In today’s world of conscious eating, many people are keenly aware of the types of foods their bodies can (and can’t) tolerate. For some, this means ditching all things gluten, including pretty much anything processed, breads, cakes, pies, and even beer. While gluten-free diets may feel challenging at first (especially for those who love their sweets), the good often outweighs the bad, and the end results are worth it. 

One of the best things about the Big Apple is its abundance of restaurants offering versatile cuisine. There are plenty of gluten-free restaurants in NYC that serve diet-friendly options, which makes it easy to accommodate people with special preferences or sensitivities. If you’re in charge of ordering food for an upcoming office event in NYC, this top 5 list features some of the city’s finest caterers serving delicious, gluten-free alternatives.

1. Avo 

It pretty much goes without saying that Avo is all about avocados and other healthy foods. The restaurant’s motto is “Where Health Meets Comfort,” and they sure do get it right. Most of Avo’s dishes include naturally gluten-free avocado, and there are plenty of options to choose from. 

The Avo starter pack is ideal for large groups and suitable for people who follow gluten-free diets. The starter pack serves a minimum of 20 guests, and it includes an assortment of flavor-packed salads and bowls. Featured dishes include the Chicken Portobello Road bowl with mushrooms, avocado, and brown rice, the Spicy Chicken bowl with FreeBird chicken, avocado, and purple cabbage, and the Tofu Mai Thai salad with cashews, spinach, purple cabbage, and avocado. 

The Chicken Al Pastor bowl is another gluten-free favorite that serves up to five guests. This flavorful dish features a blend of fajita veggies, avocado, brown rice, roasted corn, and guacamole. 

Notable: Gluten-free roasted salmon plate

2. Hummus Kitchen 

If a fresh, Mediterranean employee lunch is on the agenda, you can’t go wrong with Hummus Kitchen. Made fresh every day and packed with vitamins and protein, hummus is the Kitchen’s passion. In addition to traditional hummus (or served on the side), this restaurant offers a nice selection of gluten-free options for people with special preferences or dietary restrictions.

Hummus Kitchen’s most-ordered item is the Mediterranean chopped salad, which features a refreshing blend of tomato, cucumber, and onion tossed with lemon and mint dressing. For a little extra crunch, the gluten-free quinoa salad includes quinoa, almonds, radishes, apples, cranberries, and tangy balsamic dressing. All salads serve up to five people. 

Some more gluten-free favorites to consider include plain chickpea hummus topped with whole chickpeas, grilled veggie hummus, and baba ganoush (roasted eggplant dip). All hummus orders serve up to five, and the baba ganoush serves up to 10. 

Notable: Gluten-free shawarma hummus with sliced chicken and grilled onions

3. Kati Shop 

From juicy, grass-fed sirloin steak to baked sesame tofu, Kati Shop’s gluten-free options are rich in nutrients, protein, and flavor. Founded by three friends with the common goal of introducing Khao Kaeng (curry over rice) to the masses, Kati Shop’s menu has a focus on health without sacrificing deliciousness. 

The Shop’s lemongrass chicken is one of its most popular items. Naturally free of hormones and antibiotics, each gluten-free serving comes with a choice of rice and curry. Additional gluten-free entrees include baked sesame tofu, grilled salmon, and coriander sirloin steak. Choose from fresh, gluten-free sides such as baked sweet potato, cucumber salad, and healthy green beans, or spice things up with some sriracha zucchini. 

If you’re looking for something a little more portable, the restaurant also serves its signature entrees boxed-lunch style. Options include lemongrass chicken, coriander sirloin steak, grilled salmon, and baked sesame tofu. Each box includes a choice of base, a choice of curry, and a choice of two sides. 

Notable: Mashed potatoes with massaman curry

4. Anar 

Craving some authentic Indian cuisine? Situated on NYC’s Upper West Side, Anar is the place to go for flavorful, hearty, gluten-free Indian food. If your catered event has a long guest list, most of Anar’s entrees serve up to 15 people, and the restaurant provides utensils and chafing dishes upon request. 

For your gluten-free guests, entree options include garlic shrimp with ginger and palm vinegar, Kesari paneer cubes (cottage cheese cubes, spices, and raw mango powder), and saffron chicken tikka marinated in spices, saffron, and yogurt. Served over basmati rice, the gluten-free Lucknow lamb korma curry features a rich blend of lamb cubes, cashews, saffron, and spice puree. 

Notable: Vegetable samosas

5. Stone Bridge Pizza 

Who says that people on gluten-free diets can’t enjoy a good slice of NYC pizza? Certainly not Stone Bridge Artisanal Pizza. Serving both fresh and frozen farm-to-table pizzas, Stone Bridge sources its fresh ingredients from local suppliers whenever possible.

If you need a few gluten-free pies for your office pizza party, Stone Bridge can take care of it. Pizza options include build-your-own one-, three-, and unlimited-topping pizzas. All pizzas are made with gluten-free crusts and include a choice of sauce, cheese, and toppings. Gluten-free topping choices include pineapple, eggplant, garlic, and broccoli, and you can request vegan cheese.

Notable: Gluten-free pizza with herbed mushroom mix and vegan cheese 

Find the best gluten-free restaurants in NYC with ezCater

Finding gluten-free restaurants in NYC is easy with the help of ezCater. When you’re ready to place your catering order, ezCater can simplify the entire process with online order forms and menus, customer reviews, and access to the best gluten-free caterers in the city that never sleeps.