Top 5 Gluten-Free American Spots to Enjoy in Downtown Raleigh

Liz F

Amazing gluten free food and service! We always love the calamari and split the entree.

Caroline Gardner

We had reservations so we were seated quickly. We each had a drink which was wonderful. Our server was kind, but we were given takeout boxes for our entrees and the check upon receiving our food without time to enjoy our meal. The gluten free options are limited, and the pasta was a bit of a let down.

Valerie Kammer

Joshua Ratliff

For over a decade, I have enjoyed my finest celebrations in life with Poole's Dinner. The ambiance is energetic and like a step back in time with the 40s decore. Thank you to the staff for never disappointing, always being kind, and exceeding expectations. My partner and I headed out to Raleigh to celebrate my new job. An especially trying year sent packing with one exquisite meal. To start, we had the tuna tartar. The NC tuna was beyond the quality you'd expect at a sushi bar. The tuna was perfectly chopped but not to a paste. It was wonderfully dressed with cider aioli and topped with ripe, creamy avocado. The tobiko provided a delightful pop and brininess. The chicken liver pate is my favorite starter Poole's serves. The mustards are fantastic, and the compote is a perfect pairing with the smooth and luscious pate. All this was served with seasoned cucumber slices to accommodate my partners gluten allergy. Again, kindness prevails at Poole's. Our main was simply the best tenderloin I've ever tasted. I'm not a tenderloin fan, but this blew me away by the endless flavor. Usually lacking in a tenderloin, in my opinion, but not on this occasion. The meat was velvet on the tongue and melted into an amazing bite with the garlic and spicy carrot top chimmichurri that it was paired with. Served with brown butter carrots, fingerling potatoes, crunchy spiced pine nuts, and finished with a bed of tangy whipped feta. The final exquisite touch was a perfectly salty and savory sauce. My partner had the triple smoked au jus roasted chicken. She refuses to get anything else and has said it is her final meal request. LoL the chicken was paired with the lightest, creamiest whipped potatoes. Worth another mention is the amazingly deep and rich au jus. For our "Nexts" we had to order the house specialty, Mac and cheese. As my company couldn't partake due to gluten, the waitress was so kind as to ask for a half portion for myself. Again, kindness. We also enjoyed the cauliflower with oyster mushrooms, sherry, and cream. Surprisingly, this side was one of the stars of the show, and I am definitely making this side for the holidays. A new tradition begins. We didn't have room for dessert this go-a-round, but the creme de pot is always a win no matter the variation, and the chefs cobblers are devine. I so desired the banana and chocolate pie, but alas, my waistline pleaded to stop. Please treat yourself if you are in town, or celebrating, or just want to experience amazingly crafted food. They are expanding this week, which is great news for us faithful. More seats for us all to enjoy Ashley Christensen's creative southern cooking, served by talented and helpful staff. Thank you, Poole's dinner, for once again, making a special night more memorable and with... kindness.

Letisha McLaughlin Lam

Delicious food, great service, beautiful interior, and fun people-watching. My friend and I met here on a Thursday night around 6ish for dinner. The restaurant was steady, but not crowded. I immediately grabbed a booth by the gigantic windows so I could watch all the downtown happenings--mostly dog owners and young professionals. The interior of the diner is beautiful and welcoming! My friend and I are vegetarian and gluten-free/dairy free and the menu is extensive enough that both of us had great options. Of course, I had to get the housemade chips because my experience at the sister diners--the Shiny Diner and Peak City Diner--has made me slightly addicted to them; and I ordered the hamburger and eggs minus the bread. The eggs were cooked to perfection. My friend enjoyed her black bean burger too. The servers, there were two at that time, were attentive and worked together well to make sure our drinks were topped off and food was delivered quickly. I left spending just less than what I would have paid for the two of us at Chick-fil-A. Overall, it was a great experience and I look forward to my next meal there.