Gluten-Free Manhattan Travel Guide
With one of the most diverse populations on the planet, more than 80 neighborhoods, and about 24,000 restaurants within its 22.8 square miles, Manhattan can be somewhat of a mystery even to its 1.7 million residents. But FeedFeed studio and programming director and gluten-free resident Giora Stuchiner leads the way to the gems, so you can effortlessly enjoy gluten-free New York City.
DO THIS
Union Square Greenmarket
Take a stroll and get some hot cider and a gluten-free scone while admiring the local produce. grownyc.org/greenmarket
Chelsea Market
In Chelsea, all roads lead to this indoor food mecca lined with independently owned options for drinking, eating, and shopping. See Friedmans (page 90). chelseamarket.com
Hudson River Park
Walk or bike through this romantic park fronting the Hudson River from Battery Park all the way to the Boat Basin on the Upper West Side. hudsonriverpark.org
Museum of Art and Design
This lesser-known Columbus Circle museum has changing exhibits and incredible collections of porcelain, jewelry and textiles. madmuseum.org
Tenement Museum
This museum offers an amazing experience of NYC Lower East Side history. Tour perfectly preserved tenement homes to see how Jewish and Irish immigrant families lived. tenement.org
Whitney Museum of American Art
Newly built between the High Line and the Hudson River in the Meatpacking District, this architectural masterpiece houses incredible modern art and changing exhibits, as well as breathtaking city views from multilevel terraces. whitney.org
Sheep Meadow, Central Park
Grab some baked goods from By the Way Bakery (page 92) and enjoy stunning views of the city from the green, grassy expanse of Sheep Meadow in Central Park, located on the West Side, from 66th to 69th Streets. centralpark.org
Chelsea’s Gallery District
With dozens of galleries within seven blocks, you can spend a whole day viewing art from wellknown and burgeoning artists in little-known and legendary galleries, such as the Gagosian Gallery, Pace Gallery, and Mary Boone Gallery. chelseagallerymap.com
9/11 Memorial Museum
Located beneath the 9/11 Memorial, this museum exploring the implications of 9/11 is a profound experience and not to be missed. 911memorial.org
Sample Sales
One of the perks of NYC shopping is the sample sale, which offers access to designer duds at pauper prices. Sales change weekly, often at pop-up locations; see what’s happening with a quick online search for “NYC sample sales” or check chicmi.com.
SLEEP HERE
The Bowery Hotel
Located on the East Village’s oh-so-popular Bowery, this upscale-chic hotel with hip, old-school design has loft-like suites and a fabulous lounge where you can work—or just people-watch. theboweryhotel.com
The Mark
This gorgeous Madison Avenue luxury hotel on the Upper East Side exudes understated elegance, includes a Jean Georges restaurant, and is just a few steps from Central Park and some of the city’s best designer shops. themarkhotel.com
Hudson
With its central, Columbus Circle location and contemporary Philippe Starck design, this vibrant hotel is the best deal in town, as long as you don’t mind small rooms. Perks include two restaurants, two bars, and a guests-only seasonal rooftop bar. morganshotelgroup.com
The Knickerbocker
Legendary luxe at The Knick includes rooms with streamlined, modern decor and Times Square views, a Charlie Palmer restaurant, and a stunning bar on the roof. theknickerbocker.com
The Ludlow
This newly built design lover’s dream on the Lower East Side features rooms ranging from single-person studios to two-bedroom abodes, plus a restaurant and captivating cocktails in the lobby lounge and garden. ludlowhotel.com
Park Central Hotel New York
Affordable prices meet unbeatable location at this attractively decorated Midtown hotel that’s close to Central Park and across from Carnegie Hall. parkcentralny.com
Dream Hotels
This well-priced international boutique hotel chain has two NYC locations. The sleek Chelsea outpost features an outdoor glass-bottom pool, rooftop bar, and a downtown vibe. The Midtown Dream, which also has a rooftop bar, beckons with stylish atmosphere in an 1895 Beaux-Arts flatiron building. dreamhotels.com
DRINK IT IN
The Press Lounge
With unbelievable views of the city and the Hudson River, the Kimpton Ink48 Hotel’s terrace is the ultimate rooftop bar. Come for an afternoon drink and a sunset selfie. thepresslounge.com
Rose Bar
Celebrities, models, and hedge-fund guys come to this überfabulous bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel for nightly shenanigans fueled by expertly made, delicious, pricey cocktails and DJ grooves. Arrive early for a chance to mingle with New York’s elite without throwing down about $1,500 on table service. gramercyparkhotel.com/nightlife
Acme Downstairs
Hipsters and millennials flock to Noho’s Acme restaurant and head downstairs for drinking and revelry with an eclectic crowd. acmenyc.com
Bergdorf Goodman’s BG Restaurant
Located on the 7th floor, overlooking Central Park, this is the place to sit at the bar, sip a cocktail, and watch New York’s one percent do their thing. bergdorfgoodman.com
EAT HERE
The restaurants on this list are not 100 percent gluten-free, but they are accustomed to accommodating GF diners. When you sit down, be sure to advise your server of your dietary needs.
Note: Restaurants change their menus and recipes all the time, so be
sure to confirm with your server that all the dishes you order are in
fact, gluten-free.
5 Napkin Burger
Big, juicy burgers, fluffy buns, and perfectly crispy fries are on the menu at this casual, noisy Hell’s Kitchen hangout. No reservations? Get a roasted-pineapple margarita at the bar and watch the tourists and groovy locals. There are plenty of GF options, and you can also ask for menu modifications at all of this chain’s locations. Must-tries: 5 Napkin Burger on a glutenfree bun; kale salad bowl with roasted salmon. 5napkinburger.com
La Esquina
A hidden Soho gem favored by power people, the Flagship location of this Mexican “brasserie” is accessed through a well-guarded side door in a hole-inthe-wall taqueria. Score a reservation and get escorted downstairs and through the kitchen into the dark, atmospheric bar to wait for your table. The energetic dining room features a menu rife with GF share plates. Must-tries: bistec con queso, pescado a las brasas, or barbacoa tacos; ceviche Mazatlán; elotes. esquinanyc.com
Nizza NYC
This charming, moderately priced Italian bistro in Hell’s Kitchen is perfect for small groups, families, or a romantic dinner. Expect a GF menu and fantastic service, and don’t miss the gluten-free pizza made with a socca (garbanzo bean) crust. Must-tries: burrata; socca mushrooms; socca quattro formaggi. nizzanyc.com
Landmarc
Straightforward French- and Italian influenced bistro fare (steaks, burgers, and salads) are on point in this industrial modern restaurant on the third floor of Columbus Circle’s bustling Time Warner Center. Come for breakfast or lunch, or a post-Lincoln-Center-performance dinner. Must-tries: filet mignon; Landmarc hamburger (request GF bread). landmarc-restaurant.com
Blackbarn
This trendy, multilevel Flatiron restaurant serving refined farm-to-table cuisine was cleverly designed to look like a barn. The casual front boasts a long bar and live music on weekends, and the spectacular back dining room has an open kitchen and a chef’s table. Take a peek at the exquisite wine cellar with 1,000-plus bottles. Must-tries: curried cauliflower steak; spring onion risotto. blackbarnrestaurant.com
Catch
At this Meatpacking District hot spot, a globally influenced menu means you can dine on sushi, sweet potato gnocchi, or steak—all with a downtown vibe and a chic, young, monied, ready-to-party clientele. The menu indicates GF options, but you can ask your server for additional choices. Must-tries: roasted beets (request GF); wild black rice. catchrestaurants.com
Jack’s Wife Freda
Come for breakfast or lunch, put your name on the list, and wait on the street to eat delicious, simple, healthy-ish small plates at Soho’s tightly packed, casual Mediterranean destination on Lafayette Street. Once seated, make nice with your neighbors; you’ll practically share a table. A second location is in the West Village. Must-tries: Maya’s Breakfast Bowl; green shakshuka (baked eggs with tomatillo sauce; skip the side of bread). jackswifefreda.com
Friedmans
With GF versions of everything on the menu, this “mindful eating” spot with Chelsea Market and Hudson Yards locations is popular for weekend brunch. There are healthy options, like delicious chicken shawarma salad, but there’s no denying the GF chicken and waffles. To avoid the wait, go on a weekday or have a late lunch. Must-tries: fried chicken and cheddar waffle; pastrami Reuben sandwich (breakfast/ brunch only). friedmansrestaurant.com
Bagel Belly
You’ll find real-deal, New York–style GF bagels made fresh daily at this East Village bagel shop. Load yours with classic New York or sandwich fixings and enjoy it in Union Square (two blocks away) or nearby Thompson Square Park. Must-try: bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, red onion, and capers. bagelbelly.com
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse at Tribeca
With five locations in NYC, Wolfgang’s is one of the city’s most popular steakhouses. The Tribeca location has a downtown feel and a younger crowd, but all serve some of the finest steaks in the city, perfect for sharing. Must-try: porterhouse for two (or more) with a side of German potatoes. wolfgangssteakhouse.net
The Little Beet Table
The bustling, airy, industrial-chic, and relaxed environs of this NoMad restaurant are the perfect compliment to a menu offering wholesome, vegetable-forward, inventive, seasonal dishes. Make a reservation online for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, slide into a seat at one fo the rustic wood tables or stools at the pretty bar and debate which of the colorful, delicious vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, or even meat options to try. Don’t miss the inventive cocktails and non-alcohol drinks crafted with vegetables, fruits and herbs. Update August 2020: This restaurant is no longer 100% GF–they now offer traditional bread and pasta in addition to GF versions. Must-Tries: sunflower hummus; broccoli pizzetta; sesame-chili chicken salad; grass-fed burger. littlebeettable.com
The Russian Tea Room
A trip to Manhattan is not complete without a visit to the iconic Russian Tea Room, especially since they have a wonderful gluten-free afternoon tea offered every day of the week! Perfect for a pre-theater meal (it’s located right next to Carnegie Hall!), special celebration, or relaxing sightseeing break, the Russian Tea Room is a full-blown experience, complete with dramatic interiors (think rich green walls with ornate accents, spotlit paintings, and red vinyl banquettes), formal tea service, and attentive yet friendly hospitality befitting of the occasion. Cozy up with a glass of champagne, prosecco, or sparkling cider, various classic finger sandwiches, and a selection of fine teas served in individual teapots. Or go big with delicious, beefy, ruby-colored borscht or the tender, saucy beef stroganoff served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The staff is knowledgeable about allergies and will safely lead the way to an unforgettable afternoon. russiantearoomnyc.com
Gluten-Free Safe Havens
The following establishments are 100 percent GF.
Senza Gluten
Family owned, casual, charming, and affordable, this West Village restaurant (with indoor and outdoor dining) features Italian specialties—bruschetta, fried calamari, delicious pastas, and other favorites—all exclusively gluten-free and prepared in a 100% gluten-free environment. They also offer a nice selection of cocktails and wines by the glass. Must-tries: parmigiana di melanzane; lasagna; tiramisu(!); and cannolis. senzaglutennyc.com
Senza Gluten by Jemiko
Not affiliated with Senza Gluten Restaurant downtown, this Hell’s Kitchen beauty, founded by chef Jemiko L. Solo, opened in 2023. Featuring a lovely full bar, outdoor dining space and even a “secret garden”, the restaurant is a sure bet for delicious Italian specialties prepared in a 100% gluten-free, safe kitchen. Also, don’t miss their charming bakery in the West Village where you can order from amazing selection desserts, panini, and pizza to take out or enjoy while sipping on a cappuccino or glass of wine in their cozy indoor or outdoor dining spaces. The restaurant is open for dinner every day and brunch on the weekends and the bakery is open for brunch from 9-4 every day but Tuesday. Must tries at the restaurant: gnocchi bolognese, arancini con quattro formaggi (rice balls), parmigiano di cavalfiore (fried cauliflower), ravioli di funghi e ricotta con olio al tartufo bianco (mushroom ravioli), torta al cioccolato fuso con crema anglaise di mandorle tostate; Must tries at the bakery: rigatoni alla Bolognese, eggs benedict, éclair, bittersweet chocolate cake. senzaglutenbyjemiko.com
By The Way Bakery
To-die-for gluten- and dairy-free treats star at the Upper West Side and Upper East Side locations of this wonderful bakery. Expect cookies, cakes, and breads, as well as coffee. Grab a mini Amy cake and cup of coffee and devour them in Central Park, one block away. Must-tries: Amy cake, brownie, lemon poppy swirl cake. btwbakery.com
Noglu NY
GF meets Madison Avenue-chic at the US outpost of Paris’s 100 percent–GF boutique bakery and café. Expect quiches, breads, sandwiches, and desserts, which can be enjoyed in the modern space or at nearby Central Park. You’ll find lots of DF options, too. Must-tries: chocolate éclair; quiche. noglu.fr
Modern Bread and Bagel
Newly opened in February 2019, this trendy Upper West Side brunch spot is gluten free and kosher. There are no signs or advertisements broadcasting their gluten-free status and owner, Orly Gottesman, likes it that way. Customers convened at the intimately-spaced tables often have no idea that the real-deal chewy, yeasty handmade bagels—accompanied by smoked fish and more than a dozen kinds of cream cheese—are celiac safe. (Ditto their other artisan breads and baked goods and flour mixes.) Come any day but Saturday and enjoy a full brunch menu. Must tries: Bagels with flavored cream cheese, red shakshuka, truffle parmesan latke tots, sunflower-butter brownies, linzer cookies, cupcakes. modernbreadandbagel.com
Holiday Season Must-Dos
BERGDORF GOODMAN CHRISTMAS WINDOWS Stroll the displays from December through New Year’s. They’re dazzling.
COLUMBUS CIRCLE HOLIDAY MARKET Expect wonderful finds, including unique gifts, food stands, and a cup of hot chocolate or cider to keep you warm
THE RINK AT BRYANT PARK Buy a VIP pass online to avoid the lines and enjoy an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views, whether you ice-skate or not.
