Top 22 Gluten-Free French Cafés to Delight in Illinois

b warner

We were in Chicago for business. My friend has severe allergies, gluten, nuts, strawberries, eggs. We selected Mon Ami Gabi based on options for gluten free. We made reservation and arrived about 20 minutes early. Entrance to the hotel is gorgeous. Front desk was friendly and helpful. Making sure we parked at the correct valet location (there's 2 one for residence one for restaurant. They brought us to the bar while we waited for seating. Barkeep was very friendly and very efficient. We didn't wait more then 20 minutes for our table. We were seated and we ensured they were aware of the concerns for gluten and other allergens. Waiter already was aware thanks to OpenTable reservation, I'd added a comment so they'd know ahead. They were extremely considerate pointed out the dishes that are GF. We skipped an appetizer and ordered dinner. The wait staff were friendly without being overly. Food was delivered quickly and cooked to perfection. I ordered medium rare beef and my friend ordered salmon almondine(without the almonds). Food was flavorful and delicious. Not only was our server attentive but the other staff ensured we were comfortable, well taken care of, and had everything we needed. They cleared dishes and glasses quietly while you ate without being distributive and made sure the water glasses were always full. I'd highly recommend the restaurant if you're in the area. For a Thursday the place was Busy. Reservations highly recommended. A mixture of date nights, family dinners (with younger kids) special occasions. Some folks were dressed up others in flannels and it all worked.

Mika

They were able to accommodate Celiac and had gluten free and vegetarian/pescatarian options! My dad also can't eat shellfish or pork and they could accommodate that as well. The atmosphere was great, and the servers were very well informed and attentive. I don't want to discourage anyone from trying this restaurant, some of the food wasn't exactly my taste, but I was also trying some new foods that I haven't had before. I really enjoyed the scallops and chocolate dessert pictured. The more important thing to me is I'm gluten free with Celiac and I didn't get sick, it's safe for those with gluten allergies!

Michal Aharony

Great food, excellent service. Many gluten free options. I loved it! Highly recommend.

mary lazzari

My friend and I dined here the first night we arrived in Galena and had such a great experience that we decided to eat here the next two nights also. The place has quaint cozy bistro vibes. The food is delicious and flavorful, our favorite being the hangar steak. The kitchen easily accommodated my gluten free dietary needs. There is an extensive beer list and a good wine list. But the strength of the establishment is the very friendly attentive service of the wait staff and chef. I have never felt more welcomed at a restaurant or well attended to. A special nod to Lisa and Sarah for making our time spent here so memorable!

Jade Marie Lavoie

I have a severe gluten allergy and am vegetarian- unfortunately I didn't do enough research and there really weren't many options for me. I told the waitress I was just going to have fries and wine, and my partner was going to have a meal. She immediately tried working through solutions instead of just letting me order only fries. She was extremely knowledgeable and helpful- and was able to talk to the chef and make me a dish using what they had that was both gluten free and vegetarian. I can't imagine this happening at any other establishment, I appreciated it more than anything really. The host and back of house staff were also incredibly kind and genuine, always smiling when interacting with folks. They all had a great vibe- and made it so cozy and comforting in there. It was a great experience and seriously the best meal I have had. The waitress with the pink in her hair- she deserves the world :-)

Anne D

I ate dinner with friends here after attending a play at a nearby theater. We started with happy hour appetizers which were very good. We each ordered different meals for dinner and finished with dessert. One member in our group can't eat gluten. Our server, Brendan, was exceptional. He explained the gluten free options and checked with the chef to make sure her selections were safe for her to eat. He was familiar with the menu and was attentive and nice. All of us loved our meals. The food is high quality with good flavor. When eating out, I hate when some chefs put too much salt on food. This did not happen here. We actually were able to taste the flavor of our food. I had the filet mignon and it was tender with melt in your mouth texture. We ordered the tiramisu and it was the best we ever had. The creme brulee was also delicious. I definitely will be back.

Classic Kina

I’ve come here 3 different times and each time my experience got worse. I really wanted to like this place, because it has a special quality about it & I see the potential, but the kitchen is constantly missing the mark. During my first visit, the food was bland. I had ordered a savory crepe that tasted subpar to any crepe I’ve ever had. The second visit, I ordered the viral giant croissants. I asked the waiter which flavors were available & he replied “all of them”. After our meal, I placed a to go order for one of each flavor, but was told they only had 3 flavors available. Once I got home I passed out the croissants to my family members to try and everyone had a “meh” expression on their faces. So I tasted one and the croissant was so dry and hard. (I drove straight home) During my third & final visit with a friend, I ordered the soufflé pancakes that are supposed to be light, fluffy, & jiggly. I received 3 flat pancakes. I looked at the waitress as she placed my plate in front of me with disbelief. I showed her a picture from their own website of what they should look like and she agreed and took them back. My friend’s steak was waaaaay overcooked and they took that back as well and apologized for everything. The manager came out & said the kitchen accidentally used gluten free flour & that’s why the soufflé pancakes wouldn’t rise. But they served it anyway? Weird. THEN they brought me a steak taretar & the meat was BROWN instead of red. The waitress apologized for that as well & took it away. At that point I was done. They kindly removed my plates from the bill & gave us a free mimosa to make it up to us. So at the end of it all I had an empty belly but a nice buzz! Until they get new kitchen management, I don’t think I’ll be returning.

Mikey B

All of it, DYNAMITE 🧨! You want a culinary experience, boom, here it is. The service is top notch. You’ll be greeted so warmly. The French restaurant with a Mediterranean flare to it. It’s beautiful. It’s simple. It’s approachable. It’s delicious and it’ll impress you. I have so many good words to say about our time here. I was nervous about dairy-free and gluten-free options for me. It wasn’t a bother to them. They assured me that they have a separate “free from gluten” kitchen area. All was good. Get anything, it’s all good. My recommendations though are under the Mediterranean specialties- the vegetables with cous cous (but they made it with quinoa for me) and please go with the chocolate mousse. Unbelievable. Also, best espresso martini I’ve ever had. Enjoy.

M Pawlowski

This place is wonderful. Very nice menu and they also had some specials when we went. My gf had Lake Superior whitefish which was on special and it was very good. I had cassoulet and which was delicious. Both were beautifully presented on the plate. Both were prepared gluten free. A number of other items on the menu could be prepared gluten free as well. The wine list was good and we shared creme brûlée for dessert. The wait staff was very nice and knowledgeable about the menu. We sat on their beautiful patio which was enough shaded on a hot day. We will definitely be back

Katarina C.

We enjoyed the cocktails and food. The waiter was attentive and careful to help us select gluten-free and dairy-free items. Great location, close to high-end shopping and several hotels. Music volume was nice and allowed for conversation. They have coat check at the front when we we’re greeted. We were seated immediately.

Sarma Arums

So delicious and so many gluten free options! The staff was so friendly and prices were fair.

Joerg Seifert

Very good restaurant. I had always thought that this place was just a breakfast/lunch place until someone told me otherwise. My wife and I walked in on a Friday without a reservation but they were still able to seat us. The restaurant is very nice, staff very friendly, the menu has a lot of variety and the food was very good. My wife was very excited that a lot of the items could be made Gluten Free. She had a crepe as her main course and one for desert. I had the Sea Bass and it was fresh, prepared well and the presentation was awesome. We will certainly be back. The only minor criticism I have is that the coffee was not very good. My wife and I have gone back a few times and still enjoy the restaurant. Last time I had the Walleye and my wife had the gluten free crepes (still good). Presentation was awesome. We were both looking for a bit more seasoning but still a good meal. And the coffee has improved a lot.

Jenifer Walsh

Had brunch here today, and as a celiac, I am always a bit hesitant trying new places. I was very pleasantly surprised by how accommodating they were. I had the poulet paillard, and even several hours later, not a bit of reaction. Highly recommend. Food is delicious, service excellent.

Adrienne S

This was my fourth time here. They have a great happy hour Monday - Saturday from 4-7. Great for vegetarians & people with gluten sensitivities.

Robin Stillwater

Heavenly. Amazing service and absolutely incredible food. Very kind about dietary restrictions (gluten free options!) And our dog being with us in outdoor seating. We are very very happy!

Benjamin Rackl

Fantastic French spot tucked away off Central - menu feels traditional Parisian and the service is thoughtful. We have a gluten allergy, and they take care of us every time. Try it, you'll be back.

Meg Collins

My husband threw a birthday party for me at Suzette's Creperie last weekend, and it was perfect! The food was delicious, the service was excellent, the décor was gorgeous. Our guests enjoyed a choice of steak frites, sole meuniere, duck confit, beef bourguignon crepes, and roasted vegetable crepes. They were all wonderful. The manager Carol was outstanding, helping with every detail, including renting vintage china place settings that were beautiful, helping us with food choices (including gluten free and vegan items), having the patisserie chef make a special dessert, providing party favors, and putting us in touch with their sommelier for wine choices. And every staff person made us feel special and looked after during the event. The party exceeded all my expectations, and everyone loved it! If you need to host a bridal shower, baby shower, or birthday party, please consider Suzette's Creperie. You will not be disappointed.

Ed Caplan

Bakery items that are gluten free by original recipe! I didn't know what a macaroon really was until now! The chef/owner Claude, is the real deal! Can not wait to come back! I would have taken a picture but I ate everything!

Stephanie Staley

One of the best restaurant experiences of my nearly 50 years of traveling the world. The atmosphere was serene yet unique and stimulating, our servers were attentive, kind, and personable, and the food was exquisite, simple, and delectable. We started with fresh oysters, then I savored the sea scallops prepared in a Mediterranean sauce, while my companion enjoyed a perfectly prepared filet mignon with garlic potatoes. Note that mobility impaired guests may want to call ahead to inquire about accessibility. There is a long stairway to reach the restaurant. Our waiter, Kevin, noticed my walking stick and let us know there is an elevator the staff can access, and offered to personally accompany us down when we were ready to leave. They were also knowledgeable and reasonably accommodating for my celiac gluten allergy. This is a new favorite destination spot to which we will return and bring others!

Irene Blackman

Mark Henning

Nice, quiet place with good food and a FULL GLUTEN FREE menu available. My wife needs to be gluten free and this is one of her favorite places to eat. Well worth the stop.

Joshua Copher

I recently enjoyed an incredibly delicious ribeye steak that was mouthwatering, tender, and cooked to perfection. The cocktails were fantastic, and the service was outstanding! This restaurant is a great choice for dining with friends or that special someone, offering an excellent selection of food, wines, desserts, and cocktails. My friend, who has celiac disease, appreciated that the staff clearly communicated which options were gluten-free and even offered to modify dishes that were not gluten-free.