Picking a restaurant while traveling is hard enough with myriad options in an unfamiliar place. Add to that specific dietary restrictions or requirements, toss in a couple traveling companions with differing preferences from your own and you have a pretty tall order on hand. Well, if dining gluten-free is one of your specifications, we have compiled a list of the tastiest gluten-free dishes recommended by locals in Columbia SC, and where to find them. Oh, and we made sure to pick spots with a wide range of options for traveling companions who are not dining gluten-free. Here's the rundown:
Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants
Tasty As Fit
With a rotating menu, this local grab-n-go, plant based and gluten free restaurant is making eating plant-forward eating convenient and delicious. From hearty grain bowls and crisp salads to stacked wraps, creamy smoothies, and indulgent desserts, you'll find that plant-based eating can be delicious at Tasty As Fit.
Gluten Friendly Options
The Original Pancake House
With made from scratch batter to homemade syrups, you will find their menu items are not just for show. You would be remiss not to try the cinnamon roll pancakes made from homemade cinnamon filling, infused with buttermilk batter and topped with cream cheese icing. Pro tip: gluten free pancakes are available only upon request.
Kao Thai
Dig into your favorite Thai cuisine at Kao Thai for gluten free pad Thai, drunken noodles, varieties of fried rice like crab fried rice and green or red curry. Cola's
Cola's
With a dedicated GF menu, Cola's is a collision of fine dining and urban setting. Order up blackened mahi and shrimp or Cola's hamburger made with candied bacon and pimento cheese.
Duke's Pad Thai
Follow the locals to Duke's Pad Thai and order up gluten free dishes like Thai beef salad, chicken satay and Duke's Pad Thai.
Tazza
Honestly, it's hard to find something on Tazza's menu that isn't gluten free, but you'd never know it at first glance. From the brick-oven cauliflower app and a full list of tacos to the shrimp and crispy polenta for your main dish, you'll leave with a full and happy belly. Bonus: their dessert menu features an orange almond flour cake with salted caramel gelato that is a can't miss. After you've indulged, enjoy perusing through the Trenholm Plaza shopping center adjacent to the restaurant.
Eggs Up Grille
It's the most important, and GF, meal of the day! Bring on breakfast with a stack of gluten-free pancakes from Eggs Up Grille (on Devine Street and Forest Drive). Need we say more?
Ally and Eloise
Known for their large macarons and beautiful cakes, Ally and Eloise also has Queen's Mother Cake and a Flourless Chocolate Cake that will even have your non-GF pals begging for a bite. With two locations, one on Main Street and one in Forest Acres, you're never far from their sweet treats. Oh! Don't forget your 50¢ coffee.
CO
At CO, there's still room for everyone, including gluten free friends. Their menu is chockablock is Southeast Asian dishes with a gluten free menu to choose from like sushi and poke bowls.
Cantina 76
The menu at Cantina '76 boasts a rich variety of imaginative tacos, enchiladas, and more that are gluten free when ordered with a corn tortilla. All dishes are crafted with fresh, unique ingredients and locally sourced produce. Additionally, they whip up their sauces, dressings, and salsas in-house. Enjoy this family-friendly restaurant at two locations: Main Street and Devine Street
Another Broken Egg
Another Broken Egg Cafe on breaks the mold of your typical diner. They're dedicated to serving up Southern-inspired culinary creativity that's utterly irresistible. Their menu features chef-inspired breakfast, brunch, and lunch options alongside hand-crafted cocktails, spiked cold brews, mimosas, and a complete bar selection. They also have a dedicated "Gluten Friendly" menu at both locations on Devine Street and in Lexington.
Taziki's Cafe
As another Forest Acres' favorite, Taziki's offers an ideal setting for a nutritious, fast lunch or a laid-back Mediterranean dinner paired with your preferred glass of wine. The welcoming staff prepares meals infused with Mediterranean inspirations with a touch of Southern flair.
Morelia Paletas
Dessert anyone? Enjoy a unique, hand-crafted Mexican paleta, a frozen treat made from fresh natural fruits or from rich creamy ingredients such as Chocolate and Sicilian pistachio. To make it even better, their colorful display notes all allergens of the individual flavors, and staff are willing to serve fresh paletas from the wrapper if needed.
Pho Viet
Pho Viet remains dedicated to the genuine preparation of Vietnamese cuisine. Many of their dishes are made with rice noodles – a naturally gluten-free cuisine! Whether it's the classic pho, vermicelli bowl, or crispy rolls, your favorite Vietnamese dishes are served at their two locations in Northeast Columbia or in Five Points.
Please reiterate to your server that you are dining gluten free and have them confirm that recipes and menu options are indeed prepared to your expectations, as recipes, menus and methods of preparation are subject to change.