Top 15 Gluten-Free Spots to Explore in East Village, Des Moines

Your curated guide to gluten-free dining options, with detailed reviews and recommendations for safe celiac-friendly meals.

Bar Nico

428 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten Free Icon100% Dedicated Gluten-Free
MexicanCocktailsAllergen FriendlyDinnerOpen Late NightLunchTake AwayVegetarian OptionsVegan OptionsTacos100% GFSeparate GF MenuSeparate OvenKnowledgeable StaffDedicated GF Kitchen SpaceDessertsDedicated GF FryerBreakfastBrunchDeliveryPet FriendlyKid FriendlyOutdoor Seating
Experience a culinary gem with fresh, flavorful dishes, creative options, and top-notch cocktails in a vibrant setting that's perfect for any occasion.

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Emily Onomatopoeia
Emily Onomatopoeia
O.M.G. 100% gluten free kitchen AND the food was absolutely amazing!! Our waitress was super friendly! I would give more than 5 stars if I could!!!

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Dedicated gluten-free menu

Molly's Cupcakes

215 E 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten Free IconAccommodating Gluten-Free
DeliveryTake Away
Experience a fun, industrial bakery in East Village, featuring unique, beautifully-decorated cupcakes and a playful atmosphere with swing seating.

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James White
James White
Molly's is a fun bakery with an industrial atmosphere that makes delicious treats. My wife is Celiac, and their gluten-free wedding cake and cupcakes pleased every guest! They were surprised to know it was gluten-free, and not a single cupcake was left over. To top it off, Molly's gave us a free little cake for our one year anniversary. Thank you, Molly's!

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Dirt Burger

407 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerVeganOpen LateDeliveryTake AwayKid Friendly
Experience a mouthwatering, indulgent veggie burger packed with unique flavors and textures, plus incredible sides that steal the show!

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Michelle M.
Michelle M.
Amazing! Probably the best dang burger I've ever had... the lil' Elvis and the phenomenal dirt balls were the icing on the cake. Gluten-free bun also available. I'd rate this more than 5 stars if it was possible.

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The Breakfast Club

212 E 3rd St Ste B, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
BrunchBreakfastDairy Free OptionsLunchBread ItemsBurgersSandwichesWaffles / CrepesDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyRestaurant
Vibrant atmosphere with a creative and extensive breakfast menu, making it a top spot for a fun and fulfilling morning experience.

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Kenzie Kelso
Kenzie Kelso
Great food, tons of vegan and gluten free options, great service.

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NOSH Cafe and Eatery

424 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
Vegan OptionsBreakfastBrunchCoffeeVegetarian OptionsBread ItemsLunchDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid Friendly
An online ordering gem with staff so patient you'll adore, praised for its fun vibe accumulated over years in the East Village, and kept spotless.

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Carole Kern
Carole Kern
Update: Mike Larsen contacted me several times to apologize, get feedback, and to locate the record of the sale. The meal bill was fully refunded. He said he spoke with his people to improve the experience. Everyplace can have an off night. I would give them another chance. Original review: Poor service, got the order wrong, sandwich was sparsely covered with contents making it mostly stale bread, salad dressing wasn't mixed, salad had wonton stips which are not Gluten-free even though the order was for Gluten-free. Expensive meal we threw away and went elsewhere to eat.

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Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerBrunchOpen LateCocktailsBurgersGrab & GoDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyRestaurant
A fun spot with a vibrant patio, unique milkshakes, and a welcoming vibe that's perfect for a relaxed outing with your furry friend.

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Josh Anderson
Josh Anderson
This place was awesome, staff was friendly and helpful, did not feel rushed. Staff helped us figure out how to make items Gluten-free for my Fiancé. Some shakes are also Gluten-free l. Just like all restaurants there is a chance for cross contamination but let staff know and they can help the best they can.

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Scenic Route Bakery

350 E Locust St Ste 104, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
BreakfastLunchBakeryCafeDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyBrunch
A cozy spot with amazing baked goods and great coffee that brightens your day and keeps you fueled for whatever life throws your way!

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Krista
Krista
I would give it 5 stars on food if there were more gluten-free options, especially in the bakery portion. But for non-gluten sensitive people, their baked goods are amazing!! Cinnamon rolls were my favorite when I could eat them. A big thank you to the staff for sharing that even the gluten-free monster cookies are cross-contaminated. All around, great coffee shop.

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Open Sesame

313 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerCafeMediterraneanDeliveryTake AwayRestaurant

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Claire McKay
Claire McKay
Food was FANTASTIC and affordable. Staff was friendly and very accommodating to gluten free allergy.

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Alba Restaurant

524 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerAmericanDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingRestaurant
Celebrate special moments here with top-notch service and a welcoming vibe that keeps customers coming back for more!

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Ashe
Ashe
Good GOLLY. I love this place. We went to celebrate getting through wedding planning and to celebrate a new job. Everyone was SO NICE. I mean 10/10 customer service. I have a severe gluten allergy and they were ON IT. Went so far above and beyond. The chef at the time (who was leaving) amazing and funny. The (what I can assume) Manager he was awesome too. Checking in making sure everything was perfect. And honestly this place is a 2.5 $ not 3. For what we got it was perfectly priced. We will be back!!!

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Miyabi 9

512 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerAsianDeliveryTake Away

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Stephani Livingston-Smithson
Stephani Livingston-Smithson
One of my absolute favorite places to eat! The owner is super knowledgeable on gluten free needs and takes the best care of us every time we go!!!

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Olympic Flame Restaurant

514 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerMediterraneanDeliveryTake AwayKid Friendly
With attentive owners and a cozy vibe, this spot is perfect for a pre-concert hangout—just make sure to arrive early for popular favorites!

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Melinda Bianchi
Melinda Bianchi
I love this place so much! The owners here are so nice and attentive. They really want to make everyone's experience memorable. The food was fresh and delicious. It reminded My gluten-free friends were able to find foods they could enjoy. We stopped in before a concert at Wooly's. I highly recommend the flaming cheese if you're into that sort of thing! They do run out of it often though so I'd try to get in before the dinner rush. It's just so popular!

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Railroad Bill's Dining Car

621 Des Moines St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
BreakfastLunchBrunchDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid Friendly

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Carol Speed
Carol Speed
Nice stop for work good food. Staff was friendly and I wondered through the antique store connected to the dining area. Gluten free bread too!

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The Continental

407 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
DeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingRestaurant

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Steven
Steven
Great menu with some really tasty items. Gluten free options are available. The poached pear salad is one of my favorites. Their cocktail list is pretty good and the service is always adequate. Love grabbing a quick bite for lunch here.

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