100 % Gluten Free
Unfortunately, there are no 100% gluten free restaurants in New Orleans. I searched high and low, both online and in the city itself, but could not find a single such place. If you do come across one, do let me know!
There is, however, a gluten free bakery:
Girls Gone Vegan Bakery
100% gluten free and vegan bakery that provides bakery goods all over New Orleans (or you can order). I was not able to try out some of their bakery goods when I went there. Click the link in the name to find the various locations.
Places with Gluten Free Options on the Menu
These are places that have “GLUTEN FREE” marked specifically on their menus, either in a separate section or through allergen marking. (Always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).
DEANIE’S SEAFOOD
A place where you can actually order GF fried seafood! There is a separate (and extensive) gluten free menu that you can ask for. I ordered the deep fried soft shell crabs, which was an amazing experience as a Celiac. Do note that when I ordered this – from the gluten free menu – the waitress told me they normally put flour in the mix and asked me if I wanted to leave that out. So make sure you specifically say “gluten free” even if you are holding the gluten free menu in your hands. This restaurant has several locations in New Orleans. Click to read more about one of them here.
GUMBO SHOP
This is a very popular restaurant, so expect to stand in line at least 30 minutes. The restaurant has a separate gluten free menu (as seen above). If you share my experience, though, you will need to ask for it repeatedly. In the end I did get local, gluten free food. In other words, I was happy! You can find more details here.
STUMPTON COFFEE ROASTERS
In addition to good coffee, they do have gluten free options such as pudding and porridge. Read more here.
OTHER PLACES
These are places I have not been able to try/visit, but that market themselves as gluten free friendly. As I have not eaten at these places, I cannot comment on how gluten free friendly they might be or not be. Always re-confirm with the establishment. If you are Celiac, always evaluate cross-contamination risks. You can click the restaurant name to read more:
Meals from the Heart
Specifically promotes themselves as vegan and Celiac friendly. Has good reviews on TripAdvisor.
Mais Arepas
Apparently most of the menu is naturally gluten free, which is fantastic!
Waffles On Maple
They apparently have gluten free waffles prepared in designated waffle makers. I recommend re-confirming this when ordering.
Bearcat Cafe
Based on the Internet, this place has an allergen marked menu with many gluten free options.
The Green Goddess
Apparently a good gluten free marked menu.
Superior Seafood
Apparently they have a separate gluten free menu.
Places with Gluten Free Options when you Ask
At these places I was helped in finding dishes that were naturally gluten free on the menu or the establishment changed their ingredients for me to make a dish gluten free. Note that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs.
JOHNNY SANCHEZ NEW ORLEANS
The restaurant itself is spacious and nicely decorated. The menu is not allergen marked, but the staff will be able to tell you which dishes are gluten free. You should know that they have a “happy hour” where the wraps only cost $2 a piece! Read more here.
ACME OYSTER HOUSE
This is a very popular restaurant and you should expect to wait in line for at least 30 minutes. Unfortunately, I was not able to take a good photo of the oysters, which is what this place is famous for. The oysters are naturally gluten free, so you are in for a treat. Do double check, though, if you are ordering oysters with any special sauces. There is no allergen marked menu, but the staff will be able to guide you. Read more about the restaurant here.
LULA RESTAURANT DISTILLERY
This is a restaurant that is located outside of the city center, but it is worth a visit. The owner is apparently a Celiac herself, so cross contamination risks are taken seriously. The menu was not allergen marked when I visited, but the staff checked with the kitchen before letting me know what meals were safe. Read more here.
LILY’S CAFE
Vietnamese food is always a safe choice – and maybe even a smart one after eating the Southern food for too long. This restaurant does not have an allergen marked menu, but you can ask the staff for guidance. Read more here.
JUAN’S FLYING BURRITO
An establishment with several branches int the city. There are many naturally gluten free options on the menu, and since it is not allergen marked the staff will help you identify the gluten free dishes. Read more here.
OTHER PLACES
These are places I have not been able to try/visit, but that either market themselves as gluten free friendly or have positive gluten free comments on TripAdvisor. As I have not eaten at these places, I cannot comment on how gluten free friendly they might be or not be. Always re-confirm with the establishment. If you are Celiac, always evaluate cross-contamination risks. You can click the restaurant names to read more:
Brennan’s
This is supposed to be an excellent place to order gluten free food. It is a bit pricier than other restaurants.
GW Fins
Based on TripAdvisor, the staff is knowledgeable about gluten and there are many gluten free options. Interviews of the owner has shown they are doing their best to make their menu gluten free friendly.
Casamento’s Restaurant
Serves gluten free fried food based on numerous of blog reviews. Just make sure to notify staff you are Celiac.
Carmo
Comments on TripAdvisor labels this as a restaurant with some good gluten free options.
Restaurant R’evolution
Comments on TripAdvisor labels this as a restaurant with some good gluten free options.
Commander’s Palace
Comments on TripAdvisor labels this as a restaurant with some good gluten free options.
Orleans Grapevine Wine and Bistro Bar
Comments on TripAdvisor labels this as a restaurant with some good gluten free options.
The Rum House Caribbean Taqueria
Comments on TripAdvisor labels this as a restaurant with some good gluten free options.
Shaya
Supposedly the staff are informed and there are gluten free options.
Seed
Vegetarian and gluten free friendly according to reviews on TripAdvisor.
Final notes
These are just some of the many places offering gluten free meals in New Orleans. Good luck finding some secret gems of your own on your adventure!
