As a gluten-free traveler, Cleveland has become one of my favorite destinations. For the past decade, I’ve visited the city every year to attend the Content Marketing World conference, and have eaten at dozens of delicious, seasonal restaurants that have easily accommodated my food allergies. While many of the places I used to enjoy eating at (like Lola) never reopened after their Covid-related closures in 2020, there’s been a whole new crop of great restaurants that have taken their place.
Betts
I’m not saying my CMworld squad and I chose to stay at the Kimpton Schofield in Cleveland because of the delicious allergy-friendly food at Betts, but I would be lying if I said that it wasn’t a key benefit! Whether you are sitting at the outside patios or in the dining room, you are guaranteed to have your choice from a wide selection of snacks and entrees, including the delicious summer fried chicken with peach chutney you see above.
They have gluten-free bread for toast with your breakfast, and you can substitute a gluten-free bun or a lettuce wrap for their burger. Some of my other favorites include the Meditteranean salad, the tri-dip platter with GF toast or corn chips, and crispy Brussels sprouts. If you can’t make it there at mealtime, stop by at happy hour for a snack and some classic cocktails on the sidewalk patio.
BETTS
at the Schofield
2000 E 9th St, Cleveland
(216) 357-2680
Chatty’s Pizzeria
When my friend Cathy McPhillips told me her brother was opening a pizza place that was going to feature a gluten-free crust, I couldn’t wait to try it. Whether you choose the gluten-free or the cauliflower crust, every pizza at Chatty’s comes with just the right amount of toppings. If you are planning on doing some antique or vintage shopping in Lakewood, this is a great spot to cap off your day before returning downtown.
My favorite pizza was the special spicy sausage you see here, with the veggie pizza close second. I can’t wait to go back so I can try the gyro pizza.
CHATTY’S PIZZERIA
28611 Lake Rd. Bay Village
(440) 471-4485
Cordelia
Located in Lola’s former space, Cordelia lives up to its predecessor’s deliciousness but has an entirely different personality. The mood lighting gives the restaurant a cozy vibe which their seasonal, regional dishes like these spicy corn ribs emphasize. This is my current pick for Cleveland’s best seasonal farm-to-fork menu, with the chicharrones and the jammy eggs reason enough to make a dinner reservation.
CORDELIA
2058 E 4th St, Cleveland
(216) 230-2355
District
The perfectly crisp fried green tomatoes from District, seen at the top of this post, were so tasty my dinner partner and I nearly licked the plate clean. This theater district restaurant makes for a perfect date night dinner, or a place to catch up after a busy day at the convention center. An American brasserie, most of the menu is gluten-free, with the perfectly cooked Tuscan Filet Mignon a standout. Other gluten-free menu highlights include Brussels sprouts and calamari starters, and brisket, duck confit, and scallop entrees. And save room for dessert—the chocolate torte and creme brulee are the perfect endings to a decadent gluten-free dinner.
DISTRICT
1350 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
(216) 858-1000
Yours Truly
It’s not easy to find gluten-free pancakes. That’s why I was beyond thrilled when my friend Monina Wagner took me to Yours Truly for breakfast a few years ago. Now, I make sure to stop in at least once every trip to Cleveland to have their filling, diner-style blueberry pancakes for breakfast.
YOURS TRULY
1228 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
(216) 621-2700
In addition to the above restaurants that have a number of gluten-free items clearly marked on the menu, I’ve found knowledgeable staff and a number of gluten-free options at these restaurants also:
Know of another Cleveland restaurant with a large selection of gluten-free options I should check out the next time I’m in town? Let me know in the comments!
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