Whether you or someone close to you is celiac or just has gluten sensitivity, it’s so important to have dining options that are a good fit for everyone. It shouldn’t matter if you’re a local or just in town for the weekend, you should never have to struggle to find a gluten-free place to enjoy a bite to eat when you’re in the D.C. area!
Our list of the best gluten-free restaurants and bakeries around Washington D.C. covers everything from yummy cafés with plenty of options for gluten-free substitutions to delicious restaurants with 100% gluten-free menus.
1. Chaia Tacos – Multiple Locations
With two locations in Georgetown and Chinatown, this elevated modern Mexican restaurant is all about taking the freshest ingredients available and using them to create innovative yet authentic tacos. With a 100% gluten-free kitchen, Chaia Tacos is perfect for taco time for anyone with a gluten allergy as there is no risk of cross-contamination.
📍 3207 Grace Street, NW – Georgetown
📍 3207 Grace Street, NW – Chinatown
2. Rise Bakery – Adams Morgan
A local gluten-free institution since it opened in 2014 by celiac Mike Koritko, Rise Bakery was built with the mission of offering an expansive menu of gluten-free options that didn’t sacrifice taste or texture. This place is known for its baked goods, like cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and croissants, but it also offers a variety of savory staples like sandwiches and pizza that are all 100% gluten-free.
📍 2409 18th Street NW
3. SEOULSPICE – Multiple Locations
Another 100% gluten-free spot, SEOULSPICE offers a menu of delicious craving-quenching Korean classics. With a build-your-own-order process that lets you pick exactly what you’re in the mood for, this place takes the ease of fast-casual dining and makes it enjoyable for anyone with a gluten allergy by removing the risk of cross-contamination.
Fortunately, SEOULSPICE has four locations around D.C. so odds are there is at least one close by to wherever you are in the city!
📍145 N St NE, Suite 400 – Noma
📍 4600 Wisconsin Ave NW – Tenleytown
📍439 7th St NW – Penn Quarter
📍 1251 1st St SE – Navy Yard
4. Little Beet – Mount Vernon Triangle
Fast casual 100% gluten-free and plant-based dining elevated by only using fresh seasonal ingredients, it’s not a surprise that Little Beet makes this list. With just one location in D.C. so far, this is a great option to keep in mind if you or someone close is avoiding gluten.
📍 495 K Street NW
5. Olivia Macaron – Georgetown
A delicious and unique dessert treat that is 100% gluten-free, the macarons you get from Olivia Macaron are one of our favorite desserts in town. It is the perfect place for any occasion and can be delivered locally around the D.C. area, making it a great suggestion for either a late-night or last-minute gluten-free snack or gift.
📍3270 M St NW
6. The Hamilton – Penn Quarter
A delicious restaurant with many gluten-free options on the menu and a kitchen staff that is trained to avoid cross-contamination with any ingredients or dishes that do contain gluten. In addition to gluten-free recipes, The Hamilton also offers gluten-free substitutions for some of their main dishes including gluten-free pasta, bread, and soy sauce.
📍600 14th St NW
7. Arepa Zone – Multiple Locations
Offering a wide variety of gluten-free options, Arepa Zone serves up classic Venezuelan street food favorites. We highly recommend trying the Arepas, which are made with 100% corn flour and are huge considering they are all $10 or less!
This is a great gluten-free option if you’re trying to avoid spending an arm and a leg on lunch.
📍1121 14th Street NW
📍2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
8. Sweet Crimes Gluten-Free Bakery – Capitol Hill
Sweet Crimes‘ 100% gluten-free baked goods are amongst some of the most popular in the city. You can either go into their shop for some delicious treats or make an order in case you want something to bring to an event for a crowd. With Thanksgiving around the corner, this is a great option in case you want to pick up a dessert that everyone can enjoy!
📍1238 Pennsylvania Ave SE
9. Bacio Pizzeria – Bloomingdale
A local favorite spot Bacio Pizzeria offers quality gluten-free pizza crust and dairy-free cheese options so that everyone can fulfill their pizza cravings and have a good time.
With a nice covered outdoor dining patio, this is a great spot for a gluten-free meal with friends or family!
📍81 Seaton Pl NW
10. Busboys and Poets – Mount Vernon Square
Part bookstore, part coffee shop, part restaurant, and with an entire separate menu dedicated specifically to gluten-free recipes this is one of the most unique spots on our list! With enough space to host larger groups, Busboys and Poets is a great option for group outings that will allow everyone in the group to order without any fuss about what does and doesn’t have gluten.
📍450 K St NW
11. The Corn Factory – Food Truck
With Washington D.C.’s massive food truck culture, it wouldn’t be a fair list if we didn’t also include one of our favorite gluten-free food trucks. This food truck offers both authentic Mexican and Venezuelan street foods that reflect the heritage of the couple that first opened “The Corn Factory” food truck back in 2014.
This 100% gluten-free food truck is a must-try, you can check their Twitter or Instagram to see that it’s parked nearby.
📍Roaming Food Truck
12. Happy Tart – Falls Church VA
This cozy café is just a few miles outside of Washington D.C. and offers some of the best gluten-free crêpes, pastries, and cakes with locally produced ciders. If you are looking to venture off the beaten path to find a cute little gluten-free spot to have a nice meal or just a tasty treat, then The Happy Tart is as good a spot as any!
📍 410 S Maple Ave #110, Falls Church, VA