Top 35 Gluten-Free Lunch Spots to Discover in Downtown Asheville

Catherine LaChance

This is by far one of the BEST Italian restaurants I have ever been to! My friends and I were visiting Asheville from Charlotte and stopped in for takeout after coming across Strada on my Find Me Gluten Free app. I have never been to an Italian restaurant that was as accommodating for dietary restrictions as Strada. Just walking in, I knew this place would be great. The staff who greeted us were extremely friendly and professional. They made us feel welcome and cared for. They went out of their way to make sure our orders were correct. I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs and was so excited to find out that not only do they offer gluten free pasta, but they offer rice-based gluten free pasta! A lot of places only offer corn-based gluten free pasta and that doesn't taste as good as rice and it's harsher on my stomach. This pasta tasted amazing! The gluten free pasta didn't even cost much extra which was AMAZING because I went to another restaurant in Asheville that charged me an additional $5 just for a side of carrots as I couldn't eat any of their other sides. Strada also has a lovely set up with a gorgeous bar and lounge area. The next time I am in Asheville, I definitely want to eat here!

Barbara Gulten

We had salads and pizzas delivered for our large group one night. They were fast and efficient. Salads were fresh and delicious (Greek salad). The pizzas satisfied our cravings and went perfectly with the wine we had at home. Solid crust and ingredients. We had a guest that was gluten free and she was able to pick her option and enjoy a great pizza alongside everybody.

R Sebeck

Great spot if you’re gluten free! We ordered take out and when I talked to them on the phone about celiac they were very knowledgeable and accommodating! Lots of options! I had a gluten free grilled chicken sandwich and a house salad. The gf bun was great and the grilled chicken was also very good! My (gluten eating) boyfriend got the cheese steak sandwich and enjoyed it (he’s from Philly)

Ryan McDonald

I love this place. I've been here a few times and I like it more the more I visit. The food options are numerous for me (Gluten allergy) and I'm all about organic foods. They are also very conscious of allergies and accommodate accordingly. The staff is friendly and playful, too! They clearly care about the principles of this place. And atmosphere is nothing special, but gets the job done. 5 stars for sustainability though, with their steel cutlery and plates. Come check it out! Totally worth it.

Stephanie DuVall

Our waitress was Kate and she was fantastic! She recommended the fried chicken which we got in two different dishes and it was delicious (and gluten free). The Biscuit French was absolutely amazing - sweet, soft, and topped with homemade whipped cream. Best meal we had in Asheville (actually by a long shot).

Amber Easterling

Had a wonderful brunch at Chestnut! The pimento cheese tater tots were amazing! I can’t wait to go back for dinner and try the fried green tomatoes! All gluten-free items are noted on the menu. The servers are very helpful if you have any questions!

Lynda Funke

Gluten-free food! Almost everything on the menu is naturally gluten-free and the owner takes measures to eliminate cross-contamination. French fries! Gluten-free buns if desired (fantastic quality)! Burgers and hot dogs were all really tasty. Simple and easy cafe-style place. Thank you!

Sweet Snail Nails

Rosetta's has always been a classic Asheville community staple! Rosetta herself is one of the kindest human beings I've encountered and her and her business do so much for our community and the people in it. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and sliding scale options- something for everyone.

Carrie Dunn

Fantastic crepes. Gluten-free crepe was amazing. Fresh and fast!

Bill L

Went there for a bite to eat before seeing a show nearby. There's a great selection of tacos, along with gluten-free & dairy free options for them. All of them were excellent! Plenty of seating, friendly & prompt service. We'll be back again!

Amanda McLenon

Yatin gave great service today and as always Mela was delicious! I love that they have so many veggie options and always a gluten free bread option (like papadum). Fresh and yummy! Happy to see they are reopened after the storm

Autum Kirgan

Delicious! Everything. I took my staff there for a holiday gathering. Lots of variety, veg, vegan, gluten free. Food, drinks,and service were on point!

Erik Quintanilla

The gluten free cheesecake was amazing. My bf almost regretted getting the tiramisu but it was just as good to him. The drinks are great too, not too sweet but not bland. Staff was friendly and helped with recommendations too. The whole place is calm and lots of art and fixtures to admire. My favorite little cafe to come to when I visit from DC.

Laura Wilson

Popped in for lunch with our family of 9 on our “wander Asheville” day of vacation. We quickly became big fans of this downtown spot. Megan, our server, was so kind and attentive - and made great recommendations! The smash burgers were a hit, as was the Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the chicken bacon one whose name now evades me. The twisted fries were also yummy (not gluten free tho 😞). I bet the outdoor vibe is awesome in spring and summer, but we opted for indoor seating since it was cold! Lots of cool art inside, too!

KaraLeigh

Gluten free bread options available with the crispy panini sandwiches & burgers🥪 Yummy fresh made deli foods & a nice staff. The drink choices were plentiful, including sparkling water, kombucha & sodas, plus beer & cider on tap. The watermelon cider we tried was crisp & refreshing🍉

Molly Milroy

The Big Bowl of Greens was AMAZING. Tangy, crunchy, delish. Warm Winter Carrots were spicy and soooo good. Catered well to gluten-free. Great service. Loved it all.

Dan Hooker

Had the Harvest bowl with chicken and enjoyed it. It actually filled me up. One of my daughters had the honey Sriracha Burger thought it was a little spicy as a 13 year old I took a bite and I thought it was great. Wife had grilled chicken sandwich thought it was good. Another had the avocado sandwich but said it needed some protein in it. They did offer gluten-free bread for sandwiches!

Drew Purcell

Very busy place but fantastic food and were extremely accommodating about my gluten free needs! Had sushi and Donburi.

Melanie Baxt

Great, off the beaten trail, relaxing, sit awhile, VIBE! My cappuccino was excellent and so was their gluten free banana bread.

Calvin Shanks

Just ok. Good beer selection. Gluten-free pizza crust was ok...I've had worse but I've had way better. Spices and flavors on the pizza were underwhelming. Not bad per say, just not great. The atmosphere was not quite what I was expecting either. Good service,

Carrie Dunn

We stayed at the Haywood Park Hotel and really liked the convenience of the ease of access to The Bier Garden. We went 2 nights in a row. It's a typical sports bar, but the staff were very pleasant. They are short staffed, but they worked hard to make sure guests were cared for. Our food was hot and fresh each time. They offer gluten-free options and are accommodating.

Gregory Anderson

Food is pretty good. Have a few gluten free options. Has excellent cider.

Outdoor Fitness Brevard

A good selections of vegan, gluten and dairy free options. The food was yummy, great flavor and friendly staff.

Andrea Seaman

We sat at the bar and loved it. Our bartender Drew was amazing! I have a gluten allergy and she guided me through everything! Awesome meal and I never got sick. Can’t recommend this place enough!

Laura Horowitz

I think in terms of the Brazilian steakhouse this is the first Brazilian steakhouse where I've been so limited on the meat options. As someone who is celiac I can say that the only options you can have here are the stake. Which is totally fine but I would have liked to have more options than just the steak The salad bar is extremely fresh and nothing I eat was anything less than wonderful. It is also very clearly marked what is gluten-free and what is in gluten-free. The fried bananas are gluten-free and that was the best thing of them all. So is the cheese bread which was okay. I've had better. Overall I had a nice experience but I definitely would like to see more gluten-free meat options available. The house special was by far the best if you like something fatty. Everything else was just okay.

Elizabeth R

Good food, gluten-free options and AWARENESS ! ! Clean and enjoyable atmosphere.

Michelle Kater

I have always loved Zambra and come here to celebrate special occasions. Last night my husband and I came here to celebrate our 5th year anniversary. It was my husbands first time coming. Our experience here was disappointing from the beginning. We had a reservation and was seated almost 40 minutes later. By the time we got our food it was 9. The food combinations were awful. All the tables around us received bread and we did not. I asked for a gluten free menu which they provided. I ordered yellow tuna crudo and it was so awful. It was drenched in pepper and couldn’t taste fish. I also ordered chicken liver mousse, they said could be made gluten free. All they did was give me the mousse with nothing to put the mousse on! They expected me to eat straight with a spoon. Then we also ordered sautéed mushrooms which came with a very under cooked egg. If was supposed to be that the yolk would just pour out in the food but also lots of raw egg white oozed out with it. My husband ordered a tapa with beef and that was okay. But all and all we spent over $100 on food that was garbage. I’m honestly very disappointed. So much that I’m writing this review. I never write bad reviews. Literally the only good thing that came from last night was our bartender Janae when we were waiting for our table and the drinks. So incredibly disappointed in everything else. Update; the owner reached out to me personally and sincerely apologized for our experience. Validated it and made no excuse. She offered a refund or free meal on then. My husband I will go again in a couple weeks and update this experience and review. Recent update: I went back last night with my husband and my experience was very different. The owner had wanted to make things right and had offered us a refund or a meal on them. I had always loved Zambras so we went back there yesterday for my husband's birthday. We were immediately seated, the service was great, and the food was the best. Im really thankful for a wonderful meal last night with my husband and how serious the owner took my experience and made an intention to keep us customers. We will be back. The swordfish and lamb were our favorite!

Lindsey Ellis

Order Uber eats from here all of the time! Very gluten free friendly and accommodating

Reggie Gonzalez

Did the New Year’s Eve 5 course tastings meal and my friend has strict diet restrictions. No gluten, no soy and no dairy and they hit this right out of the park without a single misstep. I didn’t even bring up she can’t have legumes or tomato and they still managed to put together dish after dish of absolutely delicious dishes she can eat. I on the other hand was able to take advantage of the amazing gnocchi with beef cheeks and flourless chocolate cake. Everything was absolutely perfect. Service was timely. Not overly intrusive in conversation yet still very attentive. Amazing job. Thank you!!

Noel Harvey

Great environment, great food, great service. Couldn’t ask for more. Gluten free bread was delicious.

MJ

Amazing Ramen and amazing vibe! (They also have gluten free options)

Lisa Kaye (Lisa)

Love this place!! The fryer is dedicated to only the potato chips so they are gluten-free. They stayed fresh all the way home too!!

Lilly

Amazing lattes here. Every drink has been so good. I will say I wish they had more interesting sandwich combos. Like salmon, cream cheese, avocados, leafy greens, etc. Or more sweet options. Lol maybe one day I'll try the king sandwich even though I am slightly puzzled about the ingredients. Service was friendly and quick. Wish there were some chairs at the tables for couples XD. Most importantly tho, the beignets ofc are delicous and I like that they have options for gluten free hash browns if a customer is inclined.

Jann Moorehead

Relaxed artistic atmosphere. Affordable gifts. Public restrooms. Nice snack bar with vegan,gluten free options.

Suzanne Goodman

An elegant restaurant in an elegant downtown Asheville hotel right near the Asheville Museum of Art and all the best art galleries. Our party of four all enjoyed the ambiance of Bargello, our excellent omelets, and the enthusiastic, gracious service. Plus, the value seemed good to us for a lovely Sunday brunch. A couple of us have hearing problems, and the maitre d was very accommodating in locating us in a quiet corner. Two of us are gluten-free, and the toast served was probably the best gluten-free toast we ever have had.