Gluten free restaurants in Orlando

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Are you looking for a delicious spot to grab a gluten free meal at one of Orlando’s many theme parks? Or maybe you are looking for a nice restaurant that you can access without having a theme park pass? Well either way, you are in the right place! In this article, we talk about all of our favorite restaurants in the Orlando area.

For each restaurant we describe in this article, we provide information on a set of characteristics such as the location and the cuisine that is served. We start this article out by describing the characteristics that we will use to provide additional information on each restaurant. After that, we describe some of our favorite restaurants with gluten free options that are located outside of theme parks in the Orlando area. These are restaurants that anyone can access without buying theme park tickets. Next, we discuss our favorite restaurants that are located inside of theme parks.

Characteristics of gluten free restaurants in Orlando

We will start out by discussing the characteristics that we use to describe each of these gluten free restaurants in Orlando. Here are the characteristics that we will use to provide more information on each restaurant.

Gluten free status. First, we will discuss the gluten free status of each restaurant. This will include information on whether the restaurant is dedicated to gluten free food or not. For restaurants that are not dedicated to gluten free food, we will provide additional information to help assess the risk of cross contamination. For example, we will discuss whether there is a gluten free menu available, whether there is a gluten free fryer, and whether gluten free meals are served with allergen markers.
Other dietary restrictions. After that, we will discuss additional food allergies and dietary restrictions that the restaurant caters to. Some of these restaurants cater specifically to gluten free foodies, whereas others can accommodate a wide range of food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Cuisine. After that, we will discuss the cuisine that is served at Each restaurant. This will include information on whether each restaurant has any specific specialties that dominate their menu.
Atmosphere. Next, we will discuss the atmosphere of each restaurant. This is a broad category that will include everything from the ambiance and decor of the restaurant to the energy level. This will also include information on whether each restaurant is a sit down restaurant or a fast casual restaurant.
Location. After that, we will discuss the location of each restaurant. For restaurants that are located inside of popular theme parks, we will provide information on which theme park each restaurant is located within. For restaurants that are not located in theme parks, we will provide additional information on what attractions are located nearby. For example, if a restaurant is located at a popular resort, then we will provide information on which resort it is located at.
Seating. Finally, we will provide information on the seating options that are available at each restaurant. This will include information about whether indoor or outdoor seating is available. It will also include information about whether reservations are recommended and how far in advance reservations should be made.

Gluten free restaurants that are not in theme parks

Next, we will talk about gluten free restaurants that are not located inside of theme parks. These are restaurants that you can access without having to buy a theme park passes. Note that some of these restaurants are located at resorts that are associated with popular theme parks. That being said, these restaurants are accessible to the general public.

Sanaa (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom resorts)

Sanaa is a unique restaurant with a creative menu full of dishes inspired by Indian cuisine, Ethiopian cuisine, and multiple other African cuisines. All of their dishes have bold flavor profiles that make use of multiple strongly flavored spices and aromatics. One of the best parts of dining at Sanaa is that most of the menu is naturally gluten free. There is not much that is off limits to gluten free diners, and even the items that do contain gluten can often be made gluten free. This is also a great place to stop by if you have anyone in your party that maintains a vegan diet. Sanaa has many more vegan options available than the average restaurant in Orlando.

Gluten free status. Sanaa is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, a large portion of the menu is naturally gluten free or can easily be made gluten free. There is an allergen menu online that shows exactly what items can and cannot be made gluten free. If you let the staff know that you are sensitive to cross contamination, they will also deliver your food with an allergen stick so that you can feel confident that you received the correct dish.
Other dietary restrictions. There are also vegetarian and vegan options available at Sanaa. This is a great option for vegan diners because there are multiple vegan options available, all of which are clearly labeled on the menu.
Cuisine. The menu at Sanaa features many dishes that are inspired by Indian cuisine and Ethiopian cuisine. There are also dishes on the menu that take inspiration from other African cuisines. Multiple dishes they serve come with a variety of flavorful sauces and accompaniments. For example, their bread service comes with nine different sauces that can be eaten alongside the bread. That means that this is a great place for anyone who loves variety.
Atmosphere. Sanaa has an amazing atmosphere, even when compared to other Disney properties. The best thing about dining at Sanaa is that the restaurant has a large window with an amazing view of one of the savannah zones at Disney’s Animal Kingdom resorts. This savannah area is crawling with giraffes, zebras, antelope, and many other creatures that you can observe as you dine. Even if your seat does not have a great view of the Savannah, the restaurant has an upscale, intimate atmosphere that feels really special. The walls are decorated with thematic artwork that borrows elements from Indian and Africa design.
Location. Sanaa is a Disney-owned property that is located at one of Disney’s deluxe resorts. That means that it is open to the general public and there is no need to buy a theme park pass. Specifically, Sanaa is located at Kidani Village, which is one of Disney’s Animal Kingdom resorts.
Seating. Most of the seating at Sanaa is located indoors. This is a very popular spot that tends to fill up well in advance. We highly recommend making reservations a few weeks in advance if you want to dine at Sanaa.

Naan service from Sanaa in Orlando, Florida

Frontera Cocina

Frontera Cocina is a lively restaurant that is located in the heart of Disney Springs. It is an upscale Mexican restaurant that serves elevated takes on classic Mexican dishes. Their food is rich and indulgent, so this is definitely somewhere you want to go after you have worked up a large appetite. While the quality of the food is absolutely amazing, our favorite thing about the food that they serve is the fact that their menu is almost entirely gluten free. They generally have 2 – 3 dishes on their menu that do contain gluten, but other than that everything is fair game.

Gluten free status. Frontera Cocina is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, the vast majority of their menu is naturally gluten free. There are usually only 2 or 3 items on the menu that are made with gluten containing ingredients, so the chances of cross contamination are low. Items that contain gluten are clearly marked on the menu.
Other dietary restrictions. Frontera Cocina is able to accommodate a variety of food allergies and dietary restrictions. Items that contain seeds, soy, and dairy are clearly marked on the menu.
Cuisine. The menu at Frontera Cocina takes inspiration from Mexican cuisine. The menu features elevated takes on classic Mexican dishes that use many traditional Mexican flavors.
Atmosphere. As with most restaurants that are located in the Orlando area, Frontera Cocina has thematic decor and a lovely ambiance. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with modern Mexican-inspired accents. Their decor includes many bright pops of color that help to liven up the mood.
Location. Like many of the other restaurants we will discuss in this article, Frontera Cocina is located in Disney Springs. That means that it is easily accessible to the general public.
Seating. There is a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating available at Frontera Cocina. This is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, so we recommend making reservations at least a day or two in advance. If you plan to visit during peak weekend dining hours, it may be wise to make reservations a little further in advance.

Sweet plantains from Frontera Cocina in Orlando, Florida

Queso from Frontera Cocina in Orlando, Florida

Jiko (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom resorts)

Jiko is an upscale dining establishment with a variety of gluten free dishes that are inspired by South African cuisine. Jiko is a Disney-owned restaurant that is located at the Jambo House resort near the Animal Kingdom. Since Jiko is located at a resort and not in a theme park, is accessible to people who do not have park passes. Jiko is particularly well known for its large assortment of South African wines. It has one of the largest assortments of South African wines outside of South Africa. That means that it is a great option for wine lovers.

Gluten free status. Jiko is not a dedicated gluten free restaurant. That being said, they have an allergen menu that shows exactly what can and cannot be made gluten free. The servers are also well trained on allergen protocols and are able to provide additional information on how dishes are prepared and what dishes contain common allergens. They also have gluten free rolls available.
Other dietary restrictions. Jiko generally does a great job of handling food allergies and has an allergy menu that shows what allergens are present in all of their dishes. The allergen menu contains information on what items contain common allergens like gluten, fish, eggs, dairy, soy, and sesame.
Cuisine. The menu at Jiko is loosely inspired by South African cuisine. That being said, the menu contains some items that are inspired by other African cuisines. They also have a large wine menu that contains many South African wines. In fact, they have one of the largest ranges of South African wines that exists anywhere outside of South Africa.
Atmosphere. Jiko has an upscale environment and is considered one of Disney’s fine dining establishments. That means that it is a great option if you want to celebrate a special occasion or impress a date. The restaurant has a nice ambiance and many of the seats have a pleasant view of water fixtures and fountains that are located right outside the restaurant.
Location. Jiko is located inside of the Jambo House, which is a Disney resort that is located in the Animal Kingdom resort area. Since it is not located inside of a theme park, it is accessible to the general public.
Seating. There is only indoor seating available at Jiko. This is a popular spot, so we recommend making reservations well in advance. Many people make reservations as soon as they open, which may be up to a few months ahead of time.

Chocolate Mousse from Jiko in Orlando, Florida

Jaleo

Jaleo is an upscale tapas restaurant that has a large menu of small plates that feature Spanish-inspired ingredients. They have a large menu that is carefully labeled to accommodate all types of food allergies and dietary restrictions. They also have some of the most high quality food in Disney Springs. Jaleo is a lively spot that is decorated with many bright and colorful accents. That means that this is a fun spot to go to meet up with friends or celebrate an occasion.

Gluten free status. Jaleo is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, many of the dishes on the menu are or can easily be made gluten free. Jaleo has an allergen menu that clearly marks items that are gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. The allergen menu at Jaleo provides information on all different types of food allergies and dietary restrictions. In particular, they label items that are made without nuts, fish, dairy, and eggs. Vegan and vegetarian options are also clearly labeled.
Cuisine. Jaleo is a Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant. That means that they primarily serve small plates that are inspired by Spanish flavors. This is an upscale tapas spot, so the dishes are generally made with very high quality ingredients.
Atmosphere. Jaleo is an upscale restaurant with upscale decor to match. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with lots of bright accents and bold patterns. It is a fun spot that is a popular place to meet up with friends. That means that the atmosphere is generally pretty lively and upbeat.
Location. Jaleo is located in Disney Springs, which is a bustling downtown area that is home to many shops, restaurants, and bakeries.
Seating. There is a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating available at Jaleo. This is a popular spot, so we recommend making reservations at least a few days in advance. This is especially true if you plan to come doing weekend dinner hours.

Cheese board from Jaleo in Orlando, Florida — \

Apple salad from Jaleo in Orlando, Florida

The Edison

The Edison is a restaurant in Disney Springs that has many gluten free options available. It is a Disney-owned restaurant, so it comes with all of the perks of Disney-owned properties. Like most Disney-owned restaurants, it is a thematic restaurant that has a nice ambiance and stunning decor. The Edison is particularly well known for their unique drinks and creative cocktails. This is a perfect place to go for anyone who is looking for a unique cocktail in the Orlando area.

We will note that we have heard of others with gluten intolerances having less favorable experiences at The Edison. Some servers are more informed about allergens and dietary restrictions than others. That being said, you can always ask to speak to the manager that is on shift at the time if you have any concerns. Managers at Disney restaurants should be well informed about food allergies.

Gluten free status. The Edison is not a gluten free establishment. They do not have a gluten free menu, but most servers are able to provide guidance on what can and can not be made gluten free. If your server is not able to provide such guidance, we recommend asking to speak with the manager that is on shift. The Edison has a gluten free fryer that is used for fries and other items that are made without gluten containing ingredients so they are able to make some gluten free fried foods.
Other dietary restrictions. There are many vegetarian options available at The Edison. Vegetarian options are not labeled on the menu, but they are generally pretty easy to spot.
Cuisine. The menu at the Edison is heavily influenced by American cuisine. There are many American-inspired dishes like grilled cheese with tomato soup and burgers with fries on the menu. The Edison also has a large cocktail menu with many upscale craft cocktails. People come from all around the country just to enjoy their carefully curated cocktails.
Atmosphere. Like most Disney-owned properties, The Edison has a nice ambiance and lots of thematic decor. The Edison has a roaring 20’s theme and often has live entertainment that features music and dance styles that were popular during that era. The decor has an industrial gothic theme and features many exposed gears, fans, and similar fixtures.
Location. The Edison is located right in the heart of Disney Springs. It is in a popular downtown area that is lined with lots of shops, restaurants, and bakeries. It is not located inside at a Disney theme park or resort.
Seating. There is primarily indoor seating located at the Edison. There are multiple seating areas, but this is another popular spot that often books up ahead of time. We recommend making reservations at least a week or two ahead of time if you plan to attend during peak dining hours. This is especially true if you are dropping by during the weekend.

Fries from The Edison in Orlando, Florida — \

Gluten free restaurants that are inside theme parks

In this section, we will discuss some of our favorite gluten free restaurants that are located inside of theme parks in the Orlando area. These are restaurants that you cannot access unless you have day passes for the theme parks that they are located in.

Tiffins (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

Tiffins is one of our favorite restaurants on any Disney-owned property in Orlando. Tiffins is located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, so it is only accessible to those who are visiting the Animal Kingdom park. They have a large and varied menu that features flavors from multiple African, Asian, and Latin cuisines. That means that there is a lot of variety for those who would like to sample dishes from multiple different cuisines. A large proportion of the dishes they serve are or can easily be made gluten free. That means that even gluten free foodies will have lots of options to choose from.

Gluten free status. Tiffins is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, their staff is very well educated on sources of cross contamination and they take allergy protocols very seriously. They also have an allergen menu that denotes which items can be made gluten free. They have dedicated gluten free fryers available in their kitchen, so there is no need to stay away from fried items. They also serve dishes with allergen sticks if you let them know that you are sensitive to cross contamination. Most of their bread offerings are naturally gluten free as well.
Other dietary restrictions. Tiffins can accommodate a large range of food allergies and dietary restrictions. Their allergen menu labels dishes that contain common allergens like nuts, fish, eggs, and sesame. Tiffins has more vegetarian and vegan options available than most of the upscale restaurants on Disney properties. Vegan options are clearly labeled on the menu.
Cuisine. The menu at Tiffins draws inspiration from a variety of different cuisines. They have dishes that take inspiration from various African, Asian, and Latin cuisines. That means that there is a lot of variety available.
Atmosphere. Tiffins is an upscale restaurant that is considered to be one of Disney’s fine dining establishments. They have multiple different dining rooms that are decorated with decor that originates from different countries and continents. Each dining room is decorated with a variety of art pieces and installations.
Location. Tiffins is located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. It is only accessible to those who have passes for the Animal Kingdom park.
Seating. There is primarily indoor seating available at Tiffins. This is a popular spot, so reservations are highly recommended. If you are interested in outdoor seating, we recommend heading next door to check out the Nomad Lounge.

Cauliflower from Tiffins in Orlando, Florida

Coral Reef (in Disney’s Epcot)

Coral Reef is another one of our absolute favorite restaurants located in Disney World. There is a lot to love about Coral Reef, but there are two things that really make it stand out. The first is the quality of the food. Coral Reef has some of the tastiest food that we have had on Disney property. The second is the ambiance. The restaurant is nestled up against a large tank with a coral reef that houses many fish, sharks, and rays. The restaurant is carefully laid out so that every table has a view of the tank and all of its inhabitants.

Gluten free status. Coral Reef is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, their servers are generally knowledgeable about what can and cannot be made gluten free. They also have an allergen menu that labels items that are and are not gluten free. If you let them know that you are sensitive to cross contamination, they will also serve your meal with an allergen stick.
Other dietary restrictions. Coral Reef can accommodate a wide range of food allergies and dietary restrictions. Their allergy menu is labeled with many common allergens such as egg, fish, milk, nuts, sesame, and soy. The vegetarian options on the main menu are limited (especially if you have a gluten intolerance), but there are many tasty veggie sides on the kids menu that can be prepared for vegetarians.
Cuisine. Coral Reef serves American cuisine. In particular, the restaurant specializes in fish and seafood. That being said, they do have chicken and steak dishes on the menu.
Atmosphere. Coral Reef has an amazing atmosphere and a wonderful ambiance. The restaurant has a large fish tank inside it with a full coral reef that is populated with many fish, sharks, and rays. The tables that are farther away from the coral reef are elevated so that every table has a view of the coral reef in the tanks. The tables are also tastefully decorated with playful accents that adhere to the coral reef theme.
Location. Coral Reef is located inside of Epcot, not far from the entrance to the park.
Seating. There is only indoor seating available at the Coral reef. This is a popular spot, so we recommend making a reservation in advance. On busy weeks, reservations can book up a few weeks in advance. On less busy weeks, you can sometimes get reservations in the days leading up to your trip.

Salad from Coral Reef in Orlando, Florida

Mashed potatoes from Coral Reef in Orlando, Florida

Garden Grill (at Disney’s Epcot)

The Garden Grill is a character dining restaurant that is located in Disney’s Epcot theme park. This is one of the best character dining options for gluten free foodies. Garden Grill serves indulgent American dishes that take inspiration from southern food. The portions are large and you can eat as much as you want for a fixed price. That means that this is a great place to go after you have spent some time walking around the park and working up a large appetite.

Gluten free status. Garden Grill is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, they generally have an allergy menu available that provides information on what is and is not gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. Garden Grill does an excellent job of accommodating a range of food allergies and dietary restrictions. Their food is generally served family style in a large skillet, so they go out of their way to provide menu items that are free of all of the most common food allergens. If someone at your table has a food allergy, the restaurant will be sure to serve any items that contain that allergen separately from the rest of the food. Skillets that are made with food allergies in mind are also served with allergen sticks.
Cuisine. Garden Grill primarily serves American-inspired food. In particular, they serve many indulgent comfort foods that are popular in the south.
Atmosphere. Garden Grill is a character dining restaurant, which means that it has a fun and lively atmosphere. There are many characters who walk around the restaurant and greet you as you eat. This is a revolving restaurant that features decorations inspired by multiple different natural habitats in different parts of the restaurant. As you eat, your table slowly revolves around so that you get to see each different habitat.
Location. Garden Grill is located in Disney’s Epcot park. It is located in World Nature, which is also the area that Coral Reef is located in. It is right near the front of the park.
Seating. There is only indoor seating available at the Garden Grill. This is a popular place that often books up a few weeks in advance, so we recommend making reservations a few weeks in advance. Character dining is generally really popular at Disney, so character dining restaurants tend to book up fast.

Lunch skillet from Garden Grill in Orlando, Florida

Berry shortcake from Garden Grill in Orlando, Florida

Nomad Lounge (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

The Nomad Lounge is a more casual lounge that is located around the corner from Tiffins. They share a kitchen with Tiffins and their menu is generally a subset of the menu at Tiffins. The main differences between the Nomad Lounge and Tiffins are twofold. First, the Nomad Lounge is more casual than Tiffins. Second, the Nomad Lounge primarily has outdoor seating, whereas Tiffins primarily has indoor seating.

Gluten free status. The Nomad Lounge is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, they share a kitchen with Tiffins so they share many of the same allergen protocols. They have a labeled menu, use allergen sticks, and have a dedicated gluten free fryer available.
Other dietary restrictions. The Nomad Lounge can accommodate the same allergens that Tiffins can. This includes allergens like nuts, fish, sesame, and eggs.
Cuisine. Much life Tiffins, the menu at Nomad Lounge borrows dishes from many international cuisines. They also have dishes that take inspiration from various African, Asian, and Latin cuisines. Since the Nomad Lounge is a more casual lounge, they do not have all of the large entrees that Tiffins does. That being said, they share some of the same appetizers and small plates.
Atmosphere. The Nomad Lounge is more casual than Tiffins. The atmosphere is still nice, but it is not as upscale and there is not as much artwork adorning the walls.
Location. The Nomad Lounge is located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. That means that it is only accessible to those with passes to the Animal Kingdom park.
Seating. There is primarily outdoor seating available at the Nomad Lounge. The wait is generally fairly long for walk-ins. They have a waitlist that opens up early in the morning that you can add your name to.

Churros from nomad lounge in Orlando, Florida

Mama Melrose’s (in Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Mama Melrose’s is a quaint Italian restaurant that is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Our favorite thing about Mama Melrose’s is how laid back the atmosphere is. It is located a little bit off of the beaten path, so it is not usually as crowded as the restaurants that are located next to large attractions. The food is good, but not amazing, which also contributes to the quieter atmosphere. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting, so it is a really good spot to go to destress and get away from all of the chaos of Disney.

Gluten free food. Mama Melrose’s is not a dedicated gluten free restaurant. That being said, they have multiple gluten free options available. Options that are or can be made gluten free are clearly labeled on the menu. Gluten free items are also served with allergy sticks to provide further confidence that you have received the right item.
Other dietary restrictions. Other common allergens like fish, nuts, sesame, and eggs are also labeled on the menu. There are vegetarian options available, but most of these options contain cheese. That means that vegan options are more limited.
Cuisine. Mama Melrose’s serves Italian cuisine. The food that is served at their restaurant is reminiscent of the type of Italian American food that you would find in cities like Boston or New York.
Atmosphere. Mama Melrose’s has a warm and inviting atmosphere. It does not have as ostentatious of a theme as many of the restaurants in the park and instead models itself after a cozy family run Italian joint. It is a casual spot that has a relatively laid back atmosphere, so it is a great place to go to relax after a long day of walking around Disney’s many theme parks.
Location. Mama Melrose’s is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. You can only dine there if you have passes to the park.
Seating. All of the seating at Mama Melrose’s is located indoors. This is not one of the most popular places in Hollywood Studios, so it is more feasible to get in without a reservation. This is especially true if you are not going at peak dining hours. That means that this is a good place to have in your pocket for a spur of the moment meal.

Margarita Pizza from Mama Melrose's in Orlando, Florida

Caprese salad from Mama Melrose's in Orlando, Florida