Finding truly good gluten-free food isn’t just about having an option on the menu. It’s really about finding the restaurants that get it.
Whether you have celiac disease or simply avoid gluten, Elmhurst has a surprising amount of gluten-free dining options.
I’m gluten-free myself and I’ve personally tested most of these spots. So, think of this as your guide to restaurants in Elmhurst where you can actually enjoy your meal without worry.
From thick Roman-style pizza crusts to farm-to-table fine dining, here’s where to eat gluten-free in Elmhurst.
⭐️ = My personal favorite picks
Best Overall Gluten-Free Restaurant in Elmhurst
151 Kitchen | Bar ⭐️
Upscale Casual | $$-$$$
Address: 151 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Why it’s the best: This is hands-down my favorite gluten-free spot in Elmhurst. The staff is knowledgeable, the kitchen takes cross-contamination seriously, and they have tons of gluten-free options on their farm-to-table menu.
What to order (GF): My favorite thing to get is the hangar steak with grits (a must-try!). They also rotate their menu seasonally, so you get to try new, amazing dishes throughout the year. And, if you’re drinking, try their 151 craft cocktail or, if you aren’t drinking, snag one of their non-alcoholic mocktails!
Vibe: Upscale casual, farm-to-table, romantic
Perfect for: Date night, feeling safe and celebrated, special occasions
Gluten-Free Pizza in Elmhurst
Ella’s Italian Pub⭐️
Casual Dining | $$
Address: 100 N York St, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: Thick, fluffy Roman-style gluten-free pizza crust. If you miss that chewy, substantial pizza experience, this is your spot.
What to order (GF): Roman-style GF pizza (I love the Farmhouse!)
Perfect for: Pizza cravings when you want a thicker crust
Gia Mia – Elmhurst
Casual Dining | $$
Address: 116 Schiller St, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: Thin, cracker-style gluten-free pizza crust, plus gluten-free pasta options. Bonus: They have a cute city-feeling patio for when the weather’s nice.
What to order (GF): GF pizza (thin crust), GF pasta dishes
Vibe: Casual, great patio
Perfect for: Warm-weather dining, lighter pizza
Lou Malnati’s⭐️
Carry-out | $$
Address: 110 West Park Avenue, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: There are 2 options here: gluten-free crust pizza (prepared in sterile environment but finished in kitchen near wheat products) OR the famous “Crustless Pizza” which is a layer of sausage covered with sauce and cheese. The crustless option is incredible and completely safe (and I prefer it, honestly).
What to order (GF): Crustless pizza (sausage, sauce, cheese—it’s amazing!)
Perfect for: Deep dish cravings, Chicago pizza experience
Note: GF crust available but finished in shared kitchen
Pazzi di Pizza
Upscale Casual | $$
Address: 112 S York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126
The GF situation: Gluten-free pizza options available (haven’t personally tested yet, but comes recommended)
What to try (GF): GF pizza, seasonal cocktails
Vibe: Intimate, authentic Italian
Perfect for: Italian pizza lovers
Mangia Napoli
Casual Dining | $$
Address: 940 N York St, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: Gluten-free pizza and pasta options! Celiac-friendly according to multiple reviews.
What to try (GF): GF pizza, GF pasta
Perfect for: Happy hour, family dinners
Gluten-Free Italian (Pasta & More)
Francesca’s Amici
Upscale Casual | $$-$$$
Address: 174 N York St, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: Gluten-free pasta options available. Well-reviewed by celiacs for their GF pasta, steak salad, and lemon chicken.
What to try (GF): GF pasta dishes, steak salad, lemon chicken
Vibe: Upscale casual, romantic, wine-focused
Perfect for: Special occasions, date night
Gia Mia – Elmhurst
(See pizza section above for full details)
The GF situation: Both GF pizza and GF pasta available
Gluten-Free Breakfast & Brunch
Rainbow Cafe Elmhurst⭐️
Casual Dining | $-$$
Address: 254 N York St, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: Gluten-free toast and pancakes available.
Important note: Their omelets are NOT gluten-free, so stick to the GF options.
What to order (GF): GF pancakes, GF toast, dishes without omelets
Vibe: Family-owned Greek-inspired, welcoming, colorful
Perfect for: Weekend brunch, family breakfast
Note: Hand-crafted menu with AA Farm Fresh Eggs
Courageous Bakery & Cafe
Cafe/Bakery | $-$$
Address: 108 W Park Ave, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: They have new owners, so approach with caution if you’re celiac. They do have gluten-free cupcakes available.
What to try (GF): GF cupcakes
Note: Used to have breakfast/lunch items clearly marked GF, but ownership change means unclear protocols now
Gluten-Free American & New American
151 Kitchen | Bar ⭐
(See “Best Overall” section above for full details)
Modern Plate ⭐️
Upscale Casual | $$-$$$
Address: 119 N York St, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: TONS of accommodations for gluten-free dining. Very accommodating kitchen.
What to order (GF): Pot Roast Dip on gluten-free bread (highly recommended!), various GF adaptations
Vibe: Modern, entertaining, sophisticated
Perfect for: Weekend specials, trying something new, craft cocktails
Gluten-Free BBQ
Firewater
Casual Dining | $$
Address: 635 W North Ave, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: Good BBQ with gluten-free accommodations. BBQ is often naturally GF-friendly with the right sides.
What to know: Caters to gluten-free needs
Perfect for: BBQ cravings, casual dining
Gluten-Free Mexican Cuisine
Primos Locos ⭐
Casual Dining | $$
Address: 122 S York St, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: TONS of gluten-free options. Mexican cuisine is naturally GF-friendly with corn tortillas, and Primos Locos has many clearly marked options.
What to order (GF): Quesabirria (a must!), tacos, naturally GF Mexican dishes
Vibe: Lively, festive, mariachi music, family-friendly
Perfect for: Group celebrations, margaritas, festive dinners
Guac N Tacos
Casual Dining | $$
Address: 116 S York St, Elmhurst, IL and 522 W North Ave
The GF situation: Mexican cuisine with gluten-free options clearly marked on the menu. Uses handmade corn tortillas (naturally gluten-free!) for tacos, plus vegan options available.
What to order (GF): Tacos with corn tortillas (steak, chicken, al pastor, fish, shrimp, veggie), fresh guacamole and chips, enchiladas, quesadillas (ask about corn tortilla option), fajitas
Vibe: Casual, authentic, downtown location with outdoor seating
Gluten-Free Asian Cuisine
Poke Burrito ⭐️
Quick Bites/Casual Dining | $
Address: 162 N York St, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: Great gluten-free options with several GF sauces available.
What to order (GF): Poke bowls and sushi with great GF sauce options (my favorite is their Honey Wasabi sauce; gluten-free and delicious!), check which other sauces are GF
Perfect for: Quick, healthy meals, customizable bowls
Gluten-Free Mediterranean Cuisine
Yorky’s ⭐️
Casual Dining | $$
Address: 836 N York St, Elmhurst, IL and 609 St Charles Rd, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: They don’t specifically cater to gluten-free, but they have options options when you order strategically.
What to order (GF): My favorite is their chicken kebab plate without bread
Perfect for: Mediterranean food cravings
Gluten-Free Smoothies & Bowls
Bonita Bowls
Quick Bites/Healthy | $$
Address: 156 N York St, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: Since they specialize in smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies, the vast majority of their menu is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to avoid their waffles, wraps, and granola as they are NOT gluten-free!
What to order (GF): Custom smoothie bowls (build your own!), Beach Bum Bowl (no granola) and their Nama Colada smoothie.
Perfect for: Breakfast, post-workout fuel, healthy lunch, anyone who wants naturally GF options without worry
Gluten-Free Dessert & Treats
Kimmer’s Ice Cream ⭐️
Dessert/Ice Cream | $
Address: 110 W Park Ave, Elmhurst, IL
The GF situation: Gluten-free ice cream options that are really amazing.
What to try (GF): GF ice cream flavors
Perfect for: Sweet treats, summer desserts, safe ice cream
Courageous Bakery
(See Breakfast section above)
The GF situation: Gluten-free cupcakes available
Tips for Gluten-Free Dining in Elmhurst
Always Communicate: Even at the most accommodating restaurants, always tell your server you’re gluten-free and clarify if you have celiac disease. This ensures the kitchen takes proper precautions.
Cross-Contamination Questions to Ask:
- Is there a dedicated fryer for GF items?
- How is GF pizza prepared? (Separate area? Shared oven?)
- Are GF pasta/buns prepared in separate water?
Natural GF Winners: Mexican (corn tortillas), BBQ (meat + careful sides), Mediterranean (grilled meats, rice), and farm-to-table restaurants tend to be most accommodating.
Downtown Parking: Free after 6pm and on weekends. Perfect for trying multiple restaurants!
Metra Access: Many of these restaurants are walkable from the Elmhurst Metra station.
Living gluten-free in Elmhurst is easier than you might think. Whether you’re craving deep dish pizza (Lou’s crustless!), a fancy date night (151!), or casual Mexican with the family (Primos Locos!), you have solid options that won’t leave you feeling like an afterthought.
The key is knowing which spots truly understand gluten-free dining versus which just have a “gluten-free menu” collecting dust. Stick to these tested recommendations, and you’ll eat well in Elmhurst without the worry.
Questions or want to add your own gluten-free finds? Drop them in the comments. I’m always looking for new safe spots to try!
Want more Elmhurst guides? Check out our Complete Guide to Christmas in Elmhurst, Hotels in Elmhurst, and Things to Do in Elmhurst.
