Where to Find Gluten-Free Goodness in Savannah

From bagels and beyond, here are some of the Hostess City’s best spots for those seeking gluten-free options.

Written by Leanna Gioia

Whether you’re avoiding gluten due to gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, IBS, or personal preference, the good news is there are still plenty of places to enjoy delicious food in Savannah. From crispy chicken tenders and onion rings to focaccia and cookies, here’s a guide to satisfying cravings while staying gluten free. As always, confirm ingredients and potential for cross-contamination based on your dietary needs. 

Expect standout Mediterranean plates like the Levantine orchard salad, braised lamb stew, and Hasselback celeriac from Shuk. It has a menu with clearly marked gluten-free items, and don’t skip the signature dips — most can be made gluten-free by swapping pita for crudité.

FraLi Gourmet is a great go-to when you’re craving pasta but not the gluten. Its build-your-own pasta section includes gluten-free penne, and they often keep one other rotating gluten-free pasta option in the mix, so it’s worth calling to see what’s on offer for the week. 

With the tagline “Where Soul Meets Seoul,” West Broad Bandshell is your wildcard for gluten-free comfort food with a twist. In addition to a regular menu, you’ll find craveable gluten-free picks you don’t see everywhere, like double-fried Korean-style chicken wings and the Encore Street Tteok — both listed as gluten-free. The onion rings have earned a little local fan club too.

Constantly feeling snubbed by Mexican restaurants that lack gluten-free options? Check out Plant Riverside District’s Savannah Tequila Co. Start with the tableside guacamole or queso blanco, then dig into corn-tortilla street tacos, pork belly chicharrón, and cobia al pastor, all listed as gluten-free.

Coco & Moss has gluten-free options available and clearly labeled, like the blue crab roll and spicy shrimp roll, plus hearty salad options like the Enlightened One, with quinoa, rice, and veggies. If you want something a little more filling, keep an eye out for their signature gluten-free bowl, Rice Rice Baby. 

If you’re after an Irish pub night that still plays nice with gluten-free needs, Wexford – Savannah’s Irish Pub brings the whole sláinte! vibe. Think pints, live Irish music, and a lively scene. Don’t miss the chicken wings. To stay gluten-free, skip the Guinness barbecue sauce. Bonus points to Wexford for being refreshingly transparent: The menu clearly tags what’s gluten-free.  

Origin Coffee Bar is the kind of easy, everyday brunch spot gluten-free diners deserve. The menu includes tasty breakfast burritos served on gluten-free tortillas and bagel sandwiches such as bacon, egg, and cheese on gluten-free bagels. Feeling fancy? Try a spicy lox bagel sammy with mango habanero cream cheese. Not to mention, the lattes are to die for. 

Longtime local favorite Crystal Beer Parlor, nestled on historic Jones Street, makes gluten-free dining efficient with a separate gluten/wheat-free menu and an allergen-free bun option for a slight upcharge. The GF list also includes kid-friendly picks and desserts, and they occasionally carry gluten-free beers, but it’s best to check what’s on tap before ordering.

Alligator Soul is a splurge-worthy pick for gluten-free diners who want a full Lowcountry-style night out. You won’t feel left out during bread service, either — gluten-free bread is available. Menu standouts include the deviled crab (made without flour), duck, and wild boar. And there’s an indulgent flourless chocolate torte for dessert. 

A Savannah staple, Kayak Kafé is a choose-your-own-adventure spot. The menu uses easy dietary labels so you can scan it once and settle in. This spot is especially strong if you’re craving handheld bites like gluten-free tacos or sandwiches. With Kayak’s variety and flexibility, the menu feels wide open. The salad dressings are also gluten-free.

The Public Kitchen & Bar is a solid pick when you want classic comfort food and gluten-free flexibility. The menu notes that most items can be prepared gluten-free, so just ask your server. Go for the Savannah shrimp and grits or seared salmon, and if you’re dining with little ones, they even have gluten-free chicken tenders on the daytime menu. 

Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth

Groovy Grains Bakeshop is a dedicated gluten-free bakery. It’s the kind of place where you can browse the case without wondering what you can and can’t have. The lineup leans happily carb-forward with goodies like focaccia, cookies, and biscuits, plus cakes and cupcakes available by special order.

When shopping your way down Broughton Street, Le Macaron is a great place to grab a gluten-free goodie. While the shop isn’t positioned as entirely gluten-free, their traditional macarons are typically made with almond flour and often fit a gluten-free diet. Just ask staff about ingredients and cross-contact if you’re highly sensitive, especially with any non-macaron pastries.

Spread Bagelry is a fast downtown stop for bagel lovers. They have what they call “gluten-friendly” bagels; that is, they can make any bagel sandwich or bagel with spread using a gluten-free bagel. However, they may share spaces such as toasters with regular bagels. If you prefer, they offer  bags of frozen, gluten-free bagels that come from a dedicated gluten-free facility.

Good Graham Bakery is a “free-from” dream: Everything they make is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and made without cane sugar. The healthy treats can work for a variety of diets, including plant-based, paleo, Whole30, keto, and more. Fan favorites include nut bark, chewy cookies, and the vegan Nah’cho Queso. The company offers shipping and local delivery, or you can find them at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market.

If Savannah had a “you can’t leave without it” dessert stop, Leopold’s Ice Cream would be the one. And it’s a sweet win for many gluten-free diners: The ice cream is gluten-free except for the flavors that contain cookies. If you’re highly sensitive, ask for a manager so they can help you choose a safe flavor and scoop in a way that minimizes cross-contamination.