Gluten free restaurants in Cape Cod

Are you wondering where you can get a nice gluten free sit down meal in Cape Cod? Or maybe you are looking for a place where you can grab a quick gluten free meal on the go? Well either way, you are in the right place! In this article, we talk about all of our favorite gluten free restaurants in Cape Cod. In particular, we focus on gluten free restaurants in the mid-Cape in areas like Yarmouth, Dennis, and Chatham.

For each restaurant we mention in this article, we provide information on a few key characteristics to help you decide which restaurant best suits your preferences. We start this article out by describing those characteristics. After that, we talk about some of our favorite sit down restaurants that offer gluten free options in Cape Cod. Next, we talk about some of our favorite fast casual restaurants that offer gluten free options in Cape Cod. Finally, we talk about some of our favorite bakeries and candy stores where you can grab a gluten free treat.

Note. We are just starting to explore the Cape Cod food scene and check out some of the more popular spots. We will continue to update this article as we find more restaurants and bakeries that we love.

Characteristics of restaurants in Cape Cod

What characteristics will we use to describe each of the gluten free restaurants in this article? Here are the main characteristics that we will use.

Gluten free status. First, we will describe the gluten free status of each restaurant. This will include information on whether the restaurant is a dedicated gluten free facility or not. If the restaurant is not a dedicated facility, we will provide additional information that can help to assess the risk of cross contamination.
Other dietary restrictions. After that, we will provide information on other food allergies and dietary restrictions that each restaurant caters to.
Cuisine. After that, we will provide information on the type of food that is served at each restaurant. This will include information on the cuisine(s) that the menu takes the most inspiration from. It will also include information on any specialties that the restaurant has.
Atmosphere. Next, we will talk about the atmosphere of each restaurant. This is a broad category that will include everything from the decor and ambiance of the restaurant to the energy level and level of formality.
Location. After that, we will provide information on the location of each restaurant. This will include information on which town each restaurant is located in. It will also include information on whether each restaurant is located in a bustling downtown area or a more remote area.
Seating. Finally, we will provide information on the seating options that are available at each restaurant. This will include information on whether indoor seating or outdoor seating is available. It will also include information on whether reservations are recommended and whether it is difficult to get a seat.

Gluten free sit down restaurants in Cape Cod

Now that we have discussed the characteristics that we will use to describe each of these gluten free restaurants, we will talk about some of our favorite sit down restaurants in Cape Cod.

Ocean House

Ocean House is an upscale restaurant that serves some of the best food, if not the best food, that we have had in Cape Cod. There are not many restaurants in Cape Cod that have truly wowed us with their food, but Ocean House is a clear exception in this regard. Ocean House is a popular spot that is the perfect place to go to celebrate a special occasion or impress a date. And it is no surprise that Ocean House is so popular. Between the exquisite food, the lively atmosphere, and the breathtaking views – there is just so much to love.

Gluten free status. Ocean House is not a dedicated gluten free menu. They do have a labeled menu that shows which items are naturally gluten free. In addition to the items that are naturally gluten free, there are many items that can be made gluten free with substitutions and omissions. The servers are very knowledgeable about what items can be made gluten free and what substitutions need to be made in order to make items gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. Ocean House also has vegan and vegetarian options labeled on their menu. As with most popular restaurants in Cape Cod, there are not a huge number of vegan and vegetarian options available.
Cuisine. As with many of the best restaurants in Cape Cod, the Ocean House serves local cuisine. That means that they serve American cuisine with a heavy emphasis on seafood, and to a lesser extent meat.
Atmosphere. Ocean House is an upscale restaurant that has more carefully curated decor and a nicer ambiance than most other restaurants in the area. It also has some of the best views in all of Cape Cod. This is a popular place for people to go to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. That means that there is always excitement in the air.
Location. Ocean House is located in Dennis. The restaurant itself is located in a sprawling hotel that overlooks the ocean.
Seating. Ocean House primarily has indoor seating. This is a very popular place, so we recommend making reservations a few weeks in advance. This is especially true if you are visiting during the peak summer season.

Gluten free Sunday from Ocean House in Cape Cod

Clancy’s Restaurant

Clancy’s Restaurant is a nice restaurant that is located in the town of Dennis Port. This is a fun spot that is popular among gluten free foodies and those without dietary restrictions alike because it has a large and varied menu. Our absolute favorite thing about Clancy’s is not the food, but rather the beautiful views from some of their seating areas. The restaurant is located right along the river, so the views can be absolutely spectacular if you get the right seat.

Gluten free status. Clancy’s is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, dishes that are gluten free or can be made gluten free are clearly labeled on the menu. A large portion of the menu can be made gluten free, so there are lots of options to choose from.
Other dietary restrictions. Clancy’s also has options for vegetarian diners. Vegetarian options are not labeled on the menu, but they are generally pretty easy to spot.
Cuisine. The menu at Clancy’s focuses primarily on American food. They have a large and varied menu that features items ranging from burgers and sandwiches to seafood and oysters. This is a great place to go if you have a mixture of seafood lovers and people who prefer other options in your party. There is something for everybody.
Atmosphere. Clancy’s has a nice but laid back environment. The restaurant is spacious and has tall ceilings, which makes it feel more open and relaxed. Some of the tables have a beautiful view of the river that the restaurant is nestled up against.
Location. Clancy’s is located in the town of Dennis Port. It is not located in a bustling downtown area, but rather in a more quiet area that is surrounded by nature. That means that there can be some great views depending on where you are seated.
Seating. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available at Clancy’s. Since Cape Cod is such a tourist town, the competitiveness of seating can vary a lot from week to week. Some weeks are fairly quiet, whereas others are very busy.

Gluten free fast casual restaurants in Cape Cod

Now that we have talked about some of our favorite sit down restaurants in Cape Cod, we will talk about some of our favorite fast casual restaurants and cafes. We will list these restaurants roughly in order of preference, with our favorite spots appearing towards the top of the list.

Grilled Cheese Gallery

The Grilled Cheese Gallery is easily one of our favorite restaurants in Cape Cod. In fact, it might even be our number one choice. As the name suggests, the menu at the Grilled Cheese Gallery focuses primarily on grilled cheese sandwiches. They serve all sorts of fun and creative grilled cheese sandwiches and melts that are overflowing with ooey, gooey cheese. They are located right in the heart of downtown Hyannis on a popular street that is lined with restaurants, shops, and bakeries. That means that there is always fun to be had in the area.

Note. The Grilled Cheese Gallery is temporarily closed in Spring of 2023 as they are moving to a new location. That being said, they have plans to reopen in Summer of 2023.

Gluten free status. The Grilled Cheese Gallery is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, many of the grilled cheese sandwiches can be made gluten free by substituting in gluten free bread. Gluten free options are not labeled on the menu, but the staff is knowledgeable about the ingredients that are used and can provide information on what can and cannot be made gluten free. There is often a dedicated gluten free fryer available and gluten free grilled cheese sandwiches are often cooked in a separate oven.
Other dietary restrictions. There are plenty of vegetarian options available at the Grilled Cheese Gallery. Vegetarian options are not labeled on the menu, but they are generally pretty easy to spot. There is also vegan cheese available for anyone who maintains a vegan diet.
Cuisine. The menu at the Grilled Cheese Gallery focuses primarily on grilled cheese sandwiches and melts. That being said, they do offer a few other options like french fries and poutine dishes that are piled high with all sorts of fun toppings.
Atmosphere. The Grilled Cheese Gallery has a casual, laid back environment. Their outdoor seating area is right along a busy street in the heart of downtown Hyannis, so there is always excitement in the air.
Location. The Grilled Cheese Gallery is located in the heart of downtown Hyannis. It is in a popular downtown area that is lined with lots of shops, bakeries, and restaurants.
Seating. There is only outdoor seating available at the Grilled Cheese Gallery. There are many picnic tables lined up outside of the restaurant. It is generally easy to find an available table as many people take their sandwiches to go.

Grilled cheese from Grilled Cheese Gallery in Cape Cod

Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster

Mac’s is a fast casual spot that is located in a quieter part of Chatham. There are two things that we love about Mac’s. The first is that a huge portion of the menu is gluten free or can be made gluten free. The second is that they have some fun small plates that take inspiration from cuisines other than traditional American seafood. This is a great place for anyone who likes a little bit of variety.

Gluten free status. Mac’s is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, gluten free options are clearly labeled on the menu. The vast majority of the menu is or can be made gluten free, so there are lots of options to choose from.
Other dietary restrictions. There are some vegetarian options available for anyone who is not in the mood for fish or lobster. Vegetarian options are not labeled on the menu, but they are generally pretty easy to spot.
Cuisine. The menu at Mac’s focuses primarily on American food, and in particular American seafood. That being said, there are a few dishes on the menu that take inspiration from other cuisines. For example, they have tostadas that have a little bit of Mexican flare, poke bowls that draw some inspiration from Hawaiian cuisine, and shishito pepper dishes that are more commonly found in Japanese restaurants.
Atmosphere. Mac’s has a fun but laid back atmosphere. The restaurant is nicely decorated with beauty accents that remind you that you are in a small beach town.
Location. Mac’s is in a quieter part of Chatham that is located about a mile outside of the main downtown area. It is a great place to go if you are looking to kick back and relax a little.
Seating. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available at Mac’s. Seating is generally not that competitive as there is a lot of seating available.

Gluten free desserts

Now that we have talked about some of our favorite restaurants in Cape Cod, we will talk about some of our favorite places to grab dessert. This section can include anything from bakeries and ice cream shops to candy stores.

Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy

Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy is a fun little taffy stand that is located on the side of the road in South Yarmouth. This roadside stand has a large range of taffy flavors, ranging from fruity flavors like strawberry and watermelon to warmer flavors like vanilla and maple walnut. All of the taffy that is sold at Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy is made in a gluten free facility, so there is no gluten on the premises.

Gluten free status. Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy is a dedicated gluten free facility. All of the taffy that they sell on premises is entirely gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. The taffy at Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy is produced in a facility that processes peanuts and other nuts. Other than that, the taffy does not contain or come in contact with other top allergens.
Cuisine. As the name may suggest, saltwater taffy is the only thing that is sold at Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy. That being said, they have a wide range of taffy flavors so there is something for everybody.
Atmosphere. Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy is a roadside stand with a very casual atmosphere.
Location. Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy is located on a popular street in South Yarmouth that is lined with many restaurants and candy stores. While the street does have many restaurants and shops on it, it is not a concentrated downtown area that can easily be navigated without a car. There are not many crosswalks that can be used to cross the street, so you are generally better off driving over.
Seating. There is no seating available at Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy. That being said, it is common for people to hang out in their car and enjoy a few treats after picking up their taffy. This is especially true on cooler days.