The Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Denver

It’s no exaggeration to say that discovering a gluten intolerance or being diagnosed with celiac disease can be quite devastating. Sure, there’s plenty of reason to mourn the loss of pasta, bread and buttery pastries. But what’s arguably worse is the difficulty in dining out, period. Menus aren’t always accommodating, and there’s often the fear of being unsuspectingly glutened — which, depending on the severity of your allergy, could cause a serious health concern.

As many in the gluten-free community know, mistakes can happen and some restaurants are more cautious than others.  Though this guide was carefully researched, consider contacting these businesses directly to ensure that your needs are met before visiting.

From restaurants to bakeries, here is the ultimate guide to gluten-free dining in the metro area, in alphabetical order:

Gluten-free restaurants

A Cup of Peace
3216 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder
720-565-5994
acupofpeace.com
Find a wide array of gluten-free Korean dishes at A Cup of Peace. These include veggie dumplings, bulgogi bowls, kimchi fried rice and hearty noodle dishes served hot or cold with your choice of protein. Complete your meal with a sweet boba milk tea or Korean honey fruit tea made with honey-preserved citron, plum or quince.

Abrusci’s Fire & Vine
2200 Youngfield Street, Lakewood
303-232-2424
fireandvineco.com
Like most Italian eateries, Abrusci’s Fire & Vine has gluten in its kitchen, so cross-contamination is possible. But the restaurant is very mindful in preparing its gluten-free calamari, garlic bread, wood-fired pizzas and classic pasta dishes, including cheesy baked ravioli. Order the gluten-free tiramisu or a fudgy brownie sundae for dessert.

Acova
3651 Navajo Street
303-736-2718
acovarestaurant.com
Because co-owner Betsy Workman and her son both live with celiac disease, most of the globally inspired menu at Acova is or can be made gluten-free. Visit during weekend brunch to enjoy buttermilk-battered fried chicken and biscuits, housemade cinnamon rolls and French toast drizzled with bourbon banana syrup. Its lunch and dinner menu also includes several gluten-free options like lobster mac and cheese, crab cakes and a prime rib dip, plus apple doughnuts and other sweet treats.

Alma Fonda Fina
2556 15th Street
303-455-9463
almalohidenver.com
This Michelin-starred LoHi spot from chef Johnny Curiel is one of several in the metro area that are centered on heirloom corn and using ancestral techniques to create modern Mexican fare. Save for the sourdough tortillas, the entire menu is gluten-free, and Curiel’s Boulder restaurant Cozobi Fonda Fina is completely free of gluten.

Bamboo Sushi
2715 17th Street
303-284-6600
bamboosushi.com
Rather than indicating what’s gluten-free, the menu at Bamboo Sushi calls out what does contain gluten — and very few dishes apply. Enjoy usually off-limits items like chicken karaage and signature rolls made with shrimp tempura and tempura-fried veggies. Also, save room for matcha panna cotta or a black sesame brownie topped with fresh berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cafe Brazil
4408 Lowell Boulevard
303-480-1877
cafebrazildenver.com
Two years ago, Westword spotlighted Cafe Brazil as having the best gluten-free menu in Denver. Start with fried sweet plantains and grilled manchego, followed by a steamy bowl of moqueca, a coconut milk-based Brazilian stew made with sea scallops, cod and jumbo prawns. Rum flights and signature cocktails add reasons to visit this South American eatery.

City, O’ City
206 East 13th Avenue
303-831-6443
cityocitydenver.com
City, O’ City is often recognized as one of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Denver, but it also caters to the gluten-free crowd with breakfast burritos, chorizo hash and other morning meals. Entrees like barbecue tofu with dairy-free mac and cheese, veggie burgers and pizzas also appear on the menu. However, those with a serious allergy may want to skip certain ingredients and dishes, as this restaurant does not use a separate fryer.

Denver Poke Company
1550 Platte Street
303-955-1687
instagram.com/denverpokecompany
Order from the entire menu at Denver Poke Company, a gluten-free restaurant serving build-your-own bowls and signature dishes starring chili mango salmon, pineapple basil yellowtail and sweet ginger tofu.

DiFranco’s
955 Lincoln Street
720-253-1244
difrancos.com
A new owner recently gave fast casual Italian eatery DiFranco’s a refresh, but there are still plenty of gluten-free options on the menu. These include garlic bread, sandwiches and classic pasta dishes like vodka penne and fettuccine Alfredo, plus some new sweet treats like giant slices of gluten-free chocolate cake and gluten-free cannoli.

Dough Counter
2466 South Colorado Boulevard
303-997-8977
doughcounter.com
The owners of Marco’s Coal Fired debuted Dough Counter last year, and it’s already a favorite among gluten-free diners. The pizzeria specializes in Sicilian pies and offers a gluten-free dough that bakes up just as thick and flavorful as the standard recipe. This restaurant is particularly mindful about cross-contamination, ensuring that all cooking equipment and ingredients are used and stored separately. Even its fryers are dedicated, so don’t miss out on its juicy, hand-battered chicken tenders served with one of several gluten-free sauces.

Edible Beats
Multiple locations
ediblebeats.com
Since its inception, the 100 percent employee-owned Edible Beats restaurant group has accommodated an array of allergies and dietary restrictions. You’ll find plenty of gluten-free options at all of its concepts: kebabs, tacos and other globally inspired street foods at Linger; health conscious, fast-casual fare at Vital Root; tapas and paella at El Five; and many flavorful bites at Root Down such as Colorado lamb sliders, trumpet mushroom tempura and tasty bowls of rockfish tom kha.

Federal Bar and Grill
2544 Federal Boulevard
303-728-9479
thefedbar.com
From its buttermilk-battered chicken bites to its burgers, sandwiches and saucy wings, nearly everything at the Fed is or can be made gluten-free. To avoid cross-contamination, the eatery uses a dedicated fryer, so don’t shy away from its breaded artichoke hearts and cooked-to-order potato chips served with your choice of sauce. This pub also has several gluten-free and gluten-reduced beverage options, including ciders and craft beers.

Hapa Sushi Grill and Sake Bar
Multiple locations
hapasushi.com
There’s no need to scan ingredients and allergy icons at Hapa Sushi: This Japanese-Hawaiian eatery offers a dedicated gluten-free menu. Order starters like taro poke and kakuni pork belly served with ube mash, followed by mouthwatering sashimi, sushi rolls and entrees including sweet chili salmon and teriyaki plates. It has locations in LoDo, Cherry Creek, Greenwood Village and Boulder.

The Hornet
76 Broadway
303-777-7676
hornetrestaurant.com
Like its sister concept Acova, the Hornet is incredibly accommodating to gluten-free diners. Visit on weekends to enjoy its Latin brunch menu featuring items like breakfast tacos, chilaquiles and pupusa revuelta served with fried plantains and braised pork. Its lunch and dinner menu is made up of burgers, sandwiches and flavorful entrees including its popular fried chicken made with cayenne honey.

Just BE Kitchen
2364 15th Street
303-284-6652
2500 30th Street, Boulder
720-740-4339
justbekitchen.com
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Just BE Kitchen is an entirely gluten-free restaurant that caters to all dietary needs — paleo, keto, Whole30 and more. The menu is also devoid of all major allergens and refined sugar. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel nourished and energized, morning to night. Savor breakfast quesadillas and French toast sliders, satisfying mains like chicken and dumplings, and sweet treats such as brownies and “oatmeal” cream pies.

Marco’s Coal Fired
2129 Larimer Street
303-296-7000
10111 Inverness Main Street, Centennial
303-790-9000
marcoscfp.com
Known for its Neapolitan pies, Marco’s Coal Fired makes some of the best pizza in Denver and, like its sister concept Dough Counter, is highly accommodating to gluten-free guests. Housemade dough is stretched and baked using separate equipment, and its signature Margherita is not to be missed. The same goes for its pan-fried eggplant rollatini and limoncello chicken wings served with gluten-free focaccia.

The Post Chicken and Beer
Multiple locations
postchickenandbeer.com
Get your fill of fried chicken at the Post, which has six locations across the Front Range. Gluten-free dishes include the roasted or fried half bird, mashed potatoes topped with brown gravy and buttermilk-breaded thigh strips served with two tasty sauces. The Southern-inspired menu also includes options like shrimp and grits, a harissa-roasted vegetable bowl and more.

Quiero Arepas
Multiple locations
quieroarepas.com
While corn-based arepas are generally a safe bet, Quiero Arepas is especially worth having on your radar, as its kitchen is entirely gluten-free. This Venezuelan eatery offers several arepa flavors, including the traditional pabellón, jamón y queso, and a vegan option featuring black beans, avocado and sweet plantains. Find it inside Avanti’s Denver and Boulder locations as well as at its Platt Park brick-and-mortar.

Reelfish
2770 Arapahoe Road, Lafayette
720-630-8053
eatreelfish.com
Reelfish exclusively offers a gluten-free batter, meaning much of its menu is up for grabs. Order fish and chips made with Alaskan cod, Cajun swai, jumbo shrimp and more. If you can’t decide, order the “whole school” seafood combo with a side of hush puppies and a cold gluten-free ale.

Snarf’s Sandwiches
Multiple locations
eatsnarfs.com
This local chain has a dedicated gluten-free menu that includes its pastrami and Swiss, the popular prime rib, a classic Italian and a vegetarian special made with avocado, sprouts and provolone. Hearty salads and a soup of the day round out the options.

Super Mega Bien
1260 25th Street
720-269-4695
supermegabien.com
Super Mega Bien’s Latin American menu is almost entirely gluten-free. The atmosphere is vibrant and fun, with a dim sum-style cart delivering sharable small plates around the restaurant. Snag patatas bravas and butternut squash-filled croquetas, then order entrees like carne asada and tamarind-marinated pork tenderloin. End the meal on a sweet note with the lemon media luna, featuring a chocolate half-sphere, lemon curd and coconut cream.

Teocalli Cocina
Multiple locations
teocallicocina.com
Teocalli Cocina makes all of its flavorful Mexican dishes from a 100 percent gluten-free kitchen. Favorites include its adobo tuna, avocado tempura tacos and queso fundido made with Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheese. Dessert is a tough choice: a brûléed banana split, cinnamon churros or Mexican chocolate panna cotta. Find locations in Arvada, Lafayette and Longmont.

Xiquita
500 East 19th Avenue
720-287-2701
xiquita.co
As it does at Alma Fonda Fina and Cozobi Fonda Fina, corn plays a central role in the modern Mexican menu at this Uptown spot, which was recently opened by the team behind pan-Latin restaurant Lucina. Though there are a few exceptions, nearly the entire menu, from the popular duck taco to the corn-shaped play on Mexican hot chocolate, tezcalate, for dessert.

Work & Class
2500 Larimer Street
303-292-0700
workandclassdenver.com
The menu at Work & Class seamlessly blends flavors from Mexico and the American South, and many dishes happen to be gluten-free. Start your meal with Colorado lamb and pork meatballs or blue corn empanadas stuffed with mushrooms and melty cheese. All of the meat entrees are also gluten-free, including the Cajun deep-fried trout, and the same applies to almost every flavorful fixin’. Try not to fill up too fast: The butterscotch pudding is an absolute must.

Gluten-free bakeries:

Allergy Free Baking Company
14011 West Quincy Avenue, Morrison
720-572-7838
Its name says it all. Allergy Free Baking Company operates from a kitchen that’s entirely free of gluten as well as nuts and dairy. Additionally, many of its goods are made without eggs, soy or corn. Stop by its counter for cinnamon rolls, scones, lemon loaf slices, jumbo snickerdoodle cookies and more sweet treats. The bakery also sells sandwich bread, everything bagels, pizza crusts and other savory items.

Blue Hummingbird Gluten-Free Foods
2369 South Trenton Way
303-283-4060
Formerly known as Deby’s Gluten Free, Blue Hummingbird is a grocery store that stocks nearly 300 gluten-free ingredients and ready-made foods. It’s also a phenomenal bakery with an extensive selection. Favorites include its cheddar bagels, pretzel bites, caramel pecan cinnamon rolls and a wide variety of doughnuts, among many other items.

Crestone Bakery
720-353-4950
12037 North Pecos Street, Westminster
Crestone Bakery is co-owned by a husband-and-wife duo, one of whom was diagnosed with celiac disease and the other is a registered dietician. Together they create delicious gluten-free baked goods including pretzels, pizza crusts, apple fritters, cinnamon rolls, biscotti and more. Cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes and pies can also be pre-ordered, so keep it in mind for your next special occasion.

Gina’s Kitchen
14515 East Alameda Avenue, Aurora
303-305-3727
Earlier this year, Westword readers named Parkside Eatery the best restaurant in Aurora — which is impressive given the city’s incredible dining scene. Among other concepts, the food hall houses Gina’s Kitchen, which offers lunch plates and a wide variety of baked goods. Pick up brownies, cookies, cakes, scones, quick breads and more, and have peace of mind knowing that its kitchen is entirely free of gluten, eggs, peanuts and dairy.

Happy Bakeshop
3621 West 32nd Avenue
303-477-3556
While Happy Bakeshop creates many goods, it’s especially loved for its gourmet cupcakes. Several are gluten-free, and the flavor selection rotates regularly. The current lineup includes classic vanilla and chocolate on Tuesday and Friday; spiced apple and chai on Wednesday; carrot cake and cranberry orange on Thursday; and pumpkin on Saturday. French macarons, quick bread slices, custom cakes and more add to the selection.

Leroy’s Bagels
4432 West 29th Avenue
303-477-0266
Leroy’s freshly bakes its bagels daily and ensures that just about any dietary restriction is accommodated. Gluten-free plain bagels are always available, but it also offers a rotating selection of flavors. Order one with a shmear of cream cheese (which is also available in a vegan version) or opt for one of several hearty breakfast sandwiches.

Moore Bread
707 Federal Boulevard
303-578-9076
Moore Bread is an exclusively gluten-free bakery that offers sweet and savory crepes, bagel breakfast sandwiches and a wide variety of doughnuts, including Boston crèmes, raspberry jelly-filled and classic chocolate with colorful sprinkles. Grab a baguette when you stop in, too, as the shop is located next door to Charcuter-Marie, which specializes in gluten-free charcuterie boards.

Rheinlander Bakery
5721 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada
303-467-1810
Open since 1961, Rheinlander Bakery is a staple in the Arvada community and famed for its European-inspired confections. Many are available gluten-free, including its chocolate eclairs, honey-infused bienenstich cakes, Bavarian strawberry pastries, Dutch apple pie and so much more. It’d be nearly impossible to name them all here, so stop in to see the selection for yourself.

Rivers and Roads Coffee
2539 Bruce Randolph Avenue
303-321-3052
2960 Champa Street
303-343-3084
Rivers and Roads is one of the top coffee shops in Denver, and this year, Westword also spotlighted it as having the city’s best gluten-free pastries. Dig into pineapple upside-down sweet bread, savory cheddar biscuits, pumpkin cinnamon rolls and more — including in-house baking mixes that make it easy to whip up gluten-free waffles, brownies and more at home.

Wave the Grain
8172 South Holly Street, Centennial
303-721-7547
8996 West Bowles Avenue, Littleton
720-335-6942
Every item made by Wave the Grain is 100 percent gluten-free, from its sourdough loaves and sandwich rolls to its wide variety of pastries. What’s available in-store changes throughout the week, with cookies and scones on Tuesday, cannolis and croissants on Wednesday, pop-tarts on Thursday, cupcakes and croissants on Friday, and doughnuts on Saturday. Really, there’s no bad time to drop in.