Top 14 Gluten-Free Vegetarian Havens to Explore in Des Moines

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

Louie's Wine Dive

4040 University Ave suite a, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA
Gluten Free IconCeliac friendly
Wine BarCocktailsAmericanBrunchAllergen FriendlyBreakfastDairy Free OptionsDinnerKid FriendlyLunchOutdoor SeatingSeafoodTake AwayVegan OptionsVegetarian OptionsDedicated GF FryerBeerOpen LateDeliveryPet FriendlyRestaurant
A favorite local spot with a vibrant patio and a diverse menu that keeps everyone happy, offering fun shareable bites and tasty drinks.

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Harv
Harv
This place is a gluten-free haven.

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Fresko

909 Locust St Ste. 103, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten Free IconCeliac friendly
CocktailsBrunchAllergen FriendlyBreakfastDairy Free OptionsDeliveryDinnerKid FriendlyOpen Late NightLunchTake AwayVegan OptionsVegetarian OptionsDedicated GF FryerBread ItemsBurgersDessertsSandwichesTacosRestaurant
With a modern vibe and unique specials, this Des Moines hotspot is perfect for everything from brunch to celebrations, delivering consistently good experiences.

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Mijo Martinez (Mijo Martinez)
Mijo Martinez (Mijo Martinez)
My chicken chiabatta sandwich was a bit dry and the food selection was limited, but they did have substantial gluten free options. The setting and staff were very nice, making it an overall excellent experience.

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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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Thistle's Summit

340 SW 5th St #122, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten Free Icon100% Dedicated Gluten-Free
Vegan OptionsAllergen FriendlyBakeryBreakfastBrunchDairy Free OptionsDeliveryKid FriendlyTake AwayVegetarian OptionsDesserts100% GFSeparate GF MenuSeparate OvenKnowledgeable StaffDedicated GF Kitchen Space
Experience a nostalgic journey with creative baked goods that evoke childhood memories, plus a charming apothecary upstairs filled with unique finds.

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Natasha Huffman
Natasha Huffman
This bakery is vegan and gluten free, and everything I've had from here is absolutely amazing! The people working are always warm and welcoming as well, definitely recommend:) and don't forget to check out the antiques upstairs!

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Americana

1312 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten Free IconCeliac friendly
AmericanBrunchAllergen FriendlyBreakfastDairy Free OptionsDeliveryDinnerOpen Late NightLunchTake AwayVegan OptionsVegetarian OptionsDedicated GF FryerCiderDessertsKnowledgeable StaffKid FriendlyPancakesBread ItemsSandwichesCocktails
A lively spot with a vast menu and unique stations, perfect for groups but challenging for those with mobility issues due to stair access.

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Jennifer VanSickle
Jennifer VanSickle
Love it every time. Good atmosphere and I'm pretty find if the gluten sensitive choices. Well worth it.

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Jersey Mike's Subs

4117 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
Gluten Free IconAccommodating Gluten-Free
Grab & GoKid FriendlyLunchTake AwayVegetarian OptionsVegan OptionsBread ItemsSandwichesDinnerDeliveryPet Friendly
Experience a unique sandwich spot with a dedicated gluten-free area and careful prep, delivering a delightful twist on a classic favorite!

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Jodi Allen
Jodi Allen
I placed a pickup order at 5:16pm and app said order would be ready at 5:30pm. Arrived at 5:45pm and it took until 5:50pm to get assistance. Teenager at register stated it would take 10 minutes. He then confirmed with cook that 10 minutes was accurate. Cook looked at ticket and said with 2 gluten free sandwiches it would be a while. Grill started to be cleaned at 6:05 pm and order was started at 6:10 pm. Let me point out that while standing there waiting I watched the counter fill up with other pick up orders and people walk in put in their order and receive it while I was there. Someone obviously made a conscious decision not to fill my order in a timely manner because of the gluten free sandwiches. Jasmine attempted to give me a cookie and I refused because of allergies at 6:20pm. At 6:23pm more than an hour after my order was placed I received my order finally. My specific instructions in my order were to write names on the sandwich package and to bag the gluten free separately. Neither instruction was followed. Jasmine gave me 2 coupons for 3 sandwiches and I told her i should receive 3 because our order was due at 5:30pm. She said no and that we could leave and didn't need to return to the store. Not once did she apologize or provide an explanation. I was not happy and yelled going out the door thanks for not saying I'm sorry. I would have been happy with the 2 coupons and an apology. Jasmine lacks the skills to be a manager if she can't apologize to a customer for a decision she probably made. I feel that Jasmine was discriminatory in her actions because of the food allergies and her overall actions. Jersey Mike's as a company has practices in place to accommodate customers with food allergies but this employee seems to have decided to not provide your typical great service becsuse of it.

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HomeGrown Des Moines - Crescent

555 17th St Ste 102, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten Free IconAccommodating Gluten-Free
BreakfastBrunchKid FriendlyLunchVegan OptionsVegetarian OptionsBread ItemsPancakesSandwichesDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingRestaurant
Bright, cozy spot near downtown with a fresh, delicious menu and local art that’s definitely worth the wait on busy mornings.

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Allison Merritt
Allison Merritt
Great atmosphere and service. However, would not recommend to those with celiac disease despite the gluten free menu options. Clearly was either cooked with gluten containing items and heavy cross contact, or my 5 year old with celiac disease was served gluten pancakes despite confirming and re-confirming.

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Jersey Mike's Subs

2809 E University Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA
Gluten Free IconAccommodating Gluten-Free
Grab & GoKid FriendlyLunchTake AwayVegetarian OptionsVegan OptionsBread ItemsSandwichesDinnerDeliveryPet Friendly
A spot that nails quick and tasty sandwiches with a special Mike's Way" touch, ensuring every bite feels like a trip back home.

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Melinda Bianchi
Melinda Bianchi
Ordered online and picked up in-store. The process was simple and the sandwiches were perfect! It was exactly what I wanted. Something quick and delicious! I love that they make their sandwiches "Mike's Way" which is served with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, an olive oil blend, red wine vinegar and spices. I feel like this combination elevates every sub. If I can't order from a Jersey Mike's, I still ask for these additions--no matter what sandwich I get. I'm not a big sandwich consumer but when I feel like it, I come here. The bread is awesome (they even have gluten-free), the meats and cheeses taste like they're actually premium cuts, the veggies are cut properly, and there's not too much or too little sauce. Everything is just right!

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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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Blue Sushi Sake Grill

316 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten Free IconCeliac friendly
SushiVegan OptionsAllergen FriendlyAsianDairy Free OptionsDeliveryDinnerLunchOutdoor SeatingTake AwayVegetarian OptionsDedicated GF Kitchen SpaceKnowledgeable StaffPet FriendlyKid Friendly
Savor a vibrant atmosphere with phenomenal sushi, unique drinks, and a menu packed with diverse options for everyone.

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Dani Rae Carter
Dani Rae Carter
Incredible! The drinks were fun and the menu had a ton of vegan, vegetarian, gluten free options. Beautiful atmosphere as well- Would recommend!

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Lua Brewing

1525 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten Free IconAccommodating Gluten-Free
Dairy Free OptionsDinnerOpen Late NightOutdoor SeatingVegan OptionsVegetarian OptionsCiderFriesDeliveryTake AwayKid FriendlyPet Friendly
Enjoy a vibrant menu with rotating themes, mouthwatering dishes, and unique drinks that cater to everyone, making it a local favorite.

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Rachel Quist
Rachel Quist
The staff accommodated a large group immediately and we had great service from Annie! They have a whole vegan and gluten free menu if you ask for it. The tofu bites are great! Portions are very generous. A great option in the Des Moines area!

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A Dong Restaurant

1511 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerVeganOpen LateDeliveryTake AwayKid FriendlyVegetarian

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MrBubbles4U
MrBubbles4U
I love to eat A Dong! Wife has celiac and can't eat wheat, but they have delicious stir fry for them and rice wrap spring rolls as well. Very good food over all!

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New World Kitchen

1620 Pleasant St Suite 248, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
Gluten-free options
BreakfastLunchDinnerVeganCafeDeliveryTake AwayKid FriendlyVegetarian
Amazing flavors and gourmet vibes make this spot a game-changer for those seeking clean, simple ingredient options.

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Cheryl McColley
Cheryl McColley
New World Kitchen has been an incredible blessing to our family. My husband has lyme disease and his food options are limited. My husband needs to eat foods that are dairy free, anti-inflammatory and gluten free with clean and simple ingredients. New World Kitchen checks all those boxes!! Additionally, the food flavors are absolutely phenomenal and unlike anything I've experienced before. The chefs at NWK are amazing and how they mingle the ingredients together to create a gourmet experience Is so impressive!! Thank you New World Kitchen for special treats and meals every week!!

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Papa Murphy's | Take 'N' Bake Pizza

6058 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerItalianPizzaDeliveryTake AwayKid FriendlyVegetarian

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Sarah Salazar
Sarah Salazar
Better than frozen, less expensive than delivery, fresher than grocery stores, and made to order while you watch, or call ahead and they will have it waiting for you to pick up. Bake it at home for hot from the oven in 12 - 40 minutes depending on the type of pizza you order and how crispy you want your crust. Or you can refrigerate it to prepare later. Crust options include thin, original, pan, gluten free, stuffed double crust, or Keto crustless! A wide variety of toppings and sauce options. Also salads, sodas, chocolate chip cookie dough (for baking), and desert pizzas.

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