May is Celiac Awareness Month, and gone are the days when gluten-free meant bland. Today, innovative chefs are crafting gluten-free dishes that are diverse, full of flavor and allow those with specific dietary preferences to enjoy an evening of dining out with family or friends. This month, celebrate the progress in gluten-free dining and raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity in every meal. Here is a list of local restaurants making sure everyone has a seat at the table.
Panzano
Photo courtesy of Panzano on Facebook
Where: 909 17th St., Denver
When: Breakfast Monday – Friday 7 – 10 a.m. and Saturday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Lunch Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; Dinner Monday – Saturday 5 – 9 p.m., Happy Hour Monday – Saturday 4 – 6 p.m.
The Lowdown: First on the list is Panzano’s. Located at the Kimpton Monaco in downtown Denver and known for its Northern Italian cuisine, Panzano’s makes its dining experience inclusive by creating authentic recipes with a focus on fresh and sustainable meats and vegetables overseen by Executive Chef David Gross. Its gluten-free pasta dishes, like the bolognese and gnocchi, are just the start of what Panzano has to offer. Its wide array of meat, seafood and salad options makes it the perfect place for Celiac and Italian food lovers alike – and let’s not forget about its iconic tiramisu. Chef Gross can also make any of the existing dishes on Panzano’s menu gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture – another nod to its inclusive dining practice. The next time you are in the mood for authentic Italian cuisine and need to be mindful of others’ dietary needs, be sure to check out Panzano’s.
The Post
Photo courtesy of The Post Colorado on Facebook
Where: various locations
When: various hours
The Lowdown: Did you say gluten-free mashed potatoes and gravy? The Post serves up gluten-free comfort goodness from salads and fried chicken to delicious sides. Whether you are looking for a brunch spot, exploring a new lunch spot, or grabbing some dinner to enjoy at home, The Post does not fall short of gluten-free options. If you would like to find a location closer to your neighborhood, visit its website to find one near you.
Saverina
Photo courtesy of Saverina on Facebook
Where: 6985 E Chenago Ave., Denver
When: Breakfast Monday – Friday 7 – 10:30 a.m.; Brunch Saturday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Lunch Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Dinner Sunday – Thursday 5 – 9 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 5 – 10 p.m.
The Lowdown: Your nights of saying no to invitations to grab a bite to eat and getting the basic salad because there are no gluten-free options on the menu or the options are very limited, are over. At Saverina, you can turn the classic brisket ragu, crab and angel hair noodles, and other pasta dishes into gluten-free-friendly dishes when you request the gluten-free housemade pasta. If you want to try the Saverina pizza, you can request a gluten-free sourdough crust. No more settling for a basic salad when Saverina has your back.
READ: Saverina’s Third Thursday Chef Dinners Are a Must-Try
Eggs Inc.
Photo courtesy of Eggs Inc. US on Facebook
Where: 1750 Wewatta St., Denver
When: Monday – Saturday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Lowdown: We know that eggs can be a touchy subject these days, but we found a restaurant that is serving them up, helping you start your morning off right – Eggs Inc. Opened by Chef Troy Guard in January 2025, this Swedish based concept serves up all things eggs – from sandwiches and benedicts to pizza and omelettes. Its gluten-free pancake bites are made up of bananas and come with your choice of dipping sauce. Choose between Nutella, maple syrup or blueberry jam.
Just BE Kitchen
Photo courtesy of Just Be Kitchen on Facebook
Where: 2364 15th St., Denver; 2500 30th St., #101, Boulder
When: LoHi Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Boulder Monday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Lowdown: Are you and cooking in a situationship? It’s a situation where you love to eat but hate to cook and the meal prep services you have found do not offer many gluten-free options. Well, Just BE Kitchen may be your perfect match. Its Boulder location was recently voted best new restaurant in Boulder Weekly, deservedly so. Its kitchen serves up wraps, curry, soups and breakfast items. In addition to its dine-in option, Just BE offers a meal plan service where you can order and pick up your meals for the week. Available at its LoHi and Boulder locations, Just Be Kitchen’s meal plans are 100% grain-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and seed oil-free but still full of flavor.
Jovanina’s Broken Italian
Photo courtesy of Jovanina’s Broken Italian on Facebook
Where: 1520 Blake St., Denver
When: Tuesday – Thursday 5 – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 5 – 10 p.m.
The Lowdown: When you and your friends love pizza and pasta and have decided that Italian cuisine would be a great dinner and movie combo for your next night out, head on over to Jovanina’s Broken Italian. With a menu built for sharing, Jovanina’s has everything for your whole crew, without worrying about the ingredients. Request fresh handmade gluten-free pasta or crust for your wood-fired pizza. Try it with its crowd favorite, Arugula Basil Pesto pasta or Bee Sting pizza.
The Fort
Photo courtesy of The Fort on Facebook
Where: 19192 CO-8, Morrison
When: Monday – Thursday 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., last reservation at 7:45 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 5 – 10 p.m., last reservation at 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 5 – 9:30 p.m., last reservation at 8 p.m.
The Lowdown: The Fort is filled with the architectural and artistic influence of New Mexico, and started off as a vision for a family home turned into a restaurant. It has a rich Western history and culinary past. When you learn the story of how The Fort came to be and the dedication to mixing historic recipes and innovation that results in new menu items, you can appreciate its culinary evolution that keeps a consistent flavor while providing gluten-free options. Most of its appetizers and entrees offer gluten-free options for your historic night out.
City O’ City
Photo courtesy of City O’ City on Facebook
Where: 206 E 13th Ave., Denver
When: Sunday – Wednesday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Lowdown: City O’City is a great lunch with the team, happy hour or meatless Monday option. Everything is vegan unless you select an entree with dairy mozzarella or egg. Crowd favorites include the chicken & waffles, poutine, seitan wings and City O’Burger. We know that not everyone has a plant based lifestyle; however, plant-based diets do hold benefits such as the reduction of inflammation in the body, support of the immune system and maintaining a healthy weight. As such, adding City O’City is not only serving up dishes full of flavor but assist your eating healthier goals.
Acova
Photo courtesy of Acova on Facebook
Where: 3651 Navajo St., Denver
When: Monday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The Lowdown: Next up is Acova. From its appetizers to its desserts, Acova is providing an inclusive dining option that can be enjoyed by all, whether gluten-free dining you’re trying it for the first time or its already included in your diet. Begin your dining experience with a shareable dish like the pupusa revuleta – bean, cheese and chicharron pupusa, fried plaintains, curdido – and salsa rojo. Or the Diablo Eggs – eggs whipped with house hot sauce, prosciutto, balsamic cucumber slices dusted with tajin and many more. Acova is a great option for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
True Food Kitchen
Photo courtesy of True Food Kitchen on Facebook
Where: 2800 E 2nd Ave., #101, Denver
When: Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Lowdown: They say food is medicine and we just found the perfect prescription for a flavorful and mindful dining experience for those needing or preferring gluten-free options. True Food Kitchen, founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, wraps up this roundup of gluten-free dining options in and around Denver. A renowned integrative medicine doctor, Weil’s concept is based on the anti-inflammatory food pyramid. Each ingredient is carefully curated for a menu that makes dining out both healthy and flavorful.