A Guide to Eating Gluten-Free in Buffalo

Buffalo wouldn’t be one of the great eating cities if we didn’t cater to every taste, preference, custom, or diet. Prefer a plant-based way of living? Vegan and vegetarian options right here. Looking for halal-only preparation? We’ve got that, too. However, for many people, their diet simply comes down to what their body can tolerate, especially when it comes to those dealing with a gluten intolerance or Celiac disease. Luckily for visitors to Buffalo, restaurants, bakeries and chefs across town understand those limitations and are crafting delicious menu items and goods that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Here are many of the ways you can eat with big flavor and no gluten in Buffalo:

For breakfast, start at the Original Pancake House of WNY and enjoy a multitude of flavors on their famous gluten-friendly* pancakes. A side of kielbasa will put you in the perfect food coma. Break’n Eggs Creperie serves up both savory and sweet gluten-free crepes if a sugar rush isn’t your thing. For those traveling to the Southtowns, the Polked Yolk makes some killer French toast.

When you’re ready to take a seat and enjoy a full upscale dinner, places like Betty’s and Dapper Goose cater to your every gluten-free need. At Betty’s in Allentown, try the smoked maple glazed salmon with roasted carrots, parsnips and apples, or the roasted butternut beet topped with toasted walnuts, goat cheese and balsamic. Dapper Goose in Buffalo’s Black Rock neighborhood, known for their stellar cocktail selection, will have you “oo-ing” and “ah-ing” over every dish. Try the confit duck with spinach puree, artichoke and pearl onions or the rainbow trout with parnsip puree and chimichurri. PS: Both places are excellent spots for brunch, too!

While many of the classic flavors of Buffalo are typically heavy on the gluten, places like Anderson’s Frozen Custard want all to feel welcome when stopping in for Buffalo-born eats and treats. A top spot for fresh carved beef on weck, Anderson’s offers an option to stack your sliced beef and dollop of horseradish atop a gluten free bun. Better yet, the buns are made right here in Buffalo, too. Brian’s Best is a bread and pastry manufacturer located right in Buffalo and is known for supplying gluten free baked goods to spots like Homegrown Bistro, Mississippi Mudds and Old Man River, and Parkside Meadow.

If you’re looking for Buffalo’s signature charbroiled hot dogs, Ted’s Hot Dogs always carries gluten-free buns. For those with higher sensitivities, you can watch the employees dutifully change their gloves right in front of you while you order. Just stay away from putting their malt vinegar on your fries!

When you’re ready for dessert, you can enjoy Anderson’s perfectly swirled chocolate/vanilla frozen custard served in a gluten-free cone. For those seeking unique flavors, head to Rosie’s Handcrafted Ice Cream in either East Aurora or the Elmwood Village. Their cold brew ice cream atop a gluten-free cake cone is to die for.

Another classic flavor of Buffalo, Buffalo-style pizza, is being sliced up for those who have to mind their gluten intake. Cup-and-char pepperoni, mounds of ooey-gooey cheese, a slightly sweeter sauce and a bubbly crust—you can find gluten-free pies at Mister Pizza, Just Pizza & Wing Co., Bocce Club Pizza, Picasso’s Pizza, La Nova and several other pizzerias across Buffalo. If you want some deep-dish action, try Marble + Rye. Note that you will have to call a day ahead so they can prep the dough (trust us, it’s worth it).

If you’re looking for Neopolitan, wood-fired or “pod” varieties of gluten-free ‘za, look no further than places like Hydraulic Hearth, who top their hand-tossed crusts with some of the most creative concoctions around, Hearth + Press, which is a perfect stop for date night before a show in Buffalo’s Theatre District, and Pizza Plant, whose calzone-like pizza “pods” will fill your belly before a game down near KeyBank Center.

For those wanting to dive into international flavors, KBBQ and Hot Pot lets you pick your own ingredients for your soup, taking the stress out of worrying if a kitchen will follow your dietary needs. New Jewel of India provides a classy atmosphere to go with your Indian food (gluten-free as long as you forgo the naan bread), while Alibaba Kebab can give you takeout for days in your hotel room. Make sure to sub your naan for a second order of rice!

When your day calls for something a little more “grab and go,” places like Spot Coffee, who offer gluten free wraps, Chris’ NY Sandwich Shop, which is considered one of the best delis in Buffalo and Moriarty Meats with its amazing sandwiches can all accommodate. If you want a nice sit-down restaurant with your sandwich, Poppyseed makes a heavenly turkey club.

Curation of this blog was assisted by Julia Jornsay-Silverberg – juliajornsaysilverberg.com

*Gluten-friendly means cross contamination is present. Always ask your server about the precautions they take to ensure proper dietary needs.