🎉 New Year 2026: Austin's Gluten-Free Dining Scene Is Thriving
Happy New Year, Austin! As we kick off 2026, we're excited to report that Austin's gluten-free dining scene has never been stronger. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a long-time celiac, or simply choosing to eat gluten-free, this city continues to set the standard for inclusive, delicious dining.
We've spent the last year eating our way through Austin (tough job, we know), and we're thrilled to share what's new, what's trending, and what we're most excited about for the year ahead.
🌟 2025 in Review: A Banner Year for GF Austin
Last year brought exciting developments to Austin's gluten-free scene:
- 40+ verified restaurants now in our directory—up from 35 at the start of 2025
- New dedicated GF spots continued to open as demand grows
- Better staff training across the board—more servers understand celiac needs
- More GF crust options at pizza places citywide
- Improved labeling on menus making it easier to dine safely
The Austin food community has truly embraced gluten-free dining, and it shows.
🔥 What's Hot in 2026
Trend #1: Ancient Grain GF Crusts
Gone are the days of cardboard-like GF pizza crusts. Restaurants like Pinthouse Pizza are leading the charge with ancient grain crusts made from sorghum, amaranth, and teff. These crusts have real texture, real flavor, and hold up to toppings without getting soggy.
Trend #2: 100% GF Restaurants Going Mainstream
Austin now has more fully dedicated gluten-free restaurants than ever. ATX Cocina, Nômadé Cocina, and the growing The Well empire (now 3 locations!) prove that 100% GF dining can be upscale, delicious, and successful.
Trend #3: GF Biscuits & Breakfast
Bird Bird Biscuit and Bougie's Donuts have made gluten-free breakfast not just possible, but genuinely exciting. No more watching others enjoy biscuits and donuts while you have fruit—2026 is the year of inclusive breakfast.
🏆 Our Top Picks for 2026
Must-Try Restaurants This Year
- ATX Cocina — Still the gold standard for upscale 100% GF dining
- Pinthouse Pizza — Best GF pizza crust in Austin, hands down
- Bird Bird Biscuit — GF biscuit sandwiches that rival the originals
- Uchi — World-class sushi with excellent GF accommodations
- Odd Duck — Farm-to-table creativity with great GF options
đź“… New Year's Resolutions for GF Diners
Make 2026 your best gluten-free year yet with these resolutions:
1. Try One New Restaurant a Month
With 40+ options in our directory, there's always somewhere new to explore. Set a goal to visit one new GF-friendly spot each month. You might find your new favorite!
2. Support 100% GF Businesses
Dedicated gluten-free restaurants take a risk to serve our community. Show them love! Dine at places like Picnik, Casa de Luz, and Zucchini Kill Bakery regularly.
3. Leave Reviews
Your reviews on Google, Yelp, and Find Me Gluten Free help other celiacs find safe dining. When a restaurant does it right, say so! It also encourages other restaurants to step up their GF game.
4. Ask Questions Without Apology
Your health matters. Don't feel embarrassed asking about cross-contamination, shared fryers, or ingredients. Good restaurants appreciate informed diners.
🗓️ Looking Ahead: What's Coming in 2026
We're keeping our eyes on several exciting developments:
- More ghost kitchen GF options for delivery
- Expanded GF menus at existing restaurants responding to demand
- New dedicated GF bakeries rumored to be in the works
- Better GF beer options as craft breweries experiment
- Continued growth in the GF-friendly food truck scene
We'll keep you updated as new spots open and existing favorites expand their offerings.
Ready to Explore?
Browse our full directory of 40+ gluten-free friendly restaurants in Austin.
View All Restaurants →🙏 Thank You, Austin
To the restaurants that accommodate us, the chefs who create for us, and the servers who understand us—thank you. And to our fellow GF diners: thanks for being part of this community. Your support of GF-friendly businesses helps the scene grow for everyone.
Here's to a delicious, safe, and adventurous 2026. See you at the table!
— The Austin Gluten Free Team