As a functional nutritionist, Gianna Giampia of The Farm in Valhalla understands the important of healthful, homey food and how meaningful it is to feel safe when dining out. She’s also gluten-free which is why, when she opened her cafe in early December, she made sure her menu included a variety of thoughtfully crafted meals so that no one eating at The Farm would feel “limited.”
The story’s similar for Charlotte and Carrie Denoyer, owners of Café Deux in Harrison, who are both allergic to tree nuts and have family members with celiac disease. Having grown up in the restaurant business, they understand the importance of offering choices — and how difficult it can be to find places that successfully overlap gluten-free and nut-free options. That’s why, when they evaluated their menu, they made it a priority to create a welcoming food environment for all kinds of diners.
It’s a refrain heard more and more from Lower Hudson Valley restaurant owners. Featuring gluten-free selections is about hospitality and accessibility, summed up Lisa Ocasio, owner of The Tasty Table in Ossining.
“Gluten-free diners remember who takes their dietary restrictions seriously,” she said. “If they feel safe eating here, they don’t just come back, they bring their friends, family, and out-of-town visitors.
“One gluten-free guest often equals a whole table.”
So where can you go where you’re gluten-free? Westchester has plenty of spots that offer dishes to fit your needs. Just be sure to double-check ingredients and ask your server about cross-contamination to be safe.
The Farm Cafe, Valhalla
Giampia’s inviting three-month-old cafe has quickly become a community gathering spot, thanks to its cozy vibe, farm fresh motto and commitment to quality ingredients. That includes the super popular lemon ricotta gluten-free pancakes with blueberry compote, lemon sugar whipped cream and locally sourced maple syrup; the Feather & Fig, grilled chicken, fig jam, goat cheese, caramelized onions, arugula and fig balsamic glaze on gluten free bread and the Barnyard Blaze BLT with bacon, siracha aioli, caramelized onions, arugula and sliced tomato.
She also serves “sunrise sandwiches,” creative twists featuring eggs on bagels (yes, gluten-free). The Coop Classic wins rave reviews for its soft scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, white cheddar, arugula, and sun-dried tomato. That’s on top of her mouthwatering array of pastries including gluten-free seasonal muffins, banana bread and almond ricotta cake.
It’s rare to catch Giampia standing still — she’s almost always in motion, smiling and chatting with her customers, many of whom have quickly become loyal regulars or behind the counter ringing up a guest. That warm, personal energy makes every visit feel a little sweeter, with gluten or without. 26 Broadway, 914-352-0318, thefarmcafeny.com.
PopoJito Med-Mex Kitchen, Scarsdale
Mexican classics melded with Mediterranean sensibilities is the motto at this 100% dedicated gluten-free, paleo-friendly restaurant. Furthermore, the kitchen uses locally-sourced grass fed proteins, wild caught fish and seasonal vegetables. Items range from beef empanadas to fajitas, rice bowls, tacos, enchiladas, tropical salmon and chimichurri skirt steak. 46 Christie Pl, Scarsdale, 914-713-8946, popojito.com.
Root 2 Rise, Pleasantville, Larchmont
You’d never know. That’s the refrain you’ll hear when eating at either location of this Larchmont or Pleasantville cafe where everything is vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, local and organic. That’s because creating foods that are both good-tasting and good for you is the mission of owner Jyoti Tewani whose specialties include Mulligatawny soup, an Anglo-Indian red lentil and coconut milk broth infused with fennel, cumin, and cardamom, topped with cashews and scallions along with a hearty Harvest chili made with seasonal root vegetables and beans.
The eatery also offer some of the best gluten-free bread in the county, making their smashed pea avocado toast a best seller and a “Best Thing I Ate” in Nov. 2023. (The mushroom toast is equally good.) Other recommended dishes include the falafel wrap, beet burger, Dan Dan noodles, spicy Thai ramen and signature pizzas. There’s even “clean” junk food such as chili cornbread, chili fries and nachos. Both locations — Pleasantville has been open since 2021; Larchmont since 2023 — are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with beer and bio-organic wine available in Larchmont. The beer/wine program should be at Pleasantville sometime later this spring. 359 Manville Road, Pleasantville, 914-769-8460 and 1924 Palmer Ave., Larchmont, 914-341-1060, root2riseny.com.
Café Deux, Harrison
This is not a gluten-free restaurant per say but it does have a host of items that cater to those with gluten-free needs such as Chicken Masala, French Onion mac and cheese, Salade Jardin, quinoa bowl, and mussels.
The Denoyer sisters started their business with chocolates so it makes sense they’ve also amped up their desserts. Their pastry kitchen, branded as The Bakery at Café Deux, has developed a wholesale partnership with both Caffe Panna and Butterfield Market in NYC, and currently features gluten free cupcakes, loaf slices, cookies and brownies.
All of their cupped desserts chocolates are also now gluten free and available at their three-year-old French American cafe. 307 Halstead Ave., Harrison, 914-920-4110, cafedeuxny.com.
Pappous Greek Kitchen, Yorktown Heights
Gluten-free pita bread is one of the main drivers for coming here; another is the restaurant’s long list of Greek specialties including gyro sandwiches, chicken souvlaki and Avgolemono soup. Owner Rui Cunha said his gyros are 100% gluten-free, which is rare as many places use bread as a binder. The restaurant can also modify other dishes to accommodate various dietary needs.
Cunha said the demand for gluten-free options has shifted significantly over the years and is now a significant part of their business, so much so that they’ve centered much of their menu around their gluten-free pita. It’s become so much of a priority, they put gluten-free front and center when developing new menu items or meeting with vendors.
“I believe that while gluten-free options were once primarily for those with celiac disease, they’re now a preference for anyone looking to eat lighter,” he said. “I’m not celiac myself but I often choose the gluten-free option because it makes me feel better and isn’t as filling as traditional bread.
“Providing these options is an essential part of our business, and it has definitely helped us build a larger, more loyal client base.” 1983 Commerce St., Yorktown Heights, 914-455-2111, pappousgreekkitchen.com.
The Tasty Table, Ossining
This woman-owned restaurant, famous for its innovative brunch (offered Wednesday to Sunday), is all about “good vibes, great service and made from scratch food with a trendy twist.” Among its gluten-free best sellers are the cauliflower brunch pizza, gluten-free pancakes, SoCal bowl, avocado bowl and Eggs Benedict.
But don’t solely go by breakfast and lunch; there are also plenty of dinner entrees including Penne alla Vodka, Big Mac tacos, and grilled salmon, among other choices. More than the food, it’s the warm spirit of Ocasio and her team that make this place a perennial favorite and the fact that the staff is constantly dreaming up new ways to delight. (It made my “11 Restaurants that Should Have Been on the USA TODAY Best Restaurant List” in 2025). Whether it’s an Aperol spritz fountain, a “barkuterie” board for the four-legged member of your family (think blueberries, peanut butter, cucumbers, bananas and dog cracker treats), chili-rubbed hangar steak, or a coffee flight, you’re sure to be charmed. 21 Campwoods Road, 914-762-4000, thetastytableny.com.
Sweet Grass Grill, Tarrytown
An emphasis on local and seasonal food means the menu constantly varies but what you can expect are a host of gluten-free entrees, everything from Joyce Farms half chicken to root vegetable gnocchi, vegan Buffalo wings and a kale avocado Caesar. The menu has a long list of tags listing gluten-free, gluten-free possible, vegan possible and a key that shows you what contains nuts. David Starkey, owner of the farm-to-table focused ERL Hospitality group also owns The Grass Roots Kitchen in Tarrytown, a fast-casual eatery with plant-based and gluten-free options. 24 Main St., 914-631-0000, sweetgrassgrill.com.
The Pureganic Cafe, Harrison
Everything at this bright, cheery fast casual cafe is gluten-free, vegan, organic and kosher and runs the gamut from breakfast to dinner dishes, either to eat-in or take out. Expect muffins, omelets, pancakes, egg wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers and pizza. 305 Halstead Ave., 914-967-2332, pureganic-cafe.com.
Gluten-free bakeries in Westchester
Surprisingly — or not — Westchester’s dedicated gluten-free bakeries are in the Rivertowns, each with its own specialties and personalities.
By the Way Bakery, Hastings-on-Hudson
Cakes, cupcakes, muffins, cookies and scones are the specialty here though you’ll also find challah and seeded rustic loaf. My faves? The lemony lemon cake and the coconut cloud. All items are also dairy free and kosher. 574 Warburton Ave., 914-478-0555, btwbakery.com.
Red Barn Bakery, Irvington
Visiting this bakery, which prides itself on local organic ingredients, is like visiting an artist’s studio. Everything is displayed like a sumptuous feast thanks to the design expertise of owner Randell Dodge, a former fashion handbag designer with a background in painting and sculpture. While one side offers “regular” sweet treats, the other is full of gluten-free goodies, among them scones, tarts, pies, muffins, cookies, granola, and cakes. Many items are also vegan. The cafe also serves a breakfast and brunch menu of frittatas, soups, salads, avocado toast and more. 4 S. Astor St., Irvington, 914-231-7779, redbarn-bakery.com.
Wildcraft Baking Company, Irvington
Craving something savory? Michael Ridd, owner of this 100% gluten-free bakery specializes in breads including chickpea sourdough, oat millet rolls, seeded buckwheat, focaccia and brioche. He also offers various breakfast and lunch options including muffins, scones, avocado toast, oatmeal and salads. Among the hands-down favorites: the Dijonnaise chicken sandwich with a to-die-for roll, an amazing Dijon mayo and the cafe’s pizza, only available Wednesdays (call ahead to order). Ridd is such an expert at gluten-free bread, many of his items are sold wholesale to restaurants. 1 Bridge St., 914-806-5083, wildcraftbaking.com
Worth the drive
Brooklyn Organic Kitchen, Mahopac
There’s a reason this Putnam cafe won my heart as a “Best Thing I Ate” in May 2024 — it’s bursting with healthful goodness. Everything is organic and thoughtfully sourced making your food, gluten free or not, full of so much taste and flavor, you’d wish you’d lived closer (lucky for you if you do). Many items, from the crepes to the cakes are gluten-free and all sandwiches and wraps can be accommodated to suit your dietary needs. The pastries alone will wow you as will the salads, soups and larger entrees. You’ll also find a nice selection of vegan offerings. 890 S Lake Blvd., 845-621-2655, bokmahopac.com.
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Gluten-free in Westchester? Here’s 11 restaurants to try
Reporting by Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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