Summer Vacation: Gluten-Free Travel

One of the most exciting parts of planning a vacation is exploring new places to eat! Read on for some of our favorite gluten-free travel destinations to check out this summer–and beyond.

Sonoma, Calif.

If you’re over the age of 21, the good news is that wine is gluten free! That makes visiting wine country a great gluten-free travel option, and this Northern California region of Sonoma is a 75-minute flight away from Phoenix. Even better, when making reservations at any of the top spots in town, one of the first things they ask is if there are any food allergies to ensure wine, food pairings and sweet treats to accompany each sip are safe. And the quality of chefs and standards of service are high.

Some of our favorite wine and food pairings include the Bubble Room at J Vineyards; the sustainable pairing at Jordan Winery; and the collector’s tasting in the garden at Lynmar Estate

Many of the restaurants in town also note gluten-free options on the menu, or provide wholly separate menus, notably Bravas Bar & TapasThe Matheson and Baci Café.

La Otilia 

Mexico City

Thankfully, the prevalence of corn-based staples like enchiladas, tamales and tacos make gluten-free dining in this culinary destination fairly easy, if you know the right questions to ask. Two helpful phrases to use are “No puedo comer gluten or trigo” (I cannot eat gluten or wheat) and “Esta contiene gluten or harina de trigo?” (Does this contain gluten or wheat flour?)

Mexico City is a wonderful gluten-free travel destination with many beautiful, organic and dietary friendly menus. A few Celiac-safe spots include gluten-free bakeries La Otilia and Pan Gabriel; Italian restaurant Vecchio Forno; the highly-acclaimed tasting menu at Pujol; and El Bajio for traditional Mexican food with knowledgeable staff.

Senza Gluten

New York City

It’s no secret that the country’s largest city has a dense restaurant count – which thankfully also means it’s a great gluten-free travel spot! And after two years of being shut down due to COVID, New York City is ready for visitors again and summer typically delivers some great weather. 

Some of our favorite places to eat in the city include an entirely 100 percent gluten-free Posh Pop Bakeshop; two dedicated gluten-free Italian restaurants, Senza Gluten and Risotteria Melotti; the very gluten-friendly Friedman’s; and Modern Bread and Bagel for a gluten-free NY bagel.

Ali Dugaw has been on the hunt for the best gluten-free spots for the past decade. Follow her gluten-free adventures at @GlutenFreeTravelGirl and on Facebook. (www.facebook.com/GlutenFreeTravelGirl)

One Comment

  1. Jo Hauser

    I just got back from London and the whole city is so gf friendly. Every restaurant from tiny cafes to lavish large chains offered a allergy menu for gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian/vegan, etc. It was the first question they asked you when you sat down. I had some of the best gf pasta and bread and even a full 5 course “tea” with unbelievable gf scones and treats.

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