Craving carbs while walking around New York City? You’re in luck, the Big Apple is one of the best places in the United States to be gluten-free. In fact, according to the Find Me Gluten-Free app, New York City is the fourth most gluten-free-friendly city in the world.
There’s a wealth of dedicated gluten-free bakeries and cafes offering everything from chewy bagels to flaky croissants to gooey cinnamon rolls, all to satisfy your cravings for bread and baked goods. Whether you’re living with celiac disease*, a food allergy*, or simply avoiding gluten, these New York City businesses prove you don’t need it to create savory showstoppers or delectable desserts.
Modern Bread & Bagel
The hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels at Modern Bread & Bagel will have you second-guessing whether they’re really gluten-free, that’s how close to the real thing they are. Stock up on staples like plain, sesame, and everything bagels and look out for creative monthly flavors (past specials have included jalapeno cheddar and rosemary olive bagels).
Looking for a filling breakfast? Choose from a variety of fresh egg sandwiches (the B.E.C., with homemade vegan bacon, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese, is a personal favorite) or opt for a cream cheese and smoked salmon combo.
Modern Bread & Bagel also serves up decadent gluten-free pastries, including chocolate rugelach, chocolate babka, cinnamon buns, glazed donuts, and grainless muffins. At the Upper East Side location, Modern Bread even sells fluffy gluten-free square pizza by the slice. Multiple locations, modernbreadandbagel.com
Posh Pop Bakeshop
Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the over-the-top sweets at Posh Pop Bakeshop. Some of the most popular menu items include the brownies, apple cider and pumpkin donuts, cake pops, and tres leches cake. On weekends, Posh Pop also sells fried gluten-free Oreos, so you can get your fair fix. 315 W. 39th St., Midtown, and 483 Columbus Ave., Upper West Side, poshpopbakeshop.com
By the Way Bakery
By the Way Bakery specializes in gluten-free, dairy-free baked goods that don’t taste like they’re missing anything. At its New York City locations, try the individual-size mini bundt cakes, including lemon poppy, carrot spiral, and the “Amy cake,” which has sprinkles inside and outside.
Other must-have treats include brownies, cream puffs, assorted cupcakes, and biscotti. Have a special occasion coming up? You can place an order for a custom cake. And gluten-free brides, take note: By the Way Bakery also specializes in wedding cakes. 1236 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side, and 2440 Broadway, Upper West Side, btwbakery.com
Senza Gluten by Jemiko Cafe & Bakery
Giving up gluten doesn’t mean you have to miss out on enjoying your favorite foods. Senza Gluten by Jemiko Cafe & Bakery has got you covered with excellent gluten-free versions of everything from baguettes to tiramisu to red velvet cake.
Chef Jemiko L. Solo hails from the country of Georgia and even offers a unique gluten-free Georgian-style cheese bread on his menu. Note that this business only accepts cash or American Express credit cards for payment. 171 Sullivan St., West Village, no website
Noglu
The next best thing to being in Paris? Visiting Noglu, a Parisian gluten-free bakery on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. You’ll feel like you’re transported to France while noshing on gluten-free croissants, eclairs, tarts, muffins, quiches, and more.
Stop by to fuel up before a stroll through Central Park or a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art; both New York City attractions are a short walk from this bakery. You can also grab gluten-free sandwiches to go. 1260 Madison Ave., Upper East Side, noglu.nyc
3×3 Kitchen
Research shows store-bought gluten-free breads and pastries are often lacking in key nutrients like fiber. But 3×3 Kitchen, located in the Bronx, is an artisanal bakery specializing in crafting gluten-free breads and baked goods made with better-for-you ingredients, such as organic flours, whole seeds, and psyllium husk, which can aid digestion.
Standout menu items include the gluten-free forbidden rice bread, chocolate nutella babka, carrot and turmeric dairy-free muffins, and cinnamon and strawberry swirls. Also, 3×3 Kitchen whips up gluten-free versions of comfort foods like chicken pot pie and broccoli and cheddar quiche. 3601 Fieldston Rd., Fieldston, Bronx, New York, 3x3kitchen.com
Sixteen Mill
Head to Brooklyn for gluten-free, plant-based, and refined sugar-free breads and baked goods. At Sixteen Mill, everything is made with gluten-free whole grains and seasonal ingredients, and you can taste the difference.
When it comes to bread, the gluten-free sourdough scones and sourdough rosemary focaccia are the stars. Looking for something sweet? You can’t go wrong with the chocolate babka and cinnamon swirl muffins, salted chocolate chip cookie, and banana walnut bread. 552 Union St., Gowanus, Brooklyn, sixteenmill.com
Everybody Eats
If you have multiple dietary restrictions, Everybody Eats in Park Slope, Brooklyn is a must-visit. This bread bakery is gluten-free, nut-free, and sesame-free, and there are dairy-free and vegan options available too.
Owner Pedro Arroba has been whipping up some of the best gluten-free breads for over 20 years. Crusty baguettes, panini rolls, sourdough loaves, hamburger and hot dog buns, challah, and more are on the menu here. Cakes and cupcakes are also available, but you must order those in advance for pickup. 294 3rd Ave., Gowanus, Brooklyn, everybodyeats-inc.com
Simply Sweet
Travel deeper into Brooklyn for more gluten-free treats that are made from pure, simple ingredients. Everything on Simply Sweet’s menu is gluten-free, organic, raw, vegan, and refined sugar-free for a healthier (yet still totally delicious) spin on dessert.
The matcha and ube crepe cakes are layered with light, airy gluten-free crepes and whipped cream, while the “Like Snickers” cake recreates the nostalgic candy taste with peanuts, dates, shredded coconut, peanut and cashew butters, and maple syrup. You can enjoy a post-workout acai bowl or smoothie here too. 2106a Avenue U, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, simplysweet.nyc
Sensible Edibles Bakery
Next, it’s time to make your way over to Queens. Long Island City’s Sensible Edibles Bakery is known for its gluten-free, vegan baked goods made with fresh, fiber-filled ingredients, including flax seeds, psyllium husk, and certified gluten-free oats.
From mini lemon almond bundt cakes to raspberry hazelnut bars to whole-grain corn muffins to gluten-free, vegan Oreo cheesecake, there are plenty of options to choose from here. Can’t make it to the storefront? You can find a selection of Sensible Edibles’ products at coffee shops and other businesses around New York City. 30-30 47th Ave. #160, Long Island City, Queens, sensibleedibles.com
El Churro
While not a traditional bakery, El Churro deserves a spot on this list for creating a gluten-free version of a beloved deep-fried dessert: the churro. El Churro is a popular late-night spot slinging gluten-free, vegan churros with tons of fun dip options like Dunkaroo and matcha white chocolate.
The churros are crispy on the outside without being greasy. They’re made-to-order and always served fresh, whether you get here at noon or right before closing at midnight. 175 E. Houston St., East Village, el-churro.res-menu.net
Crepe Master
Finally, Crepe Master, a Japanese Harajuku-style gluten-free crepe shop serving up savory and sweet crepes made from scratch. On the sweet side of things, choose from flavors like Nutella strawberry or banana, mango and mochi, berries parfait, and peanut butter banana. For a more savory meal, fill up on chicken pesto, prosciutto arugula, or organic egg and cheese. 123 E. 7th St., East Village, crepemasternyc.com
*If you have celiac disease or food allergies, we encourage you to do your own research and ask your own questions even when ordering from a dedicated gluten-free establishment. Everyone’s needs when dining out are different, plus, recipes and ingredients can change.
