Plan Ahead When Eating Out

If you plan ahead, you will be able to enjoy a gluten-free restaurant meal whenever the opportunity to eat out has. To begin, look for a restaurant that offers a gluten-free menu or serves naturally gluten-free items such as non-breaded meats, chicken, fish, or tofu, as well as burgers with a gluten-free bun or no bun at all.

When you first try dining out gluten-free, be aware that many servers and even some chefs aren't very familiar with the gluten-free diet, and mistakes are pretty common. Stick with a restaurant (or a chain) that features a gluten-free menu since restaurants with gluten-free menus are more likely to have spent time on staff education. It is also wise to discuss your needs with your server, the chef, or a manager. You may also ask about menu options by calling ahead of time, ideally during non-peak hours. For example, you may inquire about which menu items can be made gluten-free and which menu items may contain gluten. Additionally, you can use gluten-free restaurant apps to find the best options.