Sometimes it is hard to go out to eat with a restricted diet, but many popular restaurants now make
it easier to go out to eat with gluten-free menus or modifications to your
meals. The following restaurants, in my opinion, are the best gluten-free chain
restaurants based on the amount of options they have, as well as
how they accommodate to both allergies and preferences. These
restaurants are located all around the globe, so it makes it easier to try all
of the options off of the menu whenever you go out to eat.
1. Noodles and Company
One would think Noodles and Company would not be gluten-free because of having “noodles” in the
title, but there are multiple tasty options at this restaurant! You can substitute
either gluten-free fusilli, Zucchini, or rice noodles many of the popular
dishes such as the Penne Rosa, Pesto Cavatappi, Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, and
more. In addition to that, many of their salads are gluten-free with select
dressings, as well as the Pad Thai noodle dish and Thai Chicken and Tomato
Basil Bisque soup. One very good aspect about Noodles and Company as well is
that when you order anything that is gluten-free, they ask if it is a
preference or an allergy so they can make your dish in the appropriate environment.
2. Chipotle Mexican Grill
An interesting fact about Chipotle is that everything on the menu, besides the flour tortilla, is
completely gluten free! Chipotle is a restaurant where they assemble the food
in front of you, so you can pick and choose what you like in your burritos,
bowls, tacos, and more! They avoid cross-contamination by having everything in
select containers, and label everything on their website that could have traces
of gluten in it through the processing of the food.
3. Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s has a newly added gluten-free item to their menu, the “Unwich” wrap. You can take any
sandwich, minus the bread, and wrap it in lettuce. Many of the ingredients for
their sandwiches are gluten-free, but make sure to check the allergen list just
in case. With an allergy at Jimmy John’s you can specially order to
make sure they make the wrap on the paper instead of the work table to avoid
cross contamination, and to have them change their gloves before they make your
sandwich.
4. MOD Pizza
One food that I thought I would not be able to have again after being gluten-free was pizza, but not
with MOD Pizza! This restaurant has a build-it-yourself feel with making
pizzas, and they offer crust without gluten to make it on. They make
the pizzas on separate papers to avoid cross-contamination of wheat from other
pizzas, and majority of their toppings are healthy and do not contain.
5. Boston Market
This restaurant is one of those places that has a lot of different options because you can choose an entrée,
side, and drink. The meals that are offered are different chicken meals or
bowls, with sides such as fresh steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, southwest
rice, and more. In addition to this, they guarantee that all of their food is
made in separate environments from common allergens.
6. Five Guys
You wouldn’t think that a burger place is almost all gluten-free, but Five Guys is! The only products on their menu that contain gluten in them are their buns, HP sauce, malt vinegar condiments, malted milkshake, and their Oreo cookie milkshake. Everything else, is completely gluten-free. They have not made a bun without gluten as a part of their menu yet, but they do offer all of their sandwiches and burgers with lettuce and all of the toppings, just minus the bun.
7. Olive Garden
Olive Garden is a fantastic chain Italian restaurant! There are so many gluten-free options here such as their famous house salad with vinaigrette dressing, Zuppa Toscana
soup, many of their chicken and steak dishes, as well as you can substitute gluten-free
rotini noodles in with any of the dishes. Olive Garden is also one of the great
restaurants that ask if you are avoiding gluten as an allergy or a preference,
which makes it easier to know that there would be no cross-contamination along
with your food.
8. Jason’s Deli
Jason’s Deli has so many options and modifications for people who are
avoiding gluten. Most of their sandwiches can be asked to use Udi’s brand of bread on them! In addition to that, a lot of their salad, spuds, and more are
all gluten-free. There is no way you would not be able to find anything on this
menu, even with a diet restriction!
9. California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen not only offers pizza with gluten-free crust,
but many other options off of its menu. They offer multiple salads, appetizers,
soups, and desserts. All you have to do when you go to the restaurant is ask
for their side gluten-free menu and all of the food is on there. This is one of
those sit down restaurants that you cannot miss with their options!
10. PF Chang’s
PF Chang’s has a whole gluten-free menu modified for both people with
allergies and who just have a preference of this diet. Surprising enough, they
also have gluten-free soy sauce. Usually, Asian soy sauce contains gluten, but
here you just have to ask for the gluten-free soy sauce and you are good to go!
They have dishes such as their egg drop soup, spicy chicken, shrimp with
lobster sauce, Mongolian beef, and so much more. I believe that this place has
one of the most options where it is made without gluten, when asked
for!
The fear of never being
able to eat out again is over, with so many restaurants making modifications
and options in makes it a lot easier! As always, make sure to check
the allergen information at the restaurant before eating, and talk with the
employees to make sure that they are accommodating to your dietary needs.
Now, enjoy these
restaurants, and the delicious food that they offer!
-No Wheat Wendy