Barrow Food House Gluten Free Burger. (Photo courtesy of Victoria Caruso)
Gone are the days when eating gluten-free meant settling for an old-fashioned garden salad or a bland burger without a bun. As awareness of gluten-free eating increases, the North Fork food scene is also growing in response to demand, with more GF dishes available than ever before. From breakfast to dessert, here are five spots where you can safely enjoy the menu even if you’re avoiding gluten.
Note: Although these restaurants offer gluten-free options, we recommend calling ahead to confirm their practices to avoid cross-contamination. Some facilities do not have dedicated allergen facilities or facilities that are safe for people with celiac disease.
dark horse restaurant
1 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-7606, darkhorserestaurant.com
Housed in a historic 1929 building, Dark Horse Restaurant is considered the gold standard for gluten-free dining on the North Fork. Opened in 2010, this eclectic eatery is led by owner Muma Dee, who herself is gluten intolerant. On Dark Horse’s menu, everything is gluten-free or can be made gluten-free without cross-contamination. Highlights include homemade burger buns and a rotating dessert menu featuring blondies and salted peanut brittle with house-made caramel. These are all handmade by Mr. Dee.
delicious food. Cafe & Market
535 Pike St., Mattituck, 631-298-7599; gfperiod.com
Good Food since its founding in 2015. It has become a popular spot for healthy breakfast and lunch in Mattituck. The cafe and specialty food market prides itself on seasonal ingredients while catering to a variety of dietary needs including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. The menu includes acai bowls layered with gluten-free granola and fresh fruit, smoothies, protein-packed power bowls, and a rotating menu of hearty soups and signature sandwiches made with gluten-free bread. For dessert, homemade peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and charred Basque cheesecake are GF certified.
Barrow Food House
452 Main Road, Riverhead, 631-779-3379, barrowfoodhouse.com
Housed in a charming 1850s farmhouse in Akborg, Borough Food House is known for its homey, fast-casual comfort food, from smash burgers and hand-cut fries to spaghetti squash latkes and warm curry bowls. Gluten-free options are displayed on the menu, and gluten-free bread is also available as an alternative.
Encanto Crepe & Cafe
117 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-6533, encantocrepescafe.com
Despite its name, Encanto Crepes & Cafe offers an extensive menu of crepes made from gluten-free buckwheat dough in a stylish, casual setting. If you’re looking for something savory, choose the Saint Galette, a thin open-faced crepe filled with a fried egg, melted gouda, cherry tomatoes, spinach, red onion, and cilantro. For dessert, try the Sweet Colombian Crepe, filled with rich dulce de leche and melty mozzarella. If crepes aren’t your thing, Encanto also offers almojabana. Almojabana is a cornmeal-based Colombian cheese bread that is naturally gluten-free and worth a stop on its own.
first and south
100 South St., Greenport, 631-333-2200, firstandsouth.com
A Greenport staple since 2012, First and South offers a cozy dining experience with a labeled menu that can easily accommodate most dietary needs. Known for its well-equipped kitchen, nearly all of its dishes can be made gluten-free, including fried chicken sandwiches, black bean burgers, and four-cheese Mornay mac and cheese topped with GF breadcrumbs.
