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The 5 Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Emerald Isle

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By Gluten Free Eats' gluten-free community

Updated Jul 2025

01
The Trading Post; Southern Food & Spirits

The Trading Post; Southern Food & Spirits

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8302 Emerald Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, USA

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Terry Hutchinson

Long wait, service was bad, food was cold. Took forever to even get a few hushpuppies. Had trouble getting silverware. Got the pot roast special but it would have been nice to at least warm it. Claims gluten-free options but few selections for my wife.

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02
Gaffer's

Gaffer's

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9106-A Coast Guard Rd, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, USA

BreakfastLunchDinnerBrunchAmericanDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyBarRestaurantOpen Late
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Stopped by after a couple of hours on the beach the Saturday after July 4th. There was a wait to sit outside but no wait for inside. Several minutes went by before our server came by to acknowledge us. However, they were super helpful in avoiding gluten (fried foods may be cross contaminated) and said yes to pretty much anything we asked that was not exactly on the menu. I wanted my spouse to try the grilled sound shrimp, and they came out as an appetizer. The shrimp were okay but might have been overcooked? We also got the Gaff (mahi sandwich) on a gluten free bun with Cole slaw, and the citrus tuna salad with a side of fries. Our fish were cooked perfectly, and the flavors were greatโ€”especially the house made Cajun tartar sauce with a kick and citrus vinaigrette. We did not get any dessert because they all had dairy. Our server would go missing at times but was overall nice and friendly. The bathrooms are gendered and multi stall. They were clean and appeared to have plenty of room for mobility devices. The interior decorations were fun, including some awards for fishing tournaments. Overall we had a great experience and will likely be back.

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03
The Village Market

The Village Market

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7802 Emerald Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, USA

BreakfastLunchBrunchSandwichesGrab & GoDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyBread ItemsRestaurant
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G A Blevins

Beware the hash brown casserole - which by all thoughts should be gluten free - BUT it's NOT! Every review said the casserole was great - it was awful. A strange mix between mash potatoes, breading, chunks of potatoes - served in an ice cream scoop portion. Couldn't even finish it. Very expensive, very little food - $80 for 5 people who didn't order much - left hungry. No need to tip since they don't serve you nor do they clean up or check on how things are going but when you check out - the machine automatically pops up for you to leave a tip. Will never eat here again.

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04
Kathryn's Bistro & Martini Bar

Kathryn's Bistro & Martini Bar

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8002 Emerald Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, USA

DinnerDeliveryTake AwayBarRestaurantLunch
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Leslie Fox

We stopped in for dinner last night. I had not been here in years. Service was great. The restaurant was arctic cold and I had goosebumps. And I am a woman of a certain age who is never cold. I had the grouper special. Special props to the server who let the kitchen know that I was gluten free as apparently the pesto had breadcrumbs in it. We would never have known as pesto does not usually contain gluten. That was left off of my dish. The prices were extraordinarily high for the meal I was served. I am a native North Carolinian and I understand how the seafood markets work and have always been willing to pay more for local catch. I also understand that many restaurants are dealing with increased costs related to tariffs and staffing. But this was local fish, so not impacted by tariffs. It was about a 4 ounce serving with a couple of ounces of crabmeat. It was served with baby carrots and rice that was so salty I couldnโ€™t finish it. And I love salt. The dish was 59 dollars. I am more than happy to pay for quality food. But this was excessive. All in all, not worth the price.

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05
Surf's Up Grill & Bar

Surf's Up Grill & Bar

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102 Bogue Inlet Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, USA

BreakfastLunchDinnerBrunchOpen LateDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyRestaurant
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Steph Tighe

Was off season so no problem getting seat at bar. Right on the water, clean, cute decor,excellent staff-friendly and attentive. We had several appetizers and salads and all were delicious. From Md and they had old bay shrimp- very tasty! They worked hard to accommodate my gluten allergy. Bartender made excellent Bloody Mary! One negative was wine served in a small plastic cup. Not my favorite way to drink wine for sure but I survived. Was also a bit chilly but weather was windy outside. In all a fun place with very good food!

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