Gone are the days when gluten-free dining meant settling for the same old garden salad or a bland hamburger without the bun. With increased awareness of gluten-free diets, the North Fork’s food scene has risen to meet the demand, offering more GF dishes than ever before. From breakfast to dessert, here are five spots where those avoiding gluten can taste their way across a menu without feeling overlooked.
Note: While these restaurants provide gluten-free options, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to check on their practices to avoid cross-contamination. Some may not have dedicated allergen-free facilities and be safe for those with celiac disease.
Dark Horse Restaurant
1 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-7606, darkhorserestaurant.com
Dark Horse Restaurant, situated in a historic 1929 building, is considered the gold standard for gluten-free dining on the North Fork. Open since 2010, the eclectic eatery is led by owner Muma Dee, who is gluten intolerant herself. On Dark Horse’s menu, everything is or can be made gluten-free without cross contamination. Highlights include the house-baked hamburger buns and a rotating dessert menu that features a blondie with homemade caramel, or the salted peanut brittle, all crafted by Dee.
Goodfood. Café and Market
535 Pike St., Mattituck, 631-298-7599, gfperiod.com
Since its inception in 2015, Goodfood. has become a go-to spot for healthy breakfasts and lunches in Mattituck. The café and specialty food market prides itself on seasonal ingredients while accommodating a variety of dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices. The menu includes açaí bowls layered with gluten-free granola and fresh fruit, smoothies, protein-packed power bowls and a rotating selection of hearty soups and specialty sandwiches that can be made with gluten-free bread. For dessert: house-made peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and burnt Basque cheesecake are GF-approved.
Barrow Food House
452 Main Road, Riverhead, 631-779-3379, barrowfoodhouse.com
Located in a charming 1850s farmhouse in Aquebogue, Barrow Food House is known for its homey, fast-casual comfort fare, from smash burgers and hand-cut fries to spaghetti-squash latkes and warm curry bowls. The menu labels gluten-free options, with gluten-free buns available for substitution.
Encanto Crepes & Cafe
117 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-6533, encantocrepescafe.com
Encanto Crepes & Cafe offers a sleek, casual atmosphere with an extensive menu of crepes that can be made from buckwheat batter, which — despite the name — is gluten-free. If you’re looking for savory, opt for the Sun Galette, a thin, open-faced crepe featuring a sunny-side-up egg, melted Gouda, cherry tomatoes, spinach, red onion and cilantro. For dessert, try the Sweet Colombian Crepe, filled with rich dulce de leche and melted mozzarella. If crepes aren’t your thing, Encanto also serves almojábanas — cornmeal-based Colombian cheese bread that’s naturally gluten-free and worth the stop on its own.
First and South
100 South St., Greenport, 631-333-2200, firstandsouth.com
A staple in Greenport since 2012, First and South offers a welcoming dining experience with a labeled menu that can easily be adapted to fit most dietary needs. Known for its accommodating kitchen, nearly every dish can be made gluten-free, like the fried chicken sandwich, black-bean burger, and four-cheese Mornay mac and cheese topped with GF breadcrumbs.
