Chicago’s dining scene is famous for bold flavors and inventive chefs, but for gluten free diners it can feel like doors are closed before the night begins. The good news is that some of the city’s most creative restaurants are quietly offering tasting menus that don’t leave gluten free guests behind. We evaluated some of the city's favorite options based on their gluten-free offerings and overall value.
At Omakase Box, the focus is sushi prepared with precision and care. The chefs note that every piece of nigiri can be made gluten free unless stated otherwise, which means the full omakase experience is open to you. Back in 2024, a diner posted a positive experience dining with a gluten-free menu. It’s rare to find this level of accommodation in a sushi setting, and it transforms what could have been a limited night into an unforgettable one.
Chef Zach Engel's Michelin star modern Middle Eastern restaurant Galit, in Lincoln Park, has a reputation for warmth as much as for its food. The tasting menus here are loaded with dips, vegetables, and meats, and the kitchen confirms that there are gluten free options for every course. Instead of feeling restricted, you get to take part in the same flavor-forward journey as everyone else at the table.
Apolonia delivers a Mediterranean-inspired menu that is both affordable and thoughtful, with a tasting experience priced around $68. And the restaurant lists gluten free offerings on OpenTable, though at least one foodie said they only have three items safe for diners with Celiac.
For those who love neighborhood charm, Lula Cafe recently posted about a Monday-only vegetarian tasting menu. And their menu proudly says that any of their dishes can be made gluten free, so the kitchen is used to tailoring plates for dietary needs. It’s one of the rare places where a gluten free guest can enjoy a thoughtful, multi-course experience at a price point that feels friendly.
If you want to go all in, Elske sets the bar high with a tasting menu around $140. This Michelin-starred restaurant is known for Scandinavian precision and seasonal produce. Their FAQ spells out that gluten free diners are welcome, with accommodations available for the full menu. They do note a cross-contamination caveat, but the level of attention they give to each plate is reassuring.
Kai Zan, a Japanese favorite, rounds out the list with a tasting menu priced under $100. The owners confirm that gluten free sushi options are available and that the kitchen takes celiac safety seriously if staff are alerted in advance. In a city full of sushi counters, that kind of transparency is rare and appreciated.
These restaurants prove that tasting menus don’t have to be off-limits. From sushi to Middle Eastern, from Michelin-starred rooms to neighborhood favorites, Chicago’s chefs are finding ways to open their doors wider. For gluten free diners, that means one of the country’s best food cities finally feels more like it belongs to everyone.
And for those looking to make their own food, check out the recipes at Gluten-Free Palate.
Restaurant Est Price per Person (Dinner) Gluten-Free Options? Omakase Box ~$100 Yes Galit ~$110 Yes Apolonia ~$70 Yes Lula Cafe ~$65 Yes Elske ~$140 Yes Kai Zan ~$100 Yes
A note on pricing: Menus and costs change frequently. Please let your server know if you have an allergy, so they can alert the chef. Our research has indicated each of these has a variety of gluten-free options, and we chose only restaurants with positive reviews from the community.
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