Where to find Gluten-Free Food in Greenville, South Carolina
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
While the debate continues as to whether or not eating gluten-free really makes any difference for those with no medical conditions, many people continue to seek out GF alternatives to their favorite food staples. Today, just about anything can be made without gluten, from pastries, to pastas, to pizza. Greenville is quickly becoming one of the more popular foodie destinations in the South. While gluten-free options are still limited, there are a handful of restaurants which do offer enticing options.
Living in the region for 2 years, I have basically dined my way around the city. In my guide, I have highlighted 10 great restaurants which serve a variety of gluten-free dishes. Be aware that cross contamination is always a risk. Consider contacting the restaurant to learn more about safety precautions taken in the kitchen, as well as a full listing of gluten-free options available.
Biscuit Head
GF options: Biscuit, Sweet Potato coconut gravy, Pimento cheese grits, Jalapeno pimento cheese
What to try: The Half Breakfast special which includes 2 eggs, a side, and a biscuit ($1 extra for GF)
For gluten-free breakfast fare in Greenville, Biscuit Head is one of your best bets. This southern style breakfast chain, which started in Asheville in 2013 and has expanded all over the Southeast, offers a gluten-free/vegan version of their popular cathead biscuits. The biscuits here are so delicious and filling. You have the option of ordering a gravy flight or topping your biscuit with various jams, butters, and honeys via a self service bar.
Pomegranate on Main
GF options: All entrees
What to try: Any of the Kabobs (served with basmati rice)
This international Persian inspired restaurant offers an abundance of options for those dining gluten-free. In fact, almost every entree is naturally gluten free. Kabobs (chicken, beef, seafood, & veg available) served with basmati rice are the perfect healthy naturally gluten-free choice. Additionally, all of the beef, lamb, and vegetarian entrees, as well as the salads, are GF. The patio here is beautiful, service is always great, and the pricing is quite affordable. This is one of my favorite places to dine during the milder spring season.
Sully’s Steamers
GF option: A millet/flax sourdough GF bagel is available
What to try: Any gluten-free bagel sandwich
Sully’s is a great little bagel place downtown which offers a rather large menu of steamed bagel sandwiches. I never tried a steamed bagel before moving to Greenville, but I have to say it is a real treat: gooey and totally messy, but tasty! A bit different than your ordinary bagel, but that creativity is why I love this place! Lots of variety on the menu here, for veggie lovers, carnivores, and breakfast lovers. Try the Green Vegas with the flax/millet sourdough GF bagel.
Handi Indian
Update: The downtown location closed. The new cafe is located at: The Promenade at Haywood.
GF options: Most everything with the exception of naan and some appetizers. Check with staff to go over options on the buffet.
What to try: The Lunch Buffet
Indian cuisine is naturally a good option for those seeking gluten-free fare as dishes are rice based and sauces are naturally free of gluten. The affordable afternoon buffet at Handi features an assortment of some of the best Indian dishes. From veggie korma, to aloo gobi, to fresh basmati rice, there’s plenty of gluten-free fare to indulge in. With all the wonderful naturally gluten-free options, you won’t even miss the naan and samosas. I also love the beautiful ambiance here – it’s the perfect setting for a lunch date!
Roost
GF options: Salad bar, Pizza, Seafood, Omelets
What to try: Harvest lunch table
Roost, a trendy farm-to-table restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency on Main, is a perfect choice for health conscious diners. They offer a fresh weekday lunch buffet featuring a large salad bar and two daily soups. The majority of toppings on the bar are naturally gluten-free and one of the soups is always gluten-free. Additionally, many of the apps (poblano queso dip), entrees (shrimp and grits, GF pizza) are also good choices. The menu is conveniently marked so you do not have to guess! The ambiance is beautiful and modern and the outdoor patio is a gorgeous place to dine most of the year.
Soby’s
GF options: Most entrees (some can be modified to be GF)
What to try: The Sunday Brunch Buffet
For a new twist on traditional Southern style fare, plan for a stop at Soby’s. This place is well known for their Sunday brunch buffet. Fortunately, there are plenty of gluten-free foods to indulge in including a made-to-order omelet bar, as well as numerous salads, sides, entrees, and desserts. A server will gladly take you on a quick tour of the buffet going over your options. Best of all, the staff is super friendly and will bring out gluten-free substitutions if requested. Update: the buffet is no longer offered. However, you can email or call the staff to go over dietary friendly options.
Yellow Ginger
GF options: Spring rolls, lettuce wraps, Fried rice dishes, Thai Red Curry, Green Curry bowl, Garlic Eggplant, Dynamite Salmon
What to try: Mixed vegetables with garlic sauce
Yellow Ginger is a highly regarded Asian fusion restaurant offering many entrees which are naturally gluten-free. Here you can try cuisine from all different regions of Southeast Asian including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. A gluten-free menu can be requested.
In terms of appetizers, both the spring rolls and lettuce wraps are gluten-free. Many entrees are also GF including the Singapore Rice noodles, Thai Red Curry bowl, and Southeast Asian fried rice. Try the delicious Mixed Vegetables Plate pictured above: it’s healthy, light, and free of gluten.
Stax Omega
GF options: Most breakfast dishes with GF toast sub, Salads without pita or croutons, Low Country Shrimp and Grits
What to try: Any of the delicious breakfast skillets/omelets with GF toast
Stax Omega is a traditional American style diner which is super popular with the weekend brunch crowd. The great food and homey ambiance has landed it on Food Network’s list of 50 best diners. This is your traditional old-school diner with the seemingly endless menu, only with the added benefit of allergen friendly substitutions. This was one of the first restaurants I tried when moving to the region, and definitely one of the ones I come back to most. I love a good breakfast and Stax offers the best in the city! So many options, a super cozy ambiance, and predictably good breakfast fare!
Gluten-free bread can be requested for toast/sandwiches. Breakfast offers numerous naturally gluten-free skillets, omelets, and smoothies. Try the delicious Garden Skillet which is loaded with sauteed veggies, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and topped with 2 eggs.
Methodical Coffee
GF options: Various pastries and macaroons
What to try: Any gluten-free pastry
Out of all the coffeehouses lining Main Street, Methodical continues to receive much praise in the coffee industry. This premier roaster uses high end equipment, hires skilled baristas, and sources the best possible beans. Food & Wine even placed them amongst the top coffeehouses in America! Methodical also serves great pastries, including at least one GF option. Try the cinnamon roll pictured above if available.
Swamp Rabbit Cafe
GF options: Donuts, Brazilian cheese puff, pizza, smoothies, sandwiches (request GF bread), various salads
What to try: The GF/vegan donut
Swamp Rabbit CoOp is the best place in town to enjoy healthier home baked pastries. Not only do they serve the freshest baked goods in town, this is also the place to go to pick up fresh fruits and veggies. While most of the pastries contain gluten, there are a few exceptions. Every day there is a delicious donut on the lineup which is both gluten and dairy free (try the strawberry pictured above, if available)! And while you are here, you must try their delicious coffee.
I love sitting out on the beautiful outdoor patio, enjoying several cups of coffee with a home baked pastry. Then, I take a nice ride along the Swamp Rabbit trail which has a starting point just behind the cafe.
A few more delicious local restaurants serving GF options
Tandem Creperie: Sweet and savory crepes. GF option.
Mellow Mushroom: Great chain which serves excellent GF pizza in a colorful dining space.
Jason’s Deli: Popular chain with an amazing salad bar. Also several soups are GF, plus baked potatoes and sandwiches (ask for GF bread). My go-to when I crave a delicious salad.
Sidewall Pizza: Popular local pizza joint serving GF pizza.
Passerelle French Bistro: Numerous GF selections including a flourless chocolate torte. Great views of the waterfall.
Nose Dive: Popular Main St hub for pub grub and craft beer. Tons of GF options include apps, fish n chips, mac & cheese, grilled cheese, and so much more.
