Nestled along lush North Highland in Atlanta's historic Inman Park, Wisteria is a charming resto for grabbing an intimate dinner of ingredient-driven fare. Situated within a historic building, there's an abundance of rich dark woods and exposed brick--lending the space a distinct coziness. Touting new American food with a Southern twist, the spot offers an immense gluten-free menu scattered with a range of entrees, appetizers, salads and sides. A few of the highlights include the pan-seared pork belly appetizer with poached pear, dried cherries and candied walnuts; and the Georgia coastal shrimp and grits with sauteed peppers and a spicy shrimp broth.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Wisteria has one of the more extensive gluten-free menus in the city.
Kelly's expert tip: The restaurant is only open for dinner. If you're looking for brunch nearby, go to Parish instead.
Pick a flavor, any flavor. There's a good chance they craft it in fluffy doughnut form at Decatur's Revolution Doughnuts. Tucked off the main drag in between Oakhurst and Kirkwood, this local confectionary powerhouse makes all doughs, glazes and fillings from scratch and utilizes local dairy, fresh fruit, organic flour and natural extracts--and it shows in the flavor. Those with food allergies can find various treats suited to their diets--like the baked doughnut made with almond flour. Wash it down with an espresso drink or hot tea from the Organic Coffee & Espresso Bar. Can't get enough of Revolution? Aside from their brick-and-mortar locale, the crew also sells doughnuts at area farmers markets.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: The local mom-and-pop doughnut shop prides itself on its fresh, handcrafted approach to doughnut making. Gluten-free items sweeten the deal.
Kelly's expert tip: Ask about the special and inquire as to which doughnuts are gluten-free for the day.
What are you? A fan of chicken? If you're looking at a menu at Chick-a-Biddy, the answer's most likely yes. This poultry-centered restaurant makes for an easy-going dining experience ideal for a quick lunch, brunch or mid-week dinner. Go for wings, wood-grilled chicken, fried chicken, small plates (called Itty Biddies) or the entrees (Big 'Ol Biddies). All entree options are available as gluten-free and include such dishes as the fried chicken sandwich, the fried chicken and waffles, wood-grilled tacos and a falafal wrap. Children's menu items and big leafy salads are also available. Side items, like the roasted Brussels sprouts, are especially tasty.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: It's a quick place to grab gluten-free grub while you're shopping at Atlantic Station.
Kelly's expert tip: Take a photo of where you parked. Atlantic Station's parking garage is a labyrinth you can get lost in if you're not careful.
Indian street food drives the menu at Chai Pani, a casual Decatur restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Menu items are meant to be shared and welcome a breadth of textures, flavors and rich spices through dishes that are hand-held, eaten with a fork, or consumable in a single bite. Several of the menu items can be made gluten-free (as indicated throughout the menu with the letter, "G") like the Bombay chili cheese fries (with spiced lamb); the mixed vegetable uttapam (an Indian crepe) with carrots, peas, onions, cilantro, ginger and chillies; and the chicken pakoras (Ashley Farms chicken fried in a curried chickpea batter).
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: It's a departure from typical Indian food, it's fun to eat and it offers numerous gluten-free options.
Kelly's expert tip: Get the okra fries. They're totally addictive.
Lodged within tony Phipps Plaza, Davio's Northern Italian steakhouse has been a popular upscale dining spot for years, and consistently puts out divine plates of thoughtfully prepared food. Notable for its flavorful pastas and steaks, the gluten-free crowd can order off of both a gluten-free lunch and dinner menu. Choose from a whopping variety of salads, appetizers and seafood options (think savory items like pan-seared scallops with pancetta and fennel), as well as steaks, sides and a bevy of gluten-free pasta mains that utilize gluten-free brown rice fusilli pasta (for instance, the carnivorous fusilli bolognese with braised veal, beef, pork and tomato sauce).
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: It's a classic Italian restaurant with an upscale ambiance and an entire menu devoted to gluten-free dishes.
Kelly's expert tip: Snag a seat on the patio for a picturesque view of Buckhead.
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Burgers and gluten aren't always bedfellows, as emphasized by this local farm-fed beef burger joint. Housed within a space with rustic, industrial-chic stylings (the restaurant has locations in Decatur, Dunwoody, Buckhead and Asheville, N.C.), the burger concept sets itself apart from other fast-to-order restaurants not just by its design but by its ingredient-driven menu. While you can order from a numbered list of burger specials, you can also opt to build your own by selecting a patty choice (quinoa, chicken or beef), a regular or gluten-free bun, and then topping it with a range of typical and more unusual (think bone marrow) options.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Casual dining and various locations throughout the city make gluten-free eating a cinch.
Kelly's expert tip: Your instincts will be to add too many flavors. Don't do that. Ask for advice when ordering at the counter.
Making its home in a converted gas station, Decatur's neighborhood hang-out is famous for its wide-ranging (and absolutely delicious) cocktail offerings, its spacious outdoor patio, its bocce ball court, its in-house charcuterie and its hand-cut fries served in a cone with delectable dipping sauces. Though gluten-free doesn't immediately pop to mind when you think of Leon's, the restaurant recently tagged on a gluten-free menu to its lineup. The small-plate heavy menu includes offerings like goat-cheese peppadews, bacon in a glass, grilled squid salad, the pub frites (awesome French-fries) and cured meats. Main courses include everything from steak and lamb to bread-less burgers.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Take in the cool scene and indulge in savory snacks and delectable main courses on a menu tailored to gluten-free eaters.
Kelly's expert tip: Order one of the seasonal cocktails and the frites. Sit outside on the patio and partake in a game of bocce.