Our Mission: Gluten-Free Confidence in Austin
Updated November 9, 2025
Austin Gluten Free exists to take the guesswork out of dining for people living with celiac disease, wheat allergies, and gluten sensitivity. Since launching in 2018, we’ve visited hundreds of restaurants across Central Texas, interviewed chefs about their prep spaces, and tracked menu changes so you can spend more time enjoying meals and less time worrying about cross-contact.
Our Team & Mission
Our founder was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2012 and quickly realized how much misinformation surrounded "gluten-free friendly" labels. After moving to Austin, we began building a living spreadsheet of safe dishes and chefs who understood strict dietary needs. That spreadsheet evolved into Austin Gluten Free—now the city's most comprehensive directory of vetted GF restaurants.
Our team hosts quarterly community meetups, consults with hospitality teams on allergen training, and speaks at local wellness events. When not documenting menus, we can be found testing new flour blends in the kitchen, exploring Hill Country hikes, or sharing GF travel tips on Instagram @austinglutenfree.
Our Verification Checklist
Restaurants are only added to Austin Gluten Free after passing a 9-point safety review. We revisit each location at least once per quarter and update listings immediately if processes change.
- Interview management about cross-contact procedures and staff training cadence.
- Confirm dedicated fryers, pans, and utensils (or note when they’re unavailable).
- Review ingredient lists and supplier statements for hidden gluten sources.
- Observe kitchen workflow during service to verify segregation best practices.
- Test dishes in-house with Nima or EZ Gluten when feasible.
- Collect feedback from at least three community members with celiac disease.
- Verify that menu updates are communicated to servers and reflected on paper/QR menus.
- Check bathrooms, signage, and entryways for accessibility and overall guest experience.
- Document direct points of contact so diners know who to speak with when ordering.
Any restaurant that fails a follow-up check is removed until corrective actions are confirmed. Transparency matters—if you ever encounter an issue at a featured spot, email us immediately at info@austinglutenfree.com.
Editorial Standards & Partnerships
We never accept paid placements in exchange for directory inclusion. Sponsored content is clearly labeled and must meet the same safety standards as every other listing. Our revenue comes from display advertising and affiliate partnerships for gluten-free products we personally test.
In addition to the restaurant directory, we produce seasonal guides, holiday bakery roundups, and partner with local nutritionists like Dr. Elena Ramirez, RD, to ensure our articles align with current medical guidance. You can view press mentions and collaboration invites by emailing press@austinglutenfree.com.
Community Involvement
- Celiac Support Meetings: Monthly informal meetups at rotating restaurants to gather real-time feedback.
- Restaurant Trainings: Our team provides complimentary 45-minute sessions for chefs rolling out new allergen protocols.
- Gluten-Free Welcome Kits: New to Austin? Request a digital welcome kit with grocery store maps, dedicated bakeries, and medical provider recommendations.
- Newsletter: Join thousands of subscribers receiving alerts on new GF openings, product recalls, and community events.
Media & Speaking
Need a speaker for your next wellness panel, hospitality training, or podcast episode? Our team has spoken at SXSW Wellness Expo, Austin Food & Wine Festival workshops, and University of Texas nutrition courses. Topics include "Designing Allergen-Safe Kitchens," "Navigating Travel with Celiac Disease," and "Building Trust with Gluten-Free Diners."
To request an interview or collaboration, contact press@austinglutenfree.com.
Contact & Transparency
We aim to respond to every message within two business days. For rapid updates (like if you notice a new fryer at your favorite taco spot), send us a DM on Instagram or use the directory contact form.
What’s Next
We’re expanding coverage to include gluten-free travel itineraries for San Antonio, Hill Country wine tours, and Lake Travis resorts. Want to collaborate or suggest a restaurant for review? Complete the contact form on the directory page or send a note—your tips keep this resource current.