Discover the most comprehensive gluten-free guide to New Orleans dining. Our selection of restaurants accommodates gluten-free diets and celebrates them with rich flavors and innovative dishes.
Unveiling the Charms of Gluten-Free New Orleans
New Orleans, a city renowned for its culinary excellence, welcomes those seeking a gluten-free gastronomic experience.
As you meander through the vibrant streets, from the French Quarter to Magazine Street, many gluten-free dining options invite you to indulge without reservation.
1) Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar: A Gluten-Free Haven
Superior Seafood, nestled at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and Napoleon Avenue, is a sanctuary for seafood enthusiasts on a gluten-free diet.
Their gluten-free menu bursts with options like succulent grilled shrimp and gluten-free bread that is as airy and delightful as the traditional French loaf.
2) Meals from the Heart Cafe: Love on a Plate
Within the historic French Market lies Meals from the Heart Cafe, a place where gluten-free dining is crafted with passion.
Gluten-free diners revel in the sweet potato fritters and crab cakes, knowing their needs are not just met but celebrated.
3) The Daily Beet: Gluten-Free, Fresh, and Vibrant
The Daily Beet, situated in the heart of the Garden District, is more than a restaurant; it’s a statement of health and flavor.
From gluten-free crust pizzas to vibrant fruit salads, the menu caters to a gluten-free diet with a creative twist.
4) The Rum House: Caribbean Flair Without the Gluten
On Magazine Street, The Rum House plates up a gluten-free Caribbean feast.
The jerk chicken with whipped potatoes is a delight for both the taste buds and those with dietary restrictions, ensuring gluten-free options are never an afterthought.
5) Carmo: A Tropical Gluten-Free Experience
Venture into Carmo, an eclectic eatery where gluten-free options transport you to the tropics.
Their dedication to gluten-free diners shines through with dishes like the grilled shrimp skewers served with a side of gluten-free bread, a rarity in the world of sandwiches.
6) Savoring Seafood at Galliano Restaurant
Dive into Galliano Restaurant, where the catch of the day meets gluten-free mastery.
Indulge in fresh Gulf oysters and grilled shrimp, knowing each dish is prepared with your gluten-free lifestyle in mind.
7) Breads on Oak: Bakery and Bistro
At Breads on Oak, the aroma of freshly baked gluten-free bread beckons.
This bakery-cum-bistro provides an extensive array of gluten-free menu items, from the savory delights of a muffuletta on gluten-free bread to the sweet charm of a fruit tart.
8) Red Fish Grill’s Gluten-Free Prowess
Discover the magic of Red Fish Grill, where gluten-free dining is synonymous with flavor.
The gluten-free guests rave about their BBQ oysters and the succulent selection of grilled fish, and each served with a gluten-free twist.
9) Jazzy Gluten-Free Options at The Spotted Cat Food & Spirits
The Spotted Cat Food & Spirits on St. Claude Avenue marries jazz with gluten-free dining.
Their menu items like shrimp remoulade ensure that eating gluten-free is always a celebration of local culture and cuisine.
10) A Gluten-Free Fiesta at Barracuda
Venture to Barracuda, a taco stand with a dedicated gluten-free menu that’s as vibrant as the streets of New Orleans.
Tuck into gluten-free tacos filled with locally sourced ingredients, a testament to the city’s love for fresh, wholesome food.
More Gluten-Free Dining Across New Orleans: A Tapestry of Tastes
11) Uptown and the Garden District: Gluten-Free Elegance
In the Uptown and Garden District areas, gluten-free diners are treated to an upscale dining experience.
From the char-grilled oysters on the half shell at Pascal’s Manale to the gluten-free filet mignon at Commander’s Palace, the offerings are both sumptuous and safe for those on a gluten-free diet.
12) French Quarter: Gluten-Free Feasts and Festivities
The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter, is where gluten-free dining gets festive.
Enjoy gluten-free po boys at the renowned Killer Poboys, or savor the bananas fostered at Brennan’s, knowing that your gluten-free needs are taken seriously.
13) Mid-City: Gluten-Free Comforts
Mid-City’s down-to-earth vibe translates into its gluten-free dining scene.
At Mandina’s, the gluten-free menu items like shrimp remoulade and the fried seafood platter are tailored to ensure that everyone can enjoy the comforts of Southern cuisine.
14) Bywater and Marigny: The Artistic Gluten-Free Plate
Bywater and Marigny, with their artistic flair, offer gluten-free dining that is both a visual and gastronomical delight.
The gluten-free diners are in for a treat with establishments like Satsuma Cafe, which offers a separate gluten-free menu featuring fresh salads and grilled specialties.
15) Metairie: Suburban Gluten-Free Retreat
Metairie offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city with several gluten-free options at local restaurants.
The Rum House extends its gluten-free Caribbean magic here as well, alongside places like Casablanca, which infuses Moroccan flavors into their separate gluten-free menus items.
Exploring Other Neighborhoods for Gluten-Free Treasures
Gluten-Free in the French Quarter
The historic French Quarter is a gluten-free, friendly zone where restaurants cater to those with celiac disease with the same gusto as they do their other guests. Try the gluten-free lobster dumplings at Muriel’s Jackson Square, or enjoy a gluten-free po boy at Verti Marte.
Uptown’s Gluten-Free Delights
Uptown New Orleans presents a variety of gluten-free restaurants like Patois, which features locally influenced dishes like Gulf shrimp over a bed of grits, all prepared gluten-free upon request.
Bywater’s Gluten-Free Bohemian Eats
In the Bywater district, gluten-free options abound at places like Elizabeth’s, where the ethos of good food extends to gluten-free diners with offerings such as gluten-free fried chicken.
The Gluten-Free Heartbeat of Mid-City
Mid City holds a special place for gluten-free guests, with spots like Katie’s Restaurant & Bar, which boasts a gluten-free menu filled with New Orleans specialties.
The Essentials of Gluten-Free Eating in New Orleans
Eating gluten-free in New Orleans is an adventure in itself. From gluten-free fried Seafood to freshly baked gluten-free bread, the city’s restaurants have mastered the art of catering to gluten-free diets without compromising on taste or experience.
Navigating Gluten-Free Menus with Confidence
The Art of Gluten-Free Creole Cuisine
Creole cuisine, a New Orleans staple, can be enjoyed gluten-free at many local restaurants. Dishes like gumbo and jambalaya are often offered with gluten-free modifications, allowing you to savor the authentic taste of New Orleans.
Gluten-Free Vegan and Vegetarian Options
The increasing demand for gluten-free dining has intersected beautifully with vegan and vegetarian needs. Seed, located in the Lower Garden District, offers a plant-based menu that is largely gluten-free, including po boys and Southern fried nuggets.
Fine Dining with a Gluten-Free Flair
For a more refined gluten-free dining experience, visit Commander’s Palace in the Garden District. Their menu is replete with gluten-free items, including luxurious options like gluten-free crabmeat ravigote.
For the Love of Gluten-Free Brunches
Bearcat Cafe: A Gluten-Free Brunch Haven
Begin your day at Bearcat Cafe, where the gluten-free menu shines bright with brunch options. From fluffy gluten-free pancakes to savory omelets, there’s no shortage of gluten-free morning delights.
Toasting to Gluten-Free Options at Toast
Toast, another brunch favorite, caters to gluten-free patrons with an array of options. Gluten-free French toast and omelets are just the beginning of what you can enjoy at this cheerful spot.
Gluten-Free Menu Must-Haves
- Sweet Potato Fritters: A staple in gluten-free New Orleans cuisine, these fritters are a sweet and savory treat found in many restaurants across the city.
- Gluten-Free Crust Pizza: Pizzerias in New Orleans have embraced the gluten-free movement, offering delicious and crispy gluten-free crusts.
- Fresh Seafood: Gulf shrimp, oysters, and crawfish tails are served up in numerous preparations, all guaranteed to be gluten-free and absolutely delicious.
- Pork Belly: Found in both upscale and casual dining spots, pork belly is often a centerpiece in gluten-free meals, showcasing local ingredients and flavors.
Concluding Your Gluten-Free Culinary Journey in New Orleans
As the sun sets on the Crescent City, your eat gluten-free journey is marked by a medley of flavors, memories of great food, and the assurance that restaurants in New Orleans are both a haven and a heaven for gluten-free folks.
Remember, every meal is an opportunity to explore, and every bite is a chance to savor the gluten-free goodness that New Orleans has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does New Orleans have gluten-free food?
Yes, New Orleans has a wide array of gluten-free food options. The city's diverse culinary landscape includes restaurants that specialize in or offer a selection of gluten-free dishes, catering to the needs of those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Does Cafe du Monde have gluten-free beignets?
Cafe du Monde, famous for its beignets and café au lait, does not offer gluten-free beignets. Their traditional beignets are made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. Those on a gluten-free diet will need to find alternative pastry options at other establishments in New Orleans that cater to gluten-free requirements.
What are three famous foods in New Orleans?
Three famous foods in New Orleans are:
Gumbo: A flavorful stew that combines a variety of ingredients such as meats, Seafood, sausage, vegetables, and a thickener like roux, which typically contains flour. However, some restaurants may offer a gluten-free version using a different thickening agent.
Jambalaya: A hearty dish with Spanish and French influence, it features rice, meat (often chicken or sausage), Seafood, and vegetables. Jambalaya can be gluten-free if no gluten-containing ingredients are added.
Po' Boys: A traditional sandwich from Louisiana, usually consisting of meat or fried Seafood like shrimp, oysters, or crab, served on French bread. Gluten-free versions are less common but can be found at restaurants that offer gluten-free bread.
Which cuisine has the most gluten-free options?
As for the cuisine with the most gluten-free options, many would argue that Mediterranean, Indian, and Southeast Asian (particularly Thai and Vietnamese) cuisines inherently feature a plethora of gluten-free dishes due to their reliance on rice, corn, and potatoes as staple ingredients instead of wheat. However, it's always important to communicate with restaurant staff regarding specific dietary needs to avoid cross-contamination or hidden gluten ingredients.
