Did you know that November is gluten-free diet awareness month? Going out to eat can be tricky if you’re gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease. The good news is that many South Shore dining spots offer gluten-free (GF) options. Jessica Derman, the founder of the popular @GlutenFreeSouthShore Instagram account, has spent the past 17 years of her life living gluten-free. She showcases her passion for culinary exploration on her social media account.
“Not all restaurants label gluten-free dishes on their menu and this can make going out to eat especially hard and stressful for those on a GF diet,” says Derman. “I started my Instagram account to track and share all of my gluten-free finds on the South Shore, and beyond.”
Here are a few of Jessica Derman’s recommendations for delicious gluten-free meals on the South Shore.
*Restaurant menus change frequently. Always call ahead to confirm that they can provide a safe, gluten-free dining experience and be sure to inform your server if you or someone in your party has an allergy.
Cheever Tavern, Norwell
Serving contemporary American fare, approximately 70 percent of the menu at Cheever Tavern is available gluten-free. “They change their menu seasonally, which I love because it allows me to try new and different items every time I visit,” says Derman. “They keep some dishes on the menu year-round, includingone of my favorite dishes, Basil Pad Thai.”
Jake’s Seafood, Hull
Located on Nantasket Beach, Jake’s Seafood is a family-owned restaurant that is ideal for seafood lovers. All fried items are prepared in a dedicated gluten-free fryer, ensuring safety and flavor. “They have the best fried calamari on the South Shore,” says Derman.
Salt Raw Bar and Fine Cuisine, Plymouth
Salt Raw Bar and Fine Cuisine features an Asian fusion-inspired menu with many gluten-free options. “Every time I have eaten at Salt Raw Bar our servers were extremely knowledgeable about the menu,” says Derman. “I love the Asian-fusion inspired menu, their seasonal rice noodle dish (also vegan!) and octopus sashimi.”
Salt Society, Scituate
“Salt Society offers lots of sushi, including spicy rolls with gluten-free tempura flakes (which is rare),” says Derman. “The menu changes seasonally and always includes fresh seafood dishes. I enjoy sitting at the bar. The creative cocktails are also a favorite.”
Lucky Finn Cafe, Scituate and Norwell
Lucky Finn Cafe is a popular coffee shop and lunch spot. “They serve delicious and refreshing acai bowls (I always order the Minot) and gluten-free bread is available for breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, and my personal favorite–their tuna fish sandwich,” says Derman. The cafe also offers an excellent selection of coffee drinks, such as lavender lattes.
Veronica’s Sweetcakes, Marshfield
“Veronica’s Sweetcakes offers daily gluten-free and dairy-free cupcakes and they can create specialty cakes,” says Derman. “This is my go-to bakery for cakes for birthdays and celebrations.”
China Gourmet, Scituate
“China Gourmet offers some of the best gluten-free Chinese food on the South Shore, with GF options labeled on the menu. We always order spinach fried rice, salt and pepper shrimp, and Singapore rice noodles. The staff (Winnie in particular) are super friendly and remember us each time we come in.”
Bluefish River Tavern, Duxbury
The majority of the menu at Bluefish River Tavern can be prepared gluten free. “This restaurant has one of the best gluten-free menus, with a variety of options, from meat to seafood to flatbreads and sandwiches,” says Derman. “My favorite dish is the Moqueca, a Brazilian fish stew.”
Malai Thai Restaurant, Randolph
“It’s hard to find gluten-free Thai food,” says Derman. “Malai offers the biggest gluten-free menu I’ve seen on the South Shore, all labeled and available from mild to extra spicy. We order takeout/delivery from here about once per month. My favorite dishes include coconut soup, pineapple fried rice, pad Thai, and Panang curry.”
110 Grill, Plymouth, Hanover, Braintree
The entire menu at 110 Grill can be prepared gluten-free. “The managers serve any allergy-related dishes, which are all marked with allergen picks for added awareness and safety,” says Derman. “Managers receive extensive training and hold certifications in Food Safety and Allergen Awareness. Additionally, every employee is trained in allergy awareness to ensure guest safety.”
Burtons Grill, Hingham
The Best of the South Shore winner for “Best Gluten-Free Menu,” Burtons Grill is known for having a wide-ranging gluten-free menu. Allergy training is required for every member of the team, and extensive allergy protocols enable the chefs to customize almost any dish.
Keto 1620 Bakery, Plymouth
Everything in the retail area and their cases of freshly baked items are gluten-free. There is no chance of cross-contamination as everything in the facility is gluten-free.
Duke’s Bakery and Cafe, Fall River
A little further afield, Duke’s Bakery and Cafe is a 100 percent gluten-free establishment. “They offer everything from breakfast classics (think French toast and chicken and waffles) to sandwiches and comfort food,” says Derman. “They also have delicious desserts and pastries from muffins and donuts to cupcakes, s’mores bars, whoopie pies and more.
Mark Your Calendar:
Wicked Gluten-Free South Shore Expo will take place on October 26 at the Starland Sportsplex in Hanover. For tickets, visit wickedglutenfree.com.
Follow Jessica Derman’s gluten-free culinary adventures @glutenfreesouthshore.