Top 12 Gluten-Free Bars to Unwind in St. Augustine

Maria Serdyuk

Pizzalley’s Chianti Room is situated in a prime location in St. Augustine, and the atmosphere is inviting and pleasant. However, our dining experience was marred by several issues that left us feeling frustrated. Service Issues: Upon arrival at 2:55 PM, a time when the restaurant was not particularly busy, we expected a timely greeting and service. Unfortunately, it took an unacceptably long time for our waiter to approach us and take our initial orders. This delay was surprising given the number of open tables around us. As our wait continued, we found ourselves having to remind the waiter about our requests multiple times, which only added to our dissatisfaction. Children’s Experience: One of the most disappointing aspects of our visit was how our children were treated. While other families at nearby tables received coloring pages and crayons to keep their kids entertained, ours did not. After noticing this discrepancy, we asked for coloring materials but ended up waiting for quite some time without any response. Eventually, one of our group members took the initiative to retrieve the coloring pages and crayons herself, which should not have been necessary. This lack of attention to families with children made the experience feel less welcoming. Plant-based Menu and Pricing Concerns As a vegan family, we were initially pleased to see that the menu offered customizable options. We ordered a vegan pizza, and while our waiter suggested a vegetarian pizza without cheese, we were able to request different vegetables to suit our preferences. However, we were taken aback when we received the bill: $27 for a 10” gluten-free pizza that contained only tomato sauce, a sprinkle of broccoli, mushrooms, pineapple, and a few pieces of eggplant. In stark contrast, friends dining with us paid the same price for a 16” pizza loaded with an impressive array of toppings—pepperoni, sausage, cheese, vegetables, and specialty ingredients (they ordered half Garbage Can half Pig’n’Fig pie). It felt as though we were being penalized for choosing healthier options. Charging extra for a simple vegan pizza with minimal ingredients is not only unreasonable but also discouraging for those seeking plant-based meals. Conclusion: While Pizzalley’s Chianti Room boasts an attractive location and a pleasant atmosphere, the combination of poor service, inadequate attention to children’s needs, and exorbitant pricing for simple vegan options left us feeling dissatisfied. This experience does not align with what one would hope for in a family-friendly restaurant. We cannot recommend this establishment based on our visit.

Debra Kay Levi

Don't listen to that (screaming mime) putting down this establishment due to the no gluten free Call the restaurant or ask 1st you squawking dummy!!! -You trying to ruin their reputation through that post - I'm a traveler & dined here - I would give the restaurant a high 8 of 1-10 10 of course being the best FRESH SEAFOOD ENJOY

Joshua Peoples (jbossness)

Very happy with the gluten/dairy free options. Alex provided excellent service getting me what I wanted!!!

Jennifer

I have celiac disease and our server Jacob guided me to the best steak and stuffed chicken. I struggle to find safe places to eat and my taste buds are high diving themselves ty Jacob your the best

Ethentery

Me and my family came to this restaurant because the reviews were so good but we were less than impressed by the service we received at this restaurant. To start it off we reiterated multiple times to the staff the my mom is severely allergic to gluten and if they didn’t have the ability to keep gluten off the the dishes they used to prepare her food she couldn’t eat there. They assured her they were able to keep her food gluten free but by the time we got home she was feeling bad and later in the evening she was throwing up. Unfortunately that’s not where it ends along with making my mom severely I’ll just so we would buy another meal there was food on the seats from the last guest our server server dumped our drinks on us while they were serving us and we found a hair in our side dish. At first all they offered to do was replace the side but at that point we really didn’t want to be eating anything else from them. We had to ask three different people for a refund on the meal before we actually got it. Long story short if you have allergies or just like to know your food is being prepared in a clean environment don’t come here because you will be receiving neither.

Luanne Pettit

Really good italian restaurant! They do have some gluten free options listed on the menu. I had the italian pot roast with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. It was delicious! And the portions are very generous.

Gina Lakhdar

Outback was delicious. Our waitress was wonderful. The food was awesome. I have a gluten allergy and they catered to that and I didn't get sick.

Miranda McAllister

I have been to Romano’s a few times and always enjoy. Coming from the north east and just outside nyc, it’s a joy to have food that feels authentic. I also opt for this restaurant due to my dietary restriction, as they have gluten free pizza. The only reason I did not give full 5 stars is that we were dining in and my pizza was delayed due to take out orders. I appreciate that the waitress was upfront and I made the choice to still place my order. However, I think the orders placed by those dining in should take priority. Additionally, my father ordered lasagna and it came out well before my pizza and he asked to bring it back when my meal was ready. Possibly being nitpicky, but it did cost a star for me.

Ashley Daly

UPDATE: I sent this review to the email address they provided same day as they requested in their reply to this review. They acknowledged that they got it and have said nothing since. Do not be fooled. They have done nothing to help me here. I will update this review if they ever reply or do anything. Terrible experience. Bad service, not safe, below average food. The waitress did not write down our order and was very frantic. When the food came out, my mom’s (Celiac) was not the correct dish she ordered. It came out with plantains (fired in a shared fryer) and not on an allergy plate. Our waitress went back and came back in less than 2 minutes with a new one on an allergy plate. We think she just moved it to an allergy plate and removed the plantains. However, the dish was still not what she ordered and when she told the waitress, she said yes you did order this. My mom very nicely tried to jog the waitress’ memory on how we ordered and the waitress said “whatever” and walked away. Did not offer to get my mom anything else or apologize for any misunderstanding. My mom did not feel comfortable eating what she ordered so she ended up splitting my filet (also Celiac). It was a below average filet and we both felt bad the next day (likely cross contaminated). On top of that, no one at our table of 6 ever got a water refill throughout dinner

Joyce Bowers

A beautiful old historic house that has been a family owned restaurant (same family) Since 1980. The food was fabulous, all four different meals, the desserts were wonderful, and the appetizers were delicious. In addition, I have celiac and an allergy and nuts to my surprise two of the chefs also have celiac and so there was no issue whatsoever! I would say one of the best restaurants I’ve eaten in in Saint Augustine.

Aubrey Palmer

This is an excellent restaurant if you love Italian food!! I am gluten free and they were able to accommodate very well with fettuccine noodles! My husband ordered the chicken Parmesan and he said it was delicious! We would absolutely be back the next time we are down here!!

Chris Neel

As tourists- each meal is a surprise. This had the added advantage of being fairly pleasant. Tucked quietly and discreetly near the lobby of the Casa Monica Resort is to the Costa Brava. It was 3pm on a Wednesday and we were famished (having skipped lunch and had an early breakfast). The atmosphere is very impressive. The staff is friendly and super welcoming. My wife, daughter thoroughly enjoyed each tasty bite of their delicious meals. My daughter was delighted with her gluten free hamburger. Perfectly prepared and presented. ($16) My wife found her fish (grouper) & chips the best and most satisfying fried fish she’s ever eaten. She loved every morsel and despite my best efforts- refused to share even a crumb with me. ($22) My turkey sandwich was good - but I wasn’t as satisfied with the seasonings and consistency of my meal as the rest of my family. ($17) I will say that despite my personal disappointment- we all left with our cravings met and our stomachs filled. Based upon my wife’s recommendations- I probably should have ordered the fish.