Best Vegan and Gluten-free Friendly Restaurants in Chicago

Bloom Plant-based Kitchen

Located in Wicker park, this restaurant’s entire menu is both vegan and gluten free! To start, the server recommended the Kimchi salad which did not disappoint. It had a lovely spicy kick to it. For entrees, I ordered the yuca gnocchi with celery root puree, mushroom sofrito, kale, and shaved cashew pecorino, the flavors of which was delicious! For dessert, definitely try the Yuzu lemon tart. The combination of the sweet and citrus flavors was lovely. 

Handlebar

This casual neighborhood restaurant, tucked away in Wicker Park as well, serves made-from-scratch vegan and vegetarian comfort food and has a separate gluten-free menu. I ordered the vegan diablos, with tofu, hand-pressed corn tostadas, chipotle sauce, black beans, and brown rice, which was packed with spicy flavor.

Althea

This beautiful upscale restaurant, located in downtown Chicago, combines plant-based cuisine with nutrition and modernity. All menu items are labeled as gluten-free, nut-free, and/or soy-free. For starters, order the kimchi dumplings or the char-grilled carrots with pesto, both of which are light but also flavor-packed. For entrees, try the kelp noodle cacio e pepe with cashew, black pepper cream, pea sprouts, and crispy oil-cured olives. For dessert, definitely try the chocolate truffle with hazelnut and cherry. The combination of the sweetness of the chocolate and the tartness of the cherry is delectable.