Traveling For A Gluten Free Breakfast
Following up on last week's post of gluten free bakeries - this week I'm sharing my picks for gluten free breakfasts worth traveling for. As someone with a gluten, cows milk, AND soy intolerance - I've found breakfast to be one of the most impossible meals to eat out safely. I'm also not an omelet kind of person - since plain eggs don't work well we me either.
My typical travel breakfast consists of some combination of the following; oatmeal, granola, non-dairy milk, sheep or goat milk yogurt, and fruit. I'll bring the dry foods with me and purchase the perishable products in whatever hippy grocery store I can find. Overall, I've had some great luck with this strategy - but nothing beats a full, hearty, and safe breakfast out.
Auckland, New Zealand
Groucho's Cafe | Toast with Jam & Bay of Islands Breakfast Tea
There are few cafes I've been to in my travels which based on solely on their own merit's make me want pack up and move next door just so I can be a regular. Groucho's is one of my favorite memories from my time in Auckland; great gluten free options, some awesome mid century decor, and the best black tea I've ever had. If you get the chance to try Bay of Islands Breakfast from KeriKeri Tea while in New Zealand - do it and then bring me back some loose leaf!
Austin, Texas, USA
Wildwood Bakehouse Cafe | French Toast
Wildwood was my first gluten free breakfast out on my very first trip while eating gluten free, and what a meal it was! Getting a plate of fluffy gluten free french toast was quite the luxury. In fact, I don't know that I've found another place where I could order that dish in a way safe for me to eat. The extra plus at Wildwood? It's entirely gluten free - such a reassuring feeling while dining out.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
The Cracked Egg | Eggs, Fruit, & Bacon
I know, I already said I'm not an egg person but sometimes I indulge - more so for the bacon. What impressed me about the Cracked Egg is their full gluten free menu and commitment to offering safe food. I was there on a busy weekend morning for my bachelorette weekend (I imagine most weekend mornings there are pretty packed) and our server was completely understanding of my needs. It's also one of the most comprehensive diner style gluten free breakfast menus I've seen.
New York City, New York, USA
Sun In Bloom | Pancakes
Oh my goodness, these pancakes. The best I've ever had, gluten free or not and they're vegan too! So fluffy and buttery tasting with walnuts, caramelized bananas, and maple syrup. Sun In Bloom is one of those spots I sorely miss from my month of living in Brooklyn. With an entire menu full of gluten free and vegan options, I always left feeling well fed and fantastic. Add in fresh juices, sweet treats, and a community table (love those, especially as an often solo traveler) and it's just wonderful. Pro tip: they serve breakfast all day - making Sun In Bloom an excellent option to get pancakes for dinner.
Portland, Oregon, USA
Harlow | Granola Parfait, Golden Smoothie, and Spiced Hot Chocolate
When the owners of Prasad, a tiny cafe co-located in a yoga studio, opened Harlow as a full restaurant with a longer menu - I couldn't have been more excited. With an entirely gluten free menu and loads of vegan options, it's the only place I've ever been happy to order a dish of granola. Specifically because it comes layered in a parfait with the most delicious cashew cream sauce (seriously, it's heavenly). In addition to the fantastic food and juice options, Harlow makes a mean hot chocolate with their in house almond-hemp milk. This is the one spot in Portland that I return to every time I find myself within the city limits.
Seattle, Washington, USA
Miro Tea | Crepes & Genmaicha Tea
Miro is my home town favorite - it's where I suggest on any occasion calling for breakfast out. It actually reminds me a lot of Groucho's in Auckland, with mid century decor and a neighborhood feel. Their gluten free crepes are also dairy free, making it an easy win for my particular needs and the tea selection is superb. I could get lost in their tea binder, so I usually just fall back on my favorite; genmaicha.
Are there any restaurants you would travel to for great gluten free breakfast?