Sarma translates to “wrapped,” or evocatively, an embrace—and for people with dietary restrictions, the menu at this Somerville spot does just that. This Mediterranean hot spot envelops us all with a menu of incredible meze, many of which are gluten-free and all of which leave us wanting more. We love Sarma classics like Harissa BBQ Duck, Avocado Muhammara, and Black Bean Falafel. 

Paying homage to many different cuisines like Chinese, Thai, and Indonesian on a family-style menu from Flour’s Joanne Chang, Myers + Chang is similarly mindful of dietary preferences. The South End mainstay—a favorite for Bostonians and visitors alike—offers separate gluten-free menus, as well as vegetarian, shellfish-free, and nut-free menus. Tuna Poke Two Ways, topped with sesame crisps, is a must-order, and Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) is a GF dish you’ll be talking about for days. If it isn’t cause for celebration, we don’t know what is.

Initially inspired by the western-coastal and southern cuisines of Mexico, Lone Star Taco Bar has created a menu where the vast majority of food items are gluten-free. Both locations in Cambridge and Allston take allergy concerns very seriously, taking all precautions necessary to ensure there is no cross contact of any kind. So favorites on corn tortillas like Carnitas, Veracruz Fish, and Birria can all be enjoyed with gluten-free confidence. This part’s a no-brainer: Wash it down with a marg or two. 

Sofra, often a go-to pastries, cookies, and other confections, is also a must-visit for the extensive selection of freshly made meze, much of which is gluten-free. Take the Moroccan-Style Carrot Salad, for example; Parsnip Almond Skordalia, or Grape Leaf Dolma, just to name a few. The Mediterranean cafe is also filled to the brim with prepared food to-go and delectable retail items, including gluten-free Olive Oil Granola, Sesame Caramel Cashews, and Sweet & Smoky Pecans, so you can bring the magic of Sofra home. 

Nantucket Island favorite The Nautilus has reached the mainland via Boston’s Seaport. The Pier 4 restaurant is rather gluten-free friendly, with options like Vietnamese Beef Tataki, Blue Crab Fried Rice, Thai Sausage Lettuce Wraps, and Charcoal Prawns. Even our fave Two Hawaiian Tuna Poke can be modified to be gluten-free—just ask. Pair with a Nauti cocktail or two and cheers to more GF bites.

For several years, Cafe Sushi has made it a focus to provide many gluten-free options. Most everything made in-house including sauces like ponzu and spicy mayo, and myriad toppings used for nigiri are all gluten-free. The Harvard Square takeout spot requires advance notice for any food allergies where cross-contact is an issue, but the new retail shop, Cafe Sushi Shoten, offers grab-and-go sushi, GF side dishes like Kinpira Lotus Root and Carrot, and an excellent selection of sake (a naturally gluten-free beverage). The shoten even carries Koshihikari Echigo rice lager, a delicious gluten-free beer option. 

The nine locations of Life Alive spread across the Greater Boston area are best known as vegan and vegetarian meccas, but the menus at each cafe are just as welcoming to the GF crowd. All of the grain and salad bowls are gluten-free: as a starting point, consider the Green Goddess made with lemon-garlic brown rice, broccoli, kale, tofu, avocado, and ginger tamari sauce. Soups, dairy-free drinks, and smoothie bowls topped with almond granola also fit the GF bill.

Though it’s straight-up named Flour Bakery + Cafe, acclaimed pastry chef Joanne Chang’s nine-location-strong bakery chain cheerfully accommodates dietary preferences, including a gluten allergy and sensitivity. Most sandwiches can be made on gluten-free bread (with the exception of grilled offerings) or served as salads. For dessert, you’ll discover sans-gluten treats like Flourless TCHO Chocolate Brownie and a Brown Sugar Almond Meringue Cookie.

Quickly becoming a Back Bay staple, Krasi is a stunning meze bar serving all things Greek. Krasi crushes the brunch game and pours incredible Greek wines. The passionate staff is well-versed in the menu and can not only guide and translate for dinner, but can educate about what is gluten-free on the menu. Greek cuisine in general lends itself easily to gluten-free meals, but we especially love everything Krasi does to make each bite special. Try veg-forward dishes like Marouli (charred baby gem lettuce, crispy louza, baked goat cheese, egg yolk dressing) and Lahano (spicy tomato sauce-braised cabbage, golden raisins, almonds, puffed rice). The Xtapdo (braised octopus) and rotating Souvla (rotisserie) are also gluten-free options, among many more.

Starting as one of Boston’s original food trucks, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese now boasts brick-and-mortar locations in Allston and Central Square for the sandwiches that made it a household name. And at both locations, one can even enjoy that famous cheese pull on gluten-free bread. Yes, you heard us correctly—gluten-free grilled cheese. Order any of the sandwiches on the menu, such as the Green Muenster Melt, Hot Honey Bacon, or the veggie-friendly Allston (a fancier sammie with herbed goat cheese, fig jam, caramelized onions, and arugula)—all have the option of gluten-free bread.