You know that moment when youβre in the car and you can sense that your kids (or maybe yourself, if youβre anything like me) are rapidly moving from hungry into dreaded βhangryβ territory and if you donβt find a place to eat pronto, disaster will ensue? And on top of that not only do you have to find a restaurant stat, you have the added challenge of needing to find gluten-free restaurants. Gah!
We have been there and thatβs why we know the best tips and tricks to easily find gluten free dining options near you, and we canβt wait to share them with you.
Quick Overview:
- Use websites and online communities for quick and easy answers before choosing a restaurant
- Quick steps to take once youβve selected a restaurant to avoid disappointment
- The all-in-one Gluten-free restaurant locator app that is a complete game changer
Jump to:
The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isnβt that interesting, but you can find it here.
The Challenges of Finding Gluten-Free Restaurants
Finding gluten free dining options can be tough. Gluten free diners face a lot of challenges when it comes to eating out that our gluten-eating counterparts donβt always understand. Common challenges include:
Limited menu options is a big challenge, because it automatically limits which restaurants are even an option. You donβt have the luxury of simply pulling into the closest restaurant because they may not even offer any gluten free items. Variety can and quality can also be very limited.
Risk of cross contamination is probably the biggest challenge for dining out gluten free. This is what happens when gluten particles from wheat, barley, or rye come into contact with gluten-free foods during preparation or cooking. It means food that would otherwise be gluten free becomes unsafe for consumption.
Lack of awareness among staff makes the risk of cross contact far worse and unfortunately is something that is quite common in restaurants. Many people donβt know that there can be serious consequences to using contaminated equipment or surfaces to prepare food.
Lack of reviews is another challenge for finding the best gluten free dining. There isnβt always a lot of information available to see what real peopleβs experiences have been, how the food tasted and if they found the restaurant safe.
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Tips for Finding Gluten-Free Restaurants
While there are many challenges to finding the best gluten free dining, weβve got some helpful tips for easily finding gluten-free restaurants near you. Dining out gluten free doesnβt mean you canβt have tasty, simple and safe options, it simply means you have to know how to find them!
1. Use Dedicated Apps and Websites
Dedicated apps and websites for the best gluten free restaurants are a lifeline for eating out. Theyβve already done the research and compiled the relevant information for you, saving you loads of time.
If youβre looking for an app, you are definitely going to want to download our favorite, which is the Gluten Free Eats Map. Itβs a collection of over 500 gluten free restaurants from around the world compiled by gluten free diners, dieticians and celiac experts.
This app allows you to:
- Filter by safety level - Restaurants, bakeries and cafes are organized by their level of celiac awareness and gluten-free options.
- Review vetted information about each restaurantβs celiac accommodations, how they avoid cross-contamination, and their gluten-free menu items.
- Search by location - instantly discover whatβs close by or available in an area you plan to visit
- Read reviews written by the celiac community for the celiac community
Navigate the world of gluten-free dining with ease. Don't waste time searching the internet or relying on outdated reviews β let the Gluten Free Eats map by Atly be your go-to resource for gluten-free dining!
With this comprehensive map you can easily discover all the top-rated gluten-free restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in your area.
Grab your free trial and start exploring 27,000+ eateries today!
2. Check Online Reviews
Online reviews can be a hugely helpful source of information when youβre looking for the best gluten free dining options.
Review sites like Yelp and Tripadvisor can be a great resource for finding gluten free reviews. Using keywords like βgluten-freeβ or βceliac friendlyβ can help you find restaurants that can potentially accommodate your needs.
In addition to reading reviews, you can also find βAsk the Communityβ or Q&A sections where you can read what other people have asked and answered about specific restaurants or ask your own questions.
The Gluten Free Eats Map includes reviews right in the app! The unique thing about the app reviews is that they are on a platform specifically for gluten free diners, rather than mixed in amongst all the other reviews.
3. Join Gluten-Free Communities
Social media isnβt just about being social anymore. Online communities and forums are a wealth of information for niche groups, like gluten free diners. Whether youβre looking for recommendations, have questions, or are wondering what other people thought of a specific restaurant or menu item, youβll get lots of feedback in online communities.
4. Call Ahead
Calling ahead might seem a little inconvenient, but it is going to save you a lot of headaches! The last thing you want to do is show up at a restaurant only to be disappointed.
Always call ahead to inquire about your specific requirements to ensure the restaurant is capable and equipped to handle your dietary needs. Menus and protocols are always subject to change and you donβt want to find out after itβs too late. If you have the Gluten Free Eats Map the phone number is available for every restaurant and you can even call the restaurant right through the app.
Best Practices for Gluten-Free Dining Out
Eating out gluten free is challenging but very possible if you know what to do. With a few best practices, youβll quickly become a pro at finding gluten free restaurants that you can enjoy.
Communicate Clearly:
When it comes to gluten free eating, advocating for yourself is a big part of staying safe. Thereβs more to it than ordering an item marked gluten free. Always inform the waitstaff of your specific needs in a kind but clear way and donβt be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to.
Stay Informed:
Menus, restaurant protocols, management, training, and staff are all subject to change. Itβs critical that you stay updated on new gluten-free dining options and changes in restaurant menus.
Always confirm that the information youβre looking at isnβt outdated and then call the restaurant directly to confirm that what youβve read is true. Even when you get to the restaurant, double-check that your meal and its preparation suit your needs.
Trust Your Instincts:
If something doesn't feel right, it usually isnβt. Donβt hesitate to leave if you feel uncomfortable with the restaurantβs gluten-free practices. If you canβt leave, order a gluten free drink and enjoy the company until you can get something safe to eat elsewhere.
For more tips on eating out gluten free, including sample scripts for communicating your needs, check out my full blog post here.
With these helpful tips youβre armed and ready to take on gluten free dining out. Instead of desperately searching for βgluten free restaurants near meβ, now you know that a few simple steps and resources will quickly and easily get you exactly what you need!
Websites, online communities and reviews are packed with relevant and helpful information. Calling ahead to communicate your needs and stay informed will ensure that you choose the best place for you.
Download the Gluten Free Eats Map app now for all of the gluten free information you need in one place so you can start exploring (and even enjoying) gluten free dining near you!
Navigate the world of gluten-free dining with ease. Don't waste time searching the internet or relying on outdated reviews β let the Gluten Free Eats map by Atly be your go-to resource for gluten-free dining!
With this comprehensive map you can easily discover all the top-rated gluten-free restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in your area.
Grab your free trial and start exploring 27,000+ eateries today!
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