It’s an exciting time for our state with the Super Bowl in Glendale and the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, both happening the same week! There will be thousands of visitors flocking to our beautiful state and some are inevitably going to need to find allergy-friendly meals but don’t want to sacrifice the fun vibes. Here are seven gluten-free restaurants in the Phoenix area.
Picazzo’s Healthy Kitchen Italian
Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Gilbert
Picazzo’s is a family-owned restaurant that uses mostly organic, whole foods for its modern-Italian cuisine. The menu here offers a wide variety of salads, pasta and pizza – the majority of which is gluten free, including the amazing cheesy bread appetizer. Picazzo’s also has a full bar. For more information, visit picazzos.com.
The Hub/Union Grill & Tap
Mesa and Gilbert
Calling all sports fans: Both The Hub and its sister restaurant Union Grill & Tap have excellent gluten-free options with one of the largest gluten-free menus you’ll probably ever see at a sports bar. Here you can expect gluten-free beers, ciders, buns, pasta and 10-in. pizzas, as well as chicken tenders that are coated in cornflakes before hitting the dedicated gluten-free fryer. As a secondary precaution, your food arrives with a gluten-free flag. And there are plenty of TVs to catch sports. For more information, visit hubgrill.com and uniongrilltap.com.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Phoenix and Scottsdale
If you’re looking for Mexican food with a side of bright ambience, head to this gluten-free restaurant in Phoenix. Gluten-free corn tortillas dominate the menu, and there are dedicated fryers for gluten-free tortilla chips. Some fan favorites include the crab and shrimp ceviche, the guacamole with chilies and caramelized onions, the fajitas and the machaca bowl. You can wash it all down with the jalapeno-pineapple margarita or the frozen paloma while you enjoy the laidback party vibes. For more information, visit www.blancococinacantina.com.
Cooper’s Hawk
Scottsdale and Chandler
If you miss seeing fresh, warm bread and butter at your table before your meal, look no further than Cooper’s Hawk. The upscale restaurant has an extensive gluten-free menu with gluten-free pasta, risotto, buns and desserts and take special care with allergy-friendly orders. Start with the Thai chicken lettuce wraps, then shrimp and scallop truffle risotto and finish with the flourless chocolate torte. And as an added experience, you can sample wines in the tasting room. For more information, visit chwinery.com.
Red White & Brew
Mesa
This locally-owned neighborhood favorite has a large gluten-free menu and takes proper precautions for those who are super-sensitive or have Celiac disease. Try one of the brick-oven pizzas with either a cauliflower crust or gluten-free crust or one a large salads. The gluten-free chicken and kale ravioli in a light pink sauce is a fan favorite for gluten free and gluten eaters alike. For more information, visit www.rwbaz.com.
Sapiens Paleo Kitchen
Scottsdale
For those who are eating clean, Sapiens is a 100 percent Paleo restaurant, free from gluten, dairy and sugar. Here, the sophistication of French cuisine meets paleo nutrition principles — which is a focus on quality meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, herbs and healthy fats. They also accommodate keto, low-carb, Whole 30 and anti-inflammatory protocol (AIP) lifestyles. For more information, visit sapienskitchen.com.
Pita Jungle
Multiple locations
Pita Jungle is a healthy, gluten-free Phoenix restaurant specializing in Greek, Mediterranean, Lebanese, Middle Eastern, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes made from fresh ingredients. There are 23 locations and a food truck in Arizona, each serving bowls, salads, wraps and wood-fired pizza. Some menu standouts include the hummus trio with a gluten-free pita, the blue corn nachos and the California beach wrap with chicken. Pita Jungle offers a casual vibe alongside beer, wine and cocktails. For more information, visit www.pitajungle.com.
Ali Dugaw is always on the hunt for the best gluten-free spots. Follow her gluten-free adventures on Instagram and Facebook.