Ah Maine, a haven of steamed and fried seafood, desserts like whoopie and blueberry pies, and creamy chowder, which almost always contains wheat flour, can be dicey for those with Celiac disease or food intolerances. Portland, Maine, has kept up with the times and has more gluten-free friendly eateries than you could ever come close to trying. So these are the best gluten-free friendly restaurants in Portland, Maine, to get you started.
Remember: Always check with the restaurant about gluten-free practices before consuming anything. Also, inform the staff if you have celiac disease and require your food to be prepared separately from dishes prepared with gluten. Not all restaurants on this menu are strictly gluten-free establishments, but they all have phenomenal gluten-free dishes. They are known to be knowledgeable about preparing food for those with gluten intolerance.
The Sinful Kitchen
The only thing devilish about The Sinful Kitchen is its name because the menu is seasonally sourced, and many options are or can be made gluten-free. Dave Mallari, the chef himself, has celiac disease, so he knows a thing or two about making something beyond a cardboard crust pizza. Sweet or savory waffles, an indulgent French toast Monte Cristo sandwich, and a barbecue jackfruit omelet are some of the brunch options.
Portland Pie Company
Because even in the land of incredible sea fare, sometimes a pizza is calling, there’s the Portland Pie Company. Their pies have interesting crust flavors and phenomenal artisan toppings like goat cheese and artichokes. Try the gluten-free pesto base topped with dairy-free cheese and veggies.
Empire Chinese Kitchen
Feel like a little Chinese while in Maine? Look no further than the Empire Chinese Kitchen. Already elevating the joint above the typical Asian cuisine, the ingredients are incredibly fresh and seasonally locally sourced for optimal flavor. Not just stir-fry and veggie dishes are gluten-free. Customers can indulge in steamy dumplings with spinach, pork, or lobster! If you’ve never had a lobster dumpling, prepare to be dazzled.
Evo Kitchen + Bar
Evo Kitchen + Bar creates fresh, wholesome, sustainable, fresh middle eastern dishes, as only the best ingredients from the area go into the food. The menu is full of options for those with gluten sensitivity, like chickpea fries, falafel and an incredible tuna plate. Dishes are beautifully presented, and the overall dining experience just feels special and eclectic.
LB Kitchen
It’s always fun to find that hip, hyper-fresh trendy joint in the city you’re visiting, and LB Kitchen is that place. Fluffy gluten-free pancakes with grass-fed butter and maple syrup, avocado toast with local bacon and pickled jalapeño, and bowls infused with veggies, creative sauces, salmon or eggs—it only gets better from here.
Baristas+Bites
Baristas+Bites whips up delicious coffee, refreshing breakfast/brunch selections like the chickpea salad wrap, and lots of goodies that are not just gluten-free but vegan. The carrot cake muffin is a favorite, and the baristas will walk you through the great case explaining which items are wheat, dairy, egg-free, etc. But you can’t go wrong with any of the cupcakes, as connoisseurs praise the sweet delights for tasting even better than traditional gluten-containing versions.
MAIZ Colombian Street Food
Portland, Maine is full of international cuisine, so forging beyond the lobster roll is a breeze. MAIZ Colombian Street Food specializes in satisfying corn arepas, a gluten-free grilled patty that’s slit open and filled with meats, cheeses and veggies. These traditional sandwiches are seriously comforting to the soul, especially the garlic grilled chicken variation. Meals here are particularly affordable—it’s a win-win.
