Once, gluten-intolerant Nashvillians would’ve had to say goodbye to most of their favorite places to dine out. But as Music City has become more diverse, so have the food options, and today most restaurant menus boast gluten-free options. The art of goodness without grain, though, isn’t universal, and some diners seem to mistake ‘gluten-free’ for ‘taste-free’. Below are a few that buck that trend and present a cornucopia of delicious meals:
Once, gluten-intolerant Nashvillians would’ve had to say goodbye to most of their favorite places to dine out. But as Music City has become more diverse, so have the food options, and today most restaurant menus boast gluten-free options. The art of goodness without grain, though, isn’t universal, and some diners seem to mistake ‘gluten-free’ for ‘taste-free’. Below are a few that buck that trend and present a cornucopia of delicious meals:
The bakers at Vegan Vee have mastered the art of creating perfectly-textured donuts, muffins, and brownies without the use of gluten. Vegan Vee offers soft and moist muffins and donuts with the perfect amount of crunch. Some great options include their energy muffins to power through the day or maple-sweetened blondies to satiate a sweet tooth at the end of that day. No matter what dietary restrictions you may have, Vegan Vee, is here to serve you. Every one of their menu offerings is vegan and gluten-free, and most are soy-free and nut-free.
Because Avo is committed to locally sourced ingredients, its menu varies based on which greens are in season. Some of their current popular offerings include the Cali Burger (lentil-walnut patty, coconut queso, and a delicate sweet potato bun) and the delightful kale slaw (it will expand your horizons of what food can be!) Avo also offers gluten-free ale.
The bakers at Vegan Vee have mastered the art of creating perfectly-textured donuts, muffins, and brownies without the use of gluten. Vegan Vee offers soft and moist muffins and donuts with the perfect amount of crunch. Some great options include their energy muffins to power through the day or maple-sweetened blondies to satiate a sweet tooth at the end of that day. No matter what dietary restrictions you may have, Vegan Vee, is here to serve you. Every one of their menu offerings is vegan and gluten-free, and most are soy-free and nut-free.
Because Avo is committed to locally sourced ingredients, its menu varies based on which greens are in season. Some of their current popular offerings include the Cali Burger (lentil-walnut patty, coconut queso, and a delicate sweet potato bun) and the delightful kale slaw (it will expand your horizons of what food can be!) Avo also offers gluten-free ale.
Food is meant to sustain life– that’s a belief that True Food Kitchen seeks to embody. Every item on their menu is designed for the health of both you and our planet. True Food’s team of chefs select ingredients at the peak of freshness and refine their menu depending on which locally-sourced produce is in season. As a starter, True Food’s charred cauliflower with medjool dates is divine. For an entree, try the Sustainable Grilled Salmon, served with farro, quinoa, grilled broccolini, charred onion, cilantro, and pumpkin seed pesto.
The name pays homage to the original business of the building: a pet store. This funky cafe is the perfect place to grab a quick bite and coffee or to study/work all day. At Fido, they serve breakfast from open to close, with options like the salmon bagel or the fluffy buttermilk pancakes. They also have a lunch and dinner menu. Try the Chicken Sando; fried or grilled chicken breast on a salted pretzel bun with garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, and pickles with fries on the side. Not all items are gluten-free, but ask for their grass-fed lamb or beef burger, you won’t be disappointed. Roasted sweet potatoes make a scrumptious side.
Two Boots provides some of the best gluten-free pizzas in town, using a special crust developed by Venice Bakery in California. It’s great for vegans, too, with nine plant-based pizzas in addition to the option to build one. Two Boots has fun with their menus, with over a dozen pizzas designed in tribute to celebrities, TV characters, or the founder’s grandma.
Jack's BBQ is the face of the Nashville bar-b-que scene. They have three locations and have been churning out delectable meats since 1976. Jack's keeps things casual with a laid-back eatery atmosphere, accompanied by soft music and a staff focused on ensuring patrons experience the best southern hospitality. The fall-off-the-bone ribs are the perfect example of the Jack's BBQ pit crew's handiwork. Their brisket, ribs, and sausage are also gluten-free, and all their sauces are also gluten-free, and the team changes gloves, cutting boards, and utensils when preparing a GF dinner.
If you’re gluten-free, you may have given up the succulent pasta and breadsticks of Italian cuisine– until you encountered Mangia’s. The manager has a passion for bringing the bounties of Italy to the GF community. The kitchen features a separate prep area and fryer, and every menu item can be prepared gluten-free. The kitchen is visible from the dining room, so you can witness the care they put into every meal. Every team member receives training in allergy and Celiac’s food preparation.
At the Pfunky Griddle, the kids are the chefs. Sit back and let the servers bring batter for pancakes or French toast while your children get creative with up to 24 toppings. Eggs and potatoes round out the selection of all-you-can-eat breakfast items. Pfunky also offers coffee and espresso. For something unique, get a Special Espresso combining up to seven shots. And if you’re looking to eat gluten-free, you won’t miss out on pancakes— Pfunky provides gluten-free batter and designated GF griddles.
Most restaurants have gluten-free menu items marked. Bartaco’s different. GF is the norm here, with a handful of items containing gluten. Locals warn tourists to stay away from Bartaco– it’s so good they want to keep it to themselves! Their favorite tacos include the roasted duck with tamarind glaze and the spicy tempura-battered Baja fish. But the pork belly is exceptional– as succulent and rich as a king’s palace.