a traditional American breakfast - which is why we love Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe so much! This nostalgic restaurant is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, thanks to its nostalgic menu and commitment to high-quality food.
Their menu is expansive, and you will find that many of the dishes are naturally gluten-free. However, they also have the option to add gluten-free toast or buns to certain meals to make them gluten-free friendly.
With a menu this big, and stellar service, everyone is guaranteed to enjoy their meal at Gailey’s. Finding a quality gluten-free breakfast can be a difficult task, however, Gailey’s has got you covered!
Image Source: Bruno's Italian Restaurant
If you’re looking for that classic Italian restaurant experience, you need to look no further than Bruno’s Italian Restaurant. Located on South Ave, in the heart of downtown Springfield, Bruno’s offers delicious and authentic Italian and Sicilian flavors, coupled with outstanding service and an unbeatable ambiance.
The menu covers all your Italian classics such as pizza, pasta, and antipasti. While there aren’t dedicated gluten-free dishes, Bruno’s is more than happy to create certain dishes, such as their pizzas and pasta, with gluten-free ingredients. Customers particularly love their gluten-free pizzas, which still get the same woodfired treatment as all the other pizzas, providing a delicious meal.
Bruno’s relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to take kids, so if you’re looking for an establishment to take your gluten-free family, why not try Bruno’s Italian Restaurant?