Gluten free restaurants in Cambridge

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Are you looking for a nice place to enjoy a gluten free meal in Cambridge, Massachusetts? Or maybe you are looking for a place to grab a quick gluten free meal on the go? Well either way, you are in the right place! In this article, we discuss all of our favorite restaurants that offer gluten free options in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

For each restaurant that we discuss in this article, we provide information on characteristics of the restaurant such as the location and atmosphere. We start this article out by discussing the characteristics that we will use to provide more information on each of these restaurants. After that, we discuss some of our favorite sit down restaurants in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After we talk about our favorite sit down restaurants, we take some time to discuss our favorite fast casual restaurants in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Note that we only discuss restaurants in the Cambridge and Somerville area in this article. If you are looking for advice on where you can get good gluten free food in Boston proper, you can check out our article on gluten free restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts. If you check out our article on restaurants in Boston, you might find that we do not necessarily rave about them the way we do in this article. That is because we firmly believe that some of the best food in the Greater Boston area is found in Cambridge and Somerville.

Characteristics of gluten free restaurants in Cambridge

Here are the characteristics that we will use to provide more information on each restaurant that we mention in the article.

Gluten free status. First we will talk about the gluten free status of each Cambridge restaurant. First, we will specify whether each restaurant is dedicated to gluten free food. If a restaurant is not dedicated to gluten free food, we will provide more information to help assess the risk of cross contamination.
Other dietary restrictions. After that, we will talk about other dietary restrictions that each restaurant caters to. Some of the gluten free restaurants we mention in this article cater to patrons with a wide variety of food allergies and dietary restrictions. Others specifically cater to patrons with gluten intolerances and celiac disease.
Cuisine. Next, we will provide more information on the type of cuisine that is served at each restaurant. This will help you find the restaurant that best suits your tastes.
Location. After that, we will provide more information on the location of each restaurant. This will include information on landmarks and neighborhoods that each restaurant is located near. It will also include information on whether each restaurant is easy to access via public transportation.
Atmosphere. Next, we will include information about the atmosphere of each restaurant. This might include information about the decor, customers, waitstaff, or just the general vibe of each restaurant.
Seating. Finally, we will discuss the seating options that are available at each restaurant. This will include information on whether outdoor seating is available. It will also include information on whether reservations are required.

Gluten free sit down restaurants in Cambridge

In this section, we will discuss some of our favorite sit down restaurants in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Note that this list is arranged roughly in order of preference, with our favorite gluten free restaurants appearing closer to the top of the list.

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar

We will start out by saying that Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar is without a doubt one of our favorite restaurants in the Greater Boston area. There is a lot to love about Gustazo. The food is delicious and always beautifully presented. Their dishes have unique flavor combinations that never fail to excite. The service is excellent and the atmosphere feels warm and inviting. And if all of that wasn’t enough, almost everything that they serve is naturally gluten free or can be made gluten free upon request.

Gluten free status. Glustazo is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, gluten free options are clearly labeled on the menu. The labels on the menu also distinguish between items that are naturally gluten free and items that can be made gluten free with substitutions or eliminations.
Other dietary restrictions. Gustazo also labels dishes that are naturally vegan or can be made vegan upon request on the menu. There are a few different options for people who maintain a vegan diet, and a larger range of options available for people who maintain a vegetarian diet.
Cuisine. The menu at Gustazo focuses primarily on Cuban cuisine. Many of the items are served tapas style, with the intention that you can order a few small plates to share.
Location. Gustazo is conveniently located just a few steps away from Davis Square. That means that it is relatively easy to access via public transportation. That also means that it is located in a lively downtown area that has other restaurants and bars around.
Atmosphere. Gustazo has a warm and inviting atmosphere. It is nicely decorated to match all of the perfectly presented food. The staff are also friendly and attentive.
Seating. There is a lot of seating available at Gustazo, particularly in the warmer months when the outdoor seating is fully opened. They have a decently sized indoor seating area, as well as two outdoor seating areas in front of and behind their restaurant. Since there is a lot of seating available, they are often able to accommodate walk-ins. That being said, you may want to call ahead if you plan to arrive during peak weekend dinner hours in the colder months when the outdoor seating is closed.

Guacamole from Gustavo Cuban in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cauliflower from Gustavo Cuban in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Alden & Harlow

Alden & Harlow is an upscale American restaurant that is located right in the heart of Harvard Square. They are known for serving unique dishes that put a creative spin on traditional American favorites. Their food is really top notch and is always packed with flavor. This is a great option for anyone who appreciates bold flavors. While Alden & Harlow is not a dedicated gluten free facility, many of the items on their menu are gluten free or can be made gluten free with substitutions. Alden & Harlow is known for being allergy-friendly in general and their staff are very knowledgeable about potential sources of cross contamination. That means that this is an excellent choice for people who have celiac disease or are sensitive to cross contamination.

Gluten free status. Alden & Harlow is not a dedicated gluten free restaurant. They also do not have a separate gluten free menu available. That being said, their servers and kitchen staff are extremely knowledgeable about how the food is prepared and what items can be made gluten free. If you let them know that you cannot eat gluten, they will ask you whether you are sensitive to cross contamination then mark up a menu with information on which items are naturally gluten free and which items can be made gluten free with substitutions. They can also include information about what substitutions or modifications are required to make an item gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. Alden & Harlow is known for being allergy-conscious and being able to accommodate a range of food allergies. That being said, food allergens are not labeled on their menus. If you have a food allergy, their staff can mark up a menu for you to show you exactly what you can and cannot eat. For a restaurant with upscale cuisine, Alden & Harlow also has an above average number of vegetarian-friendly options available.
Cuisine. Alden & Harlow is an American restaurant that serves upscale American cuisine. They have some really delicious items on their menu that are made with creative combinations of bold flavors.
Atmosphere. Alden & Harlow is a trendy spot with an excellent ambiance. There are multiple different seating areas throughout the restaurant, each of which has its own feel. Their restaurant is furnished with trendy, modern fixtures that are supplemented with cozy accents that make the space feel really inviting.
Location. Alden & Harlow is conveniently located right in the heart of Harvard Square. There are a few parking garages in the area, though garage parking can be expensive. There are also plenty of public transportation options available.
Seating. While most of the seating at Alden & Harlow is located indoors, they do have a small outdoor seating area when the weather is nice. This is a very large restaurant with multiple different seating areas, so it is often possible to get a seat without having a reservation. That being said, it is also a very popular spot that often books up during popular times like Friday and Saturday dinner. If you are planning on attending during a busier time, we recommend booking a reservation at least a few days in advance.

Bravas skillet from Alden & Harlow in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Grilled broccoli from Alden & Harlow in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Sarma

Sarma is an extremely popular Middle Eastern restaurant in the Winter Hill neighborhood of Somerville that is known for having some of the best food in the Boston area. This is a popular spot where reservations are competitive and often need to be made weeks in advance. The dishes that are served at Sarma are made with unique flavor combinations that you will not find anywhere else in the Boston area. We love restaurants with creative menus and call out multiple other restaurants with creative menus in this article, but Sarma really takes the cake when it comes to experimental flavor combinations.

While Sarma does a great job handling dietary restrictions and food allergies, we will warn that the majority of the items on the menu are not safe for those who are sensitive to cross contamination. There are some dishes that are safe though, and they are some of the best dishes that we have had in the greater Boston area.

Gluten free status. Sarma is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, they take food allergies seriously and are able to prepare items that are celiac safe. They have two different gluten free menus available at their restaurant. The regular gluten free menu contains items that are not made with gluten containing ingredients, but may be exposed to cross contamination. The celiac safe menu contains gluten free items that are not exposed to cross contamination. The former venue contains a decent amount of options, but the later menu is more limited. While the choices of celiac-safe items are limited, they are absolutely amazing and we have the utmost confidence that they are safe.
Other dietary restrictions. Sarma also has allergen menus that identify items that are made with other common allergens like sesame, seafood, and many more. Be sure to let them know if you have a food allergy when you check in because they will give you a specific menu that is custom tailored to the allergy you have.
Cuisine. Sarma serves Middle Eastern-inspired small plates. A lot of their food is experimental and contains non-traditional flavor combinations. They are known for having some of the absolute best food in the Boston area.
Atmosphere. Sarma has a fun, upbeat atmosphere and lots of Middle Eastern-inspired decor. They also have some of the best and most attentive waitstaff in town. This is a really special place that people often go to celebrate an occasion. That means that there is always excitement in the air.
Location. Sarma is located in the Winter Hill neighborhood of Somerville. It is located in a residential area that contains a mixture of housing and corner stores. They are relatively close to public transportation and there is parking available a few minutes away. They provide tips on where to park in an automated text that is sent out a day or two before your reservation.
Seating. All of the seating at Sarma is located indoors. Seating is extremely competitive and you often need to book reservations about 30 days in advance (when reservations open up) in order to get a seat in the dining room. That being said, they do have a car area where they can accommodate walk-ins.

Asparagus from Sarma in Somerville, Massachusetts

Sugar & Spice Thai

Sugar & Spice Thai is another gem that has some excellent gluten free options. Sugar & Spice Thai is a Thai restaurant that serves a variety of Thai dishes that originate from different regions of Thailand. They break their menu into different sections that correspond to different regions in Thailand. This means that if you find one dish you like, it is easy to find other dishes that use similar flavors and ingredients. They have a large selection of gluten free options, and are particularly well known for their gluten free pan fried dumplings. In addition to having delicious food, Sugar & Spice also has a fun and unique ambiance. They have multiple seating areas, all of which are cutely decorated with bright pops of color and splashes of greenery.

Gluten free status. Sugar & Spice Thai is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, gluten free options are clearly marked on their menu. They have a huge assortment of gluten free options that goes above and beyond what is available at similar restaurants in the area.
Other dietary restrictions. Sugar & Spice Thai also clearly labels vegan options on the menu. There are a wide range of dishes that can be made vegan or vegetarian friendly.
Cuisine. Sugar & Spice Thai serves primarily Thai cuisine. They serve dishes that are popular in a few different areas in Thailand and denote which region each dish comes from on the menu.
Location. Sugar and Spice Thai is conveniently located in Porter Square. That means that it is also fairly accessible via public transportation. That also means that there are generally reasonable parking options available in the surrounding area.
Atmosphere. Sugar & Spice Thai has a fun and upbeat atmosphere. There are cute decorations scattered throughout all of the seating areas that help to maintain this atmosphere. During the warmer months, the outdoor seating area is nicely decorated with lots of plants and greenery. Inside, there are a lot of fun, colorful lighting fixtures that really lighten up the mood.
Seating. Sugar and Spice Thai has a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating available. Both their indoor and outdoor seating areas are on the smaller side, so they can fill up during peak weekend dinner hours. They have an online waitlist that you can add yourself to if you plan to arrive during these times.

Gluten free dumplings from Sugar and Spice Thai in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Fried Tofu from Sugar and Spice Thai in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Barra

Barra is a trendy Mexican restaurant that is located in Somerville’s Union Square. Our favorite thing about Barra is the ambiance and decor. The walls of the restaurant are lined with trendy accents that feature bold patterns and bright pops of neon color. It feels like the type of ~vibey~ spot that people would go to just to take pictures for Instagram. Many of these accents are thematically relevant and make reference to Mexican culture, which ties the decor back together with the food. They also have great music and friendly staff that lift up the vibe. Another great favorite thing about Barra is that they use very few ingredients that contain gluten in their cooking. They generally only have one or two ingredients that they use in their food that do contain gluten.

Gluten free status. Barra is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, there have been times in the past when their menu was entirely gluten free. Presently, they have one or two items on their menu that are made with ingredients that contain gluten. That means that the chances of cross contamination are relatively low. They do not have a dedicated gluten free fryer, but they fry some items like their chips before items that contain gluten are introduced into the fryer, so there may be some fried items that are free of cross contamination. Gluten free items are not labeled on the menu, but the servers are very knowledgeable about what does and does not contain gluten. They are also knowledgeable about potential sources of cross contamination.
Other dietary restrictions. Barra also has vegetarian options available.
Cuisine. The menu at Barra is inspired by Mexican cuisine. Their menu features some more traditional Mexican dishes that are difficult to find in the Boston area.
Atmosphere. The atmosphere at Barra is one of our absolute favorite things about the restaurant. While Barra is a small and cozy restaurant, it has a really nice ambiance and some wonderful decor. The walls of the restaurant are lined with modern and trendy accents and lighting fixtures that feature bright pops of color. They also have great music selections, especially in their bar area. They position themselves as a spot where you can take your time to enjoy some good visuals and great drinks with friends, so they do not put pressure on you to put food orders in immediately. That being said, most of the food can be prepared very quickly if you let them know that you are in a rush.
Location. Barra is located in Union Square, right in the heart of Somerville. It is in a popular downtown area, so it is fairly accessible via public transportation. There is some parking available in front of nearby Union square shops that does not require you to parallel park. There is also some street parking available on neighboring residential roads.
Seating. Most of the seating at Barra is located indoors, but there are a few outdoor tables located at the back of the restaurant. It may be a good idea to make reservations a day or two in advance if you plan to come during peak weekend dinner hours, but other than that you are generally fine to stop by without a reservation.

Vegetarian tacos from Barra in Somerville, Massachusetts

Esquites from Barra in Somerville, Massachusetts

Dali

Dali is a Spanish tapas restaurant that has some of the most carefully curated decor in the Boston area. Seriously, this place is a work of art! The walls are lined with grandiose accents that feature bold colors, patterns, and textures. If you are looking for a spot with an amazing ambiance, then this would be our number one recommendation. This is a popular spot for people to go to celebrate special occasions, so it is a lively spot that always has excitement in the air. In terms of food, they have a labeled gluten free menu with many items that are or can be made gluten free. Their servers are also extremely knowledgeable about what modifications need to be made in order to make certain items gluten free.

Gluten free status. Dali is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, a large portion of their menu is naturally gluten free or can be made gluten free with substitutions. In particular, there are many items on their menu that can be made gluten free if by omitting the bread. Dali has a gluten free menu that clearly labels what items can be made gluten free. The servers are also very knowledgeable about how items are prepared and can provide information on what substitutions need to be made in order to make an item gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. Dali also has a variety of vegetarian options available. Vegetarian options are clearly labeled on the menu. If you maintain both a gluten free diet and a vegetarian diet, your options will be somewhat limited. That being said, there will still be a few dishes for you to choose from.
Cuisine. Dali is a Spanish restaurant that serves traditional Spanish tapas.
Atmosphere. Dali has an amazing atmosphere and some of the best ambiance in the city. The restaurant itself looks more like an art piece than an actual restaurant. The floors and walls are lined with decorations that seamlessly combine a variety of bold colors and patterns. Dali without a doubt has some of the best decor in the Boston area. The atmosphere is also very lively and upbeat as this is a common place for people to go to celebrate a special occasion.
Location. Dali is located in Somerville just a few blocks away from Inman Square. It is not located in a concentrated downtown area itself, but it is near a few other squares and downtown areas.
Seating. Most of the seating at Dali is located indoors. Seating is generally competitive, so we highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. Reservations during peak dinner hours on Friday and Saturday tend to nook up a week or two ahead of time, but it is often possible to get reservations more last minute if you are okay with eating a little early or a little late.

Baked goat Cheese from Dali in Somerville, Massachusetts

Spinach from Dali in Somerville, Massachusetts

Spoke Wine Bar

We will start out by saying that Spoke Wine Bar has some of the best cocktails in the Boston area. If you are looking for a place to get some creative, upscale cocktails then Spoke Wine Bar should be at the top of your list. Not only are their cocktails delicious, but most of them are also gluten free. Their bartenders are also more knowledgeable about the ingredients that are used in their drinks and which ingredients may contain gluten than most other restaurants. Spoke Wine Bar also serves some delicious food, most of which comes in the form of tapas-style small plates. They have many vegetarian options available, especially when you compare their menu to similar upscale spots in the area.

Gluten free status. Spoke Wine Bar is not a dedicated gluten free restaurant. That being said, most of the items on their menu can be made gluten free upon request. They do not have a dedicated gluten free fryer, so deep fried items cannot be made entirely gluten free. Most items that are not fried can be made gluten free. Most of their cocktails are also naturally gluten free. Spoke Wine Bar does not have a labeled menu, but their servers are very knowledgeable about how the food is prepared and can provide you with information on which items can and cannot be made gluten free. They are also careful about checking with the kitchen in cases where they are not certain.
Other dietary restrictions. Spoke Wine Bar is generally knowledgeable about food allergies and dietary restrictions and is able to accommodate a range of food allergies. That being said, there are no particular allergies that they specialize in. Spoke Wine Bar also has a large range of vegetarian options available. They have many more vegetarian options than other upscale restaurants in the area.
Cuisine. Spoke Wine Bar primarily serves American-inspired small plates. Many of their dishes feature unique ingredients that are not commonly used at other restaurants in the area.
Atmosphere. Spoke Wine Bar is an upscale wine bar with a trendy vibe. While it is an upscale spot, it does feel more cozy and inviting than the average upscale restaurant in Somerville. There are a few reasons for this. First, the restaurant is decorated with some cozy accents that make you feel right at home. Second, the staff are particularly friendly and accommodating.
Location. Spoke Wine Bar is conveniently located just around the corner from Davis Square in Somerville. That means that it is very easy to get to via public transportation. It is generally fairly easy to find parking in the area as well, though most of the parking is paid.
Seating. Spoke Wine Bar has a combination of indoor and outdoor seating available. They have a really nice outdoor seating setup, so this is a great place to go to enjoy a cocktail outside on a sunny day. This is a popular spot, so we recommend making reservations in advance. That being said, reservations usually do not book up more than a day or two in advance so you only need to make reservations a few days ahead of time.

Bean dip from Spoke Wine Bar in Somerville, Massachusetts

Carrots from Spoke Wine Bar in Somerville, Massachusetts

Naco Taco

Naco Taco is a festive Mexican restaurant that is located just around the corner from MIT. This is a popular spot that serves items like tacos, tortas, and tostadas. It is not a dedicated gluten free facility, but the majority of the ingredients that they use in their kitchen are gluten free and their staff are generally knowledgeable about what can and cannot be made gluten free. They have a festive atmosphere and a lot of seating available, so this is a great place to go to meet up with a group of friends.

Gluten free status. The Cambridge Naco Taco location is not a dedicated gluten free facility, though some of their other locations are dedicated to gluten free food. That being said, there are not many ingredients used in their kitchen that contain gluten. They do not have a labeled menu, but their staff are very knowledgeable about which dishes can and cannot be made gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. Naco Taco has vegetarian options available. Vegetarian options are not clearly labeled on the menu, but they are generally fairly easy to spot.
Cuisine. Naco Taco is a Mexican restaurant that serves dishes like tacos, nachos, tortas, and tostadas.
Atmosphere. Naco Taco is a lively spot that is popular with the younger crowd. The walls are decorated with bright pops of color that help encourage a festive atmosphere.
Location. Naco Taco is located just around the corner from MIT. It is on a popular street that is lined with many shops, bakeries, and restaurants. It is a popular late night food stop for people who have been out at some of the bars and clubs in the area.
Seating. Naco Taco has a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating. This is a really popular spot, but there is also a lot of seating available. We recommend making reservations a day or two in advance if you plan to attend during peak weekend dinner hours. Otherwise, it is generally possible to get a seat without a reservation, especially if you are okay with sitting at the bar.

Mexican street corn from Naco Taco in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Gluten free fast casual restaurants in Cambridge

Now that we have discussed our favorite sit down restaurants in Cambridge, we will discuss some of our favorite fast casual restaurants in Cambridge. Note that this list is arranged roughly in order of preference, with our favorite restaurants appearing closer to the top of the list.

Carolicious Venezuelan Food

Carolicious is an amazing Venezuelan restaurant that makes the best arepas we have ever had. Carolicious is without a doubt our favorite place to grab a quick meal on the go. And we are not just talking about our favorite place in Boston or our favorite place in New England. Out of all of the fast casual restaurants and cafes where we have ever gone to grab a meal, this one is our favorite.

Gluten free status. Carolicious is for the most part a dedicated gluten free establishment. There have been times when they have carried a one off item that was not gluten free, but most of the time their entire menu is gluten free. That means that you do not have to worry about cross contamination when eating there.
Other dietary restrictions. There are a decent number of vegetarian options available at Carolicious. Vegetarian options are not necessarily labeled on the menu, but they are easy to spot.
Cuisine. The menu at Carolicious focuses primarily on Venezuelan cuisine. Most of their menu is made up with arepas that are stuffed with all kinds of flavorful fillings. If you are not in the mood for an arepa, they also offer rice bowls that are piled high with the same fillings and sauces.
Location. Carolicious is located inside of Aeronaut Brewery, which is about a 15 minute walk from Inman Square in Cambridge. It is a little bit more out of the way than some of the other restaurants that we have mentioned, but it is adjacent to some popular fitness studios and climbing gyms.
Atmosphere. Since Carolicious is located inside a popular Brewery, the atmosphere is pretty lively and upbeat. During the warmer months, the outdoor seating in the Aeronaut Brewery courtyard is opened. This is when the atmosphere is at its best. The walls of the courtyard are painted with colorful murals and string lights are hung over the courtyard to provide lighting at night. It is such a fun, scenic place to hang out.
Seating. Since Carolicious is located inside a large brewery, there is a large amount of seating available. This is especially true during the warmer months when the outdoor seating is open. Although there is a large amount of seating available, Aeronaut Brewery is a really popular spot that can get crowded late at night on Fridays and Saturdays. If you plan to go there on a weekend night, you might be best off heading over a little on the early side.

Grainmaker

Grainmaker is another great option if you are looking for an easy place to grab a gluten free meal in the Cambridge area. Grainmaker is a chain of fast casual restaurants that serve Asian-inspired food in the Greater Boston area. Their kitchens are 100% gluten free, so you can grab a quick meal there without having to worry about cross contamination.

Gluten free status. Grainmaker is a dedicated gluten free establishment.
Other dietary restrictions. In addition to being gluten free, the food served at Grainmaker is also 100% dairy free. That means that it is a great option for anyone who also has a dairy intolerance. Vegan options are also labeled on their menu. There are multiple vegan and vegetarian options available.
Cuisine. Grainmaker serves Asian-inspired noodle dishes and rice bowls. They have a large variety of pre-made bowls you can order off of their menu. If there is not a bowl that suits your preferences, you can also create your own bowl with your choice of base, protein, vegetables, and sauces.
Location. The Grainmaker location in the Cambridge-Somerville area is located right in the heart of Davis Square. It is in a bustling downtown area with many restaurants and bars. It is also very easily accessible via public transportation.
Atmosphere. The atmosphere at Grainmaker is relatively similar to the atmosphere at any other fast casual restaurant that is on the nicer side.
Seating. There is primarily indoor seating available at the Somerville location. There are not a huge number of tables available, but most people do grab their food and take it to go. That means that it is not too competitive to find a seat most of the time.

Other gluten free restaurants in Cambridge

Before we wrap up, we will take a moment to shout out to some other great restaurants that are located in the Cambridge area. These are restaurants that we have been to once or twice and immensely enjoyed. The only reason that we did not include them in the previous sections is because we are not as familiar with them.

Puritan & Company

Puritan & Company is another restaurant in the Cambridge area that is known to have really high quality food. Puritan & Company is a farm-to-table restaurant that features modern takes on traditional New England classics. They are not a dedicated gluten free restaurant and they do not have a gluten free menu, but the staff is very knowledgeable and many of the menu items can be modified to be gluten free.