Social media influencer Josh Easterling shares his top gluten-free picks in Orlando.
Traveling to Orlando with a gluten allergy doesn’t have to mean missing out — and I say that from personal experience. When I first found out I had a gluten intolerance, it totally changed the way I approached food. Dining out went from being fun and spontaneous to feeling overwhelming and sometimes even isolating. I had to relearn how to enjoy meals, how to ask the right questions, and how to advocate for myself. It’s been challenging, but also a huge eye-opener.
Now, whenever I travel (especially to food-forward cities like Orlando), I make it a mission to find and share gluten-free and gluten-friendly spots that are safe, delicious and actually exciting to eat at. Orlando has become one of my favorite cities to explore with this lens (I may be biased because I live here). Whether you’re here for the theme parks, the food scene, or both, there are amazing options out there.
So if you’ve ever felt that tension walking into a restaurant and not knowing if you’ll be able to eat anything — I’ve been there. And I’ve got you. With some planning, clear communication and a few standout spots to keep on your radar, you can absolutely have a flavorful, stress-free trip to Orlando while managing a gluten allergy. Let’s see what’s on the menu.
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Local Gluten Free-Friendly Restaurants
Orlando has some legendary local businesses that make eating gluten-free easy and exciting. From fried comfort food to lakeside brunch, here are a few personal favorites where I’ve felt safe and fully fed.
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Summer House on the Lake (Disney Springs®)
This legendary California-inspired spot at Disney Springs® isn’t just known for their iconic cookie bar. It’s basically a gluten-free paradise. Almost everything on the menu can be made gluten-free, whether you’re craving fried chicken, tacos, sandwiches or their signature guacamole. The team knows their stuff when it comes to allergies, so ordering feels smooth and stress-free. Summer House on the Lake is perfect for brunch, dinner with the family, or cocktails by the water with your besties.
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Nona Street Pizza (À La Cart SODO)
Located at À La Cart in Orlando’s SODO district, Nona Street Pizza serves up crisp, flavorful, gluten-free pizzas that don't taste like an afterthought. The crust holds up beautifully under toppings, and the staff is careful about cross-contact. Plus, you can grab a gluten-free beer or cocktail from À La Cart and enjoy it in an iconic open area space. Who knows, you might make some new friends!
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant (International Drive)
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant has become one of my go-to spots for a more elevated gluten-free dining experience in Orlando. They offer a clearly labeled gluten-free menu you can request as soon as you’re seated, and the staff takes allergies seriously. It’s not a fully gluten-free kitchen, but they have strong cross-contact protocols in place, and I’ve always felt taken care of there.
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The most iconic part? You don’t have to miss out on the good stuff. From gluten-free pasta and burgers on GF buns to their signature gluten free bread service — the menu is full of flavorful options that don’t feel like substitutions. And of course, you can’t go to Cooper’s Hawk without trying the wine. Whether you savor a tasting flight or just sip a glass with dinner, it’s the perfect pairing for a safe and satisfying meal.
Black Rooster Taqueria
Black Rooster Taqueria (Mills 50®)
Craving some iconic tacos when in Orlando? Black Rooster Taqueria is the spot when you need something bold, fresh and naturally gluten-free. The menu leans into traditional ingredients like house-made corn tortillas, slow-braised meats and legendary salsas — so I never feel like I’m having to compromise. It’s the kind of place where you can just eat and enjoy, without second-guessing every bite. The rice bowls always slay, the tacos are packed with flavor, and it has truly become a staple of Orlando’s food scene.
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Playa Bowls (Doctor Phillips)
Playa Bowls has become one of my go-to spots when I need something quick, refreshing and actually gluten-free. Most of their smoothies and açaí bowls are naturally gluten-free, and they even have a gluten-free granola option that’s clearly labeled (and actually good, which, let’s be real, is rare). They prepare everything in a separate area to prevent any possibility of cross-contact. Legendary behavior. Whether I’m grabbing breakfast before a busy day or need a little post-park pick-me-up, Playa Bowls always hits the spot. It’s light, energizing and never feels like I’m missing out.
Gluten-Free Dining at Orlando Theme Parks
Orlando’s theme parks have come a long way when it comes to supporting guests with food allergies — especially those of us who are gluten-free. What used to feel like a guessing game now feels way more manageable, thanks to systems designed with dietary needs in mind. From mobile ordering with allergy-friendly filters to labeled menus and trained team members who know how to talk about cross-contact, eating in the parks can be safe, easy and actually enjoyable.
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Walt Disney World® Resort
Dining gluten-free at Walt Disney World® Resort is genuinely one of the most stress-free experiences I’ve had with a food allergy. Almost every quick-service and table-service location offers clearly marked allergy-friendly menus, and that includes specific options for gluten and wheat allergies. The whole system feels thoughtfully designed — like they want you to actually enjoy the food, not just tolerate it.
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With the My Disney Experience app, you can mobile order straight from the allergy menus at most quick-service spots, which makes grabbing a safe meal fast and easy (and let’s be real, avoiding long lines is the biggest win). If you’re dining at a table-service restaurant, you can always ask to speak with a chef or a specially trained Cast Member, and they’ll walk you through the safest choices and any modifications they can make. I’ve even had chefs offer to customize dishes on the spot. It really takes the anxiety out of eating out — and if you have any food allergy, you know what I mean.
And the options? You’re not stuck with a sad salad. Think gluten-free chicken tenders, Mickey waffles, burgers on allergy-friendly buns, and even dedicated fryers at many locations. It’s all the iconic Disney food, just made safe. The way they handle allergies makes it easy to focus on the magic, because you’re not constantly having to stress about every single bite.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is seriously stepping up when it comes to gluten-free dining — and yes, that includes the cuisine at Orlando’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe. Across all four Universal Orlando parks, gluten-free guests will find clearly labeled menu items, modification-friendly kitchens to minimize potential cross-contact, and team members trained in allergy protocols. If you let someone know you have a gluten allergy, they’ll bring out a chef or supervisor to walk you through your options, which instantly makes things feel a lot less stressful.
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You’ll find safe, satisfying options like tacos, bowls, grilled meats, salads, a baked potato from Burning Blade Tavern that will change your life, and so much more. Whether you’re hanging out with wizards, riding with dinosaurs or exploring among the stars, Universal Orlando Resort has guests with food allergies covered in all aspects.
SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and Beyond
Many of Orlando’s attractions and theme parks — including SeaWorld® Orlando and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort — take guest dietary needs into consideration when curating their menus. If you have food allergies, be sure to speak with a staff member during your visit. They can help guide you through the available options and ensure a safe, iconic and delicious dining experience.
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Quick Tips for Traveling Gluten-Free in Orlando
- Download apps early. My Disney Experience, Universal Orlando Resort, and even Find Me Gluten Free are super helpful app tools when scouting food options.
- Speak clearly and confidently. Always tell your server it’s a gluten allergy, not a preference.
- Bring snacks. Even though the options are great, it never hurts to carry your favorite snacks with you, especially on a long park day.
- Book reservations ahead of time. Especially during busy seasons, table-service restaurants can fill up quickly.
- Ask questions. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s always important to ask questions. Most places are more than happy to walk you through their ingredients, prep methods and allergy protocols.
Eat Well, Travel Happy: Gluten-Free in Orlando
Orlando may be known for its rides and entertainment, but the food scene — especially for gluten-free travelers — deserves just as much love. With the right planning and a few favorite spots in your back pocket, you can travel with confidence, eat with joy, and experience everything this city has to offer without stressing about what’s on your plate.
It’s 100% possible to enjoy Orlando with a gluten allergy — and trust me, it’s delicious.
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