Macaron Bee was a favorite among D.C. residents and visitors alike for their made from scratch gluten-free macarons. The company owners decided in 2017 to expand the brand and create Lady Camellia, a pastry and tea room where friends and family may come together to enjoy pastries and conversation. They offer afternoon and children's (10 and under) tea sittings with different offerings per tier. When it comes to picking which pastry, be sure to chose macrons for the gluten-free option. Flavors change daily so be sure to call ahead if there is a particular one you are craving.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: Care for a spot of tea? This destination is the perfect upscale spot where you may also have a delicious gluten-free macaron.
Gina's expert tip: You don't have to have tea in order to get macarons. Go in to order individual, box of five, 12 or 24 to share or keep to yourself.
Featuring locations in both Penn Quarter and Reston (Va.) Town Center, this bakery offers both gluten-free and vegan options for patrons with dietary needs. Employees make the batter for the gluten-free cupcakes first and use specially marked pans to bake them to perfection. The finished product is also kept separate from other delicious desserts. Both location menus features two options for patrons: the black velvet and white velvet. If you can't leave the office, fear not because they deliver on orders of one dozen or more within the D.C. and Northern Virginia area.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: See where it all began: Georgetown Cupcake helped launch the mini-cake craze in the nation's capital.
Gina's expert tip: If you just want small indulgences, ask about their mini cupcakes which aren't on the walk-in menu but can be special ordered.
With two locations in nearby Virginia – Arlington and Alexandria, this bakery is dedicated to bringing fresh baked goods to the masses including those with gluten dietary needs. Dig into gluten-free items such as peanut butter cookies, coconut macaroons, egg croissant sandwich and vanilla or chocolate cake with your choice of vanilla bean or chocolate frosting. They even sell a gluten-free vegan blueberry muffin from Rise Bakery. For those not on dietary restrictions, patrons can chose from a variety of breakfast items like muffins, scones and homemade granola, cookies, brownies, breads and sandwiches.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: With several baked goods to chose from, this Virginia-based bakery is a great spot to chose for gluten-free options.
Gina's expert tip: The peanut butter cookies are a must-try!
Owner Ana Claudia Lopez was inspired to start Olivia Macaron thanks to her daughter for whom the business gets its name. Leaving a finance career, Lopez decided to follow her passion for baking an opened up the store in 2013 which now has three locations in the Metro region and ships the French macarons nationwide. Folks will find a variety of flavors including currently like fruity pebbles, blueberry cheesecake, salted caramel and blood orange. They also offer a changing selection of seasonal favorites and past flavors available for custom order like candy cane, apple pie, cookies n cream, espresso, s'mores and strawberry cheesecake.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: If you are craving a variety of flavors, head to this gluten-free macaron destination for fun, tasty flavors.
Gina's expert tip: If you have an upcoming party to buy treats for, why not get the macaron tower?
Taking two years to perfect their recipe, this restaurant offers light and fluffy gluten-free waffles for guests with dietary needs. Using a specially designated waffle iron, their ingredients include rice flour, eggs, tapioca starch and corn meal. Be sure to talk to staff when it comes to filings and toppings as not all are gluten-free. As if the waffles aren't enough, the restaurant also offers a number of savory sandwiches, sweet treats, delicious soups and side dishes. They have a second location in Bethesda at the Westfield Montgomery Mall.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: Waffles are no longer off-limits for those with gluten intolerance thanks to this must-visit dining destination.
Gina's expert tip: The shop is located less than a mile from three Metro stations.
Now here is a lobby group in the district that everyone can enjoy! Advocating for guest sweet tooth rights, this Barracks Row delight brings elegant French macarons to the masses including those with gluten dietary needs. Made with five ingredients or less, these colorful culinary delicacies come in a wide variety of flavors from basic chocolate and vanilla to more exotic tastes like pecan praline, green tea chestnut and passion fruit. Don't leave without checking out their other mouth-watering menu items including cupcakes, madeleines, shortbread, éclairs', mediants.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: One of the best places in the district to get macarons, this place doesn't have to lobby for a spot on the gluten-free list.
Gina's expert tip: Check their Facebook page for updates on which flavors will be available at the store each day.
This destination is heaven for those who crave both sugary treats and crafty caffeinated concoctions. Any type of baked good you can think of – they offer: biscotti, breakfast breads and coffee cakes, brownies, muffins, pies and quiche to name a few. They even serve zillabonez – baked goods for dogs. You will want to try their savory 'cakecups.' The gluten-free chipper is the one you will want to pounce on which features vanilla cake with mini chocolate chips and topped off with vanilla buttercream frosting. Some even come with hilarious names like Unicorns & Rainbows featuring vanilla and confetti mix, Pretty Bitchin' showcasing chocolate flavor with crunchy peanut butter frosting and Elvis Impersonator offering banana flavor with peanut butter frosting and drizzled chocolate.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: With creative product names and a winning menu full of gluten-free options, this bakery will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Gina's expert tip: Although store hours are posted, they do sometimes have unusual hours. Check their website under happenings to plan your visit.
A creative baker since she was a kid, Keri Lijinsky discovered how hard it was to find delicious baked goods after discovering she was gluten intolerant. Spending years perfecting her gluten-free recipes, she opened Sweet Crimes in April 2016 featuring cakes, cookies, donuts, pies, loaf cakes and more. Now before you go running out of the door to purchase, Sweet Crimes does not have a brick and mortar shop but can be ordered online and shipped throughout the continental United States. For those that are local, folks may pick up at Mess Hall in Northeast or head to Uncommon Grounds, Killer ESP and Songbyrd Music House.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: For those who have a hectic schedule, order some gluten-free goodies from this D.C. shop including samplers with cakes, cookies, chocolate and vegan options.
Gina's expert tip: If you want to bake at home, order their Crimes Flour Blend and try it with your own recipes.
When people who need gluten-free options go to restaurants, they usually must comb through the menu to discover one or two options available. That's not the case at this Adams Morgan venue because everything is gluten-free here. Owner Mike Koritko was diagnosed with Celiac's Disease in 2004 so he decided to open his bakery in 2014 to give residents with food allergies an expansive menu of choices including croissants, cupcakes, cookies, pies and pastries. Looking for vegan options as well? No problem. They have taken favorite gluten-free options and created vegan versions including banana nut bread, blueberry muffin, carrot cake and nutty vegan bar.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: When you think gluten-free and bakery, this should be your top spot to check out.
Gina's expert tip: There is a parking garage right behind the bakery and if you stay longer, the bakery will validate your parking pass at a rate of $4 for two hours.
