Gluten-Free Eating in Harrisonburg
Gluten-free eating when traveling can sometime seem more trouble than it’s worth, but it doesn’t have to be. The best way to have successful vacations with someone who has celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten is research and planning. Let us handle the grunt work. Here is your ultimate guide to eating gluten-free in Harrisonburg.
Breakfast in Harrisonburg
Heritage Bakery
Open Monday-Friday with reservation-only brunch on Saturdays, this delicious bakery offers gluten-free muffins, gluten-free cookies, and gluten-free bread for any of their sandwiches. Heritage Bakery offers breakfast and lunch, but only make sandwiches until 2:30. The staff is beyond kind and the atmosphere is wonderful. There’s even outdoor accommodations and, they’re dog-friendly outside. They’ll even bring your fur-baby a bowl of water. You can also order baked goods from them.
Little Grill Collective
This wonderful local place offers gluten-free pancakes (that aren’t safe for celiac) and several meals that are gluten-free. The staff is kind and knowledgeable. Let them know about your dietary restrictions before ordering as they will need to take extra precautions for those with celiac disease. The Little Grill Collective is a great option with a wide selection.
Cinnamon Bear
This delicious deli and bakery offers gluten-free bread and the option to order any sandwich as gluten-free. Cinnamon Bear has delicious options for both breakfast and lunch. They’re definitely worth a stop.
Lunch in Harrisonburg
There are a lot of restaurants that serve both gluten-free breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner, so you should note that there are some overlaps in these sections.
Greens & Grains
This place is amazing for gluten-free and vegetarian. The staff are knowledgeable and very kind and the manager is happy to help with any and all dietary restrictions. Greens & Grains offer gluten-free bread, pasta (and gluten-free Alfredo), 6 different soups, and tons of salads. They also deliver. You can order on GrubHub or by calling their store.
A Bowl of Good
This place is celiac-friendly, vegetarian-friendly, and vegan-friendly. A Bowl of Good has a tremendous selection and even offer a breakfast bar on Saturday mornings. They also offer to go bowls and several other grab and go options.
Grilled Cheese Mania
Grilled Cheese Mania is an awesome restaurant offers gluten-free bread, soup, and chips. They’ll typically ask if you have celiac disease when you request gluten-free bread, but if they don’t, be sure to specify to minimize cross-contamination. You may have been familiar with their food truck that used to operate at local events and have a location on South High Street in Harrisonburg. They now operate in a renovated house on South Main near The Mill Apartments.
Dinner in Harrisonburg
Italian Cuisine
Vito’s Italian Kitchen
Located on Port Republic Rd, this amazing Italian restaurant offers huge and delicious gluten-free pizza and pasta. They have a well-detailed, easy-to-read gluten-free menu.
*Update: I have recently learned from Beyond Celiac that flour remains in the air “for 12-24 hours depending on ventilation and quantity of flour.” While Vito’s has a separate oven and does their best to prevent cross-contamination from occurring, they do not have two separated kitchen spaces and thus airborne flour is still a concern. Therefore, I can’t, in all good conscience, rate Vito’s as celiac-safe any longer. However, if you only have a gluten-intolerance, enjoy their amazing pizza.*
Bella Luna
This restaurant, unfortunately, is not safe for those with celiac disease. However, if you’re only suffering from gluten sensitivity, Bella Luna is a great option with a lot of interested and delicious pizzas.
Mexican Cuisine
El Charro
This local staple in Harrisonburg is a cheap and delicious Mexican restaurant. With great service, great drinks, amazing food, and two locations, you really can’t go wrong with El Charro.
Sabor A Mexico
This place is relatively new to the area, but they offer amazing food, rather large and strong margaritas, and the special is always a really good deal. Space in the restaurant itself is a little cramped, but if you’re stopping for a quick bite with a small group, it won’t be a problem. Sabor A Mexico also delivers, so if your hotel’s nearby, you could just get it taken to you, rather than having to eat in the restaurant or try to find parking (which is also a little difficult).
El Orgullo De Rancho
This place is new to Harrisonburg but definitely worth the try. I’ve now eaten there twice with no cross-contamination and much satisfaction. The staff is excellent and very kind and the food is phenomenal. I highly recommend you stop in and give them a try.
Other Cuisine (Asian, Fusion, German, etc.)
Beyond
Beyond is an amazing Asian fusion restaurant that offers a huge gluten-free menu, including a selection of three different gluten-free desserts. This place is definitely worth giving a chance.
Taste of Thai
If you’re looking for a good sit down restaurant, fantastic Thai food, and a good atmosphere, look no further than Taste of Thai. This place has amazing food and is delicious. They also offer take-out options which are fairly quick.
Capital Ale House
While this place has a rather large gluten-free menu, I have since confirmed that there’s nothing that is celiac-safe. However, if you merely have a gluten-intolerance, you’re in for a treat. This restaurant has terrific food and, on Mondays after 4, they offer a low-priced burger night that is a great deal for the local college students!
I hope this helps some of you guide yourselves towards safe, gluten-free food on your travels. It should be duly noted that, due to the fact that none of these restaurants are dedicated gluten-free, you still run a risk of cross-contamination. This risk is lower at places like Grilled Cheese Mania, Beyond, Taste of Thai, and Bowl of Good; however, there is still a risk involved so be aware and always inform your server of your having celiac. Harrisonburg is a delightful place with twelve parks, beautiful mountains, and the friendliest community.
If you have any suggestions or cities you want to suggest for us to cover, please contact us. We want to encourage those with celiac to eat at restaurants and live their lives normally and confidently and we can’t do it without your help.