Gluten-Free Dining FAQ

Is Austin a good city for gluten-free dining?

Absolutely! Austin is one of the best cities in Texas—and arguably the entire Southwest—for gluten-free dining. The city's health-conscious, foodie culture means many restaurants naturally cater to dietary restrictions. Here's why Austin excels:

• Multiple 100% GF restaurants: Austin has more dedicated gluten-free restaurants than most cities its size
• Health-conscious culture: Austin's wellness-focused community drives demand for dietary accommodations
• Educated staff: Restaurant workers in Austin are often more knowledgeable about celiac disease than in other cities
• Active celiac community: Local support groups help identify and vet safe restaurants
• Innovative food scene: Austin's creative chefs often develop exciting GF options

Are there any 100% gluten-free restaurants in Austin?

Yes! Austin is fortunate to have several completely dedicated gluten-free establishments where you can order anything on the menu without worry:

• ATX Cocina – 100% GF and seed oil free modern Mexican (Downtown)
• Bulevar – Sister restaurant to ATX Cocina, also 100% GF (North Austin)
• Nômadé Cocina – 100% GF Yucatán-inspired cuisine with raw bar (South Austin)
• Picnik – 100% GF paleo-friendly cafe (Multiple locations)
• Casa de Luz – 100% GF vegan/macrobiotic community kitchen (East Austin)
• Zucchini Kill Bakery – 100% GF vegan bakery (East Austin)
• Bom Bakeshop – 100% GF bakery with pastries, cakes, and more (East Austin)

These restaurants have completely gluten-free kitchens, meaning zero cross-contamination risk. For people with celiac disease, these are the safest options in Austin.

How many gluten-free restaurants does Austin have?

Austin has over 35 restaurants with notable gluten-free options, including 7+ that are 100% dedicated gluten-free establishments. The number continues to grow as more restaurants recognize the demand for GF dining options. Our directory is regularly updated as new restaurants open or update their offerings.

What cuisines tend to be most gluten-free friendly?

Some cuisines are naturally more accommodating for gluten-free diners:

• Mexican: Corn-based dishes are naturally GF (corn tortillas, tamales, etc.)—just watch for flour tortillas and breaded items
• Japanese: Sushi, sashimi, and grilled items are often GF, but soy sauce typically contains wheat
• Thai: Many dishes use rice noodles and coconut—confirm no soy sauce
• Mediterranean/Greek: Grilled meats, vegetables, and rice dishes
• Indian: Rice-based dishes and many curries are naturally GF
• American BBQ: Smoked meats are often GF—check sauces and rubs

Cuisines to approach with caution: Italian (pasta, bread), Chinese (soy sauce in everything), and fast food (shared fryers, breaded items).

What is cross-contamination and why does it matter?

Cross-contamination (also called cross-contact) occurs when gluten-free food comes into contact with gluten-containing ingredients, surfaces, or cooking equipment. This can happen through:

• Shared cooking surfaces (grills, cutting boards)
• Shared cooking oil (deep fryers)
• Shared utensils (spoons, tongs, spatulas)
• Airborne flour in the kitchen
• Contaminated ingredients (bulk bins, shared containers)
• Staff handling gluten products then GF items without changing gloves

Why it matters: For people with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten—as little as 10-20 parts per million (about 1/100th of a slice of bread)—can trigger an immune response and damage the small intestine. Symptoms can include digestive issues, fatigue, brain fog, and long-term health complications. This is why dedicated GF kitchens are so important for those with celiac disease.

What's the difference between "gluten-free options" and a "dedicated gluten-free kitchen"?

This distinction is crucial for celiac safety:

• Gluten-free options: The restaurant offers some GF menu items, but prepares them in a shared kitchen where gluten is also used. Cross-contamination is possible. Many celiac patients can dine safely with proper precautions, but sensitivity levels vary.
• Dedicated gluten-free kitchen: No gluten ever enters the kitchen. All ingredients, surfaces, and equipment are gluten-free. Zero cross-contamination risk. Safe for all celiac patients.

In our restaurant listings, we clearly note which establishments are 100% GF and which offer GF options in a shared kitchen.

Are shared fryers safe for celiac patients?

Generally, no. Shared fryers—where gluten-containing items like breaded chicken or regular fries are fried alongside GF items—pose a significant cross-contamination risk. The oil becomes contaminated with gluten particles.

What to ask: "Do you have a dedicated fryer for gluten-free items, or is it shared?" If shared, skip fried items or ask if they can be prepared another way (grilled, baked).

Some restaurants, like dedicated GF establishments, have fryers that only ever fry GF items—those are safe.

Is gluten-free bread safe if toasted in a shared toaster?

No. Shared toasters accumulate crumbs from regular bread, which contaminates GF bread. If a restaurant offers GF bread, ask how it's toasted. Safe options include:

• A dedicated GF toaster
• Toaster bags that protect the bread
• Toasting in a clean pan or on a clean section of the grill

Do Austin restaurants charge extra for gluten-free substitutions?

It varies by restaurant:

• Dedicated GF restaurants: No upcharge—everything is already GF
• GF bread/bun substitutions: Usually $1-3 extra
• GF pasta substitutions: Often $2-4 extra
• GF pizza crust: Typically $3-5 extra

While it can feel frustrating to pay extra for a medical necessity, GF ingredients genuinely cost more. The good news is that most Austin restaurants keep upcharges reasonable.

Can I trust "gluten-free" labels on restaurant menus?

Menu labels are a helpful starting point, but you should still ask questions. A "GF" symbol typically means the dish contains no gluten ingredients, but it doesn't always guarantee the preparation is celiac-safe (no cross-contamination).

Always confirm:

• How is the item prepared?
• Are there any shared surfaces or fryers?
• Can they take extra precautions for celiac disease?

In our experience, Austin restaurants are generally honest about their GF labeling, but verification is always smart.

Are food trucks safe for gluten-free dining?

Food trucks can be tricky. Small spaces mean shared prep areas and limited ability to prevent cross-contamination. However, Austin has some excellent GF-friendly trucks:

• Look for trucks with simple menus where GF is easier to control
• Ask about dedicated prep areas and glove-changing practices
• Trucks serving naturally GF cuisines (tacos with corn tortillas, grilled meats) may be safer

When in doubt, stick to brick-and-mortar restaurants where there's more space for safe food handling.

What about breakfast/brunch spots? Isn't everything bread and pancakes?

Brunch can be challenging, but Austin has great options:

• Picnik – 100% GF with excellent breakfast options
• Bouldin Creek Cafe – Vegetarian cafe with GF pancakes and more
• Bird Bird Biscuit – Offers GF biscuits for their famous sandwiches
• Flower Child – Bowls and salads that work for brunch

Many Mexican restaurants also serve excellent breakfast tacos on corn tortillas—just confirm the tortillas are 100% corn.

How should I communicate my gluten-free needs to restaurant staff?

Clear, confident communication is key:

• Be direct: "I have celiac disease and need to avoid all gluten, including cross-contamination."
• Ask specific questions: "Is this prepared on a shared grill?" "Can you change gloves?"
• Don't apologize: Your health needs are valid—good restaurants want to accommodate you
• Thank staff who help: Positive reinforcement encourages continued good practices
• Be patient: Staff may need to check with the kitchen—that's a good sign they're taking it seriously

What questions should I always ask at restaurants?

Before ordering, always ask:

• "Do you have a gluten-free menu or can you identify GF options?"
• "Is this prepared in a dedicated area or shared kitchen?"
• "Do you use shared fryers for GF and regular items?"
• "Can the kitchen change gloves and use clean utensils for my order?"
• "Is there anything in the sauce/seasoning that contains gluten?"
• "Can you note on the ticket that this is for a celiac patient?"

When is the best time to dine out as a celiac?

Timing can affect the care your food receives:

• Off-peak hours: Mid-afternoon or early evening when kitchens are less rushed
• Weekdays: Often less busy than weekends, allowing more attention to special requests
• Call ahead: For dinner, consider calling the restaurant in advance to discuss your needs
• Avoid peak rush: A slammed kitchen is more likely to make mistakes

What should I do if I get "glutened" at a restaurant?

If you have a reaction after eating out:

• Document it: Note what you ate, when, and your symptoms
• Contact the restaurant: Calmly explain what happened—most want to know and improve
• Report serious incidents: Consider reporting to local health departments for repeated issues
• Share with the community: Let others know so they can make informed decisions
• Take care of yourself: Rest, hydrate, and follow your doctor's recommendations for recovery

I'm visiting Austin for the first time. Where should I eat?

For the safest, most stress-free dining, start with 100% dedicated GF restaurants:

• Special occasion: ATX Cocina or Nômadé Cocina
• Casual lunch: Picnik or Flower Child
• Sweet treats: Zucchini Kill Bakery or Bom Bakeshop
• Japanese: Uchi (excellent GF accommodations)

Check out our Ultimate Gluten-Free Austin Guide for itineraries and neighborhood recommendations.

Can I find gluten-free options at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport?

Austin's airport has improved its GF options in recent years. Look for:

• Grab-and-go salads: Available at multiple vendors
• Tacodeli: Tacos on corn tortillas
• Fresh fruit and nuts: At convenience stores
• Pre-flight planning: Eat a good GF meal before arriving at the airport

Pro tip: Bring GF snacks from Austin bakeries for your flight—Bom Bakeshop cookies travel well!

Is Austin walkable for restaurant-hopping?

Certain areas are very walkable for GF dining:

• Downtown/2nd Street: ATX Cocina, The Well Downtown, and more within walking distance
• South Congress (SoCo): Several GF-friendly options on one iconic street
• South Lamar: Flower Child, Uchi, Odd Duck clustered together
• East Austin: Il Brutto, Zucchini Kill, Intero in the same area

Other areas require a car or rideshare, but Austin's restaurant clusters make it easy to plan GF-friendly food crawls.

Where can I learn more about celiac disease?

Trusted resources for celiac disease information:

• Celiac Disease Foundation: celiac.org
• Beyond Celiac: beyondceliac.org
• Gluten Intolerance Group: gluten.org

Are there celiac support groups in Austin?

Yes! Connecting with local celiacs can be incredibly helpful:

• Austin Celiac Support Group: Meets regularly to share restaurant recommendations and tips
• Facebook Groups: Search for "Austin Gluten Free" or "Austin Celiac" for active communities
• Find Me Gluten Free App: Reviews from local celiac diners

How can I suggest a restaurant for your directory?

We love hearing about new GF-friendly spots! Contact us with:

• Restaurant name and location
• What GF options they offer
• Your experience dining there as a celiac/GF diner
• Any cross-contamination concerns or successes

We verify all suggestions before adding them to our directory.