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When we first planned our trip to Chicago in March 2020, I spent a lot of time looking up restaurants. Since I eat gluten-free, I thought I’d only find salads and grilled meats. But I was surprised to discover gluten-free deep-dish pizza, donuts, and plenty of places I wanted to try.

Like a lot of trips that year, ours didn’t happen, so Chicago stayed on my list for another time.

Six years later, we finally made it to Chicago. I wondered if the gluten-free food scene would be as good as I’d heard. It was.

On our trip, we enjoyed gluten-free deep-dish pizza, fried chicken, burgers, tapas, and donuts. These foods felt like a real part of the Chicago experience, not just substitutes.
This guide covers the restaurants we tried, what we ordered, and what we thought of each place.

Where We Ate In Chicago

• Lou Malnati’s
• Beatrix
• Cafe Ba Ba Reeba
• True Food Kitchen
• Do-Rite Donuts
• Small Cheval

Understanding the Gluten-Free Classifications

Everyone’s comfort level with gluten-free dining is different, so I’ve used a simple classification system throughout this guide based on my own experience.

Dedicated Gluten-Free | The entire restaurant or bakery is gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Friendly | There are several clearly marked gluten-free options, and the staff understands gluten-free dining. Gluten is still used in the kitchen, so it’s worth asking questions if cross-contamination is a concern for you.

Gluten-Free Options | You’ll find a handful of gluten-free dishes, but gluten-free dining isn’t the main focus. I ate comfortably at these restaurants, but those with more specific dietary needs may want to ask about ingredients and preparation.

Limited Gluten-Free Options | There are one or two gluten-free choices available, but I wouldn’t visit specifically for the gluten-free menu.

A quick note: I eat gluten-free but do not have celiac disease. These classifications reflect my personal experience. If you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive to cross-contamination, I recommend checking with each restaurant directly to make sure it meets your needs.

Lou Malnati’s

Gluten-Free Options

I’d been excited to try gluten-free deep-dish pizza since I first started looking into Chicago in 2020. Before I went gluten-free, I’d only had deep-dish pizza once, about 15 years ago, so I was curious how this one would stack up.

We ordered the gluten-free Malnati Chicago Classic deep dish along with the Malnati salad.

The crust was sturdy, the tomato sauce was rich, and it really felt like a true Chicago experience, not just a gluten-free version.

I was especially interested to see what my Italian husband would think. His verdict was simple:

“It’s more of a pie than a pizza.”

He liked it, but next time he’d probably go for a thin-crust pizza instead.

The waitress made sure to note my gluten-free needs, but the restaurant can’t guarantee there’s no cross-contamination since gluten is prepared in the same kitchen. I felt comfortable eating here and would definitely come back for the gluten-free deep dish, but if you have celiac or a strong sensitivity, it’s best to ask more questions before ordering.

Beatrix

Gluten-Free Friendly  

After a day exploring Chicago, we met friends for dinner at Beatrix. It was pouring by the time we got there, and we had to run through it after struggling to find parking. Walking inside was a relief after being out in the storm.

We started with Kennebec fries, hot honey Brussels sprouts, and whipped feta. I thought about getting the burger, but the fried chicken kept tempting me, so I chose that instead.

I don’t often find gluten-free fried chicken, and it turned out to be one of my favorite meals in Chicago.

We went to the Fulton Market location, and I noticed right away that every table had different chairs and fabrics. Somehow, it all fit together and didn’t feel mismatched.

Beatrix offers a dedicated gluten-free menu, allergy markers, and staff who are ledgeableare knowledgeable about gluten-free dining. Next time, I’d like to come back for brunch.

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba

Gluten-Free Options

One evening, we took the subway to Lincoln Park for dinner at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. I enjoyed walking through the neighborhood, with its tree-lined streets, small shops, and a more residential feel than downtown Chicago.

We ordered a bunch of small plates to share, like chorizo-wrapped dates, tortilla española, garlic shrimp, and paella.

The shrimp and paella were my favorites, but I really liked sharing everything and getting to try a bit of each dish.

The restaurant was lively and energetic, but we sat away from the main dining room, so it was easy to talk. The jamón legs hanging above the bar really stood out.

The staff knew about gluten-free options and clearly marked which dishes were safe. Our waiter also pointed out other menu items that could work if cross-contamination wasn’t an issue.

If I lived in Chicago, I’d come here for dinner all the time.

True Food Kitchen

Gluten-Free Friendly

I’d wanted to try True Food Kitchen for years, so I was excited to finally go during our Chicago trip.

It turned out to be our first meal in the city, right before we went on an architecture boat tour.

I ordered the chicken tenders with air-fried fries. It was nice to have something lighter but still filling.

The menu clearly shows which items are gluten-free, and the staff was helpful with my questions.

It wasn’t my favorite meal of the trip, but I’d gladly eat there again.

Do-Rite Donuts

Gluten-Free Options

On our last morning in Chicago, we went to the Willis Tower before our flight home. But before seeing the views, I wanted to make one last stop.

I’ve always loved donuts. As a kid, I picked a donut over birthday cake every year, so whenever I find a gluten-free donut shop while traveling, I try to visit.

When I got to Do-Rite Donuts, there were just three gluten-free cinnamon sugar donuts left. I was glad I made it in time.

The first bite took me right back to the donuts I loved as a kid.

The gluten-free donuts are fried separately from the regular ones, which is a big plus. Good gluten-free donuts are hard to find, and this one was worth the stop.

Next time, I’ll get there earlier so I can try more flavors.

Small Cheval

Gluten-Free Options 

After seeing the Willis Tower and exploring a bit more, we stopped at Small Cheval for lunch before heading to the airport.

After days of sightseeing and eating around Chicago, a burger and fries felt like the perfect last meal.

I ordered the gluten-free cheeseburger with fries and was happy to see how easy it was to find gluten-free choices on the menu.

The staff asked about allergies, and our food came with allergy markers.

Ordering was simple, which I always appreciate.

It wasn’t a fancy meal, but it was just what I wanted before a day of travel home.

Other Gluten-Free Eats to Consider

Here are a few places I looked up before our trip and hope to try next time.

Chicago’s Pizza | They’re known for having one of the best gluten-free deep dish pizzas in the city. I wanted to try it, but it was a bit far for us this time.

Ema | This popular Mediterranean spot is known for small plates with gluten-free options. I’ve heard it’s a great choice if you want something different from typical Chicago food.

Wheat’s End Cafe & Bakery | This is a fully gluten-free café and bakery with a dedicated menu, making it a great choice for a safe and casual breakfast or lunch.

Defloured | This 100% gluten-free bakery is in the Andersonville neighborhood. It’s a great stop if you’re looking for gluten-free desserts or baked goods.

If you’ve been to any of these places, I’d love to hear what you thought.

Looking Back On Our Trip

When I think of Chicago, eating gluten-free isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, out sharing deep-dish pizza with my husband, finding gluten-free fried chicken, and eating a cinnamon sugar donut before our flight home.

What stood out most was how many foods I’d quietly given up on over the years.

Deep-dish pizza.

Fried chicken.

Donuts.

Chicago gave me the chance to enjoy those foods again.

If you’ve eaten gluten-free in Chicago, I’d love to know where you went. I’m already making a list for my next visit.