Living Gluten-Free in Des Moines

Dining out in Des Moines can be a fun and enjoyable experience. For diners with specific dietary needs, finding a suitable restaurant that can accommodate specific needs can be a challenge. Celiac disease, an intolerance to the gluten protein found in many breads and carbohydrate-heavy foods, can affect children and adults. In the past decade, as gluten-free dining has gained recognition, more and more restaurants are offering gluten-free options for those who are intolerant or sensitive to gluten. We spent some time gathering some of the best gluten-free restaurants. Good news! There are a lot of options in the Des Moines area. Read below for gluten-free dining options in the greater Des Moines area.

NOTE: Please let us know if you see something incorrect and/or have a gluten-free option to add to this list. You can email us here. 

A great resource is the Find Me Gluten Free App for the most up to date details.

Des Moines Grocery Stores

  • Hy-Vee – Located within the Health Market, Hy-Vee provides a whole aisle devoted to gluten-free food products ranging from crackers to Mac and Cheese.
  • Whole Foods – Great selection of gluten-free health food
  • Trader Joe’s –  TJ brand products marked with a “G” symbol if gluten-free
  • Campbell’s Nutrition–  One of the original health markets in Des Moines to offer gluten-free options

American

  • Chick fil a
  • Club Car – 13435 University Ave #200, Clive
  • Destination Grille – 2491 E 1st St, Grimes, IA 50111
  • Either/Or – 6222 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Fresko – 909 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • HomeGrown – 555 17th Street, Ste. 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • The Iowa Taproom – 215 E 3rd Street #100, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Jason’s Deli – 3910 University Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266
  • Lachele’s Fine Foods – 2716 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Louie’s Wine Dive – 4040 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
  • The Machine Shed Restaurant – 11151 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322
  • The Walnut – 1417 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Asian

  • Blue Sushi Sake Grill – 316 Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Cool Basil – 1250 86th Street, Clive, IA 50325
  • Wasabi Chi – 5418 Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310

Bakery

  • La Mie Bakery – 841 2nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Molly’s Cupcakes – 215 E 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Sweet Treat without Wheat – no retail storefront, but call 515-975-3286 to place an order.

BBQ

  • Smokey D’s BBQ – 5055 NW 2nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313

Cajun

  • Buzzard Billy’s – 615 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Italian

  • Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano – 5990 University Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266
  • Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse – Multiple Locations (6800 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; 550 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona, IA 50009; 6075 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266)

Mexican

  • Bar Nico – 428 E Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Chipotle – Multiple Locations (Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Waukee)
  • QDOBA Mexican Eats – 2105 Ingersoll Avenue #104, Des Moines, IA 50312

Pizza

  • Blaze Pizza – Multiple Locations (300 W Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309; Inside Valley West Mall)
  • Eatery A – 2932 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
  • Fong’s Pizza – 223 4th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Seafood

  • Waterfront Seafood Market – Multiple Locations (2414 SE Tones Dr, Ankeny, IA 50021; 2900 University Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266)

Southern

  • Bubba – 200 10th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309