The best gluten-free meals in Tucson, according to four gluten-free locals

Just minutes ago, my best friend asked if the Hot Cheetos I was eating were gluten-free.

It’s a question I get asked a lot from Tucsonans — what are the best gluten-free meals in Tucson? I’m hoping this story can be the answer.

I asked four community members with gluten-free diets — Hannah of Hannah Jean’s Plate, Czarina of Gluten-Free Con Gusto, Serena of Cactus Clouds Art and Alex of Goodness Glass — where they love to eat in Tucson. I’m including their recommendations here, in addition to a handful of glowing reviews I found online.

(And about those Hot Cheetos — online answers say they’re gluten-friendly, but check the bag before consuming.)

An important note before we start

Always double-check menus and ingredient lists before trying any of the following dishes. Always alert your server of any allergies or intolerances, especially at restaurants that may be subject to cross-contamination. The majority of restaurants mentioned here are NOT gluten-free kitchens. Eat at your own risk.

This list was compiled on May 7, 2026 and verified through restaurant menus and/or social media posts made by restaurant accounts themselves. Contact restaurants ahead of time in case of any changes.

Gluten-free kitchens

Tucson is home to two gluten-free kitchens:

• Dedicated — Here’s where you’ll find breakfast, sandwiches and baked goods. Czarina loves the Spicy Breadwich with ham, green chile and cheddar. Location: 4500 E. Speedway Blvd.
• Gourmet Girls — The menu includes breakfast favorites in addition to salads and handhelds, plus a full case of pastries. Try the fish and chips. Location: 5845 N. Oracle Rd.

Breakfast

• 5 Points — While the salmon Benedict is not gluten-free, 5 Points offers GF option that Czarina recommends. Several other items on the menu (for dinner too) are gluten-free or can be made gluten-free. Location: 756 S. Stone Ave.
• Buendia — There’s a reason Buendia is always busy! Czarina’s go-to is the Breakfast Poblano, which is stuffed with a corn tamal and cheese covered in a green cream sauce. Pro tip: Order the café de olla. Location: 2530 N. First Ave.
• Dedicated — Here’s where you’ll find breakfast, sandwiches and baked goods. Czarina loves the Spicy Breadwich with ham, green chile and cheddar. Location: 4500 E. Speedway Blvd.
• Ghinis French Caffe — You can sub a gluten-free bun and bechamel sauce for an extra $3 on the famous Croque Madame options at Ghinis. You can also get GF bread with the cafe’s signature dish, Eggs Provençal. Location: 1803 E. Prince Rd.
• Gourmet Girls — The menu includes breakfast favorites in addition to salads and handhelds, plus a full case of pastries. Try the chicken fried steak or cinnamon roll French toast. Location: 5845 N. Oracle Rd.
• Nook — Several items are gluten-free here, including a couple specialties: the breakfast tamale pie and the hanger steak with eggs. Location: 1 E. Congress St.
• The Oink Cafe — Oink might be known for its bacon flights, but there are also gluten-free pancake and French toast options that Serena recommends. Location: 7131 E. Broadway Blvd.

Handhelds and American dishes

• Coop by CowPig — The chicken tenders weren’t always gluten-free here, but now they are … and you can also order your tendies with a gluten-free waffle! Coop is recommended by both Czarina and Hannah. Location: 429 N. Fourth Ave.
• Dedicated — Here’s where you’ll find breakfast, sandwiches and baked goods. For lunch, try The Tucson, which is a chicken sandwich. Location: 4500 E. Speedway Blvd.
• Gourmet Girls — The menu includes breakfast favorites in addition to salads and handhelds, plus a full case of pastries. Try the fish and chips. Location: 5845 N. Oracle Rd.
• Graze Premium Burgers — For a burger option, Alex recommends Graze, which offers gluten-free buns for an extra $2. Locations: 2721 E. Speedway Blvd. and 5635 E. Broadway Blvd.
• Kingfisher — Find lots of as-is gluten-free items including some oysters, calamari, sea bass and salmon. The menu not only tells you what’s gluten-free, but also tells you what has gluten! Location: 2564 E. Grant Rd.
• Lovin’ Spoonfuls — This all-vegan restaurant can make their BLT, grilled cheese and burgers gluten-free. Location: 2990 N. Campbell Ave.
• Midtown Vegan Deli — Everything is entirely vegan here and there’s a separate gluten-free menu with burgers, sandwiches, salads and loaded fries. They note on their menu that because they are not an entirely gluten-free restaurant, there may be a chance of cross-contamination. Location: 5071 E. Fifth St.
• Radicchio — Find plant-forward meals on the University of Arizona campus, including a salad bar, soups and rotating International menus. Location: 3rd floor of the Student Unions Memorial Center, 1303 E. University Blvd.
• Redbird Scratch Kitchen — Redbird has a dedicated gluten-free menu with starters, salads, burgers and tacos. Hannah recommends the grilled chicken sandwich and the grilled shrimp tacos. Locations: 6444 N. Oracle Rd. and 2515 E. Sixth St.
• Tito & Pep — Find lots of as-is gluten-free items at this midtown favorite, from octopus to pork chops to NY strip to a dark chocolate ganache. Location: 4122 E. Speedway Blvd.
• The Monica — Choose from a number of gluten-free shareables, soups, salads and entrees like an ahi tostada, chicken tenders and cedar-roasted salmon. Location: 40 E. Congress St.
• Urban Fresh — Order GF items that include chilaquiles and salads. You can also get a wrap if you swap out the tortilla for a collard green. Location: 73 E. Pennington St.

Asian

• Gandhi Cuisine of India — Most of the menu can be made gluten-free, but Alex’s favorite is the shahi paneer. Location: 150 W. Fort Lowell Rd.
• Golden House — Gluten-free cooking is available upon request at this Chinese restaurant, in addition to oil-free cooking! Location: 9431 E. 22nd St.
• Indian Twist — Most of the menu is gluten-free at Indian Twist, from the delicious butter chicken to chili paneer to vegetable masala. Location: 4660 E. Camp Lowell Dr.
• Jun Dynasty — Simply scan through the Jun Dynasty menu and you’ll find lots of tiny orange “GF” indications, meaning gluten-free options are available for cashew chicken, Mongolian beef, Kung Pao shrimp and more. Location: 2933 E. Grant Rd.
• Kin Dee Thai — Almost every single item can be made gluten-free here. Hannah’s go-tos: crab fried rice and Kruah Gai Noodle with no wontons. Location: 5350 E. Broadway Blvd.
• Kukai — Come for the outdoor patio vibes, stay for the gluten-free spicy tuna roll, salmon avocado roll and spicy salmon roll. Location: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento.
• Miss Saigon — A good chunk of Miss Saigon’s menu is gluten-free. Alex’s favorites are #21, Phở Tái with beef slices, and #48, Bún Gà Sate, grilled chicken breasts marinated with spices. Locations: 1072 N. Campbell Ave. and 250 S. Craycroft Rd.
• Noodleholics — Find a gluten-friendly menu here, which includes two dishes with rice noodles, in addition to a plate of pork belly rice. Locations: 3502 E. Grant Rd., 7850 N. Oracle Rd., 6310 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
• Saffron Indian Bistro — Countless items are gluten-free! My favorite is the paneer tikka masala. Location: 7607 N. Oracle Rd.
• Sushi Garden — As you can only guess from the name, Hannah recommends a few sushi options including the Alaskan roll, salmon nigiri, baked scallop nigiri and spicy salmon roll. Locations: 3048 E. Broadway Blvd., 4750 S. Landing Way, 7475 N. La Cholla Blvd.
• Thai China Bistro — Most of the menu items here can be made gluten-free … and vegan! Just ask. (I love the pad see ew.) Location: 7940 E. Broadway Blvd.
• Tuk Tuk Thai — Tuk Tuk Thai came recommended by both Czarina and Alex with go-to orders that include the summer rolls, Pad Prik Pow Crispy Chicken, Ping Chicken, Pad See Ew and Thai iced tea. Locations: 2990 N. Campbell Ave., 12124 N. Oracle Rd., 6878 E. Sunrise Dr.

Italian

• Barros Pizza — Serena recommends this pizzeria, which offers gluten-free thick or thin crust. Serena’s favorite is the thick crust. Side note: I love their vegan cheese pizza! Locations: 410 N. Wilmot Rd. and 5825 Arizona Pavilions Dr.
• Ciao Down — Get gluten-free crust (at no extra charge) on your choice of pizza, including the popular Snake Bite which comes with chipotle raspberry jam, cheese, jalapeños, bacon and cream cheese. Locations: 3230 N. Dodge Blvd., 6781 N. Thornydale Rd., 10565 N. Oracle Rd.
• Fiamme Pizza — I’ve seen rave reviews about Fiamme’s GF pizza crust. And really, people rave about everything else at Fiamme, too. (Their menu notes that they are not a certified gluten-free facility.) Location: 4706 E. Sunrise Dr.
• Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria — Build your own pizza with a gluten-free crust (which is also vegan!). Cauliflower crust is also an option. Location: 3011 E. Speedway Blvd.
• Renee’s — The menu includes gluten-free pizza crust, gluten-free baguettes, plus gluten-free penne and zucchini noodles. For pizza, try the Old Town Classic with tomato, garlic, cheese and basil. Location: 7065 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
• Roadhouse Cinemas — Next time you’re watching a movie at Roadhouse, know you can order pizza with a cauliflower crust for an extra $5. Hannah recommends the Margherita with vegan cheese. Location: 4811 E. Grant Rd.
• Rocco’s Little Chicago — Rocco’s has four pizza crust options, including one that is gluten-free (and there’s no extra charge for it!). Czarina also loves the hot wings … and it’s not listed on the menu, but if you want something hotter than hot, ask for the Ass Burner sauce. Location: 2555 E. Broadway Blvd.
• Scordato’s Pizzeria — Get gluten-free pizza here! The Robiola is popular. Location: 4911 N. Stone Ave.
• Vivace — Though Vivace is known for its pasta dishes, Czarina recommends the pasta-free Eggplant Lasagna. And for dessert? Crème brûlée. Location: 6440 N. Campbell Ave.
• Whole Slvce — You can order pizza on gluten-free cauliflower crust at no extra charge! I love #3, which has ricotta and lemon zest. Location: 160 S. Avenida del Convento.
• Zio Peppe — Gluten-free fettuccine and gluten-free penne are both offered as alternatives in the pasta dishes. The Wolf and Shrimp pasta is popular! Location: 6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Latin American

• El Charro — Almost all of Chef Carlotta Flores’ favorite menu items are gluten-free, including the tamale-stuffed chicken, shrimp culichi and carne asada skirt steak. Gluten-free tacos can be ordered with corn tortillas, including the popular carne seca. Locations: 311 N. Court Ave. and 6910 E. Sunrise Dr.
• JoJo’s — The popular Papas Dorados (fried potato tacos) are gluten-free and vegan. The nachos and tacos are also gluten-free. Location: 76 W. Washington St.
• La Chaiteria — While the menu here rotates, readers rave about La Chaiteria’s gluten-free options. Location: 1002 W. Congress St.
• La Indita — People rave about the Tarascan tacos, which are made with corn masa, from La Indita. Alex loves the beef and cheese options. Location: 722 N. Stone Ave.
• Mojo Cuban Kitchen — With exception of the sandwiches, most of the entrees (and a lot of the sides) are gluten-free including the popular ropa vieja. Location: 1929 E. Grant Rd.
• Seis Kitchen — Find many gluten-free and gluten-friendly items on the menu including flautas, nachos and many of the tacos with corn tortillas. Alex’s favorite is the birria. Locations: Click here.
• Selena’s Salvadorian — Here’s what Czarina would order: the yuca appetizer with crispy chicharrones, a small Pupusa Revuelta (beans, cheese and chicharrones) and an horchata. Location: 2513 N. Campbell Ave.
• Tucson Tamale Company — According to their website, all the tamales here are gluten-free. Location: 7286 N. Oracle Rd.
• Tumerico — Headed by James Beard semifinalist Wendy Garcia, Tumerico has a rotating menu that comes highly recommended. Location: 2526 E. Sixth St.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean

• Aspasia — I’ve only ever heard great things about Aspasia but haven’t made my way over yet. Serena orders the vegan platter and gives us a pro tip: Aspasia will swap out the gluten items for more falafel. Location: 2310 N. Country Club Rd.
• Casa Pita — Find Mediterranean dishes here, including gluten-free options. Location: 5526 E. Grant Rd.
• Urban Pita — Get Mediterranean street food here, including Hannah’s favorite: the rice bowl with chicken. Location: 345 E. Congress St. and 6320 E. Golf Links Rd.
• Zayna’s Mediterranean — Ask for their gluten-friendly options! Serena loves the falafel and the famous Zayna fries. Location: 1138 N. Belvedere Ave.

Ethiopian

• Cafe Desta — Ask for gluten-free options! Traditional injera is not gluten-free, but Cafe Desta has it available upon request. Location: 758 S. Stone Ave.
• Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine — The sampler platters are popular here! The Minchet Abish comes recommended by both Czarina and Alex. Gluten-free injera is available upon request. Location: 2731 E. Broadway Blvd.

Treats

• 1989 Bake House — Find select gluten-free pastries here, including a cake that Serena loves. Location: 745 N. Fourth Ave.
• Bakery by Ren — This bakery offers select gluten-free treats that come recommended by readers. Location: 4300 N. Campbell Ave.
• Bawker Bawker Cider House — Unless noted otherwise on their menu, all ciders here are gluten-free and also vegan! Location: 400 N. Fourth Ave.
• Churros Inzunza — One of the options here is an oatmeal churro … and it’s delicious. This is a pop-up, so check Instagram for locations.
• Dedicated — Here’s where you’ll find breakfast, sandwiches and baked goods like cakes and cookies. Location: 4500 E. Speedway Blvd.
• Gourmet Girls — The menu includes breakfast favorites in addition to salads and handhelds, plus a full case of pastries from carrot cake cupcakes to cheesecake. Location: 5845 N. Oracle Rd.
• Houlden’s Rise Above — Not only is everything vegan here, there are also many gluten-free options. Hannah loves the triple chocolate cake. Location: 5029 E. Fifth St.
• Sydney’s Sweet Shoppe — Ask for pies with a gluten-free crust! Location: 8963 E. Tanque Verde Rd.