If you have celiac disease or you’re just gluten intolerant, deciding where to eat may require some extra planning. Thankfully Philly’s food scene has expanded its gluten-free offerings through the years, especially with cuisines from certain regions around the world that are inherently gluten-free.
Here’s where you can eat gluten-free. If cross-contamination is a concern, please note that some of these establishments are completely gluten-free while others have gluten-free substitutions and options on their menus.
📍1706 Locust St.
P.S. & Co. prides itself on its 100% gluten-free, organic, plant-rich menu. If you’re stopping in during the workweek, you can order treats to-go from banana bread to tahini chocolate chip cookies to chickpea salad sandwiches. During the weekend, you can sit down and grab a bite from its brunch menu.
📍1136 Arch St.
The Sparrow family has been making snack food for three generations, specializing in all-natural, gluten-free, peanut-free snacks. Stop over at their stand at the Reading Terminal Market (if you spot a model-train set above you, you’re there) and pick up gluten-free soft pretzels, toaster tarts, and other goods. If you’re reading this from New Jersey, they have an establishment in Haddonfield, too.
📍220 Krams Ave.
Rated among the best gluten-free bakeries in the nation by USA Today, Flakely has been making a name for itself in Manayunk. Founder Lila Colello was diagnosed with celiac disease not long after graduating from the French Culinary Institute, so she made it her mission to turn pastries like croissants and apple cheesecake gluten-free.
If you can’t make it to Manayunk, the bakery has “pastry ATMs” in South Philly, Ambler, Ardmore, and Collingswood.
📍4533 Baltimore Ave.
West Philly has a good selection of African cuisine, and Doro Bet is no exception. Its staple menu item is its gluten-free and halal fried chicken. The restaurant uses teff flour, a naturally gluten-free flour native to Ethiopia and Eritrea. Try the lemon turmeric chicken, available as mild or spicy. You can order sauces on the side, but it tastes great on its own.
📍207 S. 16th St.
If you’re looking for a “fast-casual” option, build a meal around RFE’s lemon za’tar chicken, baked falafel, or roasted jail island salmon.
📍3300 Fairmount Ave.
With locations across the country, Moonbowls serves health-forward, gluten-free Korean meals available for pickup.
📍2535 S. 13th St.
If you want to catch a game at the bar with some friends, visit SouthHouse. This South Philly spot offers gluten-free burgers, cheesesteaks, and wings. Make sure to specify your dietary needs when ordering.
📍124 S. 18th St.
This English-inspired pub serves seasonal takes on British cuisine. Although not completely gluten-free, there is a menu dedicated to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. It’s part of the Starr Restaurant Group, and many of Stephen Starr’s other restaurants in the city also offer gluten-free menu items.
