Whether you’re navigating a gluten allergy, Celiac disease, or just feel better avoiding gluten, finding restaurants with trustworthy gluten-free options can feel like a full-time job. Luckily, the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky food scene has your back when it comes to gluten-free dining. From casual bites to special-occasion spots, we’re running through restaurants of all kinds and different price points—because everyone deserves a great meal, no matter their dietary needs.
Why This List Matters
This guide is inspired by two people I care about deeply—my cousin and one of my closest friends—both of whom live with Celiac disease. All they ever want to do is have a good time, go out with friends, and enjoy the local food scene without constantly worrying about what’s safe to eat. So, this list is inspired by them—and for anyone else who just wants to enjoy a night out without the stress.
Here’s your manual for where to eat with your gluten-free friends—no need to sacrifice flavor or fun.
Cincinnati Favorites for Gluten-Free Dining
· Forno Osteria + Bar (Montgomery & Hyde Park) – Gluten-free pasta and risotto in a romantic, rustic Italian setting.
· Sotto (Downtown) – Upscale Italian with gluten-free pasta and risotto made for special nights out.
· Sacred Beast (OTR) – Modern diner fare with thoughtful, allergy-aware options.
· Bakersfield (OTR) – Corn-based tacos and tequila that are naturally GF-friendly.
· Maplewood Kitchen and Bar (Downtown) – Brunchy California-style spot with labeled gluten-free items.
· Mita’s (Downtown) – Latin-inspired, chef-driven dining with naturally gluten-free standouts.
· Lucius Q (Pendleton) – BBQ and live music with clearly marked GF meats and sides.
· BRU Burger Bar (Downtown & Montgomery) – Custom burgers with gluten-free buns and knowledgeable staff.
· E+O Kitchen (Downtown & Hyde Park) – Trendy Asian fusion with a dedicated gluten-free menu.
· Nation Kitchen & Bar (Westwood, Milford & Downtown) – Burgers and bourbon—ask for gluten-free bun swaps.
· Crown Cantina (Downtown) – Fully Gluten-Free Latin fusion with zero cross-contamination worries.
· Yard House (Downtown) – National chain with an extensive gluten-sensitive menu.
· Condado Tacos (Downtown, Kenwood, Hyde Park & Anderson) – Custom tacos with GF shells and a user-friendly allergen guide.
· Gomez Salsa (OTR &Walnut Hills) – Burrito bowls and chips serve as a great gluten-free option when dining at Gomez.
· Arthur’s Café (Hyde Park) – Neighborhood staple offering gluten-free buns and allergy accommodations.
· Sleepy Bee Café (Kenwood, Hyde Park & Downtown) – Brunch spot focused on clean, wholesome eats with GF bread and pancakes.
· Alara (Madisonville) – Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a fresh and thoughtful GF approach.
· Pig Candy BBQ – Smoked meats and BBQ that can be tailored for gluten-free diners. Offer GF waffles to be paired with your BBQ.
· Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant (Kenwood & Westside) – Upscale with a dedicated gluten-free menu.
· Brown Dog Café (Blue Ash) – Seasonal new American dishes with a solid GF selection.
· Kitchen Social (Montgomery) – Chic and casual with excellent allergy awareness and flexible dishes.
· Toast & Berry (Montgomery & Liberty Township) – Bright, brunchy, and flexible with gluten-free pancakes and more.
· Teak (OTR & Loveland) – Sushi, noodles, and Thai dishes with GF sauces available.
· Bite Restaurant (Milford) – Globally inspired menu with a well-marked GF selection.
· Tortilleria Garcia (Mason, Springdale, & College Hill) – Authentic Mexican with naturally GF corn tortillas and meats.
· Mercer Social House (Newtown) – Hidden gem offering gluten-aware small plates and wine pairings.
· Ramundos (Hyde Park, Madisonville, & Mt. Washington) – Pizza spot with gluten-free crusts available.
· Cafe Alma (Pleasant Ridge) – Cozy café with gluten-free breakfast and lunch options.
· The Filson (Downtown) – Elevated bar fare and drinks with gluten-free options.
· W Bar Bistro (Westwood) – Upscale dining with GF items clearly marked.
· Baru (Downtown) – Elevated sushi experience with gluten-free menu items.
· Tano Bistro (Hamilton & Loveland) – American fare with seasonal menus and GF dishes clearly marked.
· Muse Café (Westwood) – Stylish, low-key café with gluten-free toasts and pastries.
· Clyborne (Mason) – Modern American cuisine and stylish atmosphere with a menu that offer majority GF options.
Northern Kentucky Gems for Gluten-Free Dining
Covington, Newport, Bellevue & More
· Coppin’s at Hotel Covington – Refined Southern fare with allergen-savvy kitchen staff.
· Agave & Rye (Covington, Norwood &Liberty Township) – Bold, creative tacos with a dedicated gluten-free menu.
· The Gruff (Covington) – Chill vibe, GF pizza crusts and salads available.
· Anchor Grill (Covington) – Classic diner with adaptable, simple gluten-free meals.
· Bouquet (Covington) – Farm-to-table fine dining with an elevated GF experience.
· Galactic Fried Chicken (Dayton)– Wildly popular, with gluten-free fried chicken cooked separately.
· The Hive (Erlanger) – Quaint and cozy spot with rotating GF-friendly items.
· Wabi Sabi (Covington) – Japanese fusion with sushi and rice bowls that can be made GF.
· Olla (Covington) – Modern Mexican with corn-forward, naturally gluten-free choices.
· Camporosso (Fort Mitchell) – Wood-fired pizza with GF crusts and knowledgeable staff.
· Bourbon House Pizza (Newport) – NY-style pizza joint offering gluten-free options.
· Press on Monmouth (Newport) – Craft sandwiches and beer, with GF bread and rotating options.
· Bellevue Bistro (Bellevue) – Breakfast and brunch with a variety of gluten-free options.
· Pompilios (Newport) – Classic Italian where you can request GF pasta—plus nostalgic vibes.
· Fesslers Legendary Pizza & Hoagies (Bellevue) – Great GF pizza crusts, GF hoagies and awareness of cross-contact.
· Yuca by Cedar (Bellevue) – Sleek and Latin-inspired with flexible GF small plates.
· Cork N Crust (Bellevue) – Upscale pizza and wine bar with gluten-free crusts and thoughtful service.
· Frida 602 (Covington) – Colorful cantina with GF options on tacos and small plates.
Breweries, Cafés & Bonus Picks
· Braxton Brewing Co. (Covington, Union, & Fort Mitchell) – Partner kitchens or food trucks often have GF items—always ask.
· Fretboard Brewing Company (Blue Ash, Hamilton & Harrison) – Great vibes, with rotating GF-friendly food truck vendors.
· Little Miami Brewing Company (Milford) – Pizza and beer with gluten-free crust and rotating menus.
· Warped Wing Brewing Company (Mason) – Often includes GF-friendly menu options.
· The Bagelry (OTR & Hyde Park) – Gluten-free bagels available—get there early before they sell out!
· MadTree Brewing (Oakley) – Their “Catch-a-Fire” kitchen offers GF pizza crust and salads. Gluten free dedicated fryers that allow GF fried pickles and chicken tenders.
· Blind Squirrel (Florence) – Inclusive menu with GF indicators and outdoor seating.
· Pickles & Bones Barbecue (Milford) – No-frills smoked meats and sides, many GF by nature.
· Bones’ Burgers (Montgomery) – Local burger joint with gluten-free buns and grass-fed beef.
· Cherbourg Cyprus (OTR) – A wonderful bakery in OTR where everything is baked daily and is always gluten, nut & dye free.
Tips for Eating Gluten-Free at Local Restaurants
While all of the restaurants listed here offer gluten-free or gluten-friendly options, it’s important to remember that many operate with shared kitchens. That means there’s always a potential for cross-contamination, even with the best intentions and staff training. If you or someone you’re dining with has Celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance, always call ahead to confirm the restaurant’s level of gluten-free knowledge and safety protocols. Some places may have separate prep areas or dedicated fryers, while others may not. It’s always worth the conversation.
· Call ahead if you’re unsure—especially if your allergy is severe. Most places are happy to help.
· Ask about shared fryers and prep areas—even gluten-friendly kitchens vary in procedures.
· Use apps like Find Me Gluten Free to scout reviews from other GF diners.
Cincinnati and NKY are packed with amazing food, and you don’t have to sit on the sidelines because of gluten. Whether you’re planning brunch with friends, a fun brewery night, or a dinner date with options for everyone, this guide is your go-to for enjoying the city—worry-free and full of flavor.
Don’t stop at good eats around town—check out this list of local events.
