Best Bets for Gluten-Free Dining
Greater Portland and Vancouver
I would almost be willing to bet that Portland is the best place in the U.S. for gluten-free living. This list of restaurants is a compilation of many other lists, various reviews, and my own personal experiences. Another great list to look at is www.glutenfreeportland.org/restaurant-list. Whenever possible, I've noted my own personal experience. I'm still working both this and the fast food page, which you'll find a link to over there on the left. You might notice a lack of Asian-inspired restaurants, because I'm allergic to so many of the key ingredients, and classic steakhouse-style restaurants, because I just don't go to them. If you have a suggestion for an addition or correction to this page, please let me know! The last update was January 29, 2010. Please remember that every restaurant has at least some risk of cross-contamination and that you dine at your own risk. Hopefully this list will assist you in your search for a great gluten-free meal!
Andina
1314 NW Glisan Portland, OR. 97201 503-228-9535
http://www.andinarestaurant.com/
Innovative Peruvian cuisine using indigenous ingredients prepared with authentic flavor. Their gluten-free menu is posted on the website. I had a super-yummy quinoto (risotto made with quinoa instead of rice) that knocked my socks off.
Bellagios Pizza
Multiple locations
www.bellagiospizza.com
Bellagio's Pizza offers a gluten-free crust option at ALL of its locations. When I last checked, the ingredients included both dairy and eggs. Flying Pie Pizzeria remains our favorite pizza haven.
Carafe
200 SW Market St Portland, OR. 97201 503-248-0004
www.carafebistro.com
A Parisian-style bistro, with a menu that evokes thoughts of the French countryside. The menu is available on the website. It seems that a gluten-free meal would be fairly easy to put together.
Chili's
www.chilis.com
Chilis serves celiac customers in several locations in northern Oregon and SW Washington. Chili's does not make it easy to find their allergens information. Here's the process: go to the locations page, click on any specific location, click on the words "allergen information" just below the menu that will appear. When you get to the next page, you will need to click down the list to find the button that reads "wheat/gluten free". On a visit to the Kruse Way location, the server listened attentively to my many dietary needs, and immediately came up with a suggestion was in the company's database but not on the menu (veggie fajitas). While the food is of only average quality (it's a chain, after all), it was a great experience overall.
Chutney's Indian Cuisine
3000 SE 164th Ave. Ste 100, Vancouver, WA 98683 360.254.7254
www.chutneysvancouver.com
They make almost everything with rice and/or garbonzo bean flour, so I was told that everything except for the bread and the samosas are gluten-free. I'm not a meat eater, but if I were, I would avoid anything cooked in the tandoor oven, because they bake the bread in it.
Clarke’s
455 2nd St., Lake Oswego, OR 97034 503-636-2667
http://clarkesrestaurant.net
Featuring Mediterranean-inspired Northwest cuisine, the menu strikes the balance of being small and focused, while still appealing to a variety of tastes. The menu is available on the website.
Coffee Plant
5911 SW Corbett, Portland, OR 503.293.3280
www.coffeeplant.net
Tons of gluten-free pastry and bread options. The pastry menu is available for catering. See an amazing review of one diner's experience here.
Corbett Fish House
5901 SW Corbett Ave Portland, OR. 97239 503-246-4434
http://www.corbettfishhouse.com
Due to the use of rice flour, everything on the menu is gluten-free except the sandwiches - they're still trying to find a gluten-free bun. Sweet potato french fries... Yum... Gluten-free desserts include cheesecake and coconut rum torte. Gluten-free beer and hard cider on the menu. You can find a comprehensive review here.
Flying Pie Pizzeria
7804 SE Stark St., Portland, OR 97215 503.254.2016
www.flying-pie.com
The only gluten-free pizza in town that I can actually eat without hurting myself. My brother says it's the best gluten-free crust he's had also, and he can have eggs and all of the other junk that I can't. (See http://nugrainfoods.com/ourcrusts.htm for the complete ingredient list and list of other local pizzerias that carry their product). Yes, the place has wicked cross-contamination problems. But, they carry soy cheese and it's such a joy to eat a pizza that actually tastes something like what a pizza is supposed to taste like.
Garlic Jims Pizza
Various locations in the greater Portland-Vancouver metro area
www.garlicjims.com
Yes, yes, YES! Gluten-free pizza! We went to the Salmon Creek location on 3/12/2008, and they had a paper notice on the wall that described which pizzas on the regular menu were available gluten-free (no pepperoni, sorry), and had the ingredients panel from the Bavarian Mills crust box (eggs, bummer for me). There is a $3 extra charge for gluten-free crust. We verified that they make every effort to prevent cross-contamination, and ordered a medium cheese pizza. Sadira really liked it, and she hardly ever likes gluten-free products. The menu has several dairy-free pizzas.
Green Dragon Bistro and Brewpub
928 SE 9th St., Portland, OR 97214 503.517.0660
www.pdxgreendragon.com
Your friends are into the brewpub thing, and you, well, you can't exactly partake in all of that. I mean, you'd LOVE to order up a pint and a burger, but you suspect that it might not be worth it the next day. So, what are you going to do? You could try to steer your buddies to a more traditional bar-type place where at least you could order up some liquor for yourself while you munch on your hopefully-gluten-free french fries. Or, you could suggest the Green Dragon. It was named by Imbibe Magazine as one of the 100 Best Places to Drink Beer in America. There's a menu on the Green Dragon website and on the Rogue site, but the menu that I ordered from a few weeks ago was different (and included a great quinoa and black bean salad). The tap list is insane (I think they have close to 50 taps now), although notably lacking in gluten-free options other than one cider tap. But, they have liquor! I am a fan of Rogue's whiskey (call me unrefined if you must), which can be found in stores only every so often, so that, and the quinoa salad, will keep me coming back.
Grolla Restaurant
2930 NE Killingsworth Portland, OR. 97211 503-493-9521
http://www.grollarestaurant.com/
Celiac owned and operated, Grolla specializes in Mediterranean-influenced Pacific Northwest cuisine. Read the Celiac Chicks' review of their visit here. Ryan and I both had reactions after dining there, but neither one of us knows why because it's the "cleanest" kitchen in town. We both have multiple other food allergies, though, it could easily have been something else.
Gustav's German Pub & Grill
5035 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR. 97213 503-288-5503
http://www.gustavs.net/
Good old fashioned German food - meat and potatoes. Various locations thoughout the metro area. Ryan recently reported that the entire gluten-free menu has dairy, so be aware of that if you have dairy issues (most of us do).
Hawthorne Fish House
4343 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97215
www.corbettfishhouse.com
Due to the use of rice flour, everything on the menu is gluten-free except the sandwiches - they're still trying to find a gluten-free bun. Sweet potato french fries... Yum... Gluten-free desserts include cheesecake and coconut rum torte. Gluten-free beer and hard cider on the menu.
Higgins Restaurant
1239 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205 503.222.9070
www.higgins.ypguides.net
I've read that most of the menu is gluten-free, except for the pasta dishes.
Iorio Restaurant
912 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214 503.445.4716
www.ioriorestaurant.com
Local, sustainable, southern-Italian food. Let them know your dietary issues when you make your reservation and they'll bend over backwards to make it happen for you. They had no problem whipping up something for me that was both gluten-free and vegan, although the server couldn't tell me if any of the wines on the wine list were vegan. The standard menu is available on the website.
Keana's Candyland
5314 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland, OR 97202
www.keanascandyland.net
Delicious gluten-free bread and cookies at very reasonable prices. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch. My daughter loves it. I think that they even carry gluten-free boxes of chocolates (you know, like the kind you buy for your sweetie on V-Day?), but have yet to verify that.
Mama Mia Trattoria
439 SW 2nd Ave., Portland, OR 97204 503.295.6464
www.mamamiatrattoria.com
Now featuring gluten-free pasta! Simple southern-Italian dishes. See the the website for the menus.
McMenamins
9710 SE Washington St. Ste A, Portland, OR 97216 503.254.5411
www.mcmenamins.com
The Mall 205 location makes a wonderful curry rice bowl, and they have a fryer dedicated to just fries and tofu. There's nothing gluten-free on the kids' menu, though. Kennedy School also has the curry bowl, but I haven't checked yet on the dedicated fryer. Most of the other locations are quite lacking in the gluten-free area; menus for each location are on the McMens website.
Mio Sushi
www.miosushi.com
I've listed Mio Sushi just because it's our favorite sushi place because it's reasonably priced, there are lots of locations, and they have their own website. HOWEVER, Asian restaurants are, in general, minefields for people with gluten issues, so be very careful about what you order. For more information about sushi and gluten, see this post. Be sure to read the longest post, near the bottom of the page.
Mississippi Pizza
3552 N Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 503.288.3231
www.mississippipizza.com
I verified over the phone today, April 7, 2008, that this fine establishment has started offering gluten-free pizza AND beer. Something about the guy I talked to made me a little frightened, so I'll be sure to do some detective work before ordering anything there. See a discussion on the issue of apparent cross-contamination here.
Mon Ami Crepes & Coffee
1906 Main St., Vancouver, WA 98660
www.monamicafe.com
Gluten-free crepes are available on request. Happy hour wine specials on Saturdays from 4:30 to 6:30.
Namaste Indian Cuisine
6300 NE 117th, Vancouver, WA 98662
www.namasteindiancuisine.com
Before I discovered that I am allergic to ginger and coriander (I know - bizarre), I absolutely adored this place. The buffet was a very daunting experience the first time, but the owners were very helpful with answering questions about ingredients. I regularly drove halfway across Vancouver to have the lunch buffet. While you're there, stop by Lingonberries Market, just three doors down.
New Cascadia Traditional Bakery
1700 SE 6th Ave., Portland, OR 503.546.4901
www.newcascadiatraditional.com
Okay, okay, I know it's not a restaurant; it's just a bakery. But, I had to include it because it's just so darned exciting. New Cascadia Traditional™ is a dedicated gluten-free bakery, specializing in hand crafted artisan breads, pastries and gourmet cookies. They can also be found at the PSU and Eastbank Portland Farmers Markets. I've had the baguette and made bruschetta with the sourdough loaf, both of which were terrific, and my daughter reports that the brownies are delightful. Their vegan cupcakes are amazing. See the Celiac Chicks' review here.
Old Spaghetti Factory
www.osf.com
Gluten-free pasta on a gluten-free menu. I tried the pasta with browned butter and mizithra cheese, and it was sure tasty! Not sure if butter's really so much on my diet, though... There's always marinara sauce for next time!
Old Wives’ Tales
1300 E Burnside Portland, OR. 97214 503-238-0470
www.oldwivestalesrestaurant.com
Diners are empowered to meet their individual needs because all of the ingredients in the various dishes are listed on the printed menu and on the cards posted by the Soup and Salad Bar, including such details as type of non-hydrogenated oil and type of vinegar. They carry Kinnikinnick gluten-free bread for toast and sandwiches.
Outback Steak House
www.outback.com
The Outback Steakhouse has five restaurants in the Portland area. The Outback is well known in the celiac world because of its on-line gluten free menu, its excellent food and atmosphere, and its commitment to serve gluten-free food in all fifty states.
Papa Haydn
701 NW 23rd Ave Portland, OR. 97210 503-228-7317
www.papahaydn.com
It's a popular lunch spot and the menu features creative takes on contemporary and ethnic trends.
Pastini Pastaria
Various locations
www.pastini.net
Perfect gluten-free pasta. Lots of other options, including great salads. I've been to the Bridgeport location a couple of times now, and loved it. If you're trying for vegan or just dairy-free, ask lots of questions, because there's sneaky butter in a number of dishes.
P.F. Chang's China Bistro
1139 NW Couch St. Portland, OR. 97209 503-432-4000
www.pfchangs.com
Chinese food with a gluten-free menu. Many locations throughout the US.
Picazzos Pizza
8000 SE 13th Ave., Portland, OR 97202
www.picassos.com
Another Portland-area pizzeria offering gluten-free pizza. Could it get any better? Posts here describe the crust as fluffy egg-bread with a crispy outside. The restaurant is reportedly very clean, with all measures taken to avoid cross-contamination. Gluten-free cheese bread and chicken wings, too. The complete gluten-free menu is here.
Oba
555 NW 12th Ave., Portland, OR 97209 503.228.6161
www.obarestaurant.com
The offers a menu catering to special dietary needs, which mentions that the chef would be happy to create a dish around your needs. Be mindful that "wheat-free" does NOT mean gluten-free! I was there before the whole allergy thing, and it seems to me that it should be easy enough to get a gluten-free meal.
Piece of Cake Bakery
8306 SE 17th Ave., Portland, OR 97202 503.234.9445
www.pieceofcakebakery.net
Piece of Cake offers gluten-free chocolate raspberry, lemon pineapple ginger, pumpkin, and carrot cakes. They also bake gluten-free bundts and mini loaves, like the mini chocolate loaf, topped with chocolate or white icing. Unfortunately for me, there's nothing that's both egg- and gluten-free.
Red Robin
www.redrobin.com
They have a gluten-free menu that is available in each location, but not online. Based on one that was posted elsewhere online, it seems that even I would be able to find something tasty to order. Only some locations have a dedicated fryer for fries, so be sure to ask. I was disappointed to note that their tortilla chips have gluten in them.
Ruby's Coffee Shop
35 NE 20th Ave., Portland, OR 97232 503-238-0871
www.rubyscoffeeshop.com
Ruby's Coffee Shop offers a casual, comfortable spot in northeast Portland for organic, fair trade espresso drinks, gourmet lunch fare, and free wifi.
Smokey's Pizza
2905 St. Johns Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661 360-695-6866
www.smokeyspizza.com
Gluten-free pizza on crusts that I can probably actually eat (from Ener-G)! I did try it one day that I was feeling particularly cavalier about my dairy allergy, and it didn't sit too well.
Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro
0315 SW Montgomery St., Portland, OR 97201 503-295-2747www.thirstbistro.com
Thanks to Anastasia for this great review: "The menu on the website and the menu at the restaurant said that 90% of the menu was or could be made gluten free! We went there recently and it was delicious. The staff were really great and when they did not know the specifics of something, they quickly went to ask the chef and even googled something for us when we were asking about liquors! They were really great and helpful. My boyfriend is not so sensitive that we have to worry about cross contamination effects so I am not sure about that aspect. I just wanted to spread the word about this awesome place!"
Three Degrees
1510 SW Harbor Way Portland, OR. 97201 503-295-6166
www.threedegreesrestaurant.com
Gluten-free crab cakes, or so I've read.
Three Square Grill
6320 SW Capitol Highway Portland, OR. 97239 503-244-4467
www.threesquare.com
Southern comfort food served with a bayou emphasis- turns out American-sized portions.
Vita Cafe
3024 NE Alberta St., Portland, OR 503-335-8233
www.vita-cafe.com
So, I finally went to the Vita for dinner on July 12, 2008. I have to report that I was NOT impressed. My opinion was that the menu was lacking in gluten-free specials and entrees. The kids' menu was similarly lacking in gluten-free options. My daughter ended up with a cheeseburger with no bun and some french fries. We could have ordered that at Burgerville. I had the vegan nachos, which I also could have ordered anywhere because I was allergic to something in the vegan cheese sauce. After talking with my celiac friend who had the same opinion, I finally decided that the people at the Vita aren't passionate about the taste of the food so much.
Whole Bowl
4409 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97215 503.757.2695
www.thewholebowl.com
A one-dish wonder. The "secret sauce" is gluten-free.