Gluten-Free Cape Cod Dining Guide

This gluten-free Cape Cod guide will help you have a successful trip to the Cape with celiac!

Because the Cape is small and a lot has changed in terms of the celiac-safe options over the last 5 years, it's good to be prepared.

In this celiac dining guide, I'm sharing the places that should definitely be on your itinerary when visiting the Cape Cod for its pretty beaches, cute towns, and great seafood.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure page for more information. This post was published June 2026.

About This Gluten-Free Guide to Cape Cod

In September of 2023, my husband Dylan and I spent a long weekend on Cape Cod as our "babymoon", and found a LOT of gluten-free food options!

But I have a confession to make.

After returning from this babymoon, everything was crazy with buying a house, moving in, having a baby, then discovering I was pregnant a year later (omg) that this post stayed in my drafts folder for....

Almost 3 years! Yikes!

But it's time to finally bring it to light and share it with all of you.

Over our 4 days in Cape Cod, we got a good idea of the gluten-free food scene, including the restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and supermarkets that are good options for celiacs.

And since it's been a while since I started writing this post, quite a few things have changed on the Cape, so it's good to be aware!

Plus, it's just about that time of year that people vacation on the Cape, so I thought it could be helpful to share.

So, my apologies for the [serious] delay in posting. Let's get to the Cape Cod gluten-free food!

Heads up! This guide is not a complete, comprehensive guide of all the places with gluten-free options on Cape Cod. I'm sharing just the places I visited that could help give you an idea of where to begin, along with some dedicated gluten-free spots. I'll also share how else to find gluten-free food on the Cape.

NOTE & DISCLAIMER

Everyone’s experience with celiac disease is different. Dedicated gluten-free facilities are usually the safest places to go, and you’ll see those listed here. For non-dedicated facilities and restaurants, I only recommend places I have visited or where clear protocols are in place for celiac diners.

My experience is not your experience. This is a guide – a list of suggestions to point you in the right direction. Restaurants can change. Use your own judgment and only eat where you feel safe doing so.

Gluten-Free Cape Cod Dining Guide

I've created this Cape Cod map on Google to help you find these places more easily!

About This Guide & Our Trips To Cape Cod

Call me crazy, but after living in the Boston area for over a decade, I've only been to Cape Cod....twice.

And to be honest, I don't know if it's really going to become a place on my regular list like Vermont, Portland, Maine, or even New Hampshire. As much as I love the beach, I really enjoy the mountains more!

I previously visited Cape Cod (Mashpee) in June of 2018 for a long weekend with former colleagues.

Then, Dylan and I spent our babymoon in Chatham prior to our daughter Harper's arrival for a long weekend in September 2023. We stayed at this Airbnb, which was an entire home on a quiet street, only a 5-minute walk to a private beach area.

In this guide, I'm sharing the places I ate and recommended on that September trip, the ones I missed but wanted to go to, and of course, additional tips and ideas for visiting here with celiac disease.

Cape Cod's High Season vs. Low Season

When I visited Cape Cod for this babymoon, it was the fall (late September). And that meant quite a few restaurants were closed for the season.

Cape Cod is a seasonal destination - and that means the high season (Memorial Day - Labor Day) is VERY busy and VERY popular.

Getting to Cape Cod can be a hassle - tons of traffic (there's like 1 bridge!) and no matter when you choose to leave, it can be packed!

The Cape's restaurant scene reflects this limited timeline and is usually open fully from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you visit outside these times, some places may not be open (like Sweet Izzy, the 100% GF & DF ice cream shop) or they will be very busy! Reservations are encouraged.

Additionally, the farther out on the Cape you go, the fewer stores, restaurants, and shops you'll find.

There's only one Whole Foods & One Trader Joe's, which are both in Hyannis, on the inner Cape. Be mindful that you'll probably want to stock up on food if you are heading farther out for a few days, or even a night!

Things To Do On The Cape

While it might seem obvious to just go to the beach (and the beaches are definitely a big draw for Cape Cod), here are some ideas for what else you can do besides just soak up the sun and eat gluten-free food.

This especially came in handy when it rained the entire weekend we spent on Cape Cod!

Go Shopping/Thrifting

An abundance of adorable small towns means a plethora of adorable shops to explore. Used bookstores, toy shops, saltwater taffy, chocolates, clothing, and souvenir shops abound, and you'll find no shortage of thrift stores, antique stores, and maritime history.

Grab A Coffee

As a recent coffee convert, I can't get enough of cute coffee shops, especially when traveling. Dylan usually looks up the ones that have the best rating, and we make a point to check them out for a latte. I really enjoyed the Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters coffee shops - they have 3-4 locations on the Cape. Plus, homemade whipped cream? Sign me up.

Visit The Glass Blowing Museum

On one of the very rainy days we had of the babymoon, we were desperate to find something else interesting to do since exploring a beach in the pouring rain was not on my list - especially while 6 months pregnant. So with a little research, we quickly found the Sandwich Glass Museum

Explore Cape Cod National Seashore

Besides going to the beach with your beach chairs, towels, umbrella, and cooler, you can also just stroll the seashore as part of the National Park Service's lands. There are various stops along the way, including lookouts, hikes, a Visitor's Center, boardwalks, and plenty of opportunities to spot seashells, rocks, and crabs.

Look for Lighthouses

You could even do an entire Lighthouse Tour!

We just started putting lighthouses into Google Maps to see how many we could find. It turned into sort of a game. Our favorite one was the Nauset Lighthouse in Eastham, which is the same one featured on the Cape Cod chips bag. You can actually go inside and up to the top!

Bonus Idea: Tour a Cranberry Bog

One activity we didn't get a chance to do due to the rain was to tour a cranberry bog. This looks like SO much, and I'm bummed we missed out, but it's still on my bucket list in the future if we ever return! Plenty of farms offer them, but a few are a little old school & you have to call them on the phone to make reservations.

How To Find Gluten-Free Food on Cape Cod

While this guide will give you my personal recommendations to point you in the right direction for where to eat on the Cape, you might need to explore other options.

I totally understand.

The Cape isn't super big, and the farther out you go, the likelihood of finding celiac-safe food gets smaller and smaller.

Chances are you might be going to another beach town one day, or your family wants to make dinner plans, or maybe you just need to find something in a bind while visiting Martha's Vineyard.

That's why I highly recommend doing your research on an app/website like FindMeGlutenFree.

FindMeGlutenFree can help you get an idea of what other gluten-free restaurants & safe food choices are on Cape Cod and in Massachusetts.

And with a Premium Subscription, you can filter by most celiac-friendly, see what's open now (so you don't drive all the way to a bakery for breakfast and discover it's closed), and what's gluten-free in the direction you're headed. It's like Google Maps, but a gluten-free version. And no Ads!

I've been a FMGF user for over a decade, but I think their Premium version is much more effective. Take $5 off a Premium Subscription with the code THENOMADICFITZ to make your trip to Cape Cod a success!

A BIG Update For Dining On The Cape With Celiac

I have to be honest - the Cape isn't as good as it used to be for gluten-free food.

When we visited, we were limited by our time, location, and the fact that many places were closed for the season.

But even since 2023, there have been some sad changes.

In the last 3 years, multiple dedicated gluten-free cafés & celiac-safe restaurants have closed or gone out of business completely.

These include Crave by Wicked, Dilly's, Fare & Just Kitchen, & Keto 1620, to name just a few.

While researching additional gluten-free spots for this guide, I had at least 5 websites that came up as "This website cannot be found," and the Google listing said, "Permanently Closed".

This is a huge loss for the gluten-free community and makes dining out even more challenging, as there are only 2 dedicated places on the Cape (and they aren't dinner options either).

It's really comforting to have dedicated gluten-free places when traveling - because they can be your safety net or backup meals in case something goes wrong.

So without them, I suggest exercising more caution.

As I recommend to all of my clients for dining out with celiac, you want to make sure to clarify what gluten-free means when you order.

Based on my 17+ years with celiac disease and multiple restaurant allergen trainings, I suggest using the words severe gluten allergy when dining out, and then clarifying celiac disease.

Also, be sure to tell your server about how you need your food prepared to prevent cross-contact.

Can you make other restaurants not listed in this guide work for your celiac disease?

Absolutely, you can!

But I know it's helpful to have an idea of places where you already know other celiacs have been, and to have an up-to-date idea as to what to expect when visiting there.

So let's dive in!

100% Gluten-Free Spots on Cape Cod

Sweet Izzy: 100% Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Ice Cream (Harwich Port)

A 100% gluten-free ice cream shop on Cape Cod!

Sweet Izzy is a definite special treat - ordering ice cream without worrying about asking for a fresh tub of ice cream, a clean scoop, or needing to ask anything special!

This 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and plant-based ice cream shop has skyrocketed in popularity since it opened. Sweet Izzy has two locations - Cape Cod (Harwich) and Denver. I visited the Denver location with my membership the Confident Celiac Community in 2024, and it was an absolute JOY from the moment we walked in the door until we left!

Everything from the ice cream flavors - hard or soft serve, the sprinkles, cookies, toppings, sauces, waffle cones - it's all gluten-free and tastes incredible. And if you get to meet Mike, one of the owners, he is hysterical and makes ordering ice cream even more fun.

Definitely worth a visit on the Cape here for a sweet treat, but be mindful they are only open seasonally. Click here to view their full menu or follow them on Instagram here.

White Lion Baking Company: 100% Gluten-Free & Grain-Free Bakery

The second 100% gluten-free facility on Cape Cod is White Lion Baking - this is both gluten-free and grain-free. They have two in-person bakeries you can visit (one in Newton, the other in Mashpee) or you can find their sweets & baked goods wholesale in stores around New England. They also ship their baked goods nationwide!

Heads up - their hours can be confusing, as they close their Newton location in the summer. It will reopen in September. The Cape Cod location in Mashpee (their Bakehouse & Flagship store) is open 7 days a week. Their website says to check Instagram/Google for updates.

White Lion specializes in gluten and grain-free baked goods, including muffins, bagels, granola, cakes, breads, cookies, & crackers.

This is a really smart place to stop & stock up if you are planning a trip to the Cape for a week or weekend! Combined with a visit to a grocery store like Stop & Shop or Shaw's, you'd be set with breakfast, lunch, and dessert choices for your time at the beach.

More information about White Lion can be found on their website or on their Instagram.

Restaurants With Gluten-Free Options

Again, there are no 100% gluten-free restaurants on Cape Cod that I know of, but these are the places with allergy toothpicks, celiac/gluten-free menus, dedicated fryers, and similar protocols. The restaurants here range from Plymouth all the way down to Provincetown.

110 Grill (Plymouth)

While I have not been to this particular location of 110 Grill, it's a chain restaurant I visit on a regular basis with celiac disease. They have multiple locations, celiac protocols, dedicated fryers, plus they offer gluten-free buns, bread, pasta, fries, and more. The menu is extensive, the servers are aware of celiac disease & cross-contact prevention, and the food is good. Think American bar & grill type foods - burgers, sandwiches, salads.

More information about 110 Grill, including their menus & locations, can be found on their website.

Tavern on the Wharf (Plymouth)

I was really excited by the protocols offered at Tavern on the Wharf in Plymouth. This waterside restaurant was busy & packed with people when we went. It feels like a typical American bar & grill, with a special focus on sandwiches, burgers, pastas, and seafood.

Their menu states:

"Before placing your order, please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy. Tavern on the Wharf is not a gluten-free environment; gluten-friendly items are prepared in the same kitchen as all other items. Items that cannot be prepared gluten-free are listed with the symbol (*)."

So that's good to know- anything that cannot be prepared gluten-free is indicated. Which means a lot of the menu is available to you!

They had dedicated fryers, gluten-free buns, and allergy toothpicks too! Our server was extremely knowledgeable and took her time in explaining their protocols for preparing gluten-free food. When I visited here, I was with a large group of people (which can be intimidating when ordering food with celiac disease), but I had zero concerns.

I ordered the fried pickles, a burger, and French fries. My only complaint was that the bacon was a little overcooked. They also had gluten-free pizza crust, but I didn't inquire about how it was cooked.

To view the full menu of Tavern on the Wharf, click here. This place is big, but it is very popular, so I'd recommend a reservation.

The Artisan Pig (Plymouth)

The Artisan Pig is a pizza restaurant. It's small but was busy with customers when we stopped in Plymouth. They are known for their artisan sourdough pizzas and it's pretty much the focus if you eat here. They have gluten-free & vegan crusts, and also offer dairy-free/vegan cheese, plus offer GF rolls for ALL of their sandwiches.

It's small, off one of the downtown streets of Plymouth, within walking distance to Plymouth Rock (which is very underwhelming, to be honest).

And then there's the elephant in the room - airborne flour at a pizza shop.

This type of question always seems to get celiac feathers ruffled.

Personally, I always say do what you feel comfortable with. And that's what I did here.

And if you don't feel comfortable? DON'T EAT THERE!

I had extensive conversations with the waitress about their protocols here - how the pizza was made, what GF crusts they use, how they are stored/prepped, how they cook them, and what toppings they use.

The airborne flour risk was low, so I felt okay ordering. And then I had to spend some time with the waitress at our table talking to her about all of the cross-contact protocols I needed in order to feel safe ordering.

If you're not comfortable taking the few extra minutes to do this, this might not be the place for you.

And here's the interesting thing: the server didn't have any idea about the toppings when I said, "Do they use all the same toppings for gluten-free pizzas?"

She said, "Yes, and no one has ever complained..."

Just because you haven't had a reaction doesn't mean it was safe!

For this pizza to be safe from start to finish, it meant pulling fresh basil from the back that hadn't been touched by gluten-hands for my margherita pie.

The server had no idea.

She assumed that since other celiacs had eaten there and never asked for fresh toppings, nor never came back complaining about a bellyache, it wasn't needed.

This is a clear example of how a lack of cross-contact understanding can vary across restaurants.

I knew that even if those other celiacs hadn't had an issue, it was still important for me to follow through on ALL the protocols for this pizza.

So I asked for fresh toppings, and they got them for me!

This ended up being a learning opportunity for the server, who then shared this information with the kitchen staff. And I'd say that's a big win.

More information about The Artisan Pig is on their website. Please be aware there is a $4 upcharge for their gluten-free crust.

Mac's Seafood (Chatham, Provincetown, Wellfleet, Eastham)

If there's one place you HAVE to check out for gluten-free food on the Cape, it's Mac's!

They have the BEST gluten-free seafood in dedicated fryers, and the most amazing celiac protocols. I'm talking lobster rolls, clams, oysters, fried fish, fish sandwiches, french fries, you name it! And with 4 locations, there's plenty of opportunity to check them out across all of Cape Cod.

Mac's menu has gluten-free listed under almost every menu item. According to many gluten-free reviewers, a family members of the founder, Mac Hay, has celiac disease, so in 2019, he went above and beyond to provide gluten-free fried food classics at all their restaurants.

While the presence of gluten is still there at the Mac's restaurants, they have extensive protocols to ensure no cross-contact and have their dedicated fryers. All of the staff I spoke to were very knowledgeable about celiac disease & had all the information I needed to make informed decisions. They clarified cooking procedures, cross-contact, and gluten-free ingredients.

Not to mention, the fish was flaky and tender, the bun didn't fall apart, and everything was tasty! I got a fish sandwich with a side salad as I just wasn't feeling like fries that day (I remember having some weird pregnancy symptoms and didn't want fries that evening.)

For more information about Mac's, their locations, menus, and even their markets where they sell their seafood (not restaurants), visit their website.

This is a hole-in-the-wall place you could drive right past without knowing how extensive their gluten-free food is. The owner has celiac! It's tiny, off the side of a parking lot, and definitely has a mom & pop vibe. But don't miss it.

3 Fools (Orleans)

3 Fools has dine-in and dine-out options, but it's a small place with only a few booths to sit. However, don't let that fool you (HA).

Almost everything at this place is celiac-safe and gluten-free!

They are primarily known for their pizza, wings, subs, and sandwiches. And their menu states, "All sandwiches & subs are served with a homemade pickle spear & can be made Gluten Free!" Additionally, all soups & salads are also gluten-free, all the wings at 3 Fools are gluten-free. They can do gluten-free pizzas too.

I mean, you can get SO much to eat here. And the portions are HUGE!

I got a chicken parm and let me just say - wow. A chicken parm is not something I can usually find on a restaurant menu - let alone one that is gluten-free & celiac-safe. The chicken was SO crispy, the sauce hearty, and the melted cheese on a toasted GF bun? I could have eaten 2 more (well, not really, I was SO full after this!) but I would definitely go back.

3 Fools even has celiac disease as an option you can check for on their online ordering. They also have spots where you can clarify gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy. These are 3 clear distinctions for people who eat gluten-free, and it's specifics like that which tell me they really do understand what's going on when it comes to cross-contact.

3 Fools menu, hours, and information is on their website. Please be aware they are closed on Mondays & Tuesdays.

Clancy's (Dennisport)

This was my FAVORITE meal on the Cape, and probably the nicest restaurant we went to during our Babymoon! Plus, I got to have GLUTEN-FREE CLAM CHOWDER AND FRESH BREAD!

Clancy's Restaurant is right on the Swan River in Dennisport, with both indoor and outdoor seating. This is a really lovely spot for a sit-down dinner, and we went here and were not disappointed. They have soups, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, seafood, entreés, and desserts.

Gluten-Free items are labeled on the menu as "GF" and the server had a lot of information for me regarding preparation of foods.

I was able to order a mocktail (a Virgin Moscow Mule), and we started with the Clam Chowder & GF bread to start. It was out of this world good! I'm still growing in my seafood taste buds, but the soup was warm and not too salty, and I really liked it. Plus, it was still raining, so it was very comforting.

But the best part was the fresh roll they brought us. It was warm out of the oven, toasted, and I got to use the little butter packets to spread on fresh butter. It felt like such a luxury - a memory from a time when bread & butter before meals was commonplace and I never had to worry. So that made it extra special!

Once I took a bite of the bread it was so good I even double-checked with the server that he brought me the right one!

For dinner, Dylan and I each ordered one of their entreés, and I got the roast chicken with mashed potatoes and asparagus. It was SCRUMPTIOUS. So good, I ended up having the leftovers cold in the car the next day when a café food order didn't end up working out (As in, they messed up, glutened it, and Dylan ended up eating it instead.)

Definitely make a reservation here - it's great for special occasions. It felt like one of our last really nice dinners out as a couple before we moved in to our house & Harper arrived.

You can check out Clancy's menu here on their website.

Mama Matcha (Provincetown)

Provincetown (P-Town) is all the way at the end of the Cape, and is a really fun, inclusive, LGBTQIA+ friendly town. The downtown is walkable, there's plenty of shopping and cute stores, plus it's right along the water. We drove out here for an afternoon and, despite the rain, still managed to enjoy walking around. That's how we found Mama Matcha Green Bar.

Mama Matcha's byline is "Nourishing Eats, Signature Smoothies, & Elevated Lattes". Everything is whole-foods based, including their sandwiches, drinks, salads, fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and bowls.

While their food menu seemed complicated (and I only saw superseed bread for sandwiches), their superfood bowls & smoothies were a better choice for gluten-free. Additionally, they had gluten-free granola, which they used for my bowl, and were able to make sure everything was freshly pulled using new gloves & clean the blender before preparing.

I really enjoyed the smoothie bowl. This is a to-go type of spot with very minimal (try like, 2 tables) seating inside. You could get something for takeout and have it for breakfast or a snack, which, with celiac disease, is often a necessity. The cacao nibs on top were delish!

You can find the full menu for Mama Matcha on their website.

The Knack (Hyannis & Orleans)

While many people shared their positive experiences at The Knack prior to my visit, mine was a little...off. Not to mention, the line was really long, it was raining, and we had to sit outdoors under heaters, the gluten-free bun literally fell apart and disintegrated...so not the best meal I've ever had.

It's not that they don't have gluten-free protocols in place. They do. They have gluten-free buns for burgers, and their fries are in a dedicated fryer. They also have GF lobster rolls if you like lobster (I don't).

I based this information on their menu when I arrived, and the reviews I saw on Find Me Gluten-Free.

But when I confirmed this with the person taking my order, it got a little tricky.

The cashier said there was "flour everywhere" (as another recent FMGF reviewer shared) and if I had celiac, I shouldn't eat here.

This didn't inspire confidence.

But if someone says this to you, it doesn't automatically mean it isn't safe. Oftentimes, restaurants will say this to cover themselves & prevent a lawsuit. They don't want someone coming back and saying they got sick. And that's understandable, but also - shared kitchens can be safe if you prevent risk.

So after a few more questions with this cashier, including how frequently there was flour in the air (it was really okay), the location of the dedicated fryer, not toasting the buns (they don't have a dedicated GF area/toaster/surface), and making sure of a glove change, I was able to order my burger gluten-free and fries.

It was, alright. Again, the burger fell apart, and that's not great. It was dry and crumbled pretty immediately:

I ended up taking the rest home for leftovers and eating with a knife and fork later. Again, not ideal, but I think in the summer, for a quick bite, this place could work out if you are diligent.

More information about The Knack, including their menu, can be found here. Heads up - it gets pretty busy.

Fast Casual Restaurants With Gluten-Free Options On Cape Cod

In terms of fast-casual restaurants that offer gluten-free food, there are two chain restaurants that appear on the Cape - Five Guys & Chick-Fil-A (Hyannis). They are listed on the Map I shared above.

I have written celiac dining guides to both of these restaurants, which include a complete breakdown of their menu items, what's gluten-free, how to order, & what questions to ask.

Read the Celiac Dining Guide to Five Guys here.

Read the Celiac Dining Guide to Chick-Fil-A here.

Where To Buy Gluten-Free Groceries On Cape Cod

The two most popular grocery store chains on the Cape are Stop & Shop and Shaw's. There is also one Market Basket in Bourne before you head out to the Cape. I've listed them on the map I shared above. Please be aware they get fewer and fewer the farther out on the Cape you go.

Additionally, there is only 1 Whole Foods and 1 Trader Joe's on the Cape, located in Hyannis. So for those specialty items, like your favorite gluten-free hamburger buns (Trader Joe's makes the best ones), or for your favorite gluten & dairy-free ice cream, you might want to plan a stop here.

Besides that, you'll find smaller grocers and local markets selling fresh produce, meats, and packaged goods.

What About Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard?

Unfortunately, I didn't make it out to Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard during our babymoon. I've never been!

And based on the research I did creating this blog post, it looks like there are gluten-free options, but no 100% gluten-free places.

To help, I'm sharing these links for you:

This restaurant list has a number of options listed for Martha's Vineyard.

Jackie of Gluten-Free Follow Me has a blog post about visiting Nantucket for gluten-free food which can be found here.

I hope these two resources can help you if you plan to take the ferry to these beautiful spots!

Final Thoughts: Gluten-Free Cape Cod

Whew, I finally finished it! Thanks for reading, and I hope this guide helps point you in the right direction for eating gluten-free on Cape Cod.

I'm also really hopeful that more places open up, or that we can get back some of the celiac-safe & dedicated GF places we lost after COVID. It really was such a tough time for restaurants.

I think it's time for me to check out more gluten-free Cape Cod food, don't you? Maybe I'll have to visit again...

Looking for more gluten-free guides to the Northeast?

Head into Boston for more gluten-free donuts at Kane's Donuts.

Check out the North Shore of Boston for the best breakfast sandwiches on homemade gluten-free herb & cheese bread at Crave.

Explore the Green Mountain State of Vermont and discover gluten-free sourdough at Bonté Bakery.

Go for a hike in New Hampshire and get the juiciest GF burger and fries with a homemade sauce (dedicated fryer, too!)

Wander up the coast of Maine for potato donuts and Colombian arepas.

Sample all of the gluten-free drink choices in New England with breweries and cideries that are 100% gluten-free.

Have you been to Cape Cod?

What's your favorite spot for gluten-free food on the Cape?

Let me know in the comments where I should visit next time I'm there!