Gluten-free food options aren’t always easy to come by, and at the Jersey Shore, that’s no exception. For those with allergies and intolerances to gluten – or individuals who just feel better without it – it’s crucial to have access to gluten-free substitutes. Luckily, Asbury Park and the surrounding Jersey Shore beach towns slay the gluten-free game, serving up deliciously decadent and safe breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options. Here’s a roundup of gluten-free friendly restaurants in Asbury Park, Belmar, and beyond that cater to gluten-free dietary needs.
Asbury Park
Belmonte’s Ristorante | 632 Cookman Avenue
For Italian-inspired cuisine sans gluten, look no further than Belmontes Ristorante on Cookman Avenue. The cozy, low-lit BYOB eatery features a gluten-free pasta substitute option on the menu. Outdoor, sidewalk seating is divine during the warmer months and reservations can be made ahead of time via RESY.
Cardinal Provisions | 513 Bangs Avenue
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Anyone with a dietary restriction – whether by choice or not – loves a clearly labeled menu. Cardinal Provisions makes picking out a delicious plate from the stacked menu easy, as safe options are marked “GF.” The full-service breakfast and lunch spot – created by chefs Grace Crossman and Laura Brahn – is open Thursday through Tuesday 9AM to 3PM. Vegan options are also available.
Crust & Crumble | 633 Lake Avenue
Crust & Crumble offers traditional, vegan, and gluten-free menus, which is perfect when dining with a mix of GF and non-GF friends. The eclectic and funky eatery has an array of pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and sweet treat options (also GF + Vegan!) While Crust and Crumble is not an entirely gluten-free establishment, the staff is well-educated and cautious with GF orders and will use separate pans, cutters, and prep areas if a gluten-free allergy or restriction is noted on an order.
Read More: A Guide to Top-Notch Seafood at the Jersey Shore
Killer Pies | 649 Mattison Avenue
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Killer Pies is known as the “slice and soda joint” because it is the only pizza place in the downtown Asbury area where guests can order pizza by the slice. Lucky for us, gluten-free crust is available as an option well as a vegan cheese substitute, if needed or desired. It is also worth mentioning that the shop stays open until 2:30AM on Fridays and Saturdays… you’re welcome.
Pasta Volo | 419 Bond Street
Have you ever had quick-service pasta? If not, you need to experience the counter-serve amazingness that is Pasta Volo. All of the delicious Italian goodness, without the formal, sit-down setting. A DIY experience: guests customize their own pasta dish, choosing from various pasta shapes and sizes, as well as cheeses, meats, and sauces. The menu offers a rice-based gluten-free pasta option as well as vegan, cashew-based ricotta and vegan vodka sauce. Pasta Volo is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11AM to 8PM.
Pulp Asbury | 516 Summerfield Avenue
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Pulp Asbury, the female-owned raw juice and smoothie bar on Summerfield Avenue, features homemade soups, bread, salads, toast specials, and more. Gluten-free bread and bagel substitutes are available for the daily toast, bagel, and sandwich options. Vegan butter, cream cheese, and cheddar substitutes are also available. Pulp Asbury is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Twisted Tree Cafe | 609 Cookman Avenue
At the heart of Cookman Ave, visitors will find a small vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafe with a menu featuring freshly made wraps, salads, baked goods, coffee, and smoothies. The Twisted Tree Cafe offers gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free options. Guests can’t go wrong with an order of smashed avocado, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper on gluten-free bread. And maybe an allergen-free banana chocolate chip muffin to-go… Twisted Tree Cafe is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays so plan your visit accordingly.
Belmar
Kaya’s Kitchen | 1000 Main Street
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Kaya’s Kitchen is a BYOB spot featuring unique and eclectic vegetarian and vegan fare. Kaya’s menu features gluten-free options that are truly to die for. The gluten-free macaroni and cheese appetizer is too good to gatekeep. If you’re lucky, the gluten-free, vegan carrot cake and key lime pie will be available for dessert. If not, time to plan a return trip.
Bradley Beach
Luna Verde Vegan Mexican Restaurant | 400 Main Street
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Luna Verde is a family-run restaurant in Bradley Beach featuring homemade vegan Mexican food. The menu offers tacos, burritos, flautas, chimichangas, desserts, seasonal specials, and gluten-free options. Currently, Luna Verde only offers online orders for pickup with no dine-in or indoor accommodations.
Ocean Grove
Tino’s Artisan Pizza Co. | 50 Main Ave
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Tino’s Artisan Pizza Co. is an Ocean Grove favorite, offering all-natural Italian food and what they call, “no junk pizza.” The menu features gluten-free pizza crust, bread, meatballs, oven-baked chicken bites, burrata, and chocolate cake. Vegan options and substitutes are also available.
See More: 13 Classic Bars to Visit at the Jersey Shore
Neptune
Cats Luck | 140 Steiner Avenue
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Cats Luck is 100% vegan and 100% awesome for also having gluten-free options. Their menu features GF items such as a loaded biscuit with gravy, waffles, and tempeh bacon, to name a few. Plus, breakfast and lunch are served all day long. While Cats Luck has gluten-free options, the website and menu warn that the food will be prepared on shared equipment. The team cannot always guarantee that there won’t be cross-contamination, which may be unsafe for those with gluten allergies.
