When first told at age 12 that I would have to maintain a gluten-free diet, I didn’t fully understand what that meant.
Back in 2002, the concept of a gluten-free diet was not widely discussed. It was generally associated with celiac disease, a digestive disorder caused by gluten, a protein found in wheat, oats, barley and rye.
Flash forward to today, when gluten-free has become mainstream and the notion of a gluten-free diet one of the most popular health-food trends in the world. Many people are choosing to go gluten-free, more and more food manufacturers are focusing their efforts on gluten-free products, and even restaurants and grocery stores are catering to their gluten-free clientele.
Once difficult to find and often dry or tasteless, gluten-free food alternatives, usually made from rice, corn, buckwheat or tapioca flours, are now in high-demand and have become increasingly tasty, to the point where you can often no longer tell they’re gluten-free. Chicago and the North Shore are no exception to this gluten-free golden age, with more and more restaurants providing gluten-free options and menus. Here are just a few of my favorite restaurants in the area that offer some wonderful gluten-free items:
This intimate but busy neighborhood coffee bar and gelato shop in downtown Highland Park will make any of their sandwiches using gluten-free bread, from a classic grilled cheese to a pesto turkey melt. My personal favorite is the simple lemon-dill tuna salad with a side of potato chips. You can also pair a gluten-free chocolate chip brownie, chocolate chip cookie, or macaroon with your coffee or tea. Frittatas, quinoa salad, smoothies, and a variety of gelato flavors are other great options. 1823 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park, 847-433-3103
The atmosphere is young and lively, and the worldly menu offers several tapas-sized gluten-free items, including truffle fries (the absolute best and paired with a delicious truffle mayo sauce for dipping); a tomato and mozzarella salad; tender and filling grilled lamb chops; shrimp and grits; bacon-wrapped dates and lobster curry. Don’t forget to finish your meal with a gluten-free chocolate ganache cake, crème brulée, or selection of sorbets. 820 Clark St., Evanston, 847-864-8678
This Lettuce Entertain You restaurant is perfect for a fun night out with family or friends. There’s an entire gluten-free menu starting with appetizers like the shrimp cocktail, asparagus wedge, and artichoke alla marco; salads galore; main courses including Alaskan king crab legs, roasted amish chicken, bronzed halibut, and fusilli corn pasta with white wine butter sauce, as well as a variety of sorbets for dessert. Don’t fancy the halibut? No problem! The chef can prepare any fish of your liking by grilling or broiling it. Ditto with the steaks. Last time I was there, I had a grilled steak with a side of steamed rice. There are plenty of gluten-free sides too. 2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, 847-498-4321
Truly another wonderful find (there’s two of them on the North Shore actually) that offers a completely separate gluten-free menu with everything you could ever want Italian: pizza, pastas, salads, meats and sorbets. I always order the grilled calamari sautéed with capers, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, lemon and olive oil, either the pizza margherita (classically thin and topped with roasted plum tomatoes, basil and mozzarella) or the penne aaoli e olio (translation: penne pasta sautéed with olive oil, fresh garlic, diced tomatoes, and spinach that’s light yet flavorful) for my main course, and a rich semi-sweet flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Francesca’s North: 1145 Church St., Northbrook, 847-559-0260; Francesca’s Intimo: 293 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, 847-735-9235
This brilliant concept is all over Chicago and the North Shore. It’s pizza, but with a twist! You call in or order online and choose your toppings, pick up the unbaked product, and cook it yourself at home. The sky is the limit when it comes to gluten-free, too. The company’s I-can’t-believe-it’s-gluten-free crust can be made with any toppings you like. The only thing I can say about their 12-inch gluten-free pizza is that it’s perfect. I keep it pretty simple with plain cheese, or add green peppers, mushrooms, and onions. 345 Park Ave., Glencoe, 847-835-1400; 1410 Waukegan Road, Glenview, 847-998-8600; 544 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 847-441-5550; 268 E. Deer Path Road, Lake Forest, 847-234-3400; 2122 W. Central St., Evanston, 847-492-1100
Looking for an Alice in Wonderland-type feel with gluten-free cupcakes and sweet frozen yogurt flavors and toppings? Then you’ve come to the right, whimsical place. It’s the new local hot spot in Lake Forest for families and kids, harkening back to the 1950s with its playful yet traditional soda-shop décor. A different flavor of gluten-free cupcake is offered every day, including red velvet, chocolate or vanilla (among others), and most of the frozen yogurt flavors are also gluten-free. I’m looking to try the pink lemonade sherbet the next time I’m there. But be sure and get there early because when it comes to the popular gluten-free cupcakes, they often sell out. 270 Market Square, Lake Forest, 847-861-2000
I’m in love with this Irish bar and restaurant in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood—especially their gluten-free menu. There are so many different gluten-free options at Lady Gregory’s that one can visit multiple times and not have to order the same dish. I recommend the heavenly cheddar-artichoke dip with gluten-free toast; the goat cheese, roasted tomato and basil flat bread; or the gluten-free macaroni and cheese with sweet potato fries as a side. Other options include deviled eggs, truffled kettle corn, hard-cider steamed mussels, hot wings, grilled portobello sandwich, chipotle turkey burger, and buffalo-style veggie quinoa. Add gluten-free beers and ciders to the list and this place has it all. 5260 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-271-5055
This dine-in pizza place serves up the fabulous Abbe’s Gluten-Free Menu. Included are various thin crust 8-inch and 12-inch pizzas, fusilli pasta with several sauce options (marinara, roasted garlic, tomato and fresh basil, aglio e olio, and meat), roasted vegetable primavera, vegetarian chopped salad, spinach salad, Redbridge beer, and three kinds of dessert pizza: hot cinnamon apple, very berry and brownie. 1911 Cherry Lane, Northbrook, 847-498-1500
Located conveniently across the street from Rose’s Café and Bakery in Evanston, this classic, old-fashioned, homey neighborhood burger joint is great for a weekend lunch. If you’re looking for a great burger on a gluten-free bun, this place is for you. I usually order the 1/4-pound hamburger. Smaller than the 1/2 pound, it fits nicely inside one of Rose’s soft gluten-free buns, topped with lettuce, tomato, and mustard, and paired with a side order of crispy fries. My dad, ever the critic, likes the 1/2-pound burger topped with swiss cheese and grilled onions because he thinks it fills the bun better. To each his own! 2902 Central St., Evanston, 847-492-9500
The “Once Upon” Family of Restaurants
The North Shore loves its delis, and the “Once Upon” restaurants fit the bill. As far as gluten-free products, they sell both plain and whole-grain Udis gluten-free bagels that cost a little extra but are completely worth the price when made into a warm corned beef sandwich on the spot, paired with a sour dill pickle and plain curly fries. Once Upon A Bagel, 1888 First St., Highland Park, 847-433-1411; Once Upon A Bagel, 1050 Gage St., Winnetka, 847-784-1411; Once Upon A Grill, 2758 Dundee Road, Northbrook, 847-562-1411; Once Upon A Deli, 2774 Dundee Road, Northbrook, 847-564-1411
Although this Chinese chain isn’t unique to the North Shore, its extensive gluten-free menu must be included. Start with a soothing egg-drop soup and crunchy lettuce wraps followed by sweet lemon chicken, and end with a flourless chocolate dome cake topped with delicious raspberry sauce and served with fresh berries. Other gluten-free items include Mongolian beef, ginger chicken, spicy chicken, shrimp with lobster sauce, Singapore street noodles, fried rice and more. Every gluten-free item is served on a special plate with the company’s logo, so you’ll be in good hands. 1819 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook, 847-509-8844
Truly one of the best places for gluten-free on the North Shore, this organic bakery also specializes in preservative-free, GMO-free, transfat-free, peanut-free, and dairy-free products. Its pink, rose-themed décor is lovely and you can choose to carry out or dine-in. There’s every gluten-free pastry imaginable, including cupcakes, pies, brownies, cookies, bars, scones, cakes and breads, as well as a full lunch menu with sandwiches, wraps (made with their own pita), soups, salads, custom pizzas, and breakfast items like frittata and quiche. I love ordering a bowl of their soup of the day (chicken noodle is my favorite) with a French bread roll on the side and a raspberry bar for dessert. This restaurant is totally gluten free. 2901 Central St., Evanston, 847-859-272; 478 Central Ave., Highland Park, 847-926-7044
This gluten-free fine dining spot in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood focuses on contemporary American cuisine. Senza offers an elegant atmosphere and four- or nine-course prix fixe menus paired with wines, cocktails or two types of gluten-free beer. 2873 N. Broadway, Chicago, 773-770-3527
The atmosphere is casual, lively and bright with a quality Asian-focused menu (Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese) that continually upgrades itself. Most dishes can be prepared with gluten-free sauces (including szechuan, teriyaki and classic Chinese) and you can even create your own stir-fry (which is what I usually do) using flat-rice noodles or white/brown rice. Pick from an assortment of vegetables and then just add one of the gluten-free sauces and you’re good to go! Gluten-free soy sauce is also available. 1186 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, 847-562-4800
Certainly one of the best pancake houses around, let alone on the North Shore, Walker Brothers is ideal for gluten-free breakfast foods. I can’t get enough of their gluten-free chocolate chip pancakes topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and syrup. But there are also gluten-free buttermilk, banana, blueberry, Georgia pecan and bacon pancakes, fluffy gluten-free waffles (including fresh strawberry, crisp bacon and blueberry), and traditional plates of fruits, eggs, or hash browns. 153 Green Bay Road, Wilmette, 847-251-6000; 620 Central Ave. Highland Park, 847-432-0660
