Finding the best gluten free restaurants in Virginia Beach wasn't difficult! Whether you're visiting the Oceanfront for a beach vacation or looking for a Celiac-friendly place to eat, Virginia Beach has some fantastic options. My top picks for gluten free dining include restaurants with dedicated gluten free preparation and even an entirely gluten free sushi experience!
Gluten Free Virginia Beach
Whether you have Celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or simply follow a gluten free diet, these are three of my favorite gluten free places to eat in Virginia Beach. All three are located near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, making them especially convenient if you're spending the day at the beach or staying nearby.
Whether you're traveling for a weekend getaway or a longer beach vacation, having a list of gluten free places to eat makes traveling so much easier. Check out more of my gluten free travel guides to help you out before your next trip!
1. The Green Cat
The Green Cat Juice Bar & Market is one of the first places I'd recommend when looking for gluten free restaurants in Virginia Beach. Located on Pacific Avenue near the Oceanfront, The Green Cat is a locally owned superfood café serving plant-based, 100% gluten free food and drinks.
This is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or a lighter meal when you want something fresh and healthy. The menu includes smoothie bowls, smoothies, juices, toast, salads, soups, chili, coffee, and tea.
The smoothie bowls are one of the biggest draws. You can choose from options such as açai, pitaya, chocolate, green, and Blue Majik bowls, with toppings including fresh fruit, chia seeds, coconut, cacao nibs, and granola. Their smoothies are also easy to customize with different add-ins, including protein.
For something savory, try one of the fresh gluten free toasts or salads. The Green Goddess Toast, made with avocado, house-made cashew pesto, and microgreens, is a popular choice for a lighter breakfast or lunch.
What I especially love about The Green Cat for gluten free dining in Virginia Beach is that gluten free food isn't an afterthought. The café's overall menu is built around plant-based and gluten free options, so you have plenty of choices instead of having to settle for one modified dish.
It's also a great place to stop after a morning at the beach when you're craving a smoothie, fresh juice, or something nourishing. I took some of their pasta salad and protein bites to pack for a healthy beach lunch!
Best for: Breakfast, lunch, smoothies, smoothie bowls, vegan and gluten free dining, and healthy beach-day food.
2. Abbey Road
If you're looking for a restaurant with a big, family friendly menu, Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant & Lucy's Sky Bar is a must-visit.
Located just one block from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Abbey Road is a Beatles-themed restaurant and pub serving seafood, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, brunch, and more. But what really makes it stand out for people searching for Celiac friendly restaurants in Virginia Beach is its extensive gluten free menu.
According to the restaurant, approximately two-thirds of its menu is gluten free or can be prepared gluten free. Even better, Abbey Road has a dedicated gluten free fryer and grill and uses gluten free soy sauce for its marinades and stir-fries. They also offer gluten free bread, gluten free pasta, and gluten free flour and seasonings for their seafood breading.
That makes this an exciting option when you're craving foods that aren't always easy to find gluten free at restaurants!
Think gluten free fried seafood, burgers with gluten free bread, pasta, seafood dishes, and other classic restaurant favorites. They even make their brownies from scratch using gluten free flour.
For someone with Celiac disease, it's important to note that Abbey Road says it cannot guarantee that cross-contamination will never occur. As always, let your server know that you need to avoid gluten and ask questions about current preparation procedures.
The location is another big plus. After dinner, you're just a short walk from the boardwalk and beach, making Abbey Road an easy choice for a full day or evening at the Oceanfront.
Best for: A large gluten free menu, seafood, fried foods, pasta, casual dinners, families, and anyone who wants plenty of choices.
3. NAMI Nori
If you think sushi is difficult to navigate on a gluten free diet, add Nami Nori Atlantic Park to your Virginia Beach itinerary! It's 100% gluten free!
Located at Atlantic Park on Pacific Avenue, NAMI Nori brings a fun twist to sushi with its signature temaki, or Japanese hand rolls. Instead of traditional sushi rolls, the hand rolls are assembled and served individually so the nori stays crisp.
What makes NAMI Nori exciting for gluten free travelers in Virginia Beach is that the restaurant's menu is designed to be completely gluten free! Current menu items include temaki, appetizers, and desserts making this restaurant incredible for an entirely gluten free experience.
That means you can enjoy sushi without having to worry about asking which sauces contain gluten or whether a traditional sushi restaurant can accommodate your dietary needs.
The menu features a variety of hand rolls, including tuna, salmon, yellowtail, coconut shrimp, and other creative combinations. You can also order snacks such as Japanese potato salad, furikake fries, shishito peppers, and crab dip.
And don't skip dessert! NAMI Nori offers gluten free treats such as miso chocolate chip cookies and mochurros served with lemon curd.
The restaurant is also located within Atlantic Park, so you get more than just dinner. The modern space overlooks the surf park, creating a fun atmosphere for a date night, girls' night, or special vacation dinner.
One thing to keep in mind is that NAMI Nori is more of a small-plates experience than a traditional all-you-can-eat sushi dinner. Plan on ordering several hand rolls and possibly a few snacks if you're hungry.
NAMI Nori also has additional locations in New York, New Jersey, and Florida!
Best for: Gluten free sushi, date night, special occasions, Japanese food, and a unique Virginia Beach dining experience.
More Gluten Free Dining in Virginia Beach
These three restaurants are just the beginning when it comes to gluten free food in Virginia Beach. The area has a growing number of restaurants offering gluten free menus and allergy-friendly options, including everything from seafood and casual American food to international cuisine. Be sure to check out the Find Me Gluten Free App for more gluten free options in the area.
If you have Celiac disease, always tell your server that you require a strictly gluten free meal and ask about shared fryers, grills, preparation areas, and other potential sources of cross-contact. Restaurant menus and kitchen procedures can also change, so it's a good idea to confirm current practices before ordering.
Planning a Gluten Free Trip to Virginia Beach?
If you're searching for the best gluten free restaurants in Virginia Beach, these three offer something completely different. The Green Cat is perfect for a healthy breakfast or lunch, Abbey Road is the place to go when you want a huge selection of gluten free comfort food, and NAMI Nori offers an especially memorable gluten free sushi experience.
Whether you're visiting Virginia Beach for a weekend getaway, a family beach vacation, or just a day at the Oceanfront, with a little planning, you can enjoy everything from smoothie bowls and seafood to pasta and sushi.
Save this guide for your next gluten free trip to Virginia Beach!
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