Originally Written for Authentically Alexa Blog and published in 2019. Updated 2025.
Columbus, Ohio will always hold a special place in my heart. I lived there from Fall 2014 through Winter 2018 while attending The Ohio State University, and during that time I discovered so many incredible places to eat gluten free in Columbus.
Whenever friends came to visit, I gave them the same “food tour” of the city—showcasing local favorites that didn’t just meet my dietary needs but truly exceeded expectations. Columbus is full of unique eateries, and I rarely ate at chain restaurants because the local spots had so much to offer.
If you’re looking for the best gluten free Columbus eats, here are some of my tried-and-true favorites.
Brassica
Brassica is a Mediterranean-style eatery that operates in a fast-casual, build-your-own-bowl style (similar to Chipotle). The best part? Almost everything on the menu is gluten free—except the pita bread and pita chips.
I usually order a bowl with rice and lentils, chicken, hummus, eggplant, and tahini. The staff has always been great about handling cross-contact when I’ve let them know I have Celiac. They even scooped my hummus from a fresh side to keep things safe.
Don’t miss the falafel (my favorite!), the brassica fries, and their minty beet lemonade.
Cherbourg Bakery
Cherbourg Bakery is a 100% gluten free and nut free bakery located in Bexley—perfect for anyone who needs to avoid cross-contact. Back when I lived in Columbus, Cherbourg treats could also be found in some local coffee shops. I actually first discovered them when my old employer started stocking their bakery case with Cherbourg goodies.
Some of my favorites include:
- Strawberry scone – rich, flavorful, though crumbly (as many GF baked goods are).
- Gluten free donuts – a rare and delicious find.
- Mini zucchini bread loaf – perfect for freezing and enjoying later.
If you’re sensitive to gluten, this is one of the safest places in Columbus to enjoy baked goods worry-free.
Condado Tacos
Condado is my go-to taco spot in Columbus. My friends and I used to go at least once a week while I was in school, and for good reason—the food, margaritas, and queso are that good.
You can choose from suggested taco combinations or build your own. I usually went for queso and margaritas to start, then built a custom taco.
Pro tip: join their rewards program—it adds up quickly!
Harvest Pizzeria
Harvest has one of the best gluten free pizza crusts I’ve ever tried—better than some I had even in Italy! It’s thin, flavorful, and loved by both gluten free and gluten-eating friends alike.
I recommend the Almond Pesto Pizza (with artichoke hearts, spinach, and mozzarella). They also offer burgers, sandwiches, and seasonal appetizers. The Brussels sprouts (modified to omit the breading) were another favorite of mine.
Harvest has multiple locations around Columbus, but I usually went to the Clintonville spot.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s is a Columbus original that has since expanded nationwide. They’ve become a favorite in the gluten free community because they updated many recipes to be more inclusive, using almond flour for cookie add-ins and other mix-ins that used to contain gluten.
Thanks to these changes, I was able to enjoy cookies & cream ice cream for the first time in years—it was magical. The quality and creativity of Jeni’s flavors keep me coming back.
Katalina’s
Katalina’s is one of Columbus’ most beloved brunch spots, now with multiple locations around Columbus. The original location itself is small and cozy, which means weekend wait times can be long—but trust me, it’s worth it. If you can swing a weekday visit, the wait is much shorter.
The posted menu is fantastic because it clearly notes dietary information, making it easier to navigate with food restrictions. Katalina’s is famous for two things: their pancake balls (not gluten free, but loved by non-GF friends) and their breakfast tacos.
The good news? The tacos are made on soft corn tortillas, so they’re naturally gluten free. They’re packed with flavor and honestly some of the best breakfast tacos I’ve ever had. Shoutout to my coworker for introducing me to them—it was truly life-changing!
Pattycake Bakery
Pattycake is a vegan bakery in Clintonville that offers several gluten free options, though they aren’t a 100% gluten free facility. I never once had a problem when eating Pattycake’s baked goods.
Favorites of mine include the gluten free cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. Their products can sometimes be found in local coffee shops, but for the best selection, I recommend visiting their storefront.
The North Market
The North Market is one of my favorite lunch spots in Columbus. It’s a bustling public market with a variety of local food vendors—perfect if you’re dining with a group that wants different things.
Some of my personal go-to vendors include:
- Market & Boar – I love their loaded chips (kettle-cooked chips topped with meat, house-made cheesy sauce, sour cream, and more).
- Bubbles Tea – My order is usually pineapple tea with mango jellies.
- Pistacia Vera – Their macarons are a must!
My tip: take a lap before committing to your meal—there are so many good option
Yellow Brick Pizza
Yellow Brick Pizza is another fantastic gluten free pizza option in Columbus. Their crust is solid—chewy, flavorful, and much better than typical chain pizza places.
Alongside pizza, I recommend ordering the Greek Tater Tots (tots topped with feta and Italian seasoning). The atmosphere is casual and quirky, with good drink specials, making it a fun and affordable dinner option.
Final Thoughts: Gluten Free Columbus
Columbus has an incredible food scene, and it’s only getting better as more places expand their gluten free options. From safe bakeries to creative taco spots and some of the best gluten free pizza around, there’s no shortage of delicious options.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, I hope this gluten free Columbus food tour helps you discover new favorites.
Browse my other gluten-free travel and restaurant recommendations.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this blog are based on my personal experiences with restaurants offering gluten-free options. While I aim to provide accurate and helpful information, I cannot guarantee that the gluten-free options at these establishments will meet everyone’s needs or expectations. Cross-contact and ingredient changes are always a possibility.
Please exercise your own judgment and diligence when dining out, particularly if you have Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity. I am not liable for any adverse effects that may occur from consuming food at any of the restaurants mentioned in this blog. Always confirm with the restaurant staff to ensure your meal meets your specific dietary requirements.
Your safety is your responsibility—eat smart and stay gluten-free!
If you would benefit from individualized support navigating Celiac Disease, book a free discovery call here.
