I'm not gluten free but I love to explore gluten free options. Three of my family members have celiac or a gluten sensitivity so I always keep my favorite spots in my back pocket.
If you're visiting Denver or live here and sick of the chains that offer zoodles or some substitute for their glutinous dish, I'm sharing my favorite spots and some of my favorite dishes.
BREAKFAST:
The Gluten Free Bagel from LeRoy's is better than the gluten one. Call ahead before 9 a.m. to reserve your bagel. If you are not an early bird you can go to their sister shop, The Radiator.
For a more sit-down restaurant atmosphere check out The Universal where they have plenty of egg dishes and the best gluten free pancakes.
LUNCH/DINNER:
I had no idea but was chatting with one of the bartenders at The Well Pizza and Bar about gluten free options when I discovered one of the best gluten free pizzas. When it comes out to your table you'll second guess it's GF because of how fluffy the crust looks.
Quiero Arepas is 100% gluten free. An arepa is made out of ground maize dough and stuffed like a pita. While there are a few arepa restaurants throughout Denver, you have to try the OG, Quiero Arepas. I love the Reina Pepiada (chicken breast and avocado mixed with a citrus mayo dressing) and El Caribe (locally smoked salmon, capers, avocado and cheese).
Chef Dana Rodriguez has two amazing restaurants with gluten free offerings: Work & Class with 22 out of the 27 items are gluten free and Super Mega Bien. At Work & Class you must order the Coriander Braised Colorado Lamb and Blue Corn Empanadas. If the Green Chili is on the menu, you cannot pass up on it. Dip your lamb or empanada into it for a savory punch. As for Super Mega Bien, a Latin American dim sum restaurant. Yes, you heard me correctly. Order the Spanish Rice with roasted vegetables in a cast iron skillet, topped with goat and manchego cheeses, spinach and radish salad to share. When the dim sum cart comes around there is a plethora of options on the weekly rotating menu. Add a side of Pao de Queijo, cheese bread served with chimichurri to get your gluten free 'bread' fix. Finish your dinner with the coconut flan or one of the other gluten free desserts.
Another place that's famous for their gluten free pizza is The Walnut Room in RiNo. Enjoy live music in their concert hall or catch the sun while you indulge on the patio!
BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER:
If there's one restaurant you CANNOT miss it's Just BE Kitchen located between Denver Union Station and the Highlands. JBK is 100% gluten, grain, & refined sugar free fast-casual in Denver committed to nourishing guests with PALEO, Whole30, KETO & AIP friendly comfort food. The menu changes seasonally but the one thing that never leaves the menu is the Cozy (Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings) and the Fulfilled (Breakfast Burrito by day and Dinner Burrito by night). JBK has perfected the almond flour tortilla and you will crave it after you taste the tiniest bite.
The Edible Beats restaurant group is also a great option with their five restaurant concepts:
True Food Kitchen in Cherry Creek is a great place for salads and bowls (try the ancient grains bowl or gluten free turkey burger).
If you are looking for Asian dishes then Anise, Modern Vietnamese Eatery offers Gluten Free Fried Meatballs, Chicken Wings with Anise, and the Spring Rolls (breakfast or dinner). Their main dishes like the curry, Pho, fried rice and stir fry have gluten free Vermicelli Noodles or rice.
A dedicated gluten free kitchen exists next to the gluten kitchen at Acova. Start with the gluten free Tomatillo Beer Cheese Dip or Calamari Fra Diavolo, then move into the main
menu with gluten free sandwiches and burgers or for a heartier meal go for the gluten free Fish and Chips. Round out your meal with one of the gluten free desserts like the affogato, apple donuts, or berry cobbler. If you're looking for brunch they have everything from Avocado Toast to Prime Rib Hash.