Crave: My Favorite Gluten-Free Spot

Almost every weekend, Dylan and I go to Crave Cafe and Bakery in Beverly, Massachusetts for brunch. It's become a tradition for the BEST gluten-free choices on the North Shore of Boston, Massachusetts!

Please be aware that my opinions and experiences are my own. Restaurants can change. Please do your own due diligence when dining out and double check that their policies and protocols work for you. Don't trust a stranger's word on the internet. Use this as a starting place but remember to contact the restaurant yourself for the most up to date information!

We discovered Crave in the fall of 2018 before leaving on our round the world trip. Quickly I fell head over heels in love with this place and all of the amazing gluten-free and tasty choices they have to offer! When we returned last summer, we made it a regular weekend stop. I recommend Crave to everyone - gluten-free or not, and the reviews are always 5 stars!

Brothers Ron and Ken Feldman, the owners of Crave, have established themselves as an excellent brunch spot on the North Shore for gluten-free eaters. Their mother has celiac disease, so they understand how important it is to be careful of cross-contact.

Ron told me firsthand what it was like for his mom to go out to eat with celiac disease. He knows that gluten-free isn’t always celiac safe. Together with his brother Ken, they decided to make an inclusive cafe where almost everything is gluten-free, and that’s what they have done with Crave!

Celiac Safe Protocols

The staff is well versed in cross-contact. They have separate preparation areas, knives, cutting boards, skillets, and dishes for gluten-free items. The only gluten-containing items in the entire cafe are their croissants, rolls, and quiches, which are kept separate. Make sure to tell the staff when you order that you have celiac disease and they will take care of you. There is also a place to clarify this when you order online.

Everyone’s experience with celiac disease is different. These guys know the drill and are extremely diligent regarding cross-contact.

What To Order

For Breakfast or Lunch:

Jen’s Favorite
The North Shore. It comes with eggs, maple candied bacon, aioli, and cheddar served on their homemade herb & cheese gluten-free bread. It's absolutely mouthwatering!

Dylan's favorite
The Crave. It comes with eggs, pepper jelly, and Boursin cheese, served on their homemade herb & cheese gluten-free bread.

To Drink:

In the fall/winter months, try their chai lattes.
In the spring/summer, try an iced hibiscus tea or hibiscus tea/lemonade combo.

Crave also offers amazing gluten-free scones, macarons, and of course, cupcakes!

Scones

I think I've tried all of them, but my favorites are maple bacon and lemon blueberry.

Macarons

They have a wide display of macarons available, and all of them are tasty. I usually get a variety pack - every single one is delicious!

Cupcakes

Their cupcakes are so delicious that Dylan requested them for his birthday last year. With eclectic flavors like salted s’mores, maple bacon, and fruity pebbles, to classics like carrot cake, pumpkin spice, and even lemon raspberry, every single one is delicious. Each season they introduce new flavors, too!

Jen’s favorites
Lemon raspberry, Boston cream pie, cookies & cream, s’mores, and basically everything. I don't know why I'm writing down flavors because I'm obsessed with all of them.

Dylan’s favorites
Carrot cake his go-to!

I’m so glad that we have Crave close by. It’s one of the best gluten-free spots in the Boston area and my absolute favorite! Thank you, Ron and Ken, for creating such a gem where I can eat safely.

For more information about Crave, read the current menu here, follow them on Instagram or like their Facebook page.

---

Have you ever been to Crave?

What’s your favorite item on the menu?