
Dining options are limited when you can't eat an ingredient that's present in virtually everything. Whether you're just mildly gluten-sensitive or have a more serious allergic reaction, navigating the dining establishments in your area can be tricky—especially when you've just moved to a new neighborhood. Don't worry, though. If you're looking for a good place to have lunch in Northeast Ohio with safe, gluten-free menu options, here are nine of our favorites.
12200 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106
If you're craving Italian, Mia Bella is where you want to go. Not only is their food delicious, with a Mediterranean flair, but all of their pizza and pasta menu items have gluten-free options. Try the lobster ravioli with spinach, truffle oil, and tomato cream sauce. Or have some gnocchi with roasted garlic and kalamata olives, or pizzas like pepperoni and basil, prosciutto and arugula, and more. If you're going for lunch, be sure to go on Saturday, as they open at noon. But whenever you go, you're sure to have a great meal.
1809 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44301
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Ms. Julie's, in Akron, takes pride in their healthy and ethical menu options. The entire menu is vegan, and plenty of gluten-free options are also available. Try their Sloppy Mac—a cross between mac and cheese and sloppy joe, with dairy-free cheese and brown rice pasta. Many of their ordinarily glutenous dishes have gluten-free options as well, including brown rice flour donuts and gluten-free carrot cake with cashew icing. Ms. Julie's has all your favorite comfort foods, made healthy, ethically, and guilt-free. While the restaurant is temporarily closed for renovations, Ms. Julie's should be back in business later this month.
2835 Whipple Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708
First opened in 1983, Gregory's provides Canton with fresh and delicious food with friendly, knowledgeable service. Plus, they have an entire, extensive menu for their gluten-free patrons. That includes burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches with gluten-free bread, waffles and pancakes with gluten-free flour, and more—plus soups, salads, omelets, and other options that are always gluten-free and always delicious. They even have a gluten-free fryer for their french fries to prevent cross-contamination. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gregory's is a great place for a worry-free breakfast or lunch.
23 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
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This locally owned lunch spot has a variety of sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and more—all with gluten-free substitutes available upon request. Try their Cuban Quesadilla, with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard in a gluten-free tortilla. Or their BBQ chicken panini with gluten-free bread. And be sure to check out their array of grilled cheeses, like jalapeno popper, cilantro lime, and bacon pickle. They also serve a wide array of coffees, teas, energy drinks, and more. Open until 4 p.m., it's a perfect spot to grab lunch in Akron.
1400 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
While many of the locations on this list offer gluten-free substitutes, Taza simply has a wide range of menu options that aren't bread-based, making them gluten-free naturally. The shish lamb specialty salad has tomatoes, olives, and feta, with lemon herb vinaigrette or tahini dressing. The mixed grill has a selection of beef, lamb, and chicken. They also have kabobs, kaftas, and other options, many of them served with rice rather than a glutenous side. Be sure to confirm with the staff which items are gluten-free before ordering, but your lunch options here are pretty wide.
2185 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
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Dedicated to making food that's both healthy and flavorful, Bam! makes it a point to accommodate a variety of dietary needs and restrictions, including those with gluten issues. If you're looking for a great lunch, try one of their amazing salads, like goat cheese and almond, or hot and spicy pecan. You can order in advance for pickup or delivery or just go in and let them know your dietary needs. They're always happy to help you find something safe and healthy that you'll love.
4223 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH 44708
If you're looking for simple and delicious casual dining, Pete's Family Restaurant in Canton is a great option. Their gluten-free options aren't labeled on the menu, but ask your server, and they'll help you find something you'll love. Customers rave about their gluten-free pasta dishes, from spaghetti marinara to chicken alfredo, rotini, and more. And they prepare their gluten-free items separately from the rest of their menu to avoid cross-contamination.
5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
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This Mediterranean eatery features a wide variety of gluten-free offerings on its menu, all clearly labeled as such. Try one of their charcuterie boards, with various cheeses, fruits, honey, and roasted nuts. If you want something more substantial, go for the chicken avgolemono, poached with dill, parsley, lemon, and golden rice. Or try the Tuscan kale salad with pickled red onions, cherry tomatoes, and garlic-herb breadcrumbs, which can be made gluten-free upon request. Some of their menu offerings come with crackers, for which they also have gluten-free substitutes. Overall, Astoria Cafe is very accommodating to its gluten-free patrons and eager to help you find a lunch dish you'll love.
Which delicious, gluten-free menu options do you want to try?