Gluten-free in Fort Myers, FL (and Pensacola too!)

(Updated 6/19/2011)

I absolutely love eating out at restaurants, but as any Celiac knows, it's risky and you have to be very picky about where and what you eat.  I was very excited about all the new food possibilities when I moved to Fort Myers from Pensacola, Fl.  There are many more gluten-free accommodating restaurants down here, although Pensacola will always hold a special place in my heart stomach.

In Fort Myers, we have the normal chain restaurants that have gluten-free menus, such as:
Outback - gluten-free menu (.pdf)
Carrabba's - gluten-free menu (.pdf)
Bonefish Grill - gluten-free menu (.pdf)
Jason's Deli - gluten-free menu (.pdf) Many Jason's Deli locations now carry Udi's gluten-free bread! 
P.F. Chang's - gluten-free menu One of my favorites!
Uno Chicago Grill - gluten-free menu
Cheeseburger in Paradise -  gluten-free menu You can order a gluten-free bun here and a side of fries with your burger!  It is a shared building with Lee Roy Selmon's.

And some fast food restaurants that have gluten-free options, like Chick-fil-A and Wendy's. 

The best places to eat in Fort Myers aren't huge chain restaurants though!  We have smaller franchises and some locally owned businesses that blow away most of the competition.  My boyfriend is not gluten-free and would give all of the following restaurants his seal of approval, so take a date!

Pizza Fusion
This is an incredibly cool restaurant.  It's centered on being eco-friendly and serving organic food.  A gluten-free pizza is a bit pricey here but it's definitely worth it.  The crust is thin and crunchy, and the toppings are always fresh and flavorful.  During one of my visits, the owner told me he could exchange the typical flatbread with the gluten-free crust to make their dip trio appetizer.  I tried it and it was delicious!  They serve Red Bridge beer here as well, and also have gluten-free brownies.   

Chef Brooke's Natural Cafe
If you are visiting or live in Fort Myers, this is a must.  Chef Brooke is passionate about creating healthy foods, many of which are free of gluten and/or dairy, and meat.  She told me that she is gluten intolerant and prides herself on the safety of her food.  I had macaroni and cheese, a salad with the sesame dressing, fresh mango juice, and the most gigantic banana muffin with chocolate chips and peanut butter icing. 

Lee Roy Selmon's
If you have missed grabbing some wings and a beer and watching a game at a sports bar, Lee Roy Selmon's is the place for you.  Their wings are grilled, not battered, and the awesome wing sauce is gluten-free.  So is the pulled pork!  Lee Roy Selmon's even serves Red Bridge beer, what more could you ask for from a sports bar?

Saigon Paris
Go here if you are looking for some Vietnamese food.  Granted, there aren't many Vietnamese restaurants in Fort Myers, but Saigon Paris (a Vietnamese and French cuisine restaurant) can serve up some tasty Pho and summer rolls.  Ask for no hoisin, soy, or peanut sauces (or bring your own).

Zushi Zushi
This is a super modern Asian restaurant on Fort Myers Beach.  Once you get over having to pay for parking (this is the one major drawback of Fort Myers Beach!! I'm still bitter about it), you will have a great experience here.  Ask your server about any gluten concerns when ordering, and don't forget to get the green tea ice cream and people-watch out the large windows.  Check out my full restaurant review here!

Where To Shop
For gluten-free specialty products, like flours, pastas, breads, etc, there are a few choices.  Publix carries some items, such as rice pastas, some Bob's Red Mill flours/mixes, and Udi's, however they sell out very quickly.  They usually have cheaper prices though, unless you are ordering bulk from Amazon (can't beat those prices).  The Skinny Pantry is a gluten-free and diet food store.  They have a lot more variety (this is where I bought my Against the Grain pizza crust).  There are also a few Mother Earth locations, but I have not been very often because they don't carry my favorite products.  It's worth checking out though.  My favorite health store, whether I am searching for a gluten-free product or groceries in general, is Ada's Whole Food Market on 41 and Colonial (next to Burlington Coat Factory).  Don't be deceived: the place is huge inside, despite the small entrance. 


I wanted to quickly list a few Pensacola places, too:

Ever'man
This is the best co-op health food store ever and I miss it so much!  They carry an insane amount of gluten-free products (such as Udi's, Against the Grain, and my weakness, Midel oreos!) and have a deli/cafe in the back that serves gluten-free chicken adobo (made with tamari).  I have shopped there for 11 years and cannot recommend their store enough.  Ever'man's has spoiled me.

Mellow Mushroom
You can get a gluten-free pizza here and vegan cheese if you want!  I got the very first gluten-free pizza from MM Pensacola, and the cooks were so unfamiliar with the crust that they incinerated it!  I was given a complimentary gluten-free pizza for the long wait.  It's good for the price!

Cactus Flower Cafe
There are no excuses for not eating here.  The chefs are very knowledgeable about gluten, as are the waitstaff.  Get the chicken tacos on the (homemade!!!) corn tortillas, with the smashed pinto beans (naturally gluten-free) and rice (they serve a vegan version of their rice as well).  Make sure you mention "no Santa Fe sauce" when you order.  Go ahead and splurge a bit with the sangria.

Hopjacks
While the food here is not gluten-free, they serve many Celiac-friendly beers!  This is a pizza place with a humongous variety of beers, both on tap and bottled.  Woodchuck Pear is on tap, and they carry Red Bridge, Woodchuck Granny Smith, and Woodchuck Raspberry in bottles.  Bring your friends for trivia night.

Please keep in mind that it is always a risk to anyone with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerances to eat out at restaurants, but with that said, you can't always live your life (or eat your food) worrying.  Always express your diet restrictions to the waiter and ask for a manager to make sure your needs are taken care of as carefully as possible.  Pick up dining cards, such as the ones from Triumph Dining, and call ahead to make sure the restaurant can accommodate you.