Gluten Free Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

For approximately three million Americans with Celiac disease, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, choosing a restaurant while traveling involves extensive research. They cannot eat just anywhere, because their condition requires a gluten-free diet. Fortunately for visitors to Washington, D.C., many restaurants offer gluten-free menus which remove the guesswork out of ordering and allow diners to simply enjoy themselves. A variety of options exist, including restaurants specializing in ethnic cuisine and fresh seafood.

Lebanese Taverna

Located in the Woodley Park neighborhood, Lebanese Taverna is less than one-half mile from the Smithsonian National Zoo. Opened in 1990, the restaurant daily serves lunch and dinner. Specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, Lebanese Taverna provides an entirely gluten-free menu. Among the 20-plus featured appetizers are: eggplant ratatouille with rice crackers, spiced aged feta with sumac and olives and the create-your-own hummus bar. For the main course, available are: chicken, lamb or beef kabobs, grape leaves, lamb stew, grilled salmon and a whole Lebanese-style fish. For dessert, try the chocolate, vanilla-cardamon, pistachio-orange or honey ice cream. A gluten-free children's meal is also available. Casual attire is appropriate, reservations are suggested and outdoor dining is also available.

Lebanese Taverna
2641 Connecticut Ave. Northwest
Washington, DC 20008
202-265-8681
lebanesetaverna.com

Legal Sea Foods

Specializing in fresh fish, Legal Sea Foods has three locations to choose from in Washington: K Street near Dupont Circle, on Seventh Street approximately two blocks from the American Art Museum and Ronald Reagan International Airport. The gluten-free menu begins with raw bar selections like little neck clams and a variety of oysters, as well as hot appetizers like the hot lump crab dip with seafood chips. Entrees include baked, stuffed, or steamed fresh lobster, wood-grilled swordfish and rainbow trout and cioppino seafood stew over jasmine rice. Legal Sea Foods is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended. Although the restaurant is upscale, with a business casual dress code, families with children are welcome; a children's menu is available.

Legal Sea Foods
704 7th St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-347-0007
legalseafoods.com

Jaleo

Featuring cuisine inspired by Latin American culinary traditions, Jaleo is just one block from the National Crime and Punishment Museum and three blocks from the International Spy Museum. For gluten-free diners, Jaleo offers a selection of recommended dishes from its regular dinner menu. One such dish is the calamares en su tinta, a whole, fresh squid grilled and served with a squid-ink sauce. Another is the gambas al ajillo, sauteed shrimp, garlic and guindilla peppers. Meat lovers may opt for the lomo de buey, a grilled beef hangar steak with piquillo peppers. Jaleo is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended. Business casual attire is suggested. Outdoor dining is available.

Jaleo
480 7th St. NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-628-7949
jaleo.com