Whether it’s a personal choice or a requirement to handle Celiac Disease, a lot of people are looking to eat gluten-free these days – and navigating a menu on the spur of the moment can be tricky.
We paired our own research with reader suggestions to come up with this guide to gluten-free dishes from restaurants in Lakeland – so you can always be prepared to pick the perfect plate.
FYI, if you are eating gluten-free for a health requirement, we suggest you take an extra precaution. Reader Jack W. offered this #ProTip: “My wife has celiac disease and about four years ago we signed up for a Kickstarter called NIMA. They provide testers and a device that checks to make sure a meal is 100% gluten-free. The product to this day is a lifesaver.”
You can substitute gluten-free bread for sandwiches + toast for just $1 more, or choose one of their seasonally rotated gluten-free pastries. Our suggestion: Avocado toast with gluten-free bread.
The Red Door prides itself on catering to their patrons’ needs – offering both gluten-free items like their Buddha Bowl + gluten substitutes on many of their other dishes.
Tea Largo, 4634 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Tea Largo hopped on our IG post + informed us that all their bowls are gluten-free, as well as their granola line.
Fresco’s, 132 S. Kentucky Ave.
Thanks, Reader Hannah H. for suggesting the Roasted Veggie Bowl – various veggies on a nest of pasta and sundried tomato herb broth.
“Tsunami Sushi has gluten-free soy sauce they will use for their Hibachi, and most of their sushi is gluten-free.” – Reader Maegan C.
All of the bowls listed on their menu are GF + as an added bonus, you can get the Chickpea Salad on GF bread or a Raw Wrap.
Mellow Mushroom offers gluten-free customers various GF pizza options like their Kosmic Karma, Veg Out, Mighty Meaty + House Special pizzas. If those options don’t appeal to you, you can also build your own Gluten-Free Pie.
Wendy’s, 1910 W. Memorial Blvd.
“Wendy’s chili.” – Reader Condit B. According to this site, Wendy’s offers several gluten-free items, including some of their salads, sides + frosties.
“Gluten-free ravioli with alfredo sauce and their Caprese salad.” – Reader Maegan C.
Burger 21, 1601 Town Center Dr.
Take a look at Burger 21’s menu before heading in, as they offer several options for gluten-free meals upon request, such as The OMG burger: “Double-stacked 100% Certified Angus Beef® patties, 21 sauce, applewood smoked bacon, red onion, choice of cheese, lettuce, and vine-ripened tomatoes.”
No Guilt Baking Company, Various Locations
DIY your own gluten-free bread with this local entrepreneur’s mix or get it shipped to a friend.
Almost everything on the menu is gluten-free, and if you let them know about your allergy, they will take precautions not to cross-contaminate.
Il Forno, 3615 Florida Ave. S. STE 1310
This Italian restaurant offers items like gluten-free pasta + personal-sized gluten-free pizza. Top the pizza off with pepperoni, bacon or pour some vodka sauce on your GF penne.
Two words: Dedicated fryer. So you can rest assured your tots won’t face any cross-contamination. Gluten-free bread is also offered for sandwiches for a couple of dollars more.
Thai Oishi, 1535 Town Center Dr.
According to readers, the Chicken Param can be prepared gluten-free by request.’
Patio 850, 850 S. Tennessee Ave.
Maybe one of their most popular dishes, we’ve heard a great gluten-free go-to is the Stone Perfect flatbread, ala gluten-free style for a crispier crust.
Grillsmith,1569 Town Center Dr.
The entire menu is outlined with a key to what is allergen-friendly + gluten-free. The staff recommended ordering the Oak Barrel Salmon.
According to the staff, most meals contain gluten, but they’re able to make a meal gluten-free if you let them know ahead of time. Suggestions from Cafe Zuppina include the Veggie Moussaka or some of their salads.
“Spice Thai’s any curry is one of my favorite [for eating gluten-free].” – Reader Jack W.
Nineteen61, 215 E. Main St.
“Risotto from Nineteen61 (Or anything from that place, they have a ton of Gluten-free options).” – Reader Maegan C.
A special shout out to Reader Maegan C. for sending us her personalized guide to eating gluten-free in LAL. Way to go the extra mile, Maegan. 🥳
Did we leave out your favorite gluten-free spot or dish? Let us know by leaving a comment down below.