This past Saturday was National Grain-Free Day. Current estimates in North America suggest that as much as 31 percent of the general population today regularly avoids eating traditional gluten-containing products, such as wheat. While some cut out gluten owing to medical reasons, like celiac disease or mild intolerances, others omit the damage in hopes of seeking out better dietary options and alternatives in general.
Whatever the express reasoning may be behind a specific, modified dietary request, the fact remains that it is easier to opt for customized, altered food formats today than at any other time in history. It’s also worth noting that amazing progress has been made in the field of baking alternatives that forego the use of traditional flour.
Many well-known establishments now boast versatile, flavorful menus that cater to gluten-free eaters. This includes flocks of visitors to Delaware and Maryland shores, who often make the trek here during the warmer weather months. Perhaps, even now, you are in the throes of pre-planning spring and summer vacation travel ideas and are actively looking for gluten-free dining options in close proximity to where you’ll be. So, to help you out, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Delaware shore options to have on hand.
Big Fish Grill Ocean View
30415 Cedar Neck Rd, Ocean View, DE 19970
A special allergen menu is available to diners seeking dietary needs, including gluten-free alternatives. Fan-favorite gluten-free specials include pasta dishes, seafood selections, fried foods, and specialty desserts.
Breakfast Guru Restaurant & Bar
19 Wilmington Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
A beloved breakfast nook that offers all the traditional works along with a commitment to custom-catered specialty items, like vegan meats and gluten-free breads. Almost any item on the menu can be made gluten-free, listed as GF. Gluten-free fan favorites include pancakes, crepes, waffles, and various breads and buns.
Caffe Gelato Restaurant
90 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711
A quaint Italian café offering brunch, lunch, dinner, and more, all gluten-free and other allergen-specified items are clearly indicated on their main menus. Their hits include various pasta dishes, salads, omelets, cocktails, and their famous namesake gelato, to name just a few.
Crust & Craft
18701 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Specializing in firewood pizza and other casual quick bites and Italian eats, Crust & Craft is not only committed to providing specialty diet items, but also takes precautions for prepping in a separate cooking area. Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and other custom items are indicated on the menu. Raved about favorites include wings, pasta entrees, brisket, and their famed pizzas, of course.
Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar
301 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Featuring Japanese and Asian-inspired cuisine, all gluten-free items are indicated on their menus. Sushi is their main claim to fame, while featured offerings, including gluten-free soy sauce, cocktails, soups, desserts, and more, are undeniable hits as well.
Curry & Spice Bar
814 Kohl Ave, Middletown, DE 19709
Among their Indo-Chinese offerings is an entire gluten-free/celiac-safe menu. Vegetarian options are also highlighted. Fan selections include butter chicken, flatbreads, fritters, biryani, and more.
Dos Locos Stonegrill
208 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Specializing in casual Mexican fare, all gluten-free items are clearly marked on the main menu. Gluten-free corn tortillas can be substituted in almost any dish upon request.
Drip Café
60 N College Ave, Newark, DE 19711
They specialize in providing optimal breakfast features using locally sourced ingredients. They also take allergen and dietary requests seriously, indicating all contents on menus and ensuring diners confirm restrictions with all servers. Specialties include sandwiches featuring gluten-free breads, buns, and wraps, avocado toast, and delicious novelty beverages.
Egg
510 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Specializing in breakfast, brunch, and lunchy cuisine classics isn’t all that Egg’s about. They also focus their farm-fresh approach on custom-catering to specific dietary interests to provide better-for-you options. Gluten-free substitution is available upon request. Their most popular modifications include Eggs Benedict, avocado toast, breakfast fries, various breads, buns, and pastry pleasantries.
Grandpa Mac
18756 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
A casual Italian eatery that needs no introduction, Grandpa Mac offers a host of gluten-free specialties via a specialties made to order. Highlights include gluten-free mac and cheese, other pasta selections, various breads, meats, soups, and salads.
Kick n’ Chicken
1551 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958
907 N Dupont Blvd #101, Milford, DE 19963
With two notable locations, this local chain specializing in farm-fresh chicken offers plenty in the way of gluten-free options. They even provide crispy gluten-free fried chicken and other fried hits like pickles, chicken tenders, wings, and more. They boast dedicated fryers and prep stations as well.
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Kristina’s Kitchen
35581 Atlantic Ave, Millville, DE 19967
This quaint and classy bakery boasts traditional as well as gluten-free goodies on the menu. From pastries to cookies, cakes to muffins, donuts, scones, and more, they do it all!
Lili’s Place
99 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
Known for their Latin American classic fare, they boast a bountiful array of specialty entrées for specialty diets, including vegetarians, vegans, and those avoiding gluten. Menu highlights include empanadas, arepas, burrito bowls, pizza, and more.
Nectar Café & Juice Bar
111 Neils Aly, Lewes, DE 19958
226 Main Street, Millsboro, DE 19966
With two locations, this little juice/sandwich nook offers plenty of specialty diet options. Selections include gluten-free breads and buns for sandwiches, novelty sides, breakfast features, and more.
The Point Coffee Shop & Bakery
37140 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE
A beloved café serving traditional and novelty breakfast and lunch hits, with all gluten-free items indicated on the menu. Gluten-free breads, buns, and baked goods make up the ensemble.
Potstickers Asian Grill
1247 Churchmans Rd, Newark, DE 19713
They boast a bountiful selection of gluten-free selections, even offering a full specialty menu. Specials include Mongolian beef, gluten-free soy sauce, stir fry, wraps, and more.
Sazio
32 Lake Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
An Italian restaurant of fan fame, they feature a full specialty menu of allergy free selection. Renowned gluten-free favorites include various pasta dishes, risotto, and calamari.
Seedbol Kitchen
18979 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Healthful eating is what they’re all about here, with all gluten-free highlights indicated on the menu. Their featured favorites comprise noodles, rice bowls, smoothies, and even various dessert selections.
Shorebreak Lodge
10 Wilmington Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Not only do they have a committed kitchen devoted to keeping specialty customizations in check, but all allergen-free specials are indicated on the menu accordingly. Gluten-free hits include fries, shrimp and grits, crab cakes, desserts, and more.
Striper Bites
107 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958
The vast menu here features a wide range of specialty selections for seafood lovers. The lavish lineup includes a wealth of gluten-free sides as well. Two contested hits include their house hits of smoked Gouda grits and sautéed spinach
There are numerous other restaurants and food establishments offering gluten-free, allergen-friendly, and special alternate dietary features on their menus. While the ones highlighted here offer special callouts and have earned viable reputations for what they serve, some locations are a bit more discreet and do not broadcast.
Therefore, it’s always best to ask on your own whether one of your preferred dining destinations can accommodate your specific requests. In most cases, these days, they can! Also, be sure to take special note of the coastal classic snack stops, so iconic to visiting the shore. From Thrasher’s Fries to Fisher’s Popcorn, Sandy Pony Donuts, and even many Candy Kitchen selections, you’ll find that most offer up gluten-free favorites as well.