Top gluten-free restaurant recos...top 3-5

[daraweb]

Hi All,

We are heading to WDW for a long weekend at the end of Sept. This will be our first gluten-free trip (DD8 has celiac).

I have really enjoyed reading so many GF food reviews and feel so much calmer about the food situation after lurking on here for months!

My question is:

What are your top 3-5 Gluten-free restaurant recommendations?

We will have a day at MK, DHS, and Epcot and we are staying at the Grand Floridian (which means we are going GF at the GF...just realized that one!)

Thanks for your advice!
Dara

 

[clanmcculloch]

We've enjoyed most places we've been. We do stick with Disney owned restaurants (that rules out half the Epcot restaurants) because we have a longer list of allergies to deal with in addition to gluten. For only gluten, most of the Epcot restaurants will be fine though I would avoid Chefs de France at all cost since I've never read a single good review and that's the worst allergy experience we've ever had, besides the one meal where DD13 ended up sick all night (the Wave).

I would suggest you look through the menus on either allears.net or wdwinfo.com to see what foods look appealing. Chefs are pretty good at altering foods to be gluten free.

Since you're staying at GF I would suggest some monorail resort meals. While Chef Mickey seems to get panned a lot in dining reviews, allergy reviews seem to always be good. Our own experience with Chef Mickey was amazing. Just an FYI but they actually carry cupcakes that they bake on site (they have both vanilla and chocolate) so your daughter will get something other than the standard packaged French Meadow brownies here. YUM!!! We've also had great experiences at 'Ohana for both breakfast and dinner. 1900 Park Fare has been ok but nothing great; the characters certainly make it worthwhile and the food is good; just not spectacular.

At MK, Crystal Palace gets very polar allergy reviews. People seem to have either amazing experiences or scary experiences. We had the latter. If we didn't stay on top of the chef and question his judgement then our daughter would have been very sick. I was not impressed. It seems as though they must have a chef there that just doesn't understand the urgency of allergies while they also have chefs who are amazing. One of these days I want to get up the nerve to try it again because I hear they have a to-die-for allergy brownie that they make in house but I haven't worked up the nerve yet. We had a wonderful lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern and I've read great reviews of their family style dinner. Tony's seems to get moderate reviews. Cinderella's Royal Table was mediocre for us; the chef was wonderful but he only had limitted ingredients on hand and could only do so much for our girls.

At DHS, you want to try the allergy friendly fried chicken at 50s Prime Time Cafe. It's an adult meal (they have the same allergy tenders as everywhere else for kids' meals) but it's such a big meal that you and DD could easily just split the adult meal (it's 4 large pieces of chicken meaning basically a half chicken plus sides). It's YUMMY!!!!!

At Epcot, we've had great experiences at Akershus, Garden Grill and Coral Reef. Le Cellier we've had one great experience and one mediocre experience. The mediocre was based on the chef not having access to as many options and one of our girls not being the biggest meat eater at the time. Now that they're true steak lovers, we're much happier with LC. Note that at GG, the chef will be limitted by what he has on hand since they have a limitted menu but if your daughter likes plain version of what they offer then she'll be happy there. My kids do like that. The veggies are really nice and fresh as they get them from the Land Pavillion downstairs from the restaurant.

One thing to keep in mind about buffet restaurants. Your daughter will have to wait for her food while everybody else in your party will be able to get food right away. I've gotten in the habit of just not getting my food until my girls' food is brought out so that they're not sitting watching me eat. DH does tend to go get his but I wait. Knowing that at least one of us is waiting with them seems to make them feel better. I'm not comfortable grabbing things off the buffet line for them due to cross contamination risks even if the item is normally gluten free so even safe items I request that the chef grab from the kitchen for us. Not all chefs offer but the majority are happy to do so.

What are her favourite foods? I'm sure we can come up with recommendations based on what she likes to eat.

Are you using a dining plan? I'm asking because since she's only 8 she will be expected to order off the children's menus when there's something available. Because of the allergy chicken tenders and ener-g buns and gluten free pizzas available at so many places, if you're using a dining plan then she will be expected to order one of these. If she wants something else then you'll be expected to pay OOP rather than using credits, just like any child who doesn't want the items on the kids' menus. If you're not using a dining plan then she's welcome to order whatever she'd like. I'm only explaining the limitations of the dining plan. With the dining plan she may be permitted to get a French Meadow brownie or cookie with her kids' meal since she can't have the cookie but some places may insist that she get the grapes, apple sauce, pudding or jello since those are safe options (I think the jello and pudding are GF but please confirm; my kids can't eat them due to other allergies so I've never checked if their GF).

 

[itradehilton]

Ohana's for breakfast
50's Prime time order the Fried chicken the moment you sit down
yahtsman
California Grill (sushi)
Narrossee

 

[daraweb]

Wow...thank you so much for such a thoughtful and detailed reply. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!!!!

We are not doing the dining plan and luckily DD8 is a great eater (always willing to try new things and happy with grilled fish, chicken, steak, shrimp, etc!). So, I should think that will help a lot.

Here are some of the places we are thinking of (tomorrow is our ADR day!)
DefinitelyLiberty Tree tavern
CRT OR CP

O'Hana's (I heard they do great GF)

We will definitely do 50's PT

Haven't figured out Epcot yet or if we should do 1900...

In terms of doing buffets...I would DEF not be comfortable with her grabbing anything off the buffet-cross contamination is truly evil! You make a good point about the waiting since I know that can be hard for her. I think the only buffet we are really thinking about is the CP and now I am thinking twice about that. Sorry your daughter almost got sick. Can I ask what the food item was that they made the mistake with?

My other concern is the QS situation. We have never traveled without having a kitchen...Can't quite picture what is going to happen for bfast. Not sure if the QS at the Grand Floridian will be able to make anything for her! Did you eat all TS?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[clanmcculloch]

Our issues at CP weren't so much gluten issues. One of our girls' allergies is citrus fruit. The chef was walking us through the buffet to show us what foods would be safe for them and he pointed a lemon poached fish and said that would be safe. Uh, no. When we were at the deli meats and cheeses he said that all of the deli meats were safe and I asked if they were sliced on the same equipment as the cheeses and he just said "I don't know, they come in a package) but didn't know anything about the brand of the meats and hadn't read the labels so clearly he couldn't have know if it was safe or not (my girls also can't have milk). He also wasn't concerned about the huge bowl of buns sitting beside the deli meats when he told us we could safely have them right off the buffet (I wonder how many people use the same tongs for the rolls, cheese and meats?). These are just the things that I remember. I wasn't happy with him. I did like that he went over to Casey's to get a hot dog for DD13 (then 10) since there wasn't much there that she could eat that day, at least not much he could figure out. He did take FOREVER to bring her out any food, even a plate of fruit. This was for lunch. It just wasn't a good experience.

For breakfast we like to bring food/order groceries and just eat in our room. It's so much faster and easier when trying to get out to the parks. I don't know for sure about GF but most resort QS locations (other than BC/YC sigh) can make gluten free Mickey waffles, bacon and eggs (or any combination of these). We don't do many TS breakfasts because with DD13's particular list of allergies, there aren't many breakfast foods she can eat so I don't want to pay TS prices for the exact same thing she'll get at a CS place (just he waffles, bacon and fruit; that's all she gets for breakfast no matter where we go). We will do an occasional TS breakfast but that's more for the atmosphere, characters and general fit in the day (late breakfast) than the food.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

My top would be:

Ohana (Breakfast)
Ohana (Dinner)
Coral Reef (Dinner)
Tusker House (Breakfast)
Liberty Tree Tavern (Lunch)
California Grill (Dinner)
Brown Derby (Dinner)
Sci-Fi (Lunch)

For Epcot, we absolutely loved Akershus for breakfast. It took a little bit more time to wait for my GF food but it was soooo good! Well worth the wait, especially since I knew it wasn't going to make sick.

We stayed at the GF this past February and let me tell you, their counter service was amazing! I had lunch there twice (burgers, hot dogs, GF potato chips, French Meadow GF brownies) and breakfast as well (eggs and Mickey waffles). Phenonemal service and I was surprised by how delicious it all was. Other restaurants there at the GF were equally delicious...1900 Park Fare breakfast, Grand Floridian Cafe dinner and Narcoossee's dinner.

I'm sure your DD will be thrilled with her GF choices. Disney is amazing for celiacs, I just can't say enough good things about it.

 

[goofy4wdw2]

-50's Prime Time is fabulous
-Liberty Tree Tavern is very good
-Tusker House breakfast buffet was great and they offered to bring out food from the kitchen to avoid CC.
-Chef Mickey's breakfast buffet is great (they have offered donuts to DD)--I asked for some of the food from the kitchen to avoid CC.
-Whispering Canyon Cafe at WL...the chef was amazing at thinking of ideas for my picky DD
-'Ohana was also amazing for both breakfast and dinner!

Good luck and enjoy!!

 

[daraweb]

Thank you so much. I began making ADR's on Saturday and it really got me excited!

I am so THRILLED to hear that the Grand Floridian counter service had good GF options (especially for bfast!!!!).

3prettyprinces, did you have to let the counter service know that you were coming ahead of time? Are they always able to make the eggs and mickey waffles or do they need some prior notice?

Not planning on any TS bfasts (although might look into Akershus after reading the rave reviews!) As I said this is our first trip not in a villa (so 1st time without a kitchen) and our first time since DD was diagnosed.

Thank you all for helping me understand the options and for giving your much appreciated opinions!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Thank you so much. I began making ADR's on Saturday and it really got me excited!

I am so THRILLED to hear that the Grand Floridian counter service had good GF options (especially for bfast!!!!).

3prettyprinces, did you have to let the counter service know that you were coming ahead of time? Are they always able to make the eggs and mickey waffles or do they need some prior notice?

Not planning on any TS bfasts (although might look into Akershus after reading the rave reviews!) As I said this is our first trip not in a villa (so 1st time without a kitchen) and our first time since DD was diagnosed.

Thank you all for helping me understand the options and for giving your much appreciated opinions!

Nope, we didn't let the Grand Floridian CS know we were coming. Each time, I just went to the counter and told them I had gluten allergies and then the chef came out to ask what I'd like to eat. He assured me that it would it all be safe (which it was!) and he'd cook it himself. That went for both breakfast and lunch that I had there. We didn't try dinner. Eggs and Mickey waffles were standard since it was also on the regular menu and it wasn't a problem to make them allergy free. I was impressed since I'm not usually a counter service person while at Disney and had no idea what to expect.

I hope your DD has a great time! Disney really has ruined me for ever eating anywhere else, they're so good with food allergies!

 

[daraweb]

thx so much for all the tips...

Trying to figure out epcot for lunch... Thinking of doing one of the places in mexico.

What do you think? Any experience at either san angel or la hacienda?

thx!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

We did San Angel Inn for lunch at Epcot. We actually did lunch there twice. If you check the link in my signature you can see the reviews.

The first time we ate there was fabulous! Great service, great chef and totally safe meal.

Our second time (in the same trip) wasn't as fabulous...our waitress didn't understand English very well and kept messing up our order. Then the chef brought me out a green GF salsa that had avocado in it which I am VERY allergic to. He'd forgotten about my avocado allergy and when he set the salsa down, I noticed how green it looked and asked if there were avocado in it which he said there was. He quickly took it away and I could tell he felt awful about it. He was very nice though and hung around in the vicinity of our table during my whole meal, I'm guessing to make sure I was ok. My meal was still delicious, I didn't get sick from it but it did make me a tad nervous. That was the only slip up in my whole vacation.

I've recently read that La Hacienda was great too for GF. I'm planning to give it a try when we return to Disney.

 

[DVC_Princess]

I have eaten at San Angel Inn a few times in the past and the experiences were fine - nothing spectacular but Mexican is usually pretty easy to do (lots of corn instead of wheat) & I was able to eat well with little alteration. However, the last time we went there (Dec '10), I was very unhappy with the service. The menu had been changed and the waitstaff didn't seem very familiar with the new options & the chef seemed to have a little trouble with English. They ended up bringing out salsa that was unsafe & then coming back a few minutes later to tell us that (the salsa in the past had been fine but the new salsa has gluten). I was very upset! Luckily, I didn't have a reaction but if they had waited any longer, I probably would have eaten it. Also just as a small rant: salsa = tomatoes, onions, jalepenos - why oh why did you stick wheat in there???

Back to original question, some of my favorites are:
- Crystal Palace (have had breakfast, lunch & dinner there with out any issues, the brownie is delicious!, as with any place, some chefs are better than others regarding cross contamination - if I think there's any chance of it, I just ask for my meal from the back & they always bring it to me without issue)
- Yachtsman Steakhouse
- Coral Reef (their Chocolate Wave is gluten free & it's one of my favorite desserts at Disney)

Also, even though it might be too out of the way, I always have to mention Boma. Every experience there has been great. They always bring me Butternut Squash Soup (even if it's not on the menu cause they always have it at Mara & I love it) & make gluten free zebra domes. They go out of their way to bring things from the back & often make me chips with chickpea flour so that I can have something to dip with the hummus. Love, love, love it there!!!!

Hope u have a great trip

 

[snorris49]

Boy, there are so many great places at WDW to eat! There are a lot of places I like that a lot of people have mentioned. My favs for TS are:

• Ohana (dinner)
• 50's PT (lunch or dinner, the GF fried chicken is beyond amazing!)
• Garden Grill (dinner--fresh food, simply prepared and yummy!)
• Boma (Breakfast--I was able to get GF/Dairy free bobotie!)
• Kona Cafe (Breakfast--The Big Kahuna is amazing with Mickey Waffles)

For CS, it can be hit or miss. I do love:
La Cantina de San Angel (I'm a taco girl, and those chicken tacos rock!)
Anyplace that has allergy chicken tenders--I love those things. Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary also gets a mention for their lime chicken sandwich and salt and pepper fries--yum! Sunshine Seasons also has a lot of great options.

And don't forget to hit up Babycakes bakery at DTD! Best desserts ever!

 

[DisneyMom5]

Probably already made your ADRs but I thought I'd chime in.

DS11 is GF and peanut/tree nut free.

His favorite places to eat are:
Ohana for dinner (never tried bkfst - tons of food, awesome special dessert, only complaint from me is his food took so long)
Liberty Tree for dinner (never tried lunch - TONS of food, special gravy and rolls, very quickly served)
Chef Mickey's for breakfast (other meals have been fine, but the chef really treated him nice at breakfast-checked back frequently)

Had good luck with Le Cellier, nothing special but ds had great food.
Same with Rose and Crown.
Were treated really well at Tusker House for lunch - though we weren't too thrilled with the food overall, the GF bread and desserts were super nice.

DS gets tired of ice cream for dessert all the time, so any place that offers him some sort of safe baked goods gets extra credit.

Have a GREAT trip!

 

[clanmcculloch]

Ohana for dinner (never tried bkfst - tons of food, awesome special dessert, only complaint from me is his food took so long)

Just so you're not disappointed next time you go, you should know that chef TJ is no longer there. The chefs that are there no longer make his signature desserts. We've had 2 great experiences there since his departure, but the desserts aren't those works are art that used to be served to those with allergies.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Just so you're not disappointed next time you go, you should know that chef TJ is no longer there. The chefs that are there no longer make his signature desserts. We've had 2 great experiences there since his departure, but the desserts aren't those works are art that used to be served to those with allergies.

Yeah, we heard. The funny thing is, when he came out, I recognized him from Boma reviews of special diets. He's like the rock star chef for special diets! LOL

 

[Sagginit]

chiming in a bit late but since no one mentioned it, tonys town square! it was one of my only repeat restaurants on my last two trips. they have GF pasta and GF meatballs (at least they have for the last two years). the meatballs are amazing, i think the best i have ever had, i even had them email me the recipe. the meal is big so you could easily split.

for CS sunshine seasons has a number of choices that are not pizza, mac & cheese, or chicken fingers. even as an adult i was offered the same GF food at most CS locations.

kouzinna can make the GF waffles and had these waffles with mascarpone cheese and walnuts, it was amazing. may not be something that will excite a child though.

so i am throwing in a fourth choice, garden grill has basic kid friendly family style food, i think most of it was naturally GF, plus you get mickey and friends.

don't forget, dole whips are GF.

 

[ambertides]

My top picks are 'Ohana for dinner and breakfast, 50's Prime Time, Mama Melrose (though it seems people vary widely in experiences here, my one time was amazing), and La Cantina de San Angel (counter service at Epcot). I need to try more restaurants!!

My favorite snacks (besides popcorn): the American Dream at Epcot, Kaki Gori at Japan, and Dole Whips at MK or Poly.

 

[BeccaGrace]

So sad that Chef TJ is no longer at Ohana -- He made an incredible meal for my GF daughters last trip Is he still with Disney?

Also, thanks for all the great tips...we had great GF dining experiences last time (most of which were listed here) but it has been a few years, so it's good to hear new suggestions! Most excited to hear about the fried chicken at 50s Prime Time!

Thanks!

 

[DisneyMom5]

So sad that Chef TJ is no longer at Ohana -- He made an incredible meal for my GF daughters last trip Is he still with Disney?

Also, thanks for all the great tips...we had great GF dining experiences last time (most of which were listed here) but it has been a few years, so it's good to hear new suggestions! Most excited to hear about the fried chicken at 50s Prime Time!

Thanks!

I believe I heard he had moved to 1900 Park Fair.