The Best Spots To Get Gluten-Free Pizza In The US
As more people realize that wheat just doesn't play nicely with their bodies, the market for gluten-free alternatives continues to grow. So whether you want to take a break from traditional wheat-based products or you've developed an allergy or sensitivity, there are a plethora of places you can go to get your gluten-free needs met and enjoy a great meal, too.
Pizza, a traditionally gluten-heavy dish, is getting a wheat-free makeover thanks to increased demand. According to PMQ, a considerable segment of the population is gluten-free, and savvy pizzerias are waking up to that reality and realizing they need to cater to this market to stay relevant. Fortunately, there are now tons of pizzerias and pie shops that have jumped on the gluten-free bandwagon and are making their menus more inclusive to all dietary needs. Check out the gluten-free pizzerias on the list — you won't miss the wheat and might even find a new favorite restaurant.
Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom is an Atlanta-born, specialty chain of pizza joints notable for its vibrant décor and signature pies (via Only in Your State). Walking the line between family-friendly and funky, Mellow Mushroom hits the savory, saucy spot every time thanks to good quality ingredients. Now, gluten-free customers can get their pizza fix at Mellow Mushroom as a result of the 100% gluten-free pies on its menu.
You can opt to build your own or order some of the chain's classic faves, like Mighty Meaty, Veg Out, or Kosmic Karma. Are you craving a sweet treat? Try the gluten- and GMO-free brownies to round off your meal. Mellow Mushroom is a haven for all things gluten-free and an excellent place for vegans to savor a great meal. With a varied menu of gluten-free and vegan options that shine alongside its regular pies, Mellow Mushroom is a true, inclusive pizza winner in our book.
Emmy Squared Pizza
Brookly-based Emmy Squared Pizza's creative fusion of grandma pie and Detroit crust put it on the map in 2016. Since then, the boutique chain has been going strong with multiple locations on the East Coast serving up the same fresh fusion of styles. It also eschews paper-thin New York-style crust for rich, doughy bread with a generous layer of perfectly-crisped cheese.
According to The Gothamist, Emmy Squared Pizza took another forward-thinking step by offering an alternative to its thick focaccia-like squares. Instead, you can opt for a rice-flour-based gluten-free crust with the same heft, taste, and mouthfeel as the original stuff. Best of all, gluten-free diners can swap rice-flour crust for the traditional one in any pie. Emmy's Squared Pizza takes the guesswork out of ordering gluten-free with its all-inclusive menu of options — it's a massive gift to gluten-free diners and something that will surely continue to keep them ahead of the competition.
Forno Rosso
With locations in West Loop and Harlem, Chicago-based Forno Rosso Pizzeria has roots in traditional Napoli pizza-making. Founder Nick Nitti studied the craft with Napoli's pizzaiolos and brought his knowledge back to the Windy City. As a result, Forno Rosso Pizzeria's pies are a delectable combination of old-world style and authentic Chicago taste, using high-quality, traditional ingredients and imported cheeses for spot-on Italian pies.
They also offer a heck of a great gluten-free crust (via Find Me Gluten Free). Unlike some sub-par gluten-free offerings, the crusts at Forno Rosso Pizzeria are dense and chewy with no artificial tastes or textures. Instead, you'll get hearty, hefty dough topped with premium ingredients served in Chicago's Randolph Row neighborhood. This restaurant is ideal for pizza purists and even better for gluten-free diners who miss the satisfying taste of a decadent, lovingly-prepared pizza. Get yours with any number of different toppings, and rest assured that it's celiac-friendly and always authentic.
Senza Gluten by Jemiko Cafe & Bakery
It's not hyperbole to call Senza Gluten by Jemiko Cafe & Bakery a delicious oasis for gluten-free diners. Offering traditional and mouthwatering Italian food that's completely gluten-free, the pizza and pasta taste just like the real deal, only they won't trigger an allergy or reaction. In fact, the food at Senza Gluten by Jemiko Cafe & Bakery is so authentic that wheat eaters won't even be able to tell the difference. According to the New Yorker, one patron was so moved by Senza Gluten's kitchen wizardry that she actually kissed the chef's hands.
True to form, Senza Gluten's pizza is identical to a classic Italian pie. Since everything on the menu is sans gluten, you can order several different dishes to share across the table. As a result, there's no chance of cross-contamination or the waiter misunderstanding your order. Instead, Senza Gluten is one of the best gluten-free restaurants in New York City, with top-notch pizza and pasta dishes from the old country.
Pi Pizzeria
With locations both in and outside of the U.S., Pi Pizza is the Tripadvisor top-rated pizza parlor in a town famous for its pizza shops — specifically, Washington D.C. (via Patch). With glowing reviews that herald Pi Pizza's thin crust, deep dish pies, and excellent wine, the pizzeria is both a local and out-of-town fave. Fortunately, it's also taken its gluten-free clientele into account with menu adjustments that allow all customers to experience the cheesy, saucy joy that is Pi Pizza without the wheat or grain.
According to the restaurant's allergy information page, Pi Pizza is committed to serving its broad base of customers with both gluten-free and vegan fare. The gluten-free goodies don't stop at the pizza either. It also has a selection of gluten-free apps, beers, and a few mouthwatering desserts. Plus, the menu clearly depicts which foods are vegan and gluten-free, but cautious customers can also talk to the wait staff to ensure there's no cross-contamination.
Community Pie
Community Pie in Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers a gluten-free crust upgrade on any of its standard pies and its delectable deep dish pizza with a doughy, substantial crust and plenty of piping hot toppings (via Find Me Gluten Free). If you're vegan, you can also opt for plant-based cheese that tastes nearly identical to the real thing, allowing you a delicious indulgence without a touch of dairy or wheat.
Delicious pizzas dominate Community Pie's menu with crisp edges and a mix of savory cooked and fresh toppings like a luxe vodka sauce, creamy ricotta, prosciutto, and a bright basil chiffonade. Pies like the "Veg Out" are an upgrade on your traditional vegetarian pizza, with artichoke hearts, thick-cut mushrooms, olives, and plenty of plump sliced tomatoes. Of course, you can also build your own gluten-free masterpiece, choosing whatever sauce, cheese, toppings, and style strikes your fancy. The flexibility and accessibility of Community Pie's menu sets it apart.
Flatbread Company
Flatbread Company has several locations in the northern part of the United States (as well as sun-drenched Hawaii) and focuses on its mission to serve "real food." In fact, the company was an early adopter of organic and local food. It started its quest for authentic and sustainable ingredients in 1998, focusing on fire's ability to fuse good ingredients into a great end product (that's the pizza, ahem).
Since Flatbread Company was one of the first to jump on the organic food train, it should come as no surprise that they're also proponents of healthy vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food. According to Gluten-Free New England, Flatbread Company takes special pains to ensure that its gluten-free fare is prepared well away from any residual flour. It also notes that a significant part of Flatbread Company's clientele is gluten-free, which certainly speaks to the company's commitment to customer service and meticulous preparation.
Shakespeare's Pizza
Shakespeare's Pizza in Columbia, Missouri, offers 12-inch gluten-free pies for a small additional cost, so you can still get all the fixin's featured on its crave-worthy lineup of pies without the wheat. This is excellent news for any true pizza lover because Shakespeare's Pizza's customer classics have achieved national acclaim in the Best Bites: College Edition competition on Good Morning America (via Columbia Missourian). College student or not, you're definitely going to want to sink your teeth into one of its pies.
Although Shakespeare's Pizza prepares its gluten-free pies in the same kitchen as its traditional ones, it uses designated utensils to avoid unnecessary cross-contamination. Adorn your gluten-free crust with different toppings like heaps of lean beef, sausage, mushrooms, and olives. It also offers a build-your-own pie option. Whatever you select, make sure that you're ready with a fork and knife — Shakespeare's Pizza tends to get gloriously messy, and you'll probably wind up scooping up all those extra toppings.
Nacoochee Village Tavern and Pizzeria
Georgia's Nacoochee Village Tavern has a lot of hometown heart and an artisan baking style that yields exceptionally good food in a welcoming, friendly environment. The shop shies away from preservatives and chemicals, leaning more towards wholesome, local ingredients that elevate the flavors of its pies. Although Nacoochee Village Tavern doesn't have a designated gluten-free menu, you can get an exceptional gluten-free crust (via Find Me Gluten Free).
The gluten-free crust is crispy, hearty, and light-tasting without that artificial edge that sometimes defines gluten-free dining. It's also the ideal foundation for any of Nacoochee Village Tavern's toppings, including fresh tomato sauce, peppers, mozzarella, roasted garlic, or slow-cooked vegetables. With both meat and vegetarian options available, you're bound to find something that hits the flavor bullseye at this Peach State gem. Plus, you can enjoy it all knowing that you don't have to worry about a gluten reaction.
Memphis Pizza Cafe
With four locations throughout Memphis, Memphis Pizza Cafe specializes in good old-fashioned pizzas with a few specialty pies added in for good measure, like the Hawaiian and Buffalo Chicken. One of Memphis Pizza Cafe's most popular and cleverly-named pies, the Hey Meat!, comes covered in five different types of protein — a winner amongst those with more carnivorous tastes. This local chain bills itself as "the best pizza in Memphis for 28 years running," which may not be an exaggeration. According to TripAdvisor, the gluten-free pizza is on point. It's authentic-tasting, with a crispy, tasty crust that's the perfect foil for the rest of the ingredients.
Memphis Pizza Cafe can also sub out the traditional crust on any pizza for a 10-inch gluten-free one for less than $2. Since the gluten-free alternative is just as tasty, if not more delicious, it's a fantastic spot to satisfy your pizza cravings the next time you find yourself in Memphis.
Spris Pizza
Gluten-free diners can order Spris Pizza's entire menu sans traditional crust, making this Florida pizza joint one of the best places in the South to get tremendously tasty gluten-free pizza. Spris Pizza has all the classics, like the Napoletana with salty black olives, rich anchovies, and plenty of fresh oregano. There's also the Diavola, a meat-lovers pie with hot salami and plenty of gooey mozzarella, and the Cotto e Funghi, with mushrooms and ham. For the vegetarians in the house, the Vegana pie is packed with olives, artichokes, cabbage, and carrots for a fresh and healthy twist on your favorite pie.
TripAdvisor lauds Spris Pizza's gluten-free crust, with some reviewers rating it as the best they'd ever had. But no matter what you pile on top of it, the classic and comforting gluten-free crust leaves diners wanting for nothing and mimics the taste of the original crust so perfectly that even wheat eaters will hardly know the difference.
Razzi's Pizzeria
With two locations in Seattle, Razzi's Pizzeria is the place to be if you're gluten-free. According to The Stranger, it has fantastic vegan and gluten-free alternatives with doughy, chewy, fresh bread. If you're in the mood for a calzone or sandwich, those are on the menu, as well as mouthwatering plates of fresh pasta. Essentially, Razzi's is the go-to spot for folks who crave the carbs without the wheat. And with plenty of toppings to choose from, you won't go hungry or get bored.
Razzi's four cheese pizza is a celebration of all things gooey with tons of swiss, mozzarella, feta, and parmesan slathered on top. If you're a feta fan, the Fetos pizza has you covered with bright tomatoes, onions, and of course, plenty of tart-and-tangy feta cheese. In addition, there are mushroom options, pies for meat lovers, and even an NW Mex pizza with beef, peppers, and a hearty sprinkle of cheddar cheese across the whole pie.
Zpizza
Although Zpizza is California-born and bred, it has multiple locations throughout the country serving fabulous gluten-free pie. The chain separates its regular and gluten-free dough and uses a particular set of tools to cut, prepare, and bake the crust itself. This means you can snack to your heart's content enjoying various different toppings and sauces without worrying about a potential allergic reaction.
Zpizza specializes in homemade marinara sauce and then loads up its pies with tons of different veggies, meats, vegan meat substitutes, and cheeses. In addition, you'll find special fare like slow-roasted mushrooms and fennel sausage on the menu, plus hot and spicy honey that adds a complementary sweet tang to any standard pie. Fresh is also the name of the game at Zpizza (via Great Falls Tribune), with ingredients that are health-forward and tasty. Zpizza is a win for those looking to incorporate more foods into their diet, stay gluten-free, and still enjoy a stellar meal.
Garlic Jim's Famous Gourmet Pizza
Garlic Jim's, located in Texas, Washington, and Oregon, masterfully crafts made-to-order pizzas in rapid order, satisfying its customers with fresh pies that arrive in a matter of minutes. Its locations offer tasty pies at a speedy rate and have incorporated gluten-free crusts into its stellar lineup of pies. These crusts are chewy and doughy and work well with Garlic Jim's inventive and classic flavor combinations.
Garlic Jim's Ultimate, one of the shops' flagship pies, is a meaty extravaganza full of Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, and lots of pepperonis. Veggies round off the flavor profile nicely with salty black olives complementing the meat and mushrooms, lending the dish a bit of an umami flavor. There's also a chipotle pesto pie with red onions, pepperoni, and crunchy cashews, and a luxe Southwestern Chicken with black beans and plenty of premium cheddar cheese. Get 'em all gluten-free.
Picazzo's Healthy Italian Kitchen
Arizona-born Picazzo's prides itself on being an "healthitarian" pizza option in the Grand Canyon State, with locations in Arrowhead, Sedona, Tempe, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale. This local favorite specializes in whole, nutrient-dense food, and fusion flavorings to bring a little bit of Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean to its pies. In addition, Picazzo's has tons of vegan options plus several different gluten-free crusts to choose from. The Gluten Free Travel Blog cites Picazzo's innovative décor, good wine list, and a plethora of gluten-free options as major selling points.
Patrons have their choice of gluten-free vegan crust, keto-friendly cauliflower crust, or original gluten-free. Plus, all gluten-free pizzas bake in a special oven to avoid cross-contamination. While Picazzo's has some standard, classic pies (like the Naples Margherita), there are a few nods to the Southwest on the menu, with an elote pie featuring chipotle sauce, corn, and red onions.
Rubirosa Ristorante
New York City's Rubirosa Ristorante is right in the middle of Little Italy on Mulberry Street, and it has a lot of neighborly competition to live up to. Fortunately, Rubirosa Ristorante is up to the challenge with pizza pies straight from the old country with a gluten-free modern twist. All of Rubirosa Ristorante's pizzas have gluten-free dough, and if you're craving carbs, you don't have to stop there. Find Me Gluten Free points out that the pasta and rice balls are stellar, too.
Your pizza options range from classic to eclectic and sweet to savory. Rubirosa Ristorante's Fresca pizza is a tried-and-true combination of fresh basil, mozzarella, and generous slices of tomato. Need more of a protein hit? Rubirosa Supreme features tiny meatballs, plenty of roasted garlic, and a blanket of pepperoni. If you want something extraordinary and out of the box, try its Honey Pie with spiced honey, several types of cheeses, meat, and a sprinkle of freshly picked parsley.
Pies and Pints Pizzeria
With locations in West Virginia, Ohio, Alabama, Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana, the cheekily named Pies and Pints Pizzeria is the kind of old-school pizza parlor with games for the children and plenty of places to sprawl out and get your eat on. Everything at Pies and Pints Pizzeria tastes homemade, from the garlic oil-touched crust to the homestyle blend of cheese and tart tomato sauce.
The menu might be limited, but the choices are solid and tasty, from the standard pizza pie to the cheese-heavy and herbaceous white pie. Of course, you can also opt to make your own with a slew of standard and premium toppings. Customers here will also enjoy the doughy and crisp garlic-infused crust that's completely gluten-free (via Find Me Gluten Free). With a laid-back atmosphere, huge beer selection, and tasty menu of standard and gluten-free pies, you simply can't go wrong with this place.
Brown Dog Pizza
Telluride, Colorado's Brown Dog Pizza enjoys a solid comfort-food niche with its gooey slices of pizza and jam-packed submarine sandwiches. According to its website, the charming name is an homage to the owners' dogs — two chocolate Labradors. And their pie-making technique comes courtesy of the International School of Pizza. Brown Dog Pizza enjoys plenty of awards and accolades, and fortunately for gluten-free folk, you can taste all of Brown Dog Pizza's unique offerings with a fresh, weighty, traditional-tasting crust sans the gluten (via Find Me Gluten Free).
Brown Dog Pizza also makes customers aware that it separates its regular and gluten-free pizzas to avoid cross-contamination. Plus, you can load up your gluten-free crust with whatever yummy ingredients you want, like standard pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, chilis, black olives, caramelized onions, or a handful of bright, fresh arugula. Brown Dog Pizza has specialty toppings, too, like meatballs, anchovies, and artichoke hearts.
Antica Forma
Utah's Antica Forma has some of the most fantastic gluten-free crust in the state (via Find Me Gluten Free) plus tremendously tempting toppings that give a nod to Italian-style cuisine while still representing modern American tastes. The Provola is a riff on a traditional Margherita pizza with luscious slices of Buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and premium olive oil. The Sopressata levels up the Provola by adding salami to the mix for a meaty but straightforward take on a classic pie.
Although you'll find standard offerings like pepperoni and mushroom at Antica Forma, there are some higher-end, unexpected pizzas that you can get with a traditional or gluten-free crust. For example, the Il Mare showcases shrimp and a bright pesto sauce along with plenty of garlic, mozzarella, and basil. It's a nice meeting point between hearty pizza and a fresh-from-the-sea shrimp appetizer. And don't sleep on Antica Forma's homemade meatball pizza — it's certainly one to write home about.
Blue Pan Pizza
Denver, Colorado's Blue Pan Pizza takes gluten-free diets seriously and practices "extreme caution" when concocting its gluten-free dishes. Since Blue Pan Pizza makes traditional pies in conjunction with gluten-free ones, there's a tiny chance of cross-contamination. However, this possible cross-contamination is minimal and on par for any kitchen baking multiple items in the same environment. Blue Pan Pizza is transparent about its efforts to create gluten-friendly food, and you can get a gluten-free crust on plenty of its pies.
This pizza joint is a devotee of Detroit-style pies, so expect generous square portions of the good stuff slathered with cheese, meats, and vegetables. Fortunately, you can get a small Detroit-style gluten-free pizza at Blue Pan Pizza covered in creamy scoops of ricotta and salami or smothered in a Detroit cheese blend with a drizzle of olive oil. It also offers New York-style and Chicago Cracker pies for those looking for a bit of variety.
Pizzana
With locations in California and Texas, Pizzana is a relatively small chain featuring Napoli-style pies with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. According to Los Angeles Magazine, Pizzana lives up to the hype, creating oven-baked pizzas, sumptuous apps, and sides in an upscale but family-friendly environment. And its pies are truly spectacular, with conventional faves like Neo Margherita mingling with cacio e pepe, a pizza that the LA Times lauds as "hardest to resist." Even seemingly simple toppings are more nuanced, perfectly flavored, and elevated at Pizzana, where standard sausage crumbles get swapped out for gourmet fennel versions.
Additionally, Pizzana caters to all its customers by clearly marking its vegan and gluten-free fare on the menu and offering the option to upgrade your standard crust to a gluten-free one. This versatility and ability to customize any pie makes Pizzana stand out, not only for its fresh flavors and ingredients but in exemplary customer service.