I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease on my birthday two years ago. Bad timing, I know. I went from a clinic appointment (where I was diagnosed by my Gastroenterologist) to my birthday celebration with family. They had ordered all my favorites from the menu…unfortunately, all of them were also gluten-rich. With two years of gluten-free eating under my belt I’m happy to report this restaurant (Cap City Fine Diner) is still one of my faves as they’re very accommodating. In fact Cameron Mitchell Restaurants offer a ton of variety in their GF menus. Be sure to try out their restaurants and make sure you ask for the GF menu.
Of course, most restaurants (at least in Columbus) have a GF menu if you ask but today I’m going to highlight some truly Gluten Free restaurants with really great food.
Breakfast: My very favorite breakfast option is Bake Me Happy. I typically go to the location in Dublin North Market (6750 Longshore Drive, Dublin, 43017) because it is more convenient for my family. Don’t judge me, but my go-to order is a Donut Muffin. Ok – I might get two. It’s basically a cake donut with cinnamon and sugar coated all over it. Super moist. I know, it’s indulgent, sweet, and probably way too many calories for breakfast but it’s totally worth it for this gluten-free-carbohydrate-lover. My kids can’t tell there’s no gluten and either can my super skeptical husband.
Lunch: Preston’s is a spot that started in The North Market. After a couple of years, they opened a brick and mortar in Clintonville (2973 North High Street, Columbus 43202). Their menu includes pretty typical fare: burgers, fries, fried chicken but the magic is that it’s all GF.
The chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The burgers are juicy and can include fun toppings like Pastrami. And the biscuits, oh the biscuits. If you’re gluten free and biscuit lover – or if you’re a biscuit lover in general – go to Preston’s. It’s worth the trip.
Dinner: Greenhouse Canteen is such a unique experience, GF or not. Originally from Australia, Greenhouse Canteen markets themselves as “Sometimes naughty, mostly nice; forever plant based and gluten free”. Having dinner here is an awesome experience and I can’t recommend it enough. The Arancini Balls, Chickpea Fettuccine and Jackfruit Enchiladas are some of my favorites but I’m sure the rest of the menu is delectable as well (remember, I don’t venture out of my routine very often). 
Dessert: If I’m invited to a potluck or asked to bring something to a party, dessert is my favorite. Especially now that I’ve found Bake Me Happy. I know what you’re thinking – you already talked about that place! But listen, it’s that good. And it deserves attention for both breakfast and dessert, I promise.
Some backstory on my personality – I am the kind of person who eats mostly the same foods, I’m not very adventurous. When I find my favorite ice cream, I don’t try other flavors, I just eat the same one on repeat. I typically order the same menu item from restaurants religiously. I am here to tell you that I am not a blondie fan. They’re dry, they’re dull, they lack flavor and I’d take a brownie over a blondie any day of the week. Except when I’m at Bake Me Happy. The blondie at BMH is phenomenal. Dare I say, the best blondie I’ve ever had. It’s an awesome combination of salty and sweet. My mouth is watering just writing about it.
Another fun fact about me – I don’t typically like cream-fillings. No cream puffs, no whipped cream, no marshmallow fluff. I know I sound very dull, but I just don’t like that creamy texture in my desserts. The only exception to my no-cream-filling rule is the Oatmeal Cream Cloud from BMH. It’s what dreams are made of – the name couldn’t be more appropriate.
Written by Emily McCartney, Ohio State Fellowship Program Manager for the Department of Internal Medicine.