Top 5 Gluten-Free Friendly Restaurants (That Actually Keep You Safe!)

Eating out when you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity can feel intimidating. You want to enjoy a meal, but you also need to make sure the food you’re eating is truly safe. Fortunately, more and more restaurants are offering gluten-free options—and some are even taking extra steps to prevent cross-contamination. In this post, we’ll cover five popular restaurant chains and give you a rundown of their gluten-free offerings, along with tips to navigate restaurants safely.

Here’s everything you need to know to dine out with confidence!

1. Noodles & Company: Surprisingly Safe Options for Pasta Lovers

When you think of gluten-free dining, pasta might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But surprisingly, Noodles & Company has a solid selection of gluten-free options that will satisfy your pasta cravings without the worry.

While they don’t have a completely gluten-free kitchen, they take precautions to minimize cross-contamination. Their gluten-free rice noodles are the star of the show, and they offer several dishes that can be easily customized to meet your needs.

Safe Options:

• Gluten-Free Pasta: Whether you're craving Pad Thai or a simple Spaghetti with Marinara, they’ve got gluten-free rice noodles available for most pasta dishes.

• Salads: Many of their salads are naturally gluten-free, just be sure to ask for a gluten-free dressing to stay safe.

• Sides: You can also enjoy gluten-free side options like Thai Spring Rolls and Chips and Guacamole.

Tips for Eating Safely:

• When ordering, be sure to inform your server about your gluten sensitivity or celiac disease so they can take extra care in food preparation.

• Ask for your dish to be made with separate utensils, and double-check that your gluten-free noodles are cooked in a clean pot to avoid any cross-contact.

Rating: 4/5 – While Noodles & Company does a good job offering gluten-free pasta dishes, cross-contamination is always a possibility. It’s a great choice for gluten-free eaters who are looking for variety and don’t mind taking a few extra precautions.

2. Chipotle: Fast, Fresh, and Totally Customizable

Chipotle is one of the most gluten-free-friendly fast-casual chains, offering a wide range of customizable meals that can be made gluten-free. The best part? The ingredients are fresh, and they take celiac safety seriously.

Safe Options:

• Burrito Bowls: Choose from rice, beans, veggies, proteins (grilled chicken, beef, pork), and salsas. Be sure to skip the flour tortillas.

• Tacos: The corn tortillas are gluten-free—just ask for your tacos to be made in a separate area to avoid cross-contamination.

• Chips and Guac: Naturally gluten-free!

Tips for Eating Safely:

• Chipotle has dedicated gluten-free tortillas (the corn variety), but it's important to remind the staff that you're avoiding gluten to ensure they don’t use shared utensils.

• Make sure your burrito or taco is made with dedicated equipment, as shared surfaces could be contaminated.

Rating: 5/5 – Chipotle is a top contender for gluten-free eaters, with its wide array of naturally gluten-free ingredients and transparency around food preparation.

3. Jimmy John’s: Gluten-Free Bread, Sandwiches, and Wraps

If you’re craving a sub sandwich, Jimmy John’s offers two great gluten-free options: the Lettuce Wrap and Gluten-Free Bread. While the lettuce wrap is the go-to choice for most gluten-free diners, they’ve also recently introduced gluten-free bread for those who prefer a more traditional sandwich experience.

Even though Jimmy John’s doesn’t have a completely gluten-free kitchen, they take steps to minimize cross-contamination, though it’s always a good idea to remind the staff of your dietary restrictions when ordering.

Safe Options:

• Lettuce Wraps: Skip the bread entirely and enjoy your favorite sandwiches wrapped in crisp lettuce. Whether it’s the Turkey Tom or the Veggie Club, you can get all the toppings without the gluten.

• Gluten-Free Bread: If you prefer a more traditional sandwich, their gluten-free bread (made with rice flour) is a solid option. Just be sure to ask for it to be prepared on a clean surface to avoid any potential cross-contact.

Tips for Eating Safely:

• Make sure to let the staff know about your gluten-free needs so they can take extra care in preparing your sandwich.

• If you’re worried about cross-contact, opting for the lettuce wrap is the safest bet. But if you go for the gluten-free bread, ask for it to be prepared with clean utensils and on a clean surface.

Rating: 4/5 – Jimmy John’s offers both gluten-free bread and lettuce wraps, giving you options depending on your preference. Just be aware that cross-contamination is a possibility, so it’s important to communicate your needs clearly.

4. MOD Pizza: Custom Gluten-Free Pizzas with Tons of Toppings

If you're a pizza lover, MOD Pizza is a great option. With their build-your-own pizza model, you can craft a pizza that meets your gluten-free needs.

Safe Options:

• Gluten-Free Crust: MOD offers a gluten-free crust option, and they provide a variety of fresh toppings (veggies, meats, cheeses) that are all gluten-free.

• Salads: If you’re in the mood for something lighter, their salads are mostly gluten-free.

Tips for Eating Safely:

• Ask the staff to change gloves and use separate utensils when preparing your gluten-free pizza to prevent cross-contact.

• Check that your pizza is being made on a dedicated gluten-free surface or with clean tools.

Rating: 5/5 – MOD Pizza excels at providing a safe gluten-free dining experience with customizable options and a clear focus on minimizing cross-contamination.

5. In-N-Out: Classic Burgers with a Gluten-Free Twist

For those of us craving a classic burger, In-N-Out is a standout. While they don't have a dedicated gluten-free menu, they do offer a safe option for those avoiding gluten.

Safe Options:

• Protein Style Burger: This burger is wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun, making it a perfect gluten-free option. You can customize it with any of the fresh toppings like tomatoes, onions, or pickles.

• Fries: In-N-Out’s fries are made from fresh potatoes and cooked in a dedicated fryer, so they’re a safe choice for gluten-free eaters.

Tips for Eating Safely:

• Order the Protein Style Burger (lettuce wrapped) to avoid the bun.

• Confirm that your fries are being cooked in the dedicated fryer to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.

Rating: 4/5 – In-N-Out offers a great gluten-free option with their protein-style burger, but always double-check to make sure your food is prepared safely.

Conclusion: Your Safe Gluten-Free Dining Options

Dining out with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity doesn’t have to be stressful. Restaurants like Chipotle, MOD Pizza, and Noodles & Company are stepping up to provide gluten-free options with an emphasis on safety, while others like Jimmy John’s and In-N-Out offer solid alternatives with a little extra caution needed.

When eating out, always communicate your gluten-free needs to restaurant staff and ask about their food preparation practices. By doing a bit of research and planning ahead, you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising your health.

Which restaurant will you try first? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out our gluten-free restaurant guide for more tips and recommendations.

Stay Safe, Stay Gluten-Free, and Enjoy Your Meal!

TJ Soldani