Gluten-Free Finds on the North Shore

Delicious comes in many flavors. Finding a tasty fit for your dietary preferences is easier than ever as local restaurants expand their menus to accommodate delighted patrons while not skimping a bit on quality. Discover oodles of gluten-free options and get out and explore Where to Eat on Chicago’s North Shore.

*Please check directly with the restaurants to confirm if gluten-free items are Celiac friendly. 
 

Convito Cafe and Market, Wilmette

GLUTEN-FREE APPETIZERS
Start your meal off with a bang! Spirit Elephant (924 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka) celebrates all things plant-based like their Cauli Wings—choose Buffalo, BBQ, Wasabi-Dijon or Mango-Chili—served with sesame seeds, ranch, celery and carrots. The flavors and vibe at Convito Café and Market (1515 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette) will transport you to Italy with their Classic Mussels in a broth of Chablis, butter, garlic, shallots and fresh herbs. Vegetarian legend Blind Faith Café (525 Dempster St., Evanston) serves their Spicy Fried Brussels Sprouts warm on wilted cabbage with balsamic reduction and chili paste. Nothing quite hits the savory needs spot like traditional guac and chips. Stop by Uncle Julio's (Old Orchard Rd. & Skokie Blvd., Skokie) at Westfield Old Orchard for a salty fix and perhaps a marg (or two).

Farmhouse Evanston

GLUTEN-FREE ENTRÉES
Many meals can now be gluten-free. The Saranello’s Ristorante Italiano (601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling) Roman-style Pizza—thin and crisp—can be made using handmade gluten-free crust. Order up Carlos’ Skirt Steak Frites at The Happ Inn Bar & Grill (305 Happ Rd., Northfield): a grilled 12-oz. skirt steak, served on crispy garlic bread with parmesan truffle frites and red wine compound butter. Entertainment mecca Pinstripes (1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook) boasts an exceptional Italian-American bistro with their Pasta Bolognese plating beef, pork, lamb, fennel, braised tomato, mascarpone and basil. Farmhouse Evanston (703 Church St., Evanston) tempts with a “Classic” Farmhouse Burger: bacon, lettuce, tomato, sunny side egg, red onion jam and sharp cheddar.

Tous les Jours, Glenview

GLUTEN-FREE DESSERTS
Sweet endings abound. An “old fashioned, scratch house” with everything made on site, Kaufman’s Bagel & Delicatessen (4905 Dempster St., Skokie) wows with their GF delight, the macaron, a sweet meringue-based confection. Treat your taste buds to the Flourless Chocolate Cake from Beth’s Little Bake Shop (1814 Central St., Evanston), a layer each of dark chocolate cake and raspberry jam topped with chocolate ganache and fresh raspberries. Wait ‘til you discover the signature Traditional English Toffee at Toffee Break Desserts (3306 Commercial Ave., Northbrook) with its covering of milk chocolate and freshly roasted almonds. Another macaron contender (try ‘em all!), Tous les Jours (1685 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview) uses all natural, organic ingredients for their gluten-free cookies, two thin discs with chocolate coated inside.