Top Ten Connecticut Gluten-Free Menus of 2017!

Connecticut is so lucky to have so much great gluten-free food being served by so many wonderful restaurants throughout the state. It’s not easy to accommodate gluten-free and celiac diners, and to all those who put forth the effort, we thank you. It was a tough job narrowing down so many amazing eateries to just 10, so if you don’t see your favorite on the list, get ready to vote for it in our People’s Choice poll, coming up in January 2018!

*Gluten-Free Connecticut cannot guarantee the safety of any establishment. Always use your own judgement when eating out!

#1

Nature’s Grocer
East. St.
Vernon, CT 06066
860-870-0020

Nature’s Grocer in Vernon has pretty much everything we’re looking for. A market that’s nearly 100% GF with tons of local products, a dedicated GF kitchen, and a cafe serving up the best GF paninis around. Oh and let’s not forget their incredible baker who whips up breads, donuts, cupcakes cookies, custom cakes and all sorts of other imaginative GF treats, clearly labeled as GF/DF/Vegan. They’re open 7am-7pm during the week, and they serve breakfast daily, with pancakes available on the weekends. They have a full smoothie menu and always have homemade soups available as well as wraps, paninis, salads, bowls, and pizza on Fridays. And they’re opening a second location in Bloomfield this spring!
*Dedicated gluten-free facility

Editor’s Note: Sadly, Nature’s Grocer has closed. Sniff, sniff. 

#2

Georgie’s Diner
427 Elm St.
West Haven, CT 06516
203-933-1000

Shoreline Diner
345 Boston Post Rd.
Guilford, CT 06437
203-458-7380

Georgie’s Diner and Shoreline Diner are sister restaurants, both with nearly identical gluten-free menus, and both fully celiac friendly. From pancakes to stuffed french toast,chicken parm to burgers, this place makes you feel “normal” again. Chicken Francaise? Souvlaki?  Reuben? Fries with that? They have it all, and desserts too. Vegans rejoice – these guys have a full vegan section, veggie chili and more.
*Not dedicated gluten-free facilities, but true celiac favorites! 

#3

Plan B
6 locations in Connecticut: West Hartford, Glastonbury, Milford, Stamford, Fairfield and Simsbury

They had us at onion rings..and french fries, tater tots, chicken tenders, wings – the stuff that cheat day is made of. In 2016 Plan B converted 100% of their fryers to gluten free. They now serve ONLY gluten-free fried foods to all of their customers, including us. Add in their delicious burger buns and dessert, and they are our true BFF’s.
*Not a dedicated gluten-free facility

#4

Bartaco
Locations in Stamford, West Hartford and Westport

Where else does the menu have asterisks denoting items that are NOT gluten free? At Bartaco, nearly the entire menu is gluten free, and this is well, quite free-ing. Mexican cuisine tends to be inherently gluten-friendly to begin with, but Bartaco has taken it the next level. A fun menu, hip atmosphere, and great food – go try this place!
*Not a dedicated gluten-free facility but celiac friendly – ask your server for details.

#5

Shayna B’s by the Sea
247 Main St.
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
(860) 339-3144

Christine Reed has been making and selling gluten-free foods and treats for years. She finally opened a place of her own, and we’re all luckier for it! Her beautiful but informal eatery in Old Saybrook is outfitted with locally crafted wood tables and chairs, and adorned with artwork from local artisans. The daily menu always has GF/vegan macaroni and cheese, calzones, sandwiches and more, with rotating specials. And don’t forget dessert! Christine’s amazing muffins, cupcakes, cookies and more can already be found at many local coffee shops and markets, but you’ll find a wide array of deliciousness inside her own bakery case. We dare you to leave with just one!
*Dedicated gluten-free facility

 #6

NewBrook Kitchen and Market
37 Saugatuck Ave.
Westport, CT 06880
203-557-6087

Mother-daughter team Cindy and Danielle Hartog opened NewBrook Kitchen earlier this year, and they’ve quickly become a go-to spot for the local gluten-free and celiac communities. They describe their eatery as “where the modern cave people dine,” and they are 100% dedicated gluten free and and paleo. The facility is also free from corn, milk and soy, using only  organic and humanely raised meats. You can pop in to pick up prepared meals to go, enjoy a coffee and a cookie, or relax in their beautiful but informal bistro for a meal or special tasting dinner.
*Dedicated gluten-free facility

#7

Heirloom Food Company
N. Main St.
Danielson, CT
860-779-3373

At Heirloom Food Company, everything on the menu can be made gluten free. And, other than the tuna wrap and turkey sandwich, the entire menu can be made vegan as well. They source locally and organic, and they work hard to provide the “most wholesome food possible.” Add in desserts, smoothies, juices, coffees and catering, and you may have quite possibly reached gluten-free nirvana.
*Heirloom Food Company is not a dedicated gluten-free facility.

#8

The Sweet Beet
498 Salmon Brook St.
Granby, CT 06035
860-653-2338

The Sweet Beet in Granby is 100% dedicated gluten free and vegan. Need we say more? You can pop in for a quick sandwich or soup, but their multiple refrigerated cases stuffed with prepared foods are the highlight. They also bake up some really delicious treats and adorable custom cakes.
*Dedicated gluten-free facility

#9

Maggie McFly’s
5 locations in Connecticut:  Glastonbury, Manchester, Southbury, Middlebury and Brookfield

Maggie McFly’s is a Connecticut-based chain of restaurants that loves local. They also love their gluten-free customers!  They have a dedicated fryer for fries, chicken tenders and wings, and they also use locally made gluten-free cheese rolls. And the food? It’s just plain great!
*Maggie McFly’s caters to celiac customers, but is not a dedicated gluten-free facility.

#10

Wang Palace
Main St.
Glastonbury, CT 06033
860-659-8556

If you miss Chinese food, then you must go to Wang Palace in Glastonbury. Not only can they alter most menu items to be gluten free, but they are completely celiac friendly as well. The best part? Gluten-free dumplings. Yup – dumplings. Just tell yours server what your dietary needs are, and they’ll ensure that your food is both delicious AND safe.