Philadelphia, PA - In a city whose best-known culinary contribution has long been the cheesesteak, Philadelphia’s vast number of health-conscious restaurants can surprise visitors. Center City is home to a number of gluten-free option such as (Sweet Freedom, Taffet’s) bakeries that redefine the concept of fast food for a healthier generation.
- Hai Street Kitchen – Sushi meets burritos at Philly’s homegrown fast food concept. Burritos are wrapped in nori, and bowls and salads are topped with a variety of proteins, pickled veggies and zesty sauces like spicy mayo and ginger miso dressing for maximum flavor. 1625 Chestnut Street, (215) 234-3000; 32 S. 18th Street, (215) 964-9465; 125 S. 40th Street, (215) 349-9482, haistreetkitchen.com
- Lolita – Chef Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran’s Midtown Village Mexican hotspot offers a wholly gluten-free dinner menu (except for occasional dinner specials), from achiote roasted chicken to mahi mahi tacos—and mostly gluten-free lunch menu (except for the tortas). 106 S. 13th Street, (215) 546-7100, lolitaphilly.com
- Paesano’s – Gluten-free eaters rejoice at Chef Peter McAndrews’ legendary Northern Liberties hoagie shop, where the signature beef brisket with fried egg or chickpea pancake sandwiches can be served on gluten-free bread. 152 W. Girard Avenue, (267) 886-9556, paesanosphillystyle.com
- Sweet Freedom – Philly’s first allergen-free bakery stocks naturally sweetened, gluten-free, kosher and vegan sweets—from donuts to cupcakes and blueberry bars to whole cakes. Customers won’t find any corn, soy or nuts in any recipe either, making it one of a kind in the area. Another location in Bryn Mawr widens the fan base. 1424 South Street, (215) 545-1899; 1039 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-SFB3, sweetfreedombakery.com
- Taffets Bakery – With everything from baguettes, multigrain loafs, pretzels and sourdough boules to muffins, cookies, brownies, carrot cakes and cupcakes made in-house, this Italian Market bakery offers loads of gluten-free goodness. 1024 S. 9th Street, (215) 551-5511, taffets.com
Gluten-Free Spots In The Region:
- Boston Style Pizza – The gluten-free menu at this Montgomery County spot includes fresh mozzarella, hummus platters—and classic pizzas with homemade sauce on gluten-free crust. 447 N. Sumneytown Pike, North Wales, (215) 699-3977, pizzabostonstyle.com
- Jules Thin Crust – Locations across the suburbs allows this family-owned restaurant to corner the market on limited-diet delights. All Jules’ pizzas, including 15 different vegetarian options, can be made on gluten-free crust. 149 W. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, (610) 896-6100; 78 S. Main Street, Doylestown, (215) 345-8565; 114 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, (484) 580-8003; 817 Old York Road, Jenkintown, (215) 886-5555; 300 N. Sycamore Street, Newtown, (215) 579-0111; 1460 Bethlehem Pike, North Wales, (484) 808-2223, julesthincrust.com
- Velvet Sky Bakery – The small, scratch-style boutique bakery located in Jenkintown specializes in custom cakes and cupcakes, as well as gluten-free and vegan choices. Velvet Sky also offers a relaxing cafe space with cupcakes, muffins, scones, quiche, artisanal coffee and teas. 307 Leedom Street, Jenkintown, (215) 884-0254, velvetskybakery.com
