The Best Gluten-Free Food I Ate in Austin, Texas

Head to the Lone Star State for gluten-free mochi donuts, breakfast tacos, and more.

Last month, I traveled to Austin, Texas, for a quick work trip. I’m president of my company’s Women’s ERG (employee resource group) and organized our annual in-person career summit down in Austin, where my employer is co-headquartered.

The last time I was there for work was January 2020—right before I got my celiac diagnosis (and right before the pandemic happened). I was feeling pretty terrible at the time and was super anxious about my health.

Fast-forward to now. I was excited to finally head back to Austin as a celiac since it’s a very gluten-free-friendly city. I ended up sampling more than a few delicious gluten-free eats with my co-workers during the two-and-a-half days I was there.

Ahead, I’m recapping the best gluten-free food I ate in Austin on my recent trip to the Lone Star State. I’ve noted which establishments are dedicated gluten-free and which ones aren’t so you can make the best decision for you when it comes to dining out.

Table of contents:

• Best dedicated gluten-free establishments in Austin

• Restaurants with gluten-free options in Austin

• Fast casual spots with gluten-free options in Austin

Best dedicated gluten-free establishments in Austin

OMG Squee: At the top of my list to try in Austin was this dedicated gluten-free mochi donut shop—and I can confirm the donuts were excellent! On my first full day in Austin, I went here as soon as they opened and bought a half dozen donuts to share with my co-workers.

I chose Matcha Blueberry, Ube Oreo, Blue Jasmine, Vanilla Lavender, Snickerdoodle, and Chocolate Chocolate Chip. The donuts were adorably decorated and had that unique chewy texture you expect from mochi.

Gati Ice Cream: My fellow celiac friend Christina, who runs the Instagram account glutenfreelivingbk, recommended Gati Ice Cream, a dedicated gluten-free ice cream and coffee shop in Austin.

I only had time to go early in the morning on the second day of my trip, so sadly I couldn’t try the ice cream—but I bought a bunch of gluten-free pastries that I really enjoyed. I ate a glazed cinnamon roll fresh from the oven for breakfast and took a piece of sour cream crumb cake and a mini banana muffin with me for later.

The Well: If I lived in Austin, I would probably be at The Well every day because it was totally my vibe! I stopped at the 2nd St. location of this hip dedicated gluten-free restaurant for a solo breakfast before heading home on my last day.

I opted for the breakfast tacos (which included pasture-raised scrambled eggs and served on organic corn tortillas) and an iced berry matcha latte made with organic cashew milk and strawberries.

Restaurants with gluten-free options in Austin

Red Ash: This trendy Italian restaurant is very hard to get reservations at—you typically have to book about three months in advance! Somehow, one of my co-workers was able to nab a table ahead of this trip. Naturally, I looked up the menu (and the reviews on Find Me Gluten-Free) before my team dinner—and I was pleased to see the restaurant offered homemade gluten-free pasta.

I had the gluten-free pasta alla chitarra and also shared a few apps and sides (the the wood roasted baby carrots were a standout) with the group. Although not labeled gluten-free on the menu, the waiter was able to advise on which appetizers and sides were naturally gluten-free or could be modified.

Sixty Vines: One of my co-workers suggested this restaurant (the location in The Domain, the high-end shopping center) since it was right near the event I organized for my ERG. It was a great choice because they had a lot of clearly labeled gluten-free options and confirmed a separate fryer for the fried gluten-free items when I asked.

My group shared a bunch of small plates for dinner. My favorites were the crispy zucchini dusted in tapioca and served with a sweet chili vinaigrette, bacon-wrapped dates with a balsamic glaze, grilled golden beets served with whipped feta, toasted pistachio, and apricot vinaigrette, and truffled vineyard fries topped with pecorino, chives, and lemon truffle cream. Bonus points for a great mocktail menu—I loved the garden spritz!

Fast casual spots with gluten-free options in Austin

Honest Mary’s: If you’re a fan of fast casual spots like Cava and The Little Beet that serve up nourishing bowls, then you’ll like Honest Mary’s. My co-workers ordered lunch from here one day, and almost the entire menu is gluten-free. I had one of the signature bowls—The Smoky Poblano—and was full for the entire day.

Flower Child: I was looking for a place to cater lunch for my ERG event that had both gluten-free and vegetarian options to accommodate multiple dietary restrictions. Thankfully, Flower Child ticked all of the boxes, and there was a location in the Domain, right near the event venue.

All of the gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are clearly labeled on the menu, which made ordering catering a breeze. Everyone raved about the lunch (I obviously chose gluten-free mac and cheese as one of the sides), so I consider that a job well done!

Have you been to Austin? If so, what was your favorite gluten-free food there? Drop a comment and let me know!