Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in D.C. and Maryland

Updated: May, 2019

Metro Washington, D.C.

It’s easy to work up an appetite in D.C. With so much to do and see, you’ll want to stay (safely) fueled to get it all in. Below are the dedicated gluten free restaurants in and around the city that make it easy to eat well.

Chaia Tacos (3207 Grace St NW, Washington (202) 333-5222). Vegetarian taco restaurant that makes their tortillas in-house. The focus is on fresh, sustainable and plant-focused tacos, soups and sides. A second location is slated to open in Mt. Vernon Square in early 2019.

Rise Bakery (2409 18th St NW, Washington (202) 525-5204). D.C. is home to a gluten free bakery worth bragging about. Not only do they make pastries like eclairs by hand in small batches, but they turn out bread, biscuits and sandwiches. And, hold onto your hat, they make the ever elusive gluten free croissant!

The Little Beet (1212 18th St NW, Washington (202) 796-5100). Seasonal, plant-focused menu. The Little Beet serves veggies in creative ways that make eating the rainbow easy. The menu is built mainly around bowls, with bases that include grains and greens. Bowls can be customized or go with one of their suggested creations.

DC Dosa (309 5th St NE, Washington309 5th St NE (202) 804-5556). This popular stall at Union Market makes dosas – delicate Indian crepes – that are as fun to eat as they are to watch being made. The menu is seasonal with fillings and chutneys that change throughout the year.

Momo Yakitori (2214 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Washington). Authentic Japanese yakitori (skewers of chicken, meats, and veggies over binchotan charcoal) in Woodridge. The menu is divided into snacks, vegetables, chicken, miscellaneous and dessert and some menu vegetable items can be made vegan.

Seoul Spice (145 N St NE, Suite 400, Washington; 4600 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington). Vibrant Korean comfort food, Seoul Spice offers tacos, bowls, korritos and more.

The Happy Tart Bakery (2307A Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria and 410 S Maple Ave, Falls Church). The Happy Tart, with two locations in northern Va., is close enough to DC to be included on this list. And you should include them on yours list of places to stop if you are visiting the DC area. This gluten free patisserie specializes in crepes, petit fours, eclairs, pastries, macaroons, tarts and quiches.

Happy Creek Coffee and Tea  (18 High St., Front Royal, Virginia; 6485 Main St., The Plains, Virginia; 550 E. Main St., Purcellville, Virginia). Happy Creek Coffee & Tea is a coffee roastery and cafe with 3 location in Virginia. Owner and baker Brenda Boita has celiac and stocks locations with muffins, biscotti and cookies using her own flour blend. In addition to baked goods, the cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with menu items like an oatmeal bar (using Bobs Red Mill gluten free oats), panini sandwiches made with their savory waffle bread, soups and fresh fruit smoothies. They also sell their muffin mixes to bake at home.

Maryland

Traveling across the state Maryland, there are 100% gluten free restaurants in every direction. Whether heading west to the mountains, east to the bay or visiting the great city of Baltimore, there are a variety of options. Here are highlights; see Baltimore Gluten Free for a complete list and more info.

Southern Maryland/Metro DC

The Red Bandana Bakery (8218 Wisconsin Ave Ste. 101, Bethesda (240) 284-6523). The Red Bandana describes itself as a happy, healthy little bakery. This dedicated gluten-free facility also specializes in vegan, dairy-free, low-fat and low-sugar baked goods. With a long-time, loyal following at farmers markets, they opened a storefront in Bethesda.

Seoul Spice (4200 Guilford Drive, B2, College Park (202) 817-6927). Vibrant Korean-based comfort food located in Terrapin Row, College Park. The menu is built around tacos, bowls, korritos and more using organic proteins and house-made sauces.

Prima (7280 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda). Fast – casual Italian menu focused on local vegetables, fresh herbs, legumes and sustainable meat and fish. Choose from one their Prima Bowls or customize your own by choosing a base, veggies, proteins, toppings, dressings, dips and spreads. Besides 100% gluten free, the menu has keto, vegetarian, dairy free, vegan and soy-free options.

West of Baltimore

Sanctuary Modern Kitchen (16 North East Street, Frederick (240) 415-0592). Sanctuary: Modern Kitchen creates classic comfort dishes, sans gluten. Using family recipes and cooked in small batches without grains and common allergens, look for dishes like crispy Chicken Sandwiches, flaky Apple Turnovers and frozen meals-to-go.

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Figg’s Ordinary (207 S Cross St #102, Chestertown (443) 282-0061). Located in Historic Chestertown, Figg’s Ordinary is a gluten and refined-sugar free café and bakery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Open for breakfast and lunch, they’re known for their savory quiches, tarts, salads and sandwiches on house-made focaccia. Sweet offerings include donuts, pies, tarts, muffins, cookies and more – all made with unrefined sugars. Dairy free options are available as well. Visit their website for shipping options. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers and producers, and they’re moving towards becoming a zero-waste business.

Gluten Free Bakery Girl (116 N Talbot St, Saint Michaels). 100% Gluten Free Bakery specializing in wedding cakes, cupcakes, pastries and gluten free baking. See website for other retail locations throughout Maryland.

Baltimore

From the historic Inner Harbor area of Fells Point to northern neighborhoods close Johns Hopkins University (Remington and Hampden), the gluten free Baltimore scene is growing. You can read more info about these gluten free Baltimore spots here.

Points South Latin Kitchen (1640 Thames St, Baltimore (443)563-2018). This 100% gluten free restaurant serves traditional South American dishes and classic drinks in the heart of historic Fells Point. Don’t miss their Roasted Pumpkin Seed Dip made with Pepitas, Citrus, Sofrito, Patacones and Pickled Radish.

Sweet 27 Bakery and Cafe (127 W 27th St, Baltimore (410) 464-7211). 100% gluten free bar, restaurant and bakery serving authentic multi-cultural cuisine. Now serving breakfast until 1 pm.

Harmony Bakery (3446 Chestnut Ave, Baltimore (410) 235-3870). 100% gluten free bakery with a selection of vegan, dairy and vegetarian items. Not to be missed are their savory offerings,  including soups, flatbreads and tarts.

Plant Bar (529 E. Belvedere Ave., Baltimore (443) 449-7137 and 1310 Point Street, Baltimore, (410)244-0797). Gluten free, vegan, raw, paleo and plant-based food and drink. The focus at Plant Bar is nutrient-dense, raw, plant-based food and drink that come alive with flavor.

Baltimore Gluten Free connects people with vetted gluten free resources, news and events. Visit our website at www.baltimoreglutenfree.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

* This information is based upon the current menus at the time of publication and does not reflect changes in ingredients or availability of items. Please contact the restaurant directly for up-to-date information.