Zero gluten, all flavor: Arizona’s best gluten-free restaurants

Discover the best gluten-free restaurants in Arizona, where locals swear by the flavor and every dish is crafted with care.

If you’ve ever tried eating gluten-free, you know it’s not just about skipping bread. Gluten is the sneaky protein in wheat, barley, rye, and related grains—the thing that gives bread its bounce and pasta its chew. For people with celiac disease—about 1% of Americans—or non-celiac gluten sensitivity—another 3–6%—even a crumb can trigger unpleasant symptoms.

But here’s the twist: Gluten-free isn’t just a medical necessity anymore. Between 20% and 30% of Americans say they follow a gluten-free lifestyle, whether or not they’ve been diagnosed, often for perceived health benefits or simply because they feel better without it. That means more diners looking for safe, satisfying options—and more pressure on restaurants to deliver.

The right restaurant makes all the difference. When you find a spot where the kitchen understands cross-contamination, the servers know exactly which dishes are safe, and the menu goes beyond “hold the bun,” it’s a relief. It’s also a joy—because these are meals you can actually look forward to, not just tolerate.

Arizona is lucky to have a growing number of these gems, from scratch-made comfort food joints to inventive, globally inspired kitchens. Whether you’re strictly gluten-free or just gluten-curious, these local favorites prove you can skip the wheat without skipping the flavor.

Entirely gluten-free restaurants 

Jewel’s Bakery & Café

4041 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix

This family-owned Phoenix favorite has been serving up 100% gluten-free comfort food since day one—and you won’t miss the wheat for a second. Jewel’s Bakery & Café puts a creative spin on classics, turning out golden, crispy chicken and waffles, fluffy donut holes, hearty brunch bowls, and loaded breakfast burritos, all made with their signature gluten-free flour blend. The menu also caters to other dietary needs with dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, making it a go-to spot whether you’re gluten-free by necessity or by choice.

Intentional Foods Café & Market

1837 W. Guadalupe Rd., Mesa

Born out of a family’s firsthand experience with severe food allergies, Intentional Foods Café & Market is a safe haven for diners who need to avoid gluten and other major allergens. The menu is 100% free from the top nine allergens, including peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, dairy, soy, egg, and more—so you can order with confidence. Everything is fresh and made-to-order, from gluten-free breakfast burritos and tacos to hearty bowls, wraps, and baked goods. The flavors are big, the portions are generous, and the peace of mind is priceless.

Gluten Free Creations

10880 N. 32nd St., Phoenix

Founded in 2001 by LynnRae Ries, Gluten Free Creations started with a mission to make great-tasting food for those with celiac disease or wheat allergies. Today, the bakery’s repertoire has expanded to include items free from multiple allergens—think egg, dairy, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, corn, yeast, and even processed sugars or grains. Every loaf, bagel, cookie, and cake is made by hand with carefully sourced ingredients, from gluten-free oats to sustainable palm shortening. The North Phoenix retail shop is a treasure trove for anyone craving baked goods that are safe and satisfying.

Gourmet Girls

5845 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson

Part bakery, part café, Gourmet Girls has been Tucson’s go-to spot for 100% gluten-free goodness since 2009. From cinnamon rolls and muffins to quiche, pizza, and sandwiches, the menu covers every craving—and it’s all made without a trace of gluten. Whether you’re popping in for a latte and pastry or sitting down for lunch, you can relax knowing the entire kitchen is dedicated to safe, gluten-free preparation.

Dedicated – A Gluten Free Bakery and Coffee Shop

4500 E. Speedway Blvd., Suite 41, Tucson

Dedicated lives up to its name with a completely gluten-free menu of pastries, breads, and light bites, all paired with expertly brewed coffee and tea. This bright, welcoming café is a favorite for locals who need to avoid gluten but still want the joy of a fresh scone, brownie, or breakfast sandwich. Everything is baked in-house in a fully gluten-free kitchen, making it one of Tucson’s safest—and sweetest—spots for celiac and gluten-sensitive diners.

Honorable mentions with impressive gluten-free menu options

Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen

Multiple locations around the Phoenix Valley and in Sedona

What started in 2002 as a gourmet pizza shop in Sedona has grown into one of Arizona’s most allergy-friendly Italian restaurants, with six locations across the state. Founders Rick Freedman and Doug Stanton built Picazzo’s around a commitment to clean, nutrient-rich ingredients—think 95% organic produce, scratch-made sauces, and non-GMO oils—and a menu that’s just as appealing to diners with dietary restrictions as it is to their friends who don’t have them. While the menu covers everything from Mediterranean-inspired pastas to hearty entrées and fresh salads, Picazzo’s gluten-free game is especially strong. The housemade GF pizza dough—crafted with applesauce for the vegan version, eggs for the regular—makes a perfect base for their signature pies and flatbreads. Add in a dedicated gluten-free preparation process, plus a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options, and you’ve got a restaurant that lets everyone at the table order what they actually want.

Zookz Sandwiches

100 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix

This locally owned sandwich shop puts a creative spin on the classic panini, using a North African recipe passed down through generations. Each sandwich is pressed in a custom-designed mold that seals in the ingredients, creating a crisp golden crust and a warm, savory middle. Zookz is also highly celiac-friendly, offering gluten-free bread for most of its signature creations (gluten-free bread is an additional $2.50 and it’s important to note that the restaurant prepares food with gluten, so cross-contamination is unavoidable).

Midtown Vegan Deli & Market

5071 E 5th Street, Tucson

This bright, locally owned deli and market is where vegan, glutenfree, and planetloving values converge. Committed to “saving the planet one tasty sandwich at a time,” Midtown offers a large dedicated glutenfree menu amidst its fully vegan offerings—most customers will find something irresistible. Whether you’re eyeing a crisp grilled cheese, a hearty burger, or a stack of carrot cake, you’ll appreciate that these delights come without wheat or animal products. The staff know their stuff, the vibe is chill, and the options are plentiful.

Flagstaff Baking Co.

119 S. San Francisco St., Flagstaff

Flagstaff Baking Co. isn’t a strictly gluten-free bakery, but it’s earned a welcoming spot in this roundup for its solid GF offerings and unmistakably local charm. Tucked in downtown Flagstaff, this artisanal bakery delivers pastries and breakfast treats that feel like a neighborhood embrace—croissants, coffee, dog-friendly vibes, and a gorgeous courtyard included. One recent Yelp reviewer said, “I was blown away by the variety of gluten-free pastries—they have more GF options than I’ve ever seen in one place, and they all looked incredible.”

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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