As a gluten-free traveler who loves a good bargain, I’m excited to share my recent trip to New York, where I uncovered some of the best gluten-free dining spots and thrift shopping treasures. If you’re planning a trip to NYC and want to indulge in delicious gluten-free meals while scoring some great deals on vintage fashion and second hand designer pieces then this guide is for you.
Gluten-Free Dining in NYC: My Top Picks for where to eat gluten free while thrift shopping in different neighborhoods across New York City
Modern Bread and Bagel: Gluten-Free Bagels and to-go snacks
Location: 139 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, United States
Modern Bread and Bagel is a must-visit for any gluten-free traveler. This charming eatery offers a 100% gluten-free menu, ensuring that you can enjoy New York’s iconic bagels without worry. I opted for their salmon and cream cheese bagel, which was nothing short of amazing (it’s been years since I’ve been able to walk into a shop and buy a bagel!). The bagel was perfectly chewy with a slight crisp on the outside, and the salmon was fresh and flavorful. Whether you’re in the mood for a bagel, a sandwich, or something sweet, Modern Bread and Bagel has you covered (don’t miss out on the huge range of gluten free cakes and sweet treats!).
Vintage and thrift Shopping nearby: Try two of my favourite NYC thrift stores; Housing Works and Beacons Closet.
Friedmans Restaurant: Gluten-Free Comfort Food
Location: I visited Friedmans At The Edison (Just by Times Square) and Herald Square but there are locations throughout NYC
Friedmans Restaurant is another fantastic option for gluten-free dining in New York City. With several locations across the city, it’s a convenient stop no matter where your adventures take you. The restaurant offers an extensive gluten-free menu, featuring everything from pancakes to burgers. I’ve eaten here many times so it’s difficult to pin point my favorite gluten free meal but from experience I feel they excel at a gluten free breakfast and I’ve found them to be the best gluten free breakfast spot in New York City!
La Pecora Bianca: Indulgent Gluten-Free Pasta
Location: I visited the Nomad and Upper East side locations but there are various locations throughout NYC including Soho, Bryant Park, Midtown and the Upper West Side.
If you’re craving Italian food, look no further than La Pecora Bianca. This restaurant offers a delightful selection of gluten-free pasta dishes, making it a top choice for gluten-free travelers. I couldn’t resist trying their vodka pasta, and it did not disappoint (you can even opt for the addition of a whole barrata to top it off which I highly recommend!). The pasta was perfectly al dentè, and the sauce was rich and creamy with a hint of spice. La Pecora Bianca is the ideal spot for a cozy dinner with friends or a romantic evening out.
Nearby attractions: If you’re planning to see a show I’d recommend trying the La Pecora Bianca Nomad on Broadway! You can pre-book tickets on ticketmaster for some amazing shows; Aladdin, Wicked, Book of Mormon or The Lion King which are all great choices!
The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges: Elevated Dining Experience
Location: 25 E 77th St, New York, NY 10075, United States
The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges is a must-visit for a more upscale dining experience. Located inside the luxurious Mark Hotel, this restaurant offers an exquisite menu with several gluten-free options. I opted for the lemon pasta, a dish that was both refreshing and decadent. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the lemon sauce added a bright, zesty flavor that was simply delicious. If you’re looking to splurge on a memorable meal, The Mark is the place to go.
Vintage and thrift shopping nearby: stop off at Designer Revival, a second-hand designer clothing store where you’ll find designer bags and clothing that are perfect to wear for your dinner at The Mark! Location: 324 E 81st St, New York, NY, 10028)
Kesté Pizza e Vino: Gluten-Free Pizza Perfection
Location: 77 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038, United States
No trip to New York City would be complete without pizza, and Kesté Pizza e Vino is the perfect spot for coeliac pizza lovers. Located in the Financial District, Kesté offers a variety of gluten-free pizzas that are sure to satisfy your cravings. I tried a prosciutto pizza, and it was absolutely delicious—the crust was thin and crispy, and the toppings were fresh and flavourful. I also had the gluten-free tiramisu which was amazing! Kesté is a must-visit for any gluten-free traveler looking to experience authentic New York pizza. If I went back i’d opt for the pepperoni for an authentic New York pizza experience.
Attractions nearby: The financial district has lots to offer! Save this google maps walking tour that starts at the 9/11 memorial and takes you to some of this districts hidden gems (via the Statue of Liberty viewpoint ofcourse). I’ve also made sure Kesté Pizza is on route so you can get your gluten-free fix!
Thrift Shopping in NYC: Where to Find the Best Deals
In addition to its incredible food scene, New York City is also a paradise for thrift shopping. Whether you’re looking for vintage designer pieces or unique finds at a bargain, the city’s thrift shops have something for everyone. Here are a few of my favourite spots:
Beacon’s Closet
Location: Various locations throughout NYC
Beacon’s Closet is a well-known thrift store in New York City, with several locations across the city. The store offers a wide selection of second-hand clothing, shoes, and accessories at affordable prices. During my visit, I found a beautiful vintage dress and a pair of barely-worn designer shoes—both for a fraction of their original price. Beacon’s Closet is a must-visit for any fashion lover looking to score some great deals.
L Train Vintage
Location: Various locations throughout NYC
L Train Vintage is another fantastic thrift store in NYC, known for its eclectic mix of vintage and second-hand clothing. The store’s laid-back vibe and affordable prices make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. I spent hours browsing through their racks and left with a few unique pieces that I couldn’t resist. If you’re in the mood for some serious bargain hunting, L Train Vintage is the place to be.
Housing Works Thrift Shops
Location: Various locations throughout NYC
Housing Works is a chain of thrift stores in New York City that supports a great cause—all proceeds go towards helping individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. The stores offer a curated selection of clothing, furniture, and home goods, making it a great place to find unique items while supporting a worthy cause. I found a stunning vintage coat during my visit, and knowing that my purchase was helping others made it even more special.
If you want to find out more about different thrift and vintage stores in the city, check out my NYC Vintage and Thrift Shopping Guide here.
Conclusion
New York City is one of my favourite places in the world to shop till you drop and eat delicious gluten free food! As long as you explain that you’re a coeliac and go to places that are well acquainted with the requirements of gluten-free, you’ll be fine. I have been glutened in New York a few times from places where they haven’t had gluten-free marked on the menu and instead offered to make adapted dishes. This is something I would not recommend if you are a coeliac as I got quite unwell, probably due to cross contamination or a lack of understanding of what needs to be checked for gluten in an adapted dish such as sauces and seasoning. Whenever you travel gluten-free, preparation is key and planning your meals around your itinerary is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out on delicious gluten-free food. There are plenty of restaurants with gluten free menus that are safe for coeliacs.
Happy travels and happy shopping!
Leave a Reply