Naperville Gastroenterology

Nearby Restaurants for Celiacs

I have started a list of restaurants that are Celiac friendly. This list is from suggestions from readers like you. I have not visited the restaurants and can not attest to their actually knowing what they are doing, but we have to start with something. I am happy to post recommendations. It seems like a good idea that if you go to one of these places you mention this web site so the restauranteurs recognize there is an interest in gluten free dining.

Folks that run restaurants are in the business of efficiently putting food on the table. Even upscale restaurants want to be efficient. That is basic business. So consider a trip to the kitchen. Look for things like heating rice for meals in the same water bath that is used to heat pasta, and flour dredging of meats even when not breaded. These are basic reflexes cooks have when working, so basic that they may not even realize they are doing it because it is such a routine. Remember, these folks are chef's, not contamination control experts.

Please eMail me Chicago and West Suburban Chicagoland restaurant suggestions. Also, if you know of restaurant practices that lead to contamination let me know so we can better look for problems and communicate to the restauranteurs.

From spontaneous eMails sent here:

Julie M.
RoyÕs on State Street
I ate at RoyÕs on State Street last week and wanted to share with you the wonderful experience I had.Ê We were coming in from Ohio and I noted on our online reservation the need for GF items. Upon arriving at the restaurant I was immediately informed that they noticed my request for GF dining.Ê Our waitress brought me a GF menu with many, many choices.Ê The server pointed out that my meal was GF upon serving me. The manager came to our table about half-way through the meal to check on everything and to point out how keenly aware the kitchen is regarding cross-contamination. I was in GF heaven!!
[Ed.: Check out these links:]
http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/45558.php?
http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=1837

Christine R.:
Le Titi de Paris
Arlington Heights Ph ? Fax ?
Had dinner at Le Titi de Paris in Arlington Heights on Saturday, and it was the best dining experience I have had since diagnosis. When I called for reservations, I mentioned gluten intolerance and was connected directly to Chef Michael, who assured me that the restaurant knows how to deal with the issue. Our waiter knew when he came to the table that I was Òspecial orderÓ and brought a GF amuse bouche for me. The side dishes served with my dinner were GF substitutes but were so delightful that I didnÕt miss the original dish. This is an expensive restaurant, but for a celiac celebrating a special occasion, it is memorable.

Susanne Martinez suggests:
MaggianoÕs in Oak Brook
I am getting married on September 2, 2006 and my reception will be at MaggianoÕs in Oak Brook. I have Celiac and have mentioned it to my event planner and she said that will not be a problem since we have gluten free pasta and marinara sauce. I will be going for a taste testing sometime within the next week so I will let you know how they do but initially they seem to be very accommodating to the gluten free lifestyle.

Maggiano's is a real treat. Very good food. That they do gluten free is spectacular. Be sure they know not to cook the gluten free pasta in the regular pasta water. - Ed.

Susanne Martinez also suggests:
Wildfire in Oak Brook
Wildfire in Oak Brook has a great gluten free menu and their executive chef Larry is extremely knowledgeable about the gluten free lifestyle! When I went to dinner there a couple of weeks ago he came out to talk to us. What a great guy! He really cares and is eager to continue to add things to the menu by experimenting with recipes. He has worked really hard at learning and training the staff there about Celiac Disease. If anyone goes make sure and ask for him and thank him for the his efforts in creating a gluten free menu for individuals with restrictions.

Susan suggests:
Bonefish Grill
180 South Roselle Rd, Schaumburg IL 60193. Ph 847.534-0679 Fax 847.534-0831
In cooperation with a Gluten Intolerance Group, Bonefish Grill prepared a duplicate copy of their menu and marked what regular menu items are GF. We dine at Bonefish about every ten days and I always ask for the GF menu and double check with the server for any ingredient changes. The managing partner Jason Brock is proactive in making it easier for persons with Gluten intolerances to enjoy dining out. I found Bonefish Grill advertised as GF friendly in Midwest Magazine and I canÕt wait to go again. ... Susan, Downers Grove

LUELLEN Suggests:
Carrabba's Italian Grill in Woodridge, IL (75th and Lemont Rd)
THEY HAVE A GLUTEN FREE MENU!!!!!! However, I talked to the manager today, as there were some cross contamination issues ( I was a sick as a dog on Saturday) that they did not even consider (cooking the chicken on the same grill as flour coated items it turns out). So..........he understands the issue and will talk to the cooks and they will dedicate a portion of the grill to the GF items in the future. He told me I was the second GF customer they had. Sounds like this restaurant can be turned from the dark side. How about some folks going in and asking for the gluten free stuff? - SH

Kris Suggests:
Adobo Grill, 2005 W. Division and 1610 N. Wells. Has a separate gluten free menu when asked. Fabulous Mexican food. They even fry gluten free chips in a separate fryer.
PF Changs, Various locations in city and suburbs. Has a separate gluten free menu when asked, including gluten free soy sauce.
To Pho CafŽ, 19 N. Wabash. Vietnamese restaurant, vegetarian friendly too. I had a server at another restaurant tell me about it, she used to work there. Pretty much everything on the menu is gluten free. I havenÕt tried it yet, but plan to soon.

Patti suggests:
Buona Sera.Ê Like Cucina Roma, it's in Westmont on Ogden Avenue, but it's west of Cass Avenue... not as upscale as Cucina Roma, but every bit as good -- perhaps better in some ways. 200 West Ogden Ave Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 963-9966

Patti suggests:
Maison in LaGrange. 30 s. LaGrange Rd. LaGrange, IL. 60525 708.588.9890

Glen England suggests:
The Lonestar Steakhouse chain has been very nice to her, making special efforts in preparation.

Pamela Brummund suggests:
Stir Crazy, Warrenville. (Part of the small Stir Crazy chain?)

Rebecca Christopher suggests:
Vinci Restaurant, 1732 N. Halsted, Chicago, (312) 266-1199
Flat Top Grill, 319 W. North Avenue, Chicago, (312) 787-7676

Wildfire and Outback steakhouse both have GF menus.

Wildfire (www.wildfirerestaurant.com)welcomes the Gluten Free Menu for both lunch and dinner. The Gluten Free menu includes extensive list of salads, steaks, chops, seafood and more. Wildfire's new Gluten Free Menu is now available for guests with Celiac disease and other gluten allergies to dine-out. Celiac is a digestive disorder in which the body is unable to properly absorb gluten. Wildfire is proud to offer the Gluten Free Menu to all of these Chicagoans. Wildfire's Director of Training, Ruth Hayden says, "Our system of checks and balances assures our guests that every plate served will be checked by the chefs and managers. We take a lot of pride in doing this for our guests." Click here to view the new Gluten Free Menu.

From postings on the Celiac List:

A really good review about DA LUCIANO Pizza, Pasta and Catering 8343 W. Grand Avenue River Grove, IL 708-453-1000. They have a 4 page gluten free menu, but you have to call a day ahead so they are gluten ready. Hey, how about everybody going there so they are ALWAYS gluten ready!

Fogo de Chao Churrascaria
661 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago
312-932-9330
http://fogodechao.com

Ruth's Chris steak house
Mighty Nice Grill in the Water Tower Place, Chicago
Lettuce Entertain You restaurants
Ben Pao (Chinese)
Frontera Grill
Topolobampo
Bistro 110; 110 E. Pearson
Luciano's on Rush; 871 N. Rush St. Gold Coast Mediterranean restaurant has the feel of a Tuscan bistro and a robust menu to match. Choose from chops, USDA Prime steaks, veal and fresh seafood options daily, plus a wide variety of pastas. Dine in one of three dining rooms or have a drink in the Parlor or bar.Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday-SaturdayFax: 312-266-1192

Tuscany - Details about the restaurants and online reservation request.

1014 W. Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 829-1990
(312) 829-8023 Fax
Map & Directions
3700 North Clark
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 404-7700
(773) 404-8502 Fax
Map & Directions
1425 West 22nd St.
Oak Brook, IL 60521
(630) 990-1993
(630) 990-2058 Fax
Map & Directions

550 S. Milwaukee Road
Wheeling, IL 60090
(847) 465-9988

(847) 465-8446 Fax
Map & Directions

PF Chang's Illinois Locations

Additional restaurants listed by the Celiac Sprue Association of Greater Chicago in their Restaurant Guide.

http://homepage.mac.com/sholland/celiac/restaurants.html

This page maintained by Stephen Holland, M.D.

Stephen Holland, M.D.
Naperville Gastroenterology
636 Raymond Drive Suite 201
Naperville IL 60563
630-357-4463

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