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Minneapolis is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a variety of cuisines and flavors to suit every palate. Whether you are looking for a cozy cafe, a trendy restaurant, or a delicious bakery, you can find it in Minneapolis. But what if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? Can you still enjoy the food scene in Minneapolis without compromising your health and taste buds?
The answer is yes! Minneapolis is one of the most gluten-free friendly cities in the US, with many dedicated gluten-free establishments, as well as gluten-free options in mainstream venues. In fact, you can find gluten-free dishes from around the world, such as arepas, ramen, sushi, pasta, pizza, and more. You can also indulge in gluten-free baked goods, such as bread, muffins, cookies, donuts, and cakes.
In this blog post, we will share with you some of the best gluten-free restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores in Minneapolis, based on our personal experience and online reviews. We will also give you some tips on how to navigate the gluten-free scene in Minneapolis and avoid cross-contamination. Whether you are a local or a visitor, we hope this guide will help you discover and enjoy the gluten-free food in Minneapolis.
Gluten-Free Restaurants in Minneapolis
Minneapolis has a wide range of gluten-free restaurants, from casual to fine dining, that cater to different cuisines and dietary preferences. Here are some of our favorites:
- Brim: This is a dedicated gluten-free restaurant that serves fresh and healthy bowls, salads, smoothies, and desserts. You can customize your own bowl with a base of rice, quinoa, or greens, and add your choice of protein, veggies, sauces, and toppings. You can also try their signature bowls, such as the Thai Peanut, the Mediterranean, or the Southwest. For dessert, don’t miss their gluten-free brownies, cookies, and ice cream sandwiches. Brim is located at 2919 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408.
- Colita: This is a dedicated gluten-free restaurant that specializes in Oaxacan cuisine, with a focus on smoked meats, seafood, and vegetables. You can enjoy their tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, and other dishes, made with house-made corn tortillas and sauces. You can also sip on their craft cocktails, mezcal, and wine. Colita is located at 5400 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419.
- Hola Arepa: This is a gluten-free friendly restaurant that serves Venezuelan and Latin American food, with a emphasis on arepas, which are grilled corn cakes stuffed with various fillings. You can choose from meat, cheese, beans, veggies, and sauces, and create your own arepa. You can also order other dishes, such as empanadas, ceviche, and salads. You can also enjoy their gluten-free beer, cider, and cocktails. Hola Arepa is located at 3501 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408.
- Owamni by The Sioux Chef: This is a gluten-free friendly restaurant that showcases Indigenous cuisine, using local and seasonal ingredients. You can savor their dishes, such as bison, duck, walleye, wild rice, corn, squash, beans, and berries, prepared with traditional methods and flavors. You can also try their teas, sodas, and wines, made with native plants and fruits. Owamni by The Sioux Chef is located at 420 1st St S, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
- Pizza Luce: This is a gluten-free friendly restaurant that offers pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and desserts, with gluten-free options for most items. You can order their gluten-free pizza crust, made with rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch, and top it with your favorite ingredients. You can also try their gluten-free pasta, made with brown rice and quinoa, and choose from various sauces and toppings. You can also enjoy their gluten-free beer, cider, and wine. Pizza Luce has several locations in Minneapolis, such as 119 N 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
Gluten-Free Bakeries in Minneapolis
Minneapolis has several dedicated gluten-free bakeries, as well as gluten-free options in regular bakeries, that offer a variety of breads, pastries, cakes, and other treats. Here are some of our favorites:
- Hark! Cafe: This is a dedicated gluten-free cafe and bakery that serves breakfast, lunch, coffee, and tea, as well as baked goods. You can order their gluten-free bagels, bread, muffins, scones, cookies, bars, and cakes, made with wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners. You can also try their gluten-free sandwiches, salads, soups, and bowls, as well as their gluten-free cider and kombucha. Hark! Cafe is located at 430 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
- Atuvava Bakery: This is a dedicated gluten-free bakery that offers bread, buns, rolls, baguettes, croissants, cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, pies, and cakes, made with organic and non-GMO ingredients. You can also order their gluten-free granola, crackers, and mixes, as well as their gluten-free coffee and tea. Atuvava Bakery is located at 3800 S 28th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
- Sift Gluten Free: This is a dedicated gluten-free bakery that offers donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bars, muffins, scones, bread, and cakes, made with high-quality ingredients and natural flavors. You can also order their gluten-free pizza crusts, pie crusts, and mixes, as well as their gluten-free coffee and tea. Sift Gluten Free is located at 4557 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407.
- The Wedge: This is a gluten-free friendly bakery and co-op that offers a selection of gluten-free bread, muffins, cookies, eclairs, and cakes, made with organic and local ingredients. You can also shop for gluten-free groceries, such as pasta, cereal, snacks, and beverages, as well as fresh produce, meat, cheese, and dairy. The Wedge is located at 2105 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405.
- Milkweed: This is a gluten-free friendly bakery and cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, coffee, and tea, as well as baked goods. You can order their gluten-free bread, bagels, muffins, scones, cookies, bars, and cakes, made with vegan and organic ingredients. You can also try their gluten-free sandwiches, salads, soups, and bowls, as well as their gluten-free beer and wine. Milkweed is located at 3822 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
Gluten-Free Grocery Stores in Minneapolis
Minneapolis has several gluten-free friendly grocery stores, where you can find a variety of gluten-free products, such as pasta, bread, cereal, snacks, sauces, and baking mixes, as well as fresh and frozen foods. Here are some of our favorites:
- Seward Co-op: This is a gluten-free friendly co-op that offers a wide range of gluten-free products, such as pasta, bread, crackers, granola, cookies, bars, cakes, and mixes, as well as fresh produce, meat, cheese, and dairy. You can also shop for gluten-free supplements, cosmetics, and household items. Seward Co-op has two locations in Minneapolis, such as 2823 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
- Whole Foods: This is a gluten-free friendly supermarket that offers a large selection of gluten-free products, such as pasta, bread, cereal, snacks, sauces, and baking mixes, as well as fresh and frozen foods. You can also shop for gluten-free supplements, cosmetics, and household items. Whole Foods has several locations in Minneapolis, such as 222 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
- Fresh Thyme: This is a gluten-free friendly supermarket that offers a variety of gluten-free products, such as pasta, bread, cereal, snacks, sauces, and baking mixes, as well as fresh and frozen foods. You can also shop for gluten-free supplements, cosmetics, and household items. Fresh Thyme has one location in Minneapolis, at 24 30th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
- Capone’s Italian Specialties: This is a gluten-free friendly specialty store that offers a range of gluten-free products, such as pasta, bread, crackers, cookies, bars, and cakes, as well as imported cheese, meat, and olive oil. You can also order their gluten-free sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as their gluten-free coffee and tea. Capone’s Italian Specialties is located at 3038 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408.
- Lunds & Byerlys Roseville: This is a gluten-free friendly supermarket that offers a variety of gluten-free products, such as pasta, bread, cereal, snacks, sauces, and baking mixes, as well as fresh and frozen foods. You can also shop for gluten-free supplements, cosmetics, and household items. Lunds & Byerlys Roseville is located at 1601 County Road C W, Roseville, MN 55113.
Tips for Gluten-Free Travelers in Minneapolis
If you are planning to visit Minneapolis and enjoy its gluten-free food scene, here are some tips to make your trip easier and safer:
- Do your research: Before you go, check out the websites, menus, and reviews of the gluten-free restaurants and bakeries that you want to visit. Look for the gluten-free certification or symbols, as well as the allergen information and cross-contamination policies. You can also use apps like Find Me Gluten Free or Gluten Free World to find nearby gluten-free options.
- Call ahead: If you have any questions or concerns about the gluten-free options, ingredients, or preparation methods, don’t hesitate to call the restaurant or bakery and ask. You can also make a reservation and inform them of your dietary needs in advance, especially if you are going to a busy or popular place.
- Bring your own snacks: Sometimes, you may not be able to find a gluten-free option that suits your taste or budget, or you may need a quick bite on the go. In that case, it’s always good to have some gluten-free snacks with you, such as granola bars, nuts, dried fruits, or crackers. You can also buy some gluten-free products from the grocery stores and keep them in your hotel room or backpack.
- Be careful with cross-contamination: Even if a restaurant or bakery offers gluten-free options, there is still a risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients or utensils. To avoid this, you can ask for your food to be prepared separately, use disposable plates and cutlery, and avoid shared dishes or buffets. You can also carry a gluten-free dining card or use a translation app to communicate your needs clearly and politely.
- Enjoy yourself: Most importantly, don’t let your gluten-free diet stop you from having fun and exploring the city. Minneapolis has a lot to offer, from art and culture, to nature and sports, to nightlife and entertainment. You can find gluten-free food that matches your mood and preferences, and discover new flavors and experiences. You can also meet other gluten-free travelers and locals, and share your tips and stories.
We hope this blog post has given you some useful information and inspiration for your gluten-free trip to Minneapolis. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below or contact us via email. We would love to hear from you. Happy travels! 🛫
