Ultimate Gluten-Free Dining Guide to Austin (2025 Update)
Last updated November 9, 2025 • Written by the Austin Gluten Free team
How to Use This Guide
This long-form guide was created to make Austin feel welcoming for anyone living gluten-free. Whether you are navigating celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, you’ll find curated restaurant picks, itineraries, and pro tips gathered from hundreds of conversations with local chefs, dietitians, and gluten-free diners. Bookmark this page before you travel and use the quick links below to jump to the sections that matter most.
Top Gluten-Free Picks by Neighborhood
Austin’s gluten-free dining scene stretches well beyond downtown. Use these highlights to plan meals near where you’re staying:
Downtown & Seaholm District
For an elegant dinner, reserve a table at Red Ash, where Chef John Carver offers wood-fired Italian dishes with housemade gluten-free pasta and maintains separate pans for GF orders. Walkable from there is Salt Traders Coastal Cooking, one of the city’s rare 100%-gluten-free seafood kitchens—perfect for brunch or happy hour oysters.
South Austin & South Congress
Start your day with Bird Bird Biscuit for gluten-free biscuits and breakfast sandwiches, then stroll to Postino South Lamar for lunch on a patio with multiple GF bruschetta options. Cap the evening with Hopdoddy South Congress, where staff change gloves and toast buns separately for gluten-free burgers.
East Austin
Intero and Il Brutto headline this neighborhood with scratch-made pasta, knowledgeable staff, and dessert counters filled with GF-friendly treats. For plant-forward meals, visit Picnik and Vinaigrette, both known for careful cross-contamination controls.
North Austin & The Domain
The Domain offers a walkable trio of safe bets: True Food Kitchen – Domain, Picnik North, and Flower Child – Domain. Each location has clearly labeled menus and staff trained to communicate allergen orders to the kitchen.
Beyond Austin (Cedar Park & Round Rock)
If you’re exploring the suburbs, stop by Snap Kitchen – Cedar Park for grab-and-go meals or Flower Child – Round Rock for nourishing bowls. Round out your trip with sweets from Bom Bakeshop, a beloved pop-up bakery with frequent appearances around the metro area.
Three Sample Gluten-Free Itineraries
Weekend Getaway (Friday–Sunday)
Friday: Arrive in time for dinner at Koriente in East Austin for GF noodle bowls. Grab dessert at Bougie's Donuts & Coffee in Sunset Valley for gluten-free donuts and coffee.
Saturday: Kick off with The Steeping Room for GF scones, then explore downtown murals before lunch at Casa de Luz. End the day with tapas at Odd Duck—their team excels at accommodating gluten-free tasting menus.
Sunday: Brunch at Picnik Barton Springs, stroll Zilker Park, and finish with bakery boxes from Zucchini Kill to take on the road.
Family-Friendly Austin
Day 1: Stop at Lil’ Doddy Burger Lab for sliders made on GF buns, then head to the Thinkery children’s museum. Dinner at Snap Kitchen – West Lake Hills keeps things easy with reheatable meals.
Day 2: Enjoy tacos at Dia’s Market, and pack GF snacks for Barton Springs Pool. Order pizza night from Ka Prow (they offer GF crusts and tamari-based sauces).
Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Explorer
Day 1: Start at Casa de Luz for macrobiotic plates, then bike the Lady Bird Lake trail. Grab smoothies from Picnik and finish with vegan baked goods at Zucchini Kill.
Day 2: Brunch at Bouldin Creek Cafe (ask for the GF tofu scramble), afternoon tea at The Steeping Room, and a dinner tasting at Uchi, where the chefs happily guide gluten-free omakase.
Best Gluten-Free Breakfast & Brunch Spots
Breakfast is often the trickiest meal for gluten-free diners, but Austin excels at morning comfort food:
- Bird Bird Biscuit: Dedicated GF batter for biscuits, separate prep area, and a staff that proactively asks about allergies.
- The Steeping Room: Offers GF scones, tea sandwiches, and a rotating pastry case with almond flour cakes.
- Picnik: Paleo-friendly waffles, bone broth lattes, and detailed allergen menus.
- Casa de Luz: 100% gluten-free communal dining with hearty breakfast bowls.
Tip: Mention celiac disease or gluten intolerance while ordering—Austin servers are used to a quick discussion and will flag your ticket for manager review.
Dedicated Gluten-Free Bakeries & Sweet Treats
Austin is home to several fully gluten-free bakeries and dessert pop-ups. Follow them on social media for drop schedules and holiday specials.
Bom Bakeshop serves seasonal kolaches, tres leches cake, and savory hand pies. Pre-order online or visit Saturday farmers markets. Zucchini Kill keeps punk vibes alive with GF cupcakes, Twinkie-style pastries, and rotating vegan treats.
Craving donuts? Bougie's Donuts & Coffee in Sunset Valley is entirely gluten-free and offers artisanal donuts and premium coffee. For birthday cakes, check Picnik or Intero for beautifully plated desserts free of gluten cross-contact.
Events & Seasonal Pop-Ups
Austin’s gluten-free community hosts recurring meetup dinners, farmers market takeovers, and holiday pop-ups. Join our newsletter (sign up at the bottom of the homepage) for detailed dates. Notable happenings include:
- Quarterly Gluten-Free Restaurant Crawl: Guided neighborhood tastings featuring three restaurants per evening with chef Q&A sessions.
- GF Holiday Market at Mueller: December market featuring Zucchini Kill, Bom Bakeshop, and rotating savory vendors.
- Celiac Awareness Month Chef Panels: Held each May with speakers from True Food Kitchen, Intero, and local dietitians.
Planning a private event? We maintain a list of caterers comfortable executing 100% gluten-free menus—email info@austinglutenfree.com for referrals.
Celiac Safety Checklist
Before you dine out, run through this quick checklist to keep cross-contact risks low:
- Call Ahead: Ask during off-peak hours about dedicated fryers, separate prep areas, and whether staff receives gluten-free training.
- Double-Check Ingredients: Even GF menus may change seasonally. Confirm sauces and marinades are prepared with tamari or a wheat-free soy alternative.
- Request Manager Oversight: When you note celiac disease, most Austin restaurants flag a manager to run the food to your table—accept the help!
- Watch Shared Surfaces: Ask for clean cutting boards and utensils, especially at pizza spots or bakeries that handle wheat dough.
- Share Feedback: If you have a safe experience, let the staff know. Positive reinforcement encourages ongoing training.
Keep a backup plan by bookmarking Snap Kitchen locations—they stock ready-made GF meals if plans change last minute.
Local Resources & Support Groups
Beyond restaurants, Austin offers a strong support network for gluten-free living:
- Austin Celiac Facebook Group: A 6,000-member community sharing real-time restaurant intel and product finds.
- Seton Medical Center Celiac Clinic: Consult registered dietitians who specialize in gluten-related disorders.
- Austin Gluten Free Newsletter: Subscribe on our homepage for monthly updates, pop-up announcements, and exclusive discounts.
- Farmer’s Market Spotlights: Traders like Buddha’s Brew Kombucha and Dai Due have GF-friendly booths—look for our “AGF Approved” stickers.
Traveling beyond Austin? We’re expanding guides to San Antonio and Hill Country wineries—stay tuned for updates.
Ready to Explore?
Use this guide alongside our searchable directory to map out breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and dessert runs. When you discover new gluten-free gems, share them at info@austinglutenfree.com so we can verify and add them for future travelers. Together we keep Austin safe, inclusive, and delicious for the entire gluten-free community.