Discover the Gluten-Free Gems of Austin: The Ultimate Dining Guide

Embark upon a culinary journey that tantalizes the tongue while catering to your dietary needs. Eating gluten-free in Austin is a delectable adventure.

The Foodie Haven with a Heart for Gluten-Free Diets

Austin, Texas, the vibrant capital renowned for its deep-rooted musicality and iconic festivals, offers more than a dynamic arts scene—it’s also a foodie’s paradise, particularly those in search of gluten-free gastronomic delights. With restaurants, bakeries, and cafes duly committed to delivering a comprehensive variety of gluten-free culinary options, Austin presents a truly unparalleled gluten-free dining panorama.

Choosing to eat gluten-free, be it out of medical necessity like Celiac disease, a sensitivity to gluten, or simply a lifestyle choice, you’ll find Austin to be a warmly welcoming ground. Unfolding gradually over the years, this city has escalated its efforts toward gluten-free dining and has cultivated a scene that abstracts it from just being a dietary alternative into a thriving, mainstream food culture. In Austin, a gluten-free diet isn’t merely adhered to—it’s applauded!

Gluten-Free Breakfast Spots Worth Waking Up For

Austin is far from being a city that’s short on flavor, goodness, or creativity when it comes to serving the first meal of the day. And it’s no different when it comes to gluten-free. To kickstart your gluten-free culinary journey in Austin, let’s begin with breakfast:

• Picnik: Nestled in the heart of Austin, Picnik has long been a local favorite and a highly frequented stop for tourists. Specializing in “farm-to-table” style of cooking, this quaint little café is dedicated to making food that is as delicious as it is nourishing. The highlight of this café — it doesn’t shy away from announcing an impressive, strictly gluten-free menu! Grab their heartwarming Harvest Hash—a delightful blend of butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and apple sausage, or their decadent Maple Bacon Waffle, laden with salted whipped butter.

• Wild Wood Bakehouse: Wild Wood is an upscale bakery and café where gluten-free goodies are the primary players. This Austin gem features a comprehensive gluten-free menu catering to brunch all through the weekend and breakfast on weekdays. Their breakfast flavors span from the hearty Sun-up Egg Sandwiches to the sweet treat of Pancake Platters, convincingly proving that going gluten-free in the mornings can be far from boring.

Austin’s Gluten-Free Lunch Havens

When the sun reaches its zenith and your appetite calls for a filling lunch, Austin extends its gluten-free assortment into delightful mid-day options:

• Flower Child: Right from the colorful, bohemian-themed interior to their heartily healthy menu, Flower Child keenly encourages you to “eat positively”. An integral part of their philosophy is a clear dedication to gluten-free dining. Dive into their menu, and you’ll find gluten-free options aplenty. Try the “Mother Earth”, a nutrient-rich smorgasbord of ancient grains, sweet potato, portobello mushroom, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, charred onions, leafy greens, red pepper miso vinaigrette, and hemp seeds or their “Forbidden Rice”, a zingy mix of black pearl, red japonica, snap peas, bok choy, broccoli, carrot, onion, toasted sesame, and red chili hoisin.

• Bouldin Creek Café: A beloved institution in Austin, Bouldin Creek Café provides an inviting place for both vegetarians and individuals who are gluten-sensitive. Enjoy their extensive menu filled with generously portioned, sumptuous, gluten-free offerings. A must-try is their Spicy Pesto Torta – delectably served on gluten-free ciabatta, along with marinated feta or tofu, and topped with fresh basil pesto.

Gluten-Free Dinners to Round Off the Day

If you’re wondering where you can conclude your day with a gluten-free dinner that packs a punch, Austin has got you covered:

• Italic: This upscale rustic-chic Italian eatery redefines gluten-free dining in Austin. Not only do they take the effort to provide a distinct gluten-free menu, but they creatively ensure that there’s no compromise on the authenticity or taste common to traditional Italian dishes.

• True Food Kitchen: True Food Kitchen is firmly rooted in the belief that food should make you feel better, not worse. They embody this belief by offering a robust selection of gluten-free dishes. Go guilt-free with their Spaghetti Squash Casserole or the healthfully dressed Organic Tuscan Kale Salad to bring down the curtain on a day of scrumptious dining.

Gluten-Free Breweries: Because Beers Belong

Did you think beers couldn’t possibly make it to the gluten-free list? Austin steps up to challenge that notion:

• Hops & Grain: Paving the way in the local brewing scene, Hops & Grain offers sophisticated brews that are both environmentally conscious and naturally gluten-free. Their wide variety of brews, from Pale Dog to Pellets & Powder, await you in their spacious tap room.

• Austin Eastciders: This cider-based, local brewing powerhouse serves an entirely gluten-free lineup. With flavors ranging from dry to sweet to Texas honey, Austin Eastciders ensures that even the beer aficionados can enjoy a gluten-free lifestyle.

No Meal is Complete Without Dessert

No meal is ever complete without a touch of sweetness, and the gluten-free bakeries in Austin guarantee that you can have your cake and eat it too:

• Zucchini Kill Bakery: Guided by the principles of punk rock and rebellion, Zucchini Kill Bakery scoffs at the notion that gluten-free and vegan pastries can’t be delicious. Snack on one of their Twinkie-inspired Zucchini Killers or grab one of their dairy-free, gluten-free cupcakes.

• Blackbird Bakery: Blackbird Bakery has designed their gluten-free desserts equally for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Grab a slice (or two) of their heavenly Almond or Lemon Pound cakes, undeniably reliable choices for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Austin Food Trucks Amplify the Gluten-Free Culture

A foodie tour of Austin wouldn’t be complete without mentioning its food trucks. These mobile kitchens have stepped up their game when it comes to gluten-free offerings:

• The Ice Cream Social Bus: This hip frozen treat dispenser, firmly with wheels on, has easily become an Austin favorite. They serve dairy and gluten-free ice creams that span various delicious flavors – with the Coconut Avocado Lime being a standout must-try.

• La Pitura: Building on the grand tradition of Neapolitan-style pizza, La Pitura serves gourmet pizzas straight from their food truck. They’ve gone miles ahead to ensure that gluten-free diners won’t miss out on the authentic pizza experience, and they offer an extensive gluten-free pizza menu.

Eating gluten-free in Austin doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste, variety, or the joy of discovering new places. This culinary scene tailor-made for those seeking healthier dining options. With this guide as your compass, Austin is your gluten-free dining haven. Happy Eating!