Gluten-Free Dining in Plano

Fad diets come and go, but for some locals, gluten-free life is here to stay. One in 10 people are affected by celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that flares up when gluten is ingested, meaning many carb lovers’ favorite dishes are no-gos.

Whether diners are used to scanning menus for the GF symbol or don’t even have the word gluten in their vocabulary, it’s important to have an understanding of what gluten-free dining means. For newbies, gluten is the combination of two proteins that are found in wheat, rye, barley and some oats.

As a celiac foodie, I’m always on the hunt for gluten-free alternatives that look and taste like the real thing, because salads get real old real fast. This is a list of some of my favorite dishes around Plano that provide delicious alternatives for those looking to avoid gluten.

Cheese board // photo courtesy of Sixty Vines
Cheese board // photo courtesy of Sixty Vines

Sixty Vines 

With a warm interior, open-kitchen concept and wine on tap, it sounds like Sixty Vines can’t get any better. But gluten-free diners can rejoice because a majority of the shared plates, pastas and pizzas can be made without gluten. To start out on the right foot, order up one of the cheese boards with a side of gluten-free bread. The small, triangle slices of pizza dough come out hot from the oven and hold up when put up to the test of balancing their cured meats and cheeses on top.

Sixty Vines >

 

photo by Jennifer Shertzer

Kenny’s East Coast Pizza

All of the Kenny’s restaurants spread around North Dallas are known for their accommodating menus, but the pizza crust at Kenny’s Easy Coast Pizza gives gluten-free diners the aerated dough they may have come to miss. Most gluten-free pizzas in the area only offer up a thin crust, but Kenny’s East Coast Pizza’s recipe gives locals something new to get excited about. Plus, the kitchen is full of lots of gluten-free doughy favorites – like the bruschetta – that are perfect for rounding out a meal.

Kenny's East Coast Pizza >

 

Schnitzel "Wiener Art", breaded and pan-fried to a golden brown with warm herbed potato salad and a mixed salad // photo courtesy of Bavarian Grill
Schnitzel “Wiener Art”, breaded and pan-fried to a golden brown with warm herbed potato salad and a mixed salad // photo courtesy of Bavarian Grill

Bavarian Grill

There’s nothing else in the city, or even the Metroplex, like Bavarian Grill. The German restaurant has been dishing out authentic food, beer and wine for more than 20 years, which is why it is rather surprising that they have an extensive gluten-free menu. By sourcing products from Local Oven, one of the largest gluten-free food providers in the area, Bavarian Grill now offers new versions of the classic entrees. Start out by asking for a gluten-free baguette to replace the typical starter basket of bread. Then, choose between delicious options like the pan-seared Schnitzel or Schnitzel “Weiner Art” that are made with gluten-free products. Diners get all that crunch without any of the side effects. Prost! 

Bavarian Grill >

 

Jalapeño Bacon BLT // photo by Austin Graf

Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery

With bread right there in the name, this West Plano eatery couldn’t sound more alienating toward gluten-free diners. But, this quick service restaurant offers up gluten-free sandwich bread and bun options, meaning that everyone in your group can find something to enjoy. For a crunchy option that comes with a bite, try the Jalapeño Bacon BLT. The spicy meat adds a fun twist on the lunch favorite while still pairing well with the sandwich’s other main ingredients.  

Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery >

 

photo by Anna Caynar

Seasons 52

Seasons 52’s cyclical menu leans on the freshest flavors found in each time of year. It takes an eye for detail and inventive chefs to produce great menus season after season, and this level of care and attention appears not only in the quality of food but also the extensiveness of gluten-sensitive offerings. After trying tasty starters, mains and sides, don’t forget to glance at the dessert section. Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cannoli, a blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, proves you don’t need a shell to make this sweet shine. 

Seasons 52 >

 

Looking for more Plano options? We also love the gluten-free lobster roll at Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill, the Lasagna Bolognese at True Food Kitchen and the Garlic Fries at Earls Bar + Kitchen.

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