Top 25 Gluten-Free Kid-Friendly Spots to Explore in Corolla

Purps Meow

Great food. Fast friendly service. Gluten free options are clearly marked. Will definitely try to hit this place up next vacation!

Sarah Weatherford

Fantastic pizza and even better service. I have celiac and they took great attention to making sure my pizza was safe. I ordered online during a very bumpy horse tour and picked a weird time. When I walked in, they were more than willing to get my pizza going early. I wish I had found this place before the last day of our vacation-I would have come every day!

Clara Schneider

Good gluten-free pizza

Cresta Lee

First Light in Corolla caught our eye for a vacation breakfast, promising a comforting start to the day with its menu of classic breakfast offerings. As someone seeking that familiar, hearty style of breakfast, it initially seemed like a good fit. However, my experience was a bit of a mixed bag. While the menu leans heavily into comfort food, those with dietary restrictions, specifically gluten-free needs, will find very limited options. The only accommodation offered was to simply omit bread or biscuits from egg-based dishes, which felt a bit restrictive. Speaking of egg-based dishes, I opted for scrambled eggs and was quite disappointed. They had an off-putting texture and flavor, tasting either overcooked or, surprisingly, even microwaved. This was a significant letdown, as scrambled eggs are a breakfast staple. I did enjoy the bacon, and the breakfast potatoes were good. On the brighter side, the coffee was quite good and provided a much-needed boost. The service was also prompt and friendly, which always enhances a dining experience. My husband, thankfully, enjoyed his meal of corned beef and hash. In summary, First Light offers a cozy, comfort-food atmosphere, and if you're looking for a straightforward, traditional breakfast without dietary concerns, it might hit the spot. However, for those needing gluten-free options or expecting perfectly cooked eggs, it might be worth exploring other breakfast spots in Corolla.

steph O

The hostesses here were very kind and super helpful on Saturday night with my to go order. I am gluten free and they had a fantastic GF pizza- I was so impressed. Can’t wait for my next slice!

Lisa McLean

We had a family of 11 adults for a family week long vacation. We got a few pizza and a family size salad and an awesome gluten free pizza. All pizzas were great. The salad was full and had many tasty toppings as well. My shout out is for the gluten free pizza that I needed due to my allergy. Pizza was ready as promised on time which was important due to this was our day that we arrived. Definitely recommend and would return if we’re back here for a third round of seeing the horses. We love this place and the horses!

Traci Byrge

Lots of gluten free options. We were a group of 17 people and the service was wonderful! ☺️

Liv Brown

I have been here twice and each time I was impressed with my meal. I told my waitress I was gluten free and my meal was delivered to me by a totally separate waiter, it might have even been the chef, I'm not sure but either way, I thought that was going above and beyond. Wonderful place for dinner especially if you have dietary restrictions.

Kim Herzl-Betz

We had a great experience here. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and especially for celiac disease he knew what was gluten free and actually had someone go to the Food Lion across the way to get gluten free tortilla chips for my daughter and I. The server was very invested in making sure all of us were happy including checking in with the kids. His confidence that the kitchen knew how to make sure our food was gluten free was reassuring. We did not get sick. Food was delicious and my daughter was happy. Margaritas were delicious. Try the jalapeño cucumber if you like spicey!

Subha Airan-Javia

The food here is mostly OK. There was one dish that we really liked (the trumpet mushrooms). Everything else was either not good, or soso. They do not have a good understand of what it means to have a gluten allergy (brought crackers out on the cheese tray) and was SO expensive. One of the most expensive meals I’ve had in a long time for not great food. The ambience is nice but the room is an echo chamber which made it very difficult to talk to the people at my table.

Cami Lattner

We were looking for take out after a long drive and the menu looked great and had some solid options. We both ordered burgers, and I appreciated that they offer a gluten-free bun, though the $3 upcharge felt a bit steep. I got the brisket burger, which was tasty, but I expected more of a brisket sandwich. It’s really a standard burger with four very thin slices of brisket on top, so don’t get your hopes up if you’re expecting a full brisket experience. The fries had an unexpected vinegar flavor that ended up being pretty good. One note for to-go orders: they placed the sauce cup inside the hot container with the burger, and the heat caused the plastic cup to warp and spill everywhere. Just something for the restaurant and customers to keep in mind.

Rachel Edwards

Our large party had a great experience at Upsides due to the friendly staff, but especially Carrie. She was a stellar server who got every order right, had a fantastic personality and played along with our table’s game. We had to split the group up because we arrived late — which was totally fine! — and Carrie handled the complicated ordering with finesse. A true pro! Our gluten-free and vegetarian diners had no problem finding something delicious to order off the menu as well. Thanks for the best seafood we’ve had in the OBX and for a fun evening!

Stefanie Powell

Delicious oat milk lattes and lots of gluten free options

Michelle M

Loved it, blueberry mango orange smoothie was great. For gluten free option get the chicken salad, ask for no wrap and instead put on bed of lettuce. Quite tasty.

Leah McCormick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If I could give this place 10 stars I would. Super friendly and helpful when deciding. Every single dish was incredible. We shared 6 dishes and not one disappointed. Super gluten free and vegan friendly, which is hard to find in this area! I wish we lived close. I would come all the time. Authentic and amazing!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pia Sproule

The owner made gluten free French fries for my sister.

Jenn Hiles

Gluten free pizza was amazing and staff was super friendly!

Ramiro Massol

Great pizza including one of the best gluten free doughs I've ever had. Fresh toppings and decent prices.

CMG Schneider

Serve great gluten free food for a good price.

Ham Ham

Atmosphere was like a school cafeteria. Food was beyond bland. I tried both the salmon and tuna and neither had any flavor at all. Tuna tasted the same as what you get from a can. Salmon was worse than those ancient slabs of fish you see on cheap Chinese buffets that no one eats. Zero spices on either. The vegetables that came with them were just steamed squash medallions with, again, zero spice. Random hard bits in the rice. Beef satay skewers were tough. Pickle platter all tasted store bought (except the strawberries, those were novel). Butcher paper on the table over the tablecloth was pretty trashy too for the menu prices. The gluten free labeling on the menu is also a bit suspect, not sure how far I'd trust it if you have that restriction. Buy a microwave meal instead.

K Kamienski

Rick is the best!! My daughter has celiac disease and he not only knew about all the precautions that have to be taken (ie. cross contamination, etc.) but also had several delicious gluten free 😋 menu items. We will definitely be back the next time we are in town for a visit.

Cassie Brown

David Williams

This is my favorite pizza in the outer banks. The kids love the rip coils. Their gluten free pizza is great. I love their classic pepperoni.

John Roughton

Elaine Butler