Nine Favorite Metro Phoenix Spots Where You Can Eat Gluten Free

See also: Five Gluten-Free Foods That Have Always Been Gluten-Free See also: Chandler's 24 Carrots Moving Its Healthy Fare to Tempe Believe it or not, the gluten-free trend is here to stay and with more and more people choosing to cut wheat from their diets, more and more restaurants are...

By Shannon Armour

September 17, 2012

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Believe it or not, the gluten-free trend is here to stay and with more and more people choosing to cut wheat from their diets, more and more restaurants are adding GF choices to their daily menus.

While most restaurants have just one or two items, these nine restaurants offer extensive selections for our gluten free friends. Check out who made our list:

Green/Nami -- Gluten free is no problem for the kids at our favorite vegan comfort restaurant and neighboring coffee shop. Ask them for their special wheat free menu, which features tasty bowls of organic rice topped with mock chicken and fresh veggies in savory sauces or an order of their awesome "wings" (yep, they're GF!). Weekend GF brunch is served every weekend at Phoenix's only vegan coffee shop, Nami, and they also have a handful of gluten free baked goods on hand daily.

North Fattoria Italiana -- If you thought gourmet pasta was off limits, then think again. Chef Chris Curtiss at Sam Fox's kitschy North in Arcadia will make any of his tasty pasta dishes with gluten free pasta for just $2 extra. Try the simple, yet satisfying Bucatini with big chunks of ripe tomatoes, sweet basil, and olive oil or the Mafaldine with spicy rock shrimp, shaved fennel, tomato, and basil. And for dessert, try North's luscious Salted Carmel Budino with fresh creme fraiche.

24 Carrots -- Chandler's (soon to be Tempe's) best spot for fresh juices and vegan fare is also Chandler's best spot to eat gluten free. The easy to navigate menu is packed full of gluten free breakfast and lunch items including scrambles, breakfast bowls, sandwiches, quesadillas, and even tacos. The little shop bakes up a gluten free treat or two every once in awhile, but we like to tame our sweet tooth with one of their naturally sweet smoothies (which are also GF).

Citizen Public House -- Gluten free fine dining is right up this Scottsdale hot spot's alley. With almost half of their dishes -- including their picture perfect scallops, roasted corn chowder, and applewood smoked duck -- clearly marked GF, this award-winning restaurant is a must-try for all you wheat-free folks. Start with a bowl of their bacon fat heirloom popcorn then indulge in a plate of savory chicken & waffles (totally GF!) and finsh off your meal with one of their mouthwatering entrees. You'll likely have to skip dessert but after a meal this decadent, we're sure you won't miss it.

Thai Basil -- It's pretty easy to figure out that spring rolls and probably rice are going to be naturally gluten free, but Thai Basil makes sure that you know what you're eating by clearly marking their gluten free menu items with a nice GF. That means that you can enjoy your beloved creamy, potato-filled, yellow curry, fresh papaya salad, and spicy Thai eggplant knowing that you're not going to end up with a knotted stomach later.

Gluten Free Creations -- Phoenix's only 100% gluten free bakery and eatery is the spot to go for a huge selection of gluten free goodies. Need a GF birthday cake? They'll make you one. GF Hamburger and hot dog buns? They make 'em fresh. Bagels, muffins, breads? yes, yes, and yes! Eat in or take out, this specialty cafe whips up tons of gluten free dishes that are not only wheat free but also tasty.

La Grande Orange Pizzeria -- Some of the best pizza in town can be found at this always packed Arcadia eatery -- and they can make it with their very own gluten free crust. Some of our non-gluten free friends swear by the wheat free crust and order it over the traditional version on a regular basis. Top the crispy crust with your choice of more than two dozen toppings including housemade chicken sausage and fresh mozzarella. And for those of you that are gluten free and vegan, they'll can even make most of their signature pies vegan.

Chakra 4 -- Phoenix's vegetarian cafe and tea cafe, Chakra 4 not only serves up unique vegan eats but they also make most of them gluten free. Everything from their delicious Rawvacado dip to their bowls filled with fresh cut veggies and their healthy sandwiches stacked high with all sorts of good-for-you ingredients. Add a soothing tea or refreshing smoothie to your meal and feel the good gluten free vibes roll through your body. .

Picazzo's Organic Italian Kitchen -- Pasta, pizza, salads, wings -- all your favorite Italian restaurant classics are served up fresh, hot and gluten free at this organic, gluten free Italian food restaurant. Our favorite is the Diavolo Pizza with caramelized onions, red and yellow peppers and sweet andouille sausage or the seafood Alfredo with creamy cheese sauce and loads of seafood. Finish it off with one of their delicious desserts like a warm apple turnover or a gluten free chocolate chip skillet cookie.

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