10 places to go for a gluten-free meals and treats (that everyone will love)
St. Louis has a wide variety of restaurants and bakeries, but the landscape can be tricky to navigate when it comes to dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices. If you're looking to plan a outing with friends or family who are gluten-free, read on for some spots that strive to create an inclusive experience.
Britt’s Bakehouse
Britt's Bakehouse is right: we all deserve good cake. The bakery hits the mark by offering a wide array of breads, doughnuts, cookies, pastries and, of course, cake. The Kirkwood favorite is a dedicated gluten-free, celiac-safe space open to walk-ins or online orders, where customers can use the website to filter choices based on additional dietary restrictions.
Britt's Bakehouse, 137 W. Jefferson Ave., Kirkwood, Missouri, 314-858-1117, brittsbakehouse.com
Little Fox
A local darling since its debut, most items on Little Fox’s menu are naturally gluten-free, a byproduct of co-owner Mowgli Rivard’s own dietary preferences. Guests are encouraged to let their server know about any food allergies so staff can assist in identifying gluten-free options as well as options which can be modified.
Little Fox, 2800 Shenandoah Ave., Fox Park, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-553-9456, littlefoxstl.com
Lona's Lil Eats
Lona’s Lil Eats in Fox Park prides itself on having something for everyone: whether you're vegan, vegetarian or omnivore, all are welcome. It’s the perfect place for gluten-free eating: the menu is clearly marked with symbols identifying common allergens, including shellfish, wheat and sesame. A quick glance and you’ll notice that most of Lona’s menu is naturally gluten-free or can be customized to achieve it. Not a single choice on the “Favorites” menu contains gluten, and you have to look closely to find that little wheat symbol lurking anywhere else.
Lona’s Lil’ Eats, 2199 California Ave., Fox Park, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-925-1888, lonaslileats.com
Louie's Wine Dive
Louie’s Wine Dive in Clayton isn’t a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, and at first, you’ll notice that only a smattering of naturally gluten-free items grace the menu. But look closer and you'll see that most of the restaurant’s offerings can be modified to be gluten-free with little effort. Lunch and dinner menus have a wider range of offerings, but the brunch menu has plenty of options to keep gluten-free diners happy.
Louie's Wine Dive, 16 S. Bemiston Ave., Clayton, Missouri, 314-875-9373, louieswinedive.com
Polite Society
If you're gluten-free but are looking for an elevated dining experience, head to Polite Society in Lafayette Square. Deciphering the menu is very straightforward, but if you’re not sure, let a member of the helpful wait staff recommend some dishes. You’ll have a wider selection of gluten-free choices at dinner than brunch, so save Polite Society for an evening out.
Polite Society, 1923 Park Ave., Lafayette Square, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-325-2553, politesocietystl.com
Maajis Street Kitchen
When you want Indian food, nothing else will do. Head to Maaji’s Street Kitchen in St. Ann for an abundance of traditional dishes prepared with organic ingredients. Most of the main dishes and combinations and half of the sides and extras are gluten-free, and any of the bowls can be made gluten-free simply by leaving out the parantha.
Maaji’s Street Kitchen, 3324 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Ann, Missouri, 314-395-7173, maajisstreetkitchen.com
Prioritized Pastries
Prioritized Pastries is a Southampton gem. The bakery is a dedicated gluten-free, peanut-free and vegan shop, and its bakes are so delightful, you'll never miss what's missing. The bakery strives to make baked goods accessible to everyone regardless of restrictions, sourcing ingredients locally from farmers and vendors to create high-quality, nostalgic treats.
Prioritized Pastries, 4904 Devonshire Ave., Southampton, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-858-0333, prioritizedpastries.com
Revel Kitchen
It’s hard not to love Revel Kitchen: the food is big on flavor and nutrition, with ingredients sourced from local vendors and businesses, and what’s more? Both the Kirkwood and Brentwood locations cater to all types of diets, from paleo to vegan to gluten-free, and everything in between. Build a bowl or salad from scratch with a wide variety of proteins, vegetables and sauces.
Revel Kitchen, multiple locations, eatrevelkitchen.com
Taco Buddha
Taco Buddha has a cult following for a reason. Not only does it offer globally inspired tacos, aside from flour tortillas, you'll find no gluten on its menu. You won’t need guidance here: everything is clearly marked, and even its moist Texas sheet cake is gluten-free.
Taco Buddha, 7405 Pershing Ave., University City, Missouri, 314-502-9951, tacobuddha.com
Tree House Restaurant
Tree House on South Grand is a rare find: not only is the restaurant vegan with options like dairy cheese and eggs to take things vegetarian, it’s also a haven for gluten-free eating. The vast majority of their menu items – dinner, brunch and even dessert – are either naturally gluten-free or can be modified to fit a gluten-free diet. The staff prides itself on being knowledgeable and encourages customers to detail their food allergies so they can provide guidance on each aspect of the meal.
Tree House Restaurant, 3177 South Grand Blvd., Tower Grove South, St. Louis, Missouri 314-696-2100, treehousestl.com
Shannon Weber
Shannon is the digital editor for Feast Magazine.