Gluten-Free North Shore Boston Guide

This gluten-free North Shore Boston guide will show you all of my favorite celiac safe spots in this area!

Guide last updated November 2022 with new photos, restaurant recommendations, and information for celiac diners on Boston's North Shore.

I've been eating gluten-free with celiac disease on the North Shore of Boston since 2012. So there is over a decade of experience that went into creating this list of gluten-free establishments and celiac safe spots on the North Shore of Boston.

The North Shore has been a wonderful place to live - and I love it here!

About This Gluten-Free North Shore Boston Guide

This gluten-free guide to Boston's North Shore is a bit different than the others I have created. It is organized by town, in alphabetical order, rather than by type of restaurant.

Obviously, I don't have every town or every restaurant listed here, but this should be a good list to get you started on where you can eat safely with celiac disease on the North Shore. I'm always updating this list as I visit new restaurants, so be sure to check back for updates!

And besides, if you're here reading this guide, chances are you want to know what my experience was eating gluten-free on the North Shore, and I'm happy to share!

For information on where to eat in Boston proper, check out my celiac safe guide to the city of Boston.

NOTE & DISCLAIMER

The recommendations listed here include dedicated gluten-free facilities (usually the safest spots) and also non-dedicated restaurants. I only recommend non-GF restaurants where I myself have personally visited or places that have protocols in place for celiac diners. Make sure to do your own research and use the information here as a guide to begin your journey on Boston's North Shore. This is a guide - an introduction, to point you in the right direction. Restaurants can change. Use your judgment and only eat where you feel safe doing so.

North Shore Boston Gluten-Free Dining Guide

How To Find Gluten-Free Food on Boston's North Shore

Locating gluten-free food in Boston can be tough! It's still a city, and there's a big area both north, west, and south of it, depending on where you visit. And while this guide is meant to give you a start point for places you can eat with celiac disease, sometimes you just want to get an idea of what else is available.

One of the best ways to do that is by doing your research on an app/website like FindMeGlutenFree.

FindMeGlutenFree can help you get an idea of what gluten-free restaurants, bakeries, and safe menus are available all over the Boston area. 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 Boston less stressful.

Dining Tips For Gluten-Free North Shore Boston

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 food at a restaurant.

Unfortunately, due to the presence of fad dieters, gluten-friendly and gluten sensitive menus, people with celiac disease struggle to be taken seriously when dining in restaurants.

Based on my 13 years with celiac disease and my 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.

In general, I've found that restaurants on Boston's North Shore are pretty good about celiac disease, especially if they have a gluten-free menu or allergen protocols in place. Now let's get into some of my go-to places and where you can have a great dining experience with celiac!

Gluten-Free in Beverly

Crave

Crave is my absolute favorite celiac safe spot on the North Shore of Boston. Dylan and I visit almost every weekend for a delicious egg sandwich, coffee, scones, or cupcakes. I love Crave so much I wrote an entire post about them and their amazing dedication to providing safe gluten-free food. The owner's mother had celiac disease so they take things seriously and have celiac protocols in place.

If you're wondering what to order at Crave, I highly recommend their Northshore sandwich for breakfast. The NorthShore has two over medium eggs, cheese, maple aioli, and candied bacon. Ask for it gluten-free and they'll serve it to you on their homemade gluten-free herb & cheese bread. Yum.

Also definitely grab a cupcake or two to-go! Crave's cupcakes are also gluten-free and they definitely know what they are doing when it comes to baking. The cakes are moist (sorry for using that word) and sweet, and the icing is top notch. Dylan's favorite is the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, and I have to agree. It's probably the best piece of carrot cake I've ever eaten.

UPDATE August 2022: Crave has moved down the street on Rantoul Street to a larger location in Beverly. However, in this new location their cupcakes and scones are all now in the same area, and not separated. Please speak to them when ordering cupcakes as there is risk of cross-contact with their close proximity to their gluten-containing croissants. I spoke with the owner who said they have plans of having a separate container for gluten-free cupcakes and scones again in the future. As of right now, your best bet would be to ask for fresh ones from the back, or to only eat the ones that are safely in the closed cabinet with only macarons, underneath.

You can follow Crave on Instagram, Facebook, or visit their website for their current menu offerings.

Gluten-Free in Burlington

Twist Bakery & Cafe: 100% Gluten-Free

The GOAT, the #1 gluten-free North Shore Boston spot and it's 100% gluten-free. It's Twist Bakery and Cafe, and you can't go wrong with anything you get here because it's all safe to eat!

Twist Bakery & Cafe is located in Burlington, right across from Wegman's. So it's really the best trip. You go to Twist for breakfast, pop over to Wegman's for gluten-free groceries, stop back at Twist for a snack or a treat...You see my point. Tempting, for sure!

But in all seriousness, I'm so grateful we have Twist. It's not only a bakery, but a cafe, meaning you can get more than just dessert. While I love dedicated bakeries, sometimes I wish we had more actual MEALS that were safe with celiac disease. And that's where Twist comes in!

Twist has breakfast, brunch, and lunch options (they aren't open in the evenings). You really can't go wrong with anything from Twist because it's all so tasty, and they even make their own gluten-free bread.

But if I had to recommend something, I'd say the paninis are a must, especially for the homemade bread. And don't forget the ham and cheese pinwheels. Droolworthy. I prefer Crave's cupcakes, but Twist makes them really good too - but their cookies are even better.

Follow Twist on Instagram, Facebook, and check their current menu. Twist has a second location in Millis, Massachusetts.

Tavern in the Square

Tavern in the Square is a chain American bar/grill restaurant with gluten-free options and celiac protocols. I've been eating here since 2014 and continue to come back again and again. They have dedicated kitchen spaces, fryers, and allergen protocols for those ordering from the gluten-free menu.

From burgers, wings, nachos, to sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizzas, and more, Tavern in the Square always has a delicious choice for everyone, and almost everything on the menu can be prepared gluten-free. A manager brings your food to confirm you ordered a gluten-free dish, and an allergy stick is in each dish.

I'm always excited to visit Tavern in the Square because it means I can have something fried! If you're not sure what to order, definitely try a burger with a side of fries, or their parmesan truffle tots. Or the fried pickles. Or the nachos. I digress, there's too much to choose from when there's a dedicated fryer. They have multiple locations in Boston and North Shore Boston, but I usually visit the one in Burlington.

For more information on Tavern in the Square, visit their website, Instagram, or Facebook page.

Gluten-Free in Danvers

Danvers Pizza & Subs

This husband and wife-owned restaurant is making gluten-free pizza SAFE for celiacs on the North Shore. And get this - all of their dough is pre-made, and they don't use any regular flour.

Their bench flour is RICE FLOUR, so there's no risk of airborne cross-contact.

Next level, don't you think?

John and Chanda go above and beyond for their gluten-free guests by treating every gluten-free order as if it were for celiac disease. They have dedicated prep areas, allergen protocols, and as of January 2022, now have dedicated their fryers as well to be gluten-free. They are WONDERFUL! I interviewed them on the blog here about their celiac safety measures and why they chose to do gluten-free right.

While my favorite thing to order from Danvers Pizza & Subs were their steak and cheese calzones, unfortunately, they are no longer making them due to supply chain issues with the gluten-free calzone dough. Darn! I'll keep my fingers crossed they come back someday. But all of their pizzas are really good, and I love their wings too!

Follow Danvers Pizza & Subs on Instagram and check out their current menu offerings

Cherry Farm Ice Cream

Getting an ice cream on a hot day is quintessential summer activity. But it can be tricky when you have celiac and worry about cross-contact from the ice cream scoops or tubs of ice cream. But not at Cherry Farm.

Cherry Farm is my go-to gluten-free North Shore Boston ice cream place. It has an extensive list of its gluten-free ice cream flavors. And though they don't have gluten-free cones, they will wash their hands, use a freshly cleaned scoop, and a new tub of ice cream from their back freezer for you if you say you have a gluten allergy or celiac disease.

But my all time favorite aspect of visiting Cherry Farm is that they have...sprinkles!

Yes! Cherry Farm has gluten-free sprinkles that are kept separate, too, so there's no mixing of regular ice cream cones with them. They are kept in a sealed container - just ask for the gluten-free sprinkles.

I'd like to say I've tried lots of different flavors from cherry farm, but I'm a stickler for my favorites. Once I know I like something, I order it again and again (like gluten-free pasta bolognese from La Famiglia Giorgio's in the North End, or Adriatic in Salem, or Capo in Southie..) So I always get the peanut butter chocolate ice cream with chocolate sprinkles. Perfection.

Follow Cherry Farm on Instagram, Facebook, and check out their current menu offerings (and seasonal flavors).

Gluten-Free in Essex

Woodman's

Woodman's is a famous seafood establishment on the North Shore of Boston that has been in business since 1914. Everything at Woodman's is gluten-free except their clam cakes, onion rings, and sandwiches, so you have a LOT of options here!

They have fried fish, chicken fingers and French fries which are all crispy and really good. When you order, clarify that you have a gluten-allergy/celiac disease and they will be sure to follow proper protocols. You'll be able to tell because your food will come out on a red tray, whereas all of the normal orders are on blue trays.

Woodman's also has gluten-free lobster rolls, but since I'm not a really big seafood person (fish and chips is pretty much my limit, seriously), it's not something I've tried! But it is an option if that's up your alley.

Follow Woodman's on Facebook and check out their current menu offerings.

Gluten-Free in Gloucester

Jalapeño's

Back when I was teaching high school Spanish, I came here with my adult education class to celebrate our end of the semester because they had gluten-free options. That was back in 2013. Almost a decade later, and they are still doing a great job.

Jalapeño's has been in business in Gloucester for thirty years. There are clear "Gluten-Free" logos on almost everything on the menu. The tortilla chips are safe to eat, and anything that is made gluten-free will be done separately to avoid cross-contact. The servers are helpful and will make sure you feel comfortable, and the food was delicious! The salsa was pico de gallo, elote had spicy mayo on it (corn on the cob, delish!), and the steak tacos were cooked perfectly.

Interestingly enough, if you visit Jalapeño's on a Monday night, you might even hear people singing sea shanties. There's a group of people that rent it out to do this on Monday evenings (every other Monday). It was so interesting to listen to these songs about sailing and the ocean while eating chips and salsa. Gloucester is a historic fishing town, so it fits. But I wasn't expecting to hear these songs inside an authentic Mexican restaurant!

For more information about Jalapeños, visit their website or call them. They use Facebook primarily for social media.

Gluten-Free in Haverhill

Stacks

Did somebody say gluten-free fried chicken!? In a dedicated fryer with GF batter? That's what you'll find at one of the top rated new restaurants on the North Shore - Stacks!

Located in downtown Haverhill, this restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and features sandwiches and milkshakes (Booze is optional for the milkshakes) with gluten-free options. They have a dedicated fryer for gluten-free fried chicken sandwiches & fries, plus you can get almost all of their milkshakes gluten-free, dairy-free, and some are even vegan!

I had a conversation with the manager about the food preparation and their protocols for preparing my sandwich. They were receptive and helpful in explaining how the food is prepared, that mine would be done separately, and they would change gloves before preparing. When my order arrived, it was clearly on a gluten-free bun, and the server said "Gluten allergy" when placing it down in front of me. The bun was a little crumbly (I knew it was GF), but the crispy chicken was fantastic. And since we never get to order fries, it was a special treat. Would definitely come back and try one of their milkshakes. I was just too full to eat another bite when we were here!

You can check Stacks menu here, or follow them on Instagram or Facebook for more updates.

Gluten-Free in Lynnfield

Burton's Grill

Burton's has some of the best gluten-free and allergen protocols out of any restaurant I've been to on Boston's North Shore. Their sister restaurant, Red Heat Tavern, is equally fantastic. You can read about their protocols and history in this interview I did with their VP of Culinary!

Burton's Grill is an American bar and grill serving salads, burgers, sandwiches, vegetables, and more. Almost everything on their menu can be safely made gluten-free and with celiac protocols. The founder of the Burtons restaurant chain has celiac disease, so you know they get it!

To be completely honest, I really prefer the food at Red Heat Tavern over Burton's. I just find the ingredient combos at Burton's to not be as good, and that some of the dishes are lacking. But overall, it's still a really solid choice for dinner and you know they are going to take good care of you.

Also - don't skimp on dessert. Their flourless chocolate cake is rich, decadent, and heavenly - definitely a win in my book.

Follow Burton's Grill on Facebook, or check out their current menu.

Gluten-Free In Middleton

Sol Bean Cafe

For the best smoothies, wraps, and gluten-free acai bowls, head to Sol Bean Cafe on Boston's North Shore.

Sol Bean is across the street from my former school. It was my go-to place for an afternoon smoothie, gluten-free panini, and gluten-free snack for many years, and it's only gotten bigger since that time!

Sol Bean has specific protocols for gluten-free orders, and they will ask you if it is a preference or allergy, and then follow up if it is an allergy or celiac. They recently opened a new location down the street from their previous cafe, and the new space is gorgeous! It's bigger, brighter, and with plenty of spots to relax or get some work done.

I absolutely love their smoothies and acai bowls, but they also make really good paninis here. If you tell them you have celiac disease, they can change their gloves and cook your sandwich on foil. When I used to come here for lunch in my teaching days, I would order a turkey, avocado, and cheddar panini on their locally sourced gluten-free bread.

Follow Sol Bean on Instagram, Facebook, and check their current menu offerings.

Gluten-Free in North Andover

It's All Good: 100% Gluten-Free Bakery & Cafe

This 100% gluten-free bakery and cafe used to be located in Southern New Hampshire, but has now moved to Mass! Dylan and I had the chance to visit this place in September of 2022 and we had a nice lunch here. This cafe is 100% gluten-free and they have breakfast and lunch sandwiches, cupcakes, bowls, tea, coffee, and more. The owners are very friendly, and they even have a freezer chest of gluten-free baked goods available to purchase, like their homemade bread, as well as DePuma's gluten-free pasta and ravioli.

We ordered two sandwiches - the Bacon Reuben and the New Englander, and got an apple cider donut & Peanut butter cupcake. Everything was very good! My sandwich could have had more cheese, but the texture and taste of the bread was excellent. The cupcake's frosting was super peanut buttery, and the cupcake itself was decadent and chocolatey. Yum!

For more information about It's All Good, check out their website, Facebook, or Instagram. If we are back in the North Andover area, we'd definitely return!

Gluten-Free in Peabody

The Nex-Mex Thing

If you're looking for tacos, Tex-Mex food, and great cocktails, look no further than Nex Mex in Peabody. This bar/restaurant has moved from Main Street in Peabody down to the corner of Central Street/Walnut Street but still maintains excellent food and drink, along with gluten-free options too.

If you alert your server you have an allergy, they will take care and note it on your order. They also have an entire separate gluten-free menu, seen below!

Upon my last visit, they have dedicated fryers for their tortilla chips, which means chips & salsa (or guac!) for you. Yay! Their tacos are very good, as well as their nachos. I've never been disappointed by anything from here, and it's also a fun place on the weekends for drinks/hanging out with friends

For more information about Nex Mex, check out their website! I find they are most active on Facebook, and don't really use Instagram.

Breaking Grounds (Coffee!)

You gotta love a good coffee shop, right? Especially one that offers alternative milks for their coffees & teas, and has a special selection of gluten-free brownies from Something Sweet Without Wheat (100% GF bakery) right up front!

Breaking Grounds is a coffee shop & cafe serving up hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and sweets. They are located on Main Street in Peabody, right across the street from the Peabody Public Library. I've only been here for drinks, so I can't speak to the food, but love the fact that they have 100% GF treats available to purchase. Yay!

The staff here is friendly and will answer any questions you have about their coffees, drinks, and teas. Dylan and I like coming here for coffee or tea before disc golf (There's a course in Peabody a few minutes down the road). What I also really appreciate about this cafe is that they are very inclusive and hire employees with disabilities or autism. Bravo, Breaking Grounds!

For more information about Breaking Grounds, check out their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Gluten-Free in Saugus

Kane's Donuts

Kane's Donuts is a bakery in Saugus you can't miss for their incredible donuts! They make gluten, dairy, and nut free donuts in over 14 different flavors.

As part of my gluten-free consulting business, I worked with Kane's to develop a dedicated kitchen space for their delicious gluten, dairy, and nut-free donuts. Kane's has 3 locations in the Boston area, but their gluten-free donuts are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility in their Lincoln Avenue (Saugus) location. So no matter which Kane's location you visit, you can enjoy these amazing donuts safely. Seriously, they are a Boston gluten-free dining icon!

They have classic flavors like chocolate glazed or jelly-filled, but then they also have funky flavors like my favorite - Maple bacon. Yum!

When ordering your donuts, explain you have celiac/gluten allergy and they will be sure to change their gloves and place yours in a separate bag. They keep all the gluten-free donuts on their own trays.

For more information about Kane's donuts, their 14+ flavors, and the inside scoop on their dedicated gluten-free donut line, visit their website, Facebook, or Instagram page.

110 Grill

Like Burtons Grill and Red heat Tavern, 110 Grill has multiple locations in Boston proper and the Boston area and is known for having excellent gluten-free food and celiac protocols. Their gluten-free menu options include ice cream sundaes, nachos, burgers, pulled pork mac and cheese, sandwiches, salads, and more! They bring gluten-free rolls to your table and all gluten-free meal items come with an allergy stick. The staff is well-trained on gluten-free and allergen protocols and again, almost anything on the menu can be made gluten-free.

Definitely order an appetizer - they make a really tasty spinach artichoke dip, and a tater tot nachos with chorizo, avocado, and green onions. For dinner, I love their sandwiches, but the pulled pork mac and cheese is the clear winner. I tried a sample of it at the Nourished Festival back in 2019 and have been hooked ever since. The onion straws on top are optional, so if you just want the cheesy pasta and the tender pork, you can do that instead.

For more information about 110 Grill, visit their website, Facebook page, or Instagram.

Gluten-Free in Salem

I have an entire gluten-free & celiac dining guide to Salem on my website here, so you'll find only two places in this list - the rest are here in the Salem gluten-free dining guide! If you are planning a visit to Salem, be sure to read my ultimate travel guide for where to stay, what to do, where to find the Hocus Pocus film spots, and so much more.

Far From The Tree

My #1 spot for a drink in Salem, and the place that made me fall in love with hard cider! Far From The Tree has exploded since they opened in 2015 as one of the best places in Salem. Their cider flavors are super fun and incorporate fresh herbs, tea, jalapeños, and other wild ingredients. They have an awesome patio setup for the warm months, with corn hole, board games, and sometimes have trivia or food trucks.

All of the ciders at Far From The Tree are 100% gluten-free (unless noted otherwise). Definitely get yourself a flight if you've never had cider before. These ciders are very sweet so if you aren't used to it, a full pour might be like a smack in the face.

Far From The Tree's ciders rotate seasonally, but if you're visiting in the fall, you'll definitely want to try Apple of my Chai. Think apple cider mixed with a chai latte, and that's what you'll taste. If you're brave, you can go for Ectoplasm, but this one usually sells out quickly (it's bright green!) Dylan loves Lei, which is pineapple and jalapeño. Macachusetts is a plain dry cider and Nova is hopped cider - and both of these flavors are available year round.

No matter what cider you try from Far From The Tree, it's bound to be unique, sweet, and tasty!

Read more about Far From The Tree and what's on tap on their website, or visit their tasting room in person. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to see their recent brews. They are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Melt

Melt is a seasonal ice cream parlor in Salem, open during the spring, summer, and fall months. They make crazy combinations and ice cream flavors and are one of the best places for allergen protocols in Salem - they even have a certificate hanging inside of their allergen training on display!

Melt's staff will explain to you which flavors are gluten-free (there are plenty), and will offer you gluten-free cones. They will also wash their hands, use a fresh scoop, and follow proper protocols for celiac customers.

One of my favorite things to do at Melt is ask for a scoop of ice cream in a cup (usually banana nutella) and then top it with a homemade gluten-free & vegan brownie from Jodi Bee Bakes (the bakery I mentioned earlier!). Because if you aren't having a brownie with ice cream on top, what are you doing?!

But sometimes, if it's a hot day in the summer and I'm looking to cool off, the raspberry sorbet, pictured above, in a gluten-free cone, hits the spot for sure.

Follow Melt on Instagram and Facebook, and check their website here. They usually close in the winter.

Gluten-Free in Wilmington

Red Heat Tavern

Red Heat Tavern is a sister restaurant to Burton's Grill with additionally amazing gluten-free menus, protocols, and dedication to serving gluten-free customers safely. They have great appetizers, mains, and sides. I honestly, like Red Heat even better than Burton's! Make sure you read this interview with their VP of Culinary to learn about their commitment to serving gluten-free food the right way.

I've never been disappointed by something at Red Heat Tavern, but make sure you clarify with their sandwiches if it's hot or cold. I ordered a wrap once time expecting it to be warm, but it was cold, and was a little bummed. But it still tasted great!

All of the gluten-free dishes from Red Heat Tavern will arrive on red plates to designate an allergy. Almost the entire menu can be made gluten-free, and they have fantastic celiac protocols. Definitely get an appetizer like the fried tots or homemade chips, and for dinner, I love their burgers or steak tips.

Learn more about Red Heat on their website (they have 5 locations) or social media.

Gluten-Free in Woburn

Grainmaker

100% Gluten-Free Restaurant: Grainmaker

Grainmaker is a 100% gluten-free restaurant in Woburn. They also have locations in Cambridge and Boston proper.

With a twist on street food from Southeast Asia and an ethical approach to eating, Grainmaker offers delicious bowls, tacos, and salads filled with wholesome ingredients, locally sourced products, and tasty flavors. This is a 100% gluten-free restaurant and dairy-free restaurant too.

Think of it like a Chipotle but where you don't have to worry about cross-contact at all. I especially like their noodle bowls but a build your own option with lots of roasted vegetables was calling my name the last time I visited.

More information about Grainmaker can be found on their website, Instagram, or Facebook page.

Something Sweet Without Wheat: 100% Gluten-Free

This gluten-free bakery has everything you need for weekly dinners, holidays, events, and parties! You can visit their store in Woburn, or place orders online for all of your favorite treats. Their products are gluten-free and nut-free. They have bread, cookies, cakes, pastries, and more! I've also found their products at local farm stands on the North Shore, including Russell Orchards in Ipswich and Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury.

Learn more about Something Sweet Without Wheat by following them on Instagram, Facebook, or place an order online.

Final Thoughts: Boston North Shore Gluten-Free Guide

Those are my go-to restaurants & bakeries on Boston's North Shore to visit with celiac disease!

I hope this list has helped guide you to the places where you can have a safe meal. As always, speak up, ask questions, and make sure tell your server how you need your food prepared to eat safely.

And keep checking this guide for updates in the future as new places pop up - I'm always on the hunt for celiac safe, tasty, gluten-free food!

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Looking for more gluten-free travel guides in New England?

Check out all the best spots for gluten-free food in spooky Salem.

Head into Boston proper for some tasty Italian fare at La Famiglia Giorgio's.

Explore The Green Mountain State of Vermont and discover gluten-free beer at the first dedicated GF brewery in New England: Red Leaf!

Go for a hike in New Hampshire and get the juiciest GF burger and fries.

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

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

Those are my favorite places that are gluten-free on the North Shore of Boston! What are yours?

Have you ever visited gluten-free places on the North Shore of Boston?

Leave a comment below with your favorite celiac safe spot!