Curator’s statement
The Seattle area has a proud culture of ensuring those on a gluten-free (GF) diet have safe, affordable and tasty options before it was “cool”! For those whose food tours are around, gluten-free, Seattle should be on your list. Look at this power list that created a culture of GF options: Seattle-based Ener-G Foods was the manufacturing pioneer of gluten-free baked goods (1962). Seattle-ite - Bette Hagman, the Gluten-Free Gourmet, was the first to publish (GF) cookbooks (1990). Local non profit, The Gluten Intollerance Groups is over 50 years old and runs GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization). It is the nation’s largest safety and quality assurance organization in 2005. Beyond Celiac’s great food service program was developed by a local (2009). Local legacy bakeries, Krusteaz and Franz, have developed amazing lines that are nationally distributed under multiple white labels. So proud of them! Lots of options in the Emerald City, but don’t let your guard down. Double check on cross-contact and if you are one of the “lucky” celiacs who cannot eat oats or wheat starch, keep an eye out for those in certified products or local bakeries.
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Things to do in Seattle
Seattle is eclectic, and each neighborhood and surrounding community has something unique to offer a visitor. Some of the neighborhoods are stars for also having restaurants that can safely serve gluten-free diners. If you find yourself in these areas — you will also find a good GF meal!
SODO, near the stadiums
Capitol Hill Young and Hip
South Lake Union for museums and Lake Union
West Seattle for the views of Puget Sound and ferries
Ballard Locks
Snoqualmie Valley and Cascade Foothills for hikes
Kirkland on Lake Washington
Places to eat & drink in Seattle
Ghostfish Gluten-free Brewery and Restaurant
Michelin distinctions are nothing compared to these great restaurants that provide safe and tasty gluten-free meals.
Ghost Fish Brewing Company: Completely gluten-free taproom and restaurant. Decadent fish and chips. Walking distance to sports stadiums.
A/ Stir: Located on Capitol Hill. Many ciders on tap and phenomenal menu from a completely gluten-free kitchen. Warning: if you get the lobster mac-n-cheese, consider wearing elastic. Very filling.
Tanoor: Located in South Lake Union in the shadow of the Space Needle, they serve Lebanese cuisine at multiple locations in the greater area. They have freshly made GF pita bread. Many of the traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free, such as their falafel, chicken wings and stuffed grape leaves.
Portage Bay Cafe: If you are out in West Seattle at the Beach or in Ballard at the Locks, stop by for their gluten-free-forward menu. This includes GF Swedish Pancakes and GF Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.
Pressed On Main: If you jaunt out for a hike near the Cascades, stop by for breakfast and a packed lunch at the completely GF restaurant in North Bend.
Kathakali Kirkland: If you venture across Lake Washington, stop by this authentic South Indian restaurant. The cuisine is curated by a James Beard-nominated chef who operates multiple sister restaurants in the region. Much of the menu is naturally gluten-free, like idli and dosa.
Need to know
Make sure you get the free app Find Me Gluten-Free. Loads of locations listed in the region. Leave your feedback. It helps others looking for a safe meal and helps restaurants draw in new customers. I have been gluten-free since the 20th century and live and grew up in Seattle! Reach out to me for true insider travel advice for gluten-free in Seattle! Happy to help.
Travel Advisor
Nancy Baker
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