Last night my husband and I went out for dinner in Boulder and had the worst meal we’ve had since we moved here 7 years ago. That meal (at a place which shall remain nameless!) made me yearn for my favorite restaurants in New York City.
Not that we don’t have some amazing restaurants here in Boulder that happily cater to diners with special dietary requests.
So after last night, while pining, I decided to put together a list of the restaurants that I like best in New York City. While none of them are strictly gluten free, all (at least when I’ve frequented them), were super accommodating vis a vis gluten free requests.
Craft Restaurant -This restaurant of Thomas Coleccio’s is superb. Very expensive with amazing selection of fish and vegetables. Absolutely lovely!
Fig and Olive -A nice restaurant downtown. My husband and I ate there last time I was in New York on my book tour. Fresh selections with delicious raw soups, fish, fowl and more.
Risotteria Restaurant -A fun place down in the village, great salads, gluten free pizza and gluten free desserts. My younger son loved the gluten free pink cupcakes.
Friedman’s Lunch -A fabulous diner down in Cheslea Market. Family run with fun food and an amazing selection of gluten free options.
Pure Food and Wine -I haven’t actually been to this restaurant, it is my mother in law’s favorite. Raw food, prepared fresh. My husband also says it’s great.
Gabriel’s Bar and Restaurant -This is our old haunt. My husband and I used to go there quite often for date night. I haven’t been for a long time, though only have recollections of classic fabulous fresh food with flair.
Aureole Restaurant -An old client of mine when I ran this business, Charlie Palmer’s exquisite venue. One of the best in the world; pricey.
So, there you have it. An entire array of restaurants for those of you visiting New York City which might even be helpful to the lucky who reside there.
Great article in the Huffington Post on celiac disease last week by Dr. Jon LaPook (love his name!). For an analysis of the article check out Celiacchicks.com in depth review.
Brenda Wilkey says
Thank you for the wonderful list. As Jane stated above, I was also wondering if you could list some restaurants in Colorado Springs. My best friend lives there but I have only been there 3 times and am still getting used to the different restaurants versus what we have in my area. I live in MI and we don’t have many of the same chains so I am really unfamiliar. I have done research but it always helps to have someone who has been there. Once again, great post!
Deanna says
I was just in NYC last week, and I found a handful of GF businesses not listed here:
Everybody Eats http://everybodyeats-inc.com/ (primarily mail order, though you can stop by and pick up stuff)
Mozzarelli’s http://www.mozzarellis.com/ (really excellent pan GF pizza and tons of GF desserts)
Pala http://www.palapizza.com/ (wonderful artisanal GF crust with creative topping selection–probably the best pizza I’ve had in my life, GF or otherwise)
Avoid Souen–terrible food that’s slightly better than the service. I’m still irate over that experience, so please don’t get me started.
I was a bit surprised that NYC doesn’t have MORE GF-friendly restaurants. I live in Chicago, and soooooo many restaurants here have GF menus.
jane says
Hi:
Thanks for the post. As you said Boulder also has great restaurants, so will you please list some restaurants in Boulder and the Denver area and the mountains, when people travel to Colorado they have options there too. Thanks
gfe-gluten free easily says
Great info for when I make it to NYC again! It’s the recommendations of others that mean the most to me … more than a gluten-free menu, participation in a program, etc.
Thanks so much, Elana! :-)
Shirley
Mike says
Thanks for the list Elana. I have personally been to Risotteria and Friedman’s. They are both great places to eat and offer a lot of GF options. Risotteria also sells a lot of pre packaged GF items you can make yourself at home.
Another great place that I have been to is Lily’s 57 (57th St. and 7th Ave.) They have great GF Asian food (actually a whole separate menu for GF dishes).
http://www.lilis57.com/
I plan on going to the other listed places soon.
Marylyn says
Hi Elana, thanks, for putting together this valuable list!
Let me add to the list a place that we just discovered:
LUMI 963 Lexington Ave, they are a wonderful italian restaurant that has a Gluten Free menu which includes pasta and other italian dishes.
They are quite well informed and helpful and the food is delicious!
RestaurantZoom says
Great list Elana. You did a fantastic job and like was pointed out by another fan, you really do have many choices in your area yes?
Jeannette says
Oh, I am so jealous of all your restaurants! I’m in Germany and have been able to find one gluten free café near me—though the mainstays on their menu are quiches and cakes. Would love to have a juicy gluten free pizza…
karla says
Hi there,
When you’re in the mood for good pizza (and who isn’t when in NYC), Cafe Viva on the Upper West Side has great options!
Rachel C says
Karla- awww I was so excited for a minute there, but I just called Cafe Viva, and they said they do NOT have GF pizza.
But Elana, YAY thanks for this post!!! I’m all about it. I live in Long Island but travel to the city a few times a week for singing biz.
:) Rachel
VeggieGirl says
Pure Food & Wine = I dine there all the time in NYC:
http://veggiegirlvegan.blogspot.com/search?q=%22Pure+Food+and+wine%22