Over the last several years, restaurants across the globe have adjusted to common dietary restrictions in order to accommodate vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free guests. Cincinnati is no exception, as the city has a number of restaurants with significant gluten-free options, a complete gluten-free menu, or sometimes, no gluten in the kitchen whatsoever. Explore the myriad of options at your fingertips in Cincinnati, whether you're temporarily cutting out gluten, you have a gluten intolerance, or you have celiac disease.
Need additional support? Consider joining the Gluten-Free in Cincinnati Facebook group for suggestions and insight from other gluten-free residents and visitors in the city. The group also shares general news and updates from the global gluten-free community!
Restaurants
Location: 312 Walnut Street, Cincinnati
Photo Courtesy of Paleolicious
Paleolicious is one of the only restaurants in the city that is 100 percent gluten-free! This casual cafe in the Scripps Center is the perfect place to grab a healthy meal on-the-go — including pressed juices and smoothies, scones, muffins, soups, salads, lettuce wraps, snacks, desserts, coffee and much more! All sauces, dressings and soups are made from scratch and the meats are nitrate-free, natural and sliced fresh daily.
Location: 210 East 8th Street, Cincinnati
With a rich history dating back to 1861, Arnold's Bar and Grill is Cincinnati's oldest tavern! But this historic tavern is not stuck in the past; they are always keeping up with what's current — which includes a gluten-free menu. Enjoy live music, well-priced drinks and the fun atmosphere at this long-standing tavern in the heart of downtown.
Location: 4335 Glendale-Milford Road, Cincinnati
Brown Dog Cafe offers an ever-changing, eclectic menu featuring sustainable Hawaiian fish, steaks, wild game, unique appetizers, vegetarian dishes, homemade pastas and desserts. Plus, much of the menu is gluten-free! Just take a look at the number of dishes with a gluten-free symbol. Plus, many other dishes can be made gluten-free with a small fee.
Location: 1203 Main Street #100, Cincinnati
Aladdin's serves healthy and flavorful Lebanese-American foods that align with a variety of dietary preferences and requirements. That's why their menu includes over 40 vegetarian dishes, 30 vegan dishes, 40 gluten-free dishes, and 40 (antibiotic-free!) meat and chicken dishes. Each gluten-free item is designated with "gf" on the menu.
Location: 4172 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati
Django Western Taco serves thoughtfully inspired cuisine, including tacos, salads, sandwiches and more, in a laid-back atmosphere in the heart of Northside. The menu features an array of gluten-free options, including gluten-free chips. In fact, all of the "snacks" are labeled gluten-free, including chips and salsa, guacamole and chips, chorizo dip, queso, and totchos — tater tots smothered in carnitas, queso, house BBQ, green onions, and crema.
Location: 2601 8th Street West, Cincinnati
Incline Public House offers panoramic views of the Ohio River and downtown Cincinnati, best seen from their 1,400 square foot outdoor deck. You don't have to miss out on the views if you're gluten-free, as Incline Public House offers a number of gluten-free options, including gluten-free crust for all of their pizzas, a gluten-free bun for their burgers, and a number of other gluten-free options.
Location: 4100 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati
Photo Courtesy of Melt Revival
For over 10 years, Melt Revival has been a Northside neighborhood favorite, serving up healthy greens and delicious sandwiches in their bright and colorful space. Plus, all of the salads are gluten-free and the flatbreads and sandwiches can be made with gluten-free bread for $1! Pair your sandwich or salad with a refreshing seasonal lemonade or lavender kombucha.
Location: 600 Walnut Street, Cincinnati
This modern Mexican eatery is situated in the heart of the Central Business District. Enjoy a myriad of delicious Mexican dishes, like enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, salads, various small plates, and more. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about gluten sensitivities and the options on their menu that are safe to eat. Plus, they will make gluten-free chips upon request!
Locations: 56 West Freedom Way, Cincinnati, 5901 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati + 7621 Gibson Street, Liberty Township
This small chain has three locations in the city — all of which serve up creative and tasty pizzas and a great selection of craft beers. Any of the specialty pies at Pies & Pints may be made with a small size gluten-free crust for $2. Plus, the chips and salsa, pork and pepper nachos, and a few salads are all gluten-free!
Locations: 3098 Madison Road, Cincinnati, 3702, 8 East 4th Street, Cincinnati + 9514 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash
Sleepy Bee Cafe is a gathering place offering locally sourced sustenance — food that tastes good and makes you feel good. At each of the three Sleepy Bee locations, you'll find a myriad of gluten-free options on the menu, including the Bumblee's Breakfast, Vegan Tofu Scramble, CBeeD Bowl, all of the omelets, the Bee Cakes, and more. Eating gluten-free is easy at this beloved neighborhood cafe!
Location: 520 Vine Street, Cincinnati
You may not expect an Italian restaurant to have very many gluten-free options. But alas, Vita Vite has an entire gluten-free dinner menu, filled with a myriad of tasty Italian dishes from beef carpaccio to octopus fagioli and grilled asparagus to pan-roasted branzino.
Location: 364 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati
The tagline of The Whole Bowl is "It's like eating a hug" — and we completely agree! The tasty and healthy options at this walk-up window eatery are sure to please everyone. That's because all bowls are free of nuts, gluten, wheat and hydrogenated oil. Every bowl comes with brown rice, black and red beans, avocado, cilantro, black olives, Tillamook cheddar, sour cream, salsa and Tali Sauce.
Location: 1324 Vine Street, Cincinnati
Photo Courtesy of Leah Zipperstein via The Mercer
The Mercer is a stylish eatery in the heart of Over the Rhine serving European-influenced dishes. In addition to their impressive array of offerings, The Mercer has a gluten-free menu featuring salads and starters, gluten-free pasta and risotto, and entrees, such as salmon, beef tenderloin, roasted cauliflower, and more. Vegetarian guests get their very own menu as well!
Location: 519 Main Street, Covington
Just across the river in Covington, you'll find this elegant farm-to-table bistro serving an array of American dishes. If your mouth is watering at the sight of the fig and plum tartine, the Joyce Farm chicken, the Black Hawk Farm wagyu burger, or the refreshing heirloom tomato salad, don't worry — just about every menu item at Bouquet can be modified depending on dietary restrictions. All items are made from scratch and to order, which means you can easily request gluten-free substitutes.
Location: 23 East 6th Street, Cincinnati
Zablong is a great choice for those with serious gluten intolerance issues or celiac disease. This modern create-your-own pizza place handles gluten-free requests very seriously, which includes changing gloves and utensils, using special gluten-free crust and sauces, and utilizing a specific gluten-free location in the oven.
Location: 5207 Madison Road, Cincinnati
Photo Courtesy of Mazunte
This popular taqueria is a haven for gluten-free guests, as mostly everything on the menu is gluten-free. Simply ask the staff which items are safe to eat on the menu, which includes a variety of delicious tacos, various specialty dishes such as enchiladas, tamales and quesadillas, and a number of sides. The staff at Mazunte is knowledgeable and accommodating with all gluten-free requests!
Dessert
Location: 1804 Race Street, Cincinnati
Photo Courtesy of Cherbourg Cyprus
At last! Cincinnati has a completely nut- and gluten-free bakery in its midst. This relatively new addition to the historic Over the Rhine neighborhood offers an array of sweet and savory treats, including quiches, shakshuka, scones, muffins, donuts, bars, brownies, cookies, cake and more. Accompany your morsel of sweetness with a Deeper Roots pour over coffee, a cup of tea or orange juice!
Locations: 1206 Main Street, Cincinnati + 3431 Edwards Road, Cincinnati
This traditional French macaron shop in Over the Rhine and Hyde Park serves an array of macarons, all of which are made with almond flour — which means everything is gluten-free! You'll find a myriad of flavors depending on the season, including birthday cake, black raspberry chocolate, toasted coconut, coffee, earl grey tea, salted caramel, lemon lavender and more.
Beer
Location: 8217, 916 1st Avenue, Middletown
Photo Courtesy of Mandy Z. Photography via Rolling Mill Brewery
It can be hard to find a good gluten-free beer. Rolling Mill Brewery in Middletown is hoping to change that! Co-founders Josh and Megan Laubach began brewing gluten-free beer in 2012 out of necessity, as Josh had been diagnosed with celiac disease the previous year. This new vision allowed them to maintain a passion for brewing — and provide exceptional gluten-free beer for all to enjoy. This new addition to Middletown is well worth the drive!
Anything else?
What gluten-free suggestions would you recommend? Let us know in the comments below.