Top 11 Gluten-Free Spots with Outdoor Seating to Enjoy in Old West Side, Ann Arbor

Hannah Becker

Excellent and crave worthy food. Have separate option for ordering with celiac and have a dedicated fryer.

Jeanna DeMond

One of my favorite places in Ann Arbor. I could have French toast/pancakes/ waffles and be completely fine. Highly recommend

Josh Flores

Delicious ice cream! The vanilla caramel is my favorite thus far. The flight gives us 4 small portions of our choosing which is perfect for my wife, two small kids, and I. Staff is young and friendly and the chalk board is a nice touch for the kids. Glad I don't live within walking distance of here, otherwise, I'd be here everyday. Also, they clearly label which options are gluten free. Doesn't matter to me, but nice for those looking out for that.

Martin Dominguez

They took more than an hour to bring me the burger I ordered. All my friends were done with their meals when mine arrived, clearly overcooked. I asked for a basic mayonnaise and was told they didn't have. They don't offer any gluten free option for beers, which is rare in 2024.

Esther Center

Delightful! Food delicious and varied. Had interesting gluten free substitutions. Service is great! The show was so good. Would definitely come again.

Karen Grimm

I have a lot of crazy and sever food allergies. I was thrilled when I read on their website that they cater to a gluten/dairy free menu. I called up to confirm and spoke with Mike. He talked to the chef about my allergies and was assured it would be fine. And it was! I was there Monday night, so sorry I do not remember the name of our waitress who was wonderful! The card with all the sides and allergies listed was a godsend. She was so helpful. The flank steak was great. The wine was very good. Thank you so much to everyone who helped make my food. We need more allergy friendly places like you!

Emily Smith

Some of the best lattes and cappuccinos around. Seasonal gluten free pumpkin pie bars are mildly sweet and perfectly moist, unlike most American desserts. Staff is super friendly and helpful.

Grace Su Ming

Very cute place with yummy food. Vegan and gluten free options. Breakfast place. Staff very friendly. Parking on the street

Charles Laparr

After a candle lit stringed quartet performance of Adele and dinner at The Earl what more could could the evening hold? Thanks to "The Earl" for your significant part in a homerun evening. The Earl stepped up from the moment I booked the reservation. I had flowers delivered that afternoon that were beautifully displayed on the table awaiting our arrival. We loved it from the moment we walked through the front entrance, and directed to a flight of stairs going down. It was kind of a "Speak Easy" feel. We met our hostess at the bottom of the stairs, who led us into an open, multi level dining area, with a moderate level of chatter of guest enjoying their evening. The three piece Jazz band performing at an audible, not over-bearing level. Very Classy. Our waiter was top notch, and escalated our experience to the next level. Attentive, but not intrusive. On to the menu and our selections... My date prefers a Gluten Free (GF) diet which is why I chose "The Earl" in the first place, with nearly 50% of their menu items available as GF friendly. Extensive wine list: Sorry we skipped the wine Stuffed Mushroom Caps: Absolutely melt in your mouth delicious. Plenty for 2 as an appetizer. Bread: Fresh baked GF French bread for the lady. Perfect! Salad: Beet and Goat Cheese. When asked the waiter stated that it would be large enough for two. It was delivered to the table on 2 separate salad plates. Attention to excellence. Scallops: (GF) Melt in your mouth scallops and mushrooms with a smoothly blended sauce but revealing of each distinct ingredient. Linguine w/ Shrimp: Pasta was cooked to perfection with a sauce that was bold but not overpowering. The anchovies added a savory flavor enhancing the other ingredients creating a dish to die for. We passed on the deserts this time, but will return in the near future as this has the possibilities of being our restaurant of choice for future events. Next time Lori, we start with the wine list and roasted garlic. Promise!

Sha

Went to Cafe Zola with friends for dinner, and it was a great experience overall. We had a reservation and were seated promptly at our reserved time, which was a nice start to the evening. The menu is limited, but what they offer is well-executed. The absolute standout dish was the Sambar Grilled Chicken Skewers—the sauce was the real star, adding a bold kick that made the dish unforgettable. The flavors still linger, making it a must-try! Though listed as a starter, the portion was generous enough to be a main course. The sauce and chicken complemented each other perfectly, making it a standout dish. We also tried: • Shrimp Tacos – Fresh and flavorful • Brussels Sprouts – Nicely done • Bread Board – A good starter to share • Tofu with Ginger Tahini Sauce – Light yet packed with flavor • Cavalo Nero (Kale pesto & spring pea shoots) – A unique and tasty combination • Tajarin ai Limone with Chicken (customized with added chicken) – So good! The chicken was cooked to perfection. • Faroe Island Salmon Fillet – Well-prepared and delicious The staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring we had a great experience. They also offer outdoor seating for summer, which is something I’d love to try next time. They offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the staff is accommodating if you need modifications. It’s best to check with them for specific dietary needs For parking, we got lucky since it wasn’t too busy, but during peak hours, finding a spot can be tricky as it’s located downtown. However, a private paid parking lot is just a few steps away, making it convenient. The restaurant falls on the expensive side, and the portions are small, but the flavors make up for it. Next time, I’m definitely trying their crepes and truffle fries! Overall, Great Food, Cozy Ambiance, and Friendly Service. A great spot for a nice meal with friends—just don’t expect a huge menu!

Bobby Cephas